Owner’s manual
How deep is a countertop microwave?
For the Kenmore 72166312500 countertop microwave, the overall depth is 19 1/4 inches (front to back). That measurement is the cabinet depth; you also need extra clearance behind the unit for airflow as shown in the owner's manual.
Model-specific depth and what it means
The manual lists these overall dimensions (W x H x D): 20 3/4 in x 15 7/8 in x 19 1/4 in.
To help you plan space, here is a quick breakdown:
| Measurement type | What it measures | Kenmore 72166312500 value |
|---|---|---|
| Overall depth | Outside cabinet, front to back | 19 1/4 in |
| Overall width | Outside cabinet, left to right | 20 3/4 in |
| Overall height | Outside cabinet, bottom to top | 15 7/8 in |
Installation clearance to plan for
Even though the microwave itself is 19 1/4 inches deep, we recommend leaving ventilation space around it.
- Leave at least 4 inches of space on the left side
- Leave at least 4 inches of space on the right side
- Leave at least 4 inches of space on the top
- Leave at least 4 inches of space at the rear
- Set the microwave on a level, stable countertop
Why it matters
Depth and clearance affect more than fit. Proper airflow helps prevent overheating, nuisance shutoffs, and premature wear on internal components like the fan motor and thermostat.
Ordering parts for this model
If you are repairing your microwave while you have it pulled out, you can order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for Kenmore 72166312500, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect. Common service parts for heating and safety circuits include the microwave diode 6851W1A002E and microwave door interlock switch 6600W1K001D.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore microwave not spinning?
If your Kenmore 72166312500 microwave isn’t spinning, the most common causes are a mis-seated glass tray/roller rest, debris binding the roller rest, or a failed turntable motor. Start by reseating the turntable parts exactly as shown in the owner's manual.
Quick checks (no tools)
- Unplug the microwave.
- Remove the glass tray and roller rest; wash and dry them.
- Clean the oven floor where the roller rest sits; crumbs can stop rotation.
- Reinstall the roller rest in the circle on the oven floor, then set the glass tray on top (never upside down).
- Confirm the tray can rotate freely by hand.
- Try a short cook cycle with a cup of water to see if rotation returns.
Parts that commonly cause a no-spin turntable
If the tray and roller rest are installed correctly and still won’t rotate, the drive system under the cavity is the next place to focus.
| Symptom | Most likely issue | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Tray wobbles or binds | Roller rest not seated, debris under rest | Clean and reseat tray/rest |
| Tray sits flat but never moves | Turntable motor not running | Test motor circuit; replace motor if failed |
| Works sometimes | Intermittent motor or loose connection | Inspect wiring and motor terminals |
For this model, the replacement motor is the microwave turntable motor 6549W1S011B.
Why it matters
The turntable helps heat food evenly. When it stops, you can get hot spots, longer cook times, and more steam and splatter in the cavity.
Safety note before deeper troubleshooting
Microwaves contain high-voltage components that can store dangerous energy even when unplugged. If you need to access internal wiring or test electrical parts, we recommend using a qualified technician.
You can order model-specific replacement parts from the parts list for Kenmore 72166312500, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the fuse on a Kenmore microwave model 72166312500?
On the Kenmore 72166312500 countertop microwave, the main fuse is typically mounted inside the cabinet near where the power cord enters and the line filter/control components are located. Accessing it requires removing the outer cover; follow the disassembly and safety guidance in the owner's manual before servicing.
What to know before you look for the fuse
Microwaves contain high-voltage components that can store a dangerous charge even when unplugged. We recommend using a qualified service technician for internal electrical repairs.
