Installation guide
Owner’s manual
How do I change the light bulb in my Kenmore microwave?
To change the light bulb in your Kenmore microwave model 72167602790, we start by disconnecting power, remove the correct cover (bulb cover or vent cover), install a 30-watt appliance bulb, then reinstall the cover and restore power. The exact cover and screw locations are shown in the owner's manual.
Steps to replace the light bulb
- Unplug the microwave (or turn off power at the main power supply).
- For the cooktop/night light: remove the bulb cover mounting screws.
- For the oven light: remove the vent cover mounting screws (the 2 middle screws), tip the cover forward, then lift it out.
- Replace the bulb with a 30-watt appliance bulb.
- Reinstall the cover and screws.
- Restore power and test the light.
Which light are you replacing?
| Light type | Where you access it | Cover you remove | Bulb spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooktop/night light | Bottom light area | Bulb cover | 30-watt appliance bulb |
| Oven light | Behind the top vent area | Vent cover (2 middle screws) | 30-watt appliance bulb |
Why it matters
Using the correct bulb wattage and reinstalling the cover properly helps prevent overheating, protects wiring, and keeps airflow and shielding the way Kenmore designed it.
Quick troubleshooting after replacement
- If the new bulb does not light, confirm the microwave has power and the bulb is fully seated.
- If the microwave is completely dead (no display), check the microwave fuse 3B74133Q as a common no-power cause.
- If the light works but heating seems weak or uneven, follow the checks in why is my microwave not heating.
Last updated: February 2026
How many watts is a Kenmore 0.7 cu ft countertop microwave oven?
For Kenmore model 72167602790, the microwave’s output power is 900 watts, and its electrical input is 1350 watts when running the microwave only (up to 1500 watts with cooktop lamp and ventilation fan). See the exact ratings in the owner's manual.
Output watts vs input watts (what you should use)
When people ask “how many watts,” they usually mean cooking power (output). Here is how to interpret the numbers:
- Output power (cooking power): how strongly it heats food
- Input watts: what it draws from the outlet while running
- Circuit requirement: what your kitchen circuit must support
| Spec type | What it means | Kenmore 72167602790 value |
|---|---|---|
| Output power | Cooking/heating power | 900W |
| Input power (microwave only) | Power draw from outlet | 1350W |
| Input power (with fan and lights) | Max draw with accessories on | 1500W |
Why your microwave might not match “0.7 cu ft” listings
Some retail listings group multiple similar Kenmore microwaves together. Your 72167602790 documentation lists a 1.3 cu ft cavity and 900W output, so use the model-specific specs from the owner's manual for accurate wattage.
Why it matters
Using the correct wattage helps with:
- Cooking time conversions (900W cooks differently than 700W)
- Electrical planning (avoid nuisance trips on a shared circuit)
- Troubleshooting heating issues (low heat is usually a component or power-supply problem, not “normal wattage”)
If your microwave runs but does not heat, follow our troubleshooting steps in why is my microwave not heating.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Kenmore microwave?
On Kenmore microwave model 72167602790, the model number label is on the front face of the oven cavity, visible when you open the door. This is the complete model number you will use to match the correct parts list and documentation in the owner's manual.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Open the microwave door and look at the front frame around the cavity opening.
- Check the front face of the cavity (the label is meant to be readable with the door open).
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth if the label is greasy or dusty.
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (all digits).
- If you also need the serial number, it is typically on the same label.
What the label helps you do
Having the exact model number ensures you get parts that fit your specific Kenmore microwave, such as a door interlock switch, fuse, or lamp.
| What you need | Where it’s used | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (example: 72167602790) | Parts lookup and manual matching | Prevents ordering the wrong part |
| Serial number | Service history and production details | Helps identify version differences |
Why it matters
Kenmore microwaves often share similar styling across multiple model series; the model number label on the cavity front is the reliable way to confirm the exact unit before ordering replacement parts or following troubleshooting steps.
Last updated: February 2026
Why would a Kenmore microwave stop working?
A Kenmore microwave like model 72167602790 can stop working when a safety device opens (blown fuse or tripped thermostat), a door interlock switch fails, or the unit