- Unplug the microwave before any inspection
- Do not remove the control panel or outer cover unless you are trained for microwave service
- Never touch high-voltage parts (capacitor, diode, magnetron area)
- If the unit is dead, confirm the outlet works first
- If the fuse keeps blowing, a shorted door switch or high-voltage part is often involved
Common fuse locations on this model style
On countertop units like the Kenmore 72166312500, the fuse is most often found in one of these spots after the cover is removed:
| Location inside cabinet | What it’s near | What it usually indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Near power cord entry | Noise filter/line filter, wiring harness | “Dead” microwave, no display |
| Near control area | Control board wiring, interlock circuit wiring | Fuse blows when opening or closing door |
| Near high-voltage section | HV capacitor/diode area (not the fuse itself) | Fuse may blow when starting to heat |
If the fuse blows again after replacement
A repeat fuse failure means another part is shorting or drawing too much current. These are common culprits:
- Door interlock switch problems (a frequent cause); see microwave door interlock switch 6600W1K001D or microwave door interlock switch 6600W1K001C
- Shorted high-voltage diode; see microwave diode 6851W1A002E
- Failing high-voltage capacitor; see capacitor 0CZZW1H004B
- Pinched or burned wiring
- Moisture or grease contamination around the latch/interlock area
Why it matters
The fuse is a safety device designed to open the circuit when there’s an overload or short. Replacing the fuse without correcting the underlying cause often leads to another blown fuse and can damage wiring or controls.
For parts ordering, use the parts list for model 72166312500 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is there a reset on a Kenmore microwave?
Yes. On Kenmore microwave model 72166312500, the standard reset is a power reset: unplug the microwave from the 120-volt outlet, wait briefly, then plug it back in to reset the control microcomputer (this often fixes a scrambled display or non-response). See the 72166312500 owner's manual for control and troubleshooting details.
How to reset it (power reset)
- Press Stop/Clear to end any cooking cycle.
- Unplug the microwave from the wall outlet.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
- Set the clock again if needed.
When a reset helps (and what it points to)
A reset is most useful after a power interruption or when the keypad seems unresponsive.
| Symptom | What a reset often fixes | What to check next if it returns |
|---|---|---|
| Display is blank or garbled | Control microcomputer glitch | Outlet power, cord fit, household breaker |
| Buttons do nothing | Temporary lockup | Child lock setting, stuck key |
| Runs but won’t heat | Not usually fixed by reset | Heating circuit diagnosis |
If it still won’t heat after resetting
If the microwave runs (light/fan/turntable) but food stays cold, the issue is typically in the high-voltage heating circuit. For this model, common service parts include the microwave diode 6851W1A002E and the capacitor 0CZZW1H004B. Use our parts list for model 72166312500 to match the correct replacement.
- Confirm the door closes firmly and latches.
- Check for a short heat test (for example, 1 cup of water for 1 minute).
- If it runs but does not heat, follow the troubleshooting guidance in the manual.
Related help: why is my microwave not heating
Why it matters
A simple unplug-and-plug reset restores the programmed operation of the control board after power glitches. It saves time and helps you separate a temporary control issue from a true heating or door-interlock problem.
You can order replacement parts for your Kenmore 72166312500 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much clearance for a countertop microwave?
For the Kenmore 72166312500 countertop microwave, allow at least 4 inches of open space on the left, right, top, and rear for proper ventilation. This spacing is listed in the installation section of the 72166312500 owner's manual.
Recommended clearance and placement
Set the microwave on a hard, level surface and keep all vents open:
- 4 inches minimum on the left side
- 4 inches minimum on the right side
- 4 inches minimum on the top
- 4 inches minimum at the rear
- Keep the unit away from heat sources (cooktop burners, toaster ovens)
- Do not place it on soft surfaces that can block airflow (towels, thick mats)
Quick reference table
| Area around the microwave | Minimum clearance (72166312500) |
|---|---|
| Left | 4 in. |
| Right | 4 in. |
| Top | 4 in. |
| Rear | 4 in. |
Why it matters
Countertop microwaves pull cooling air in and exhaust warm air out through cabinet openings. Adequate clearance prevents overheating, nuisance shutoffs, and reduced heating performance.
Safety reminders that affect placement
These common setup rules help prevent damage and accidents:
- Do not cover or block any openings.
- Do not run the microwave empty.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the counter.
Last updated: February 2026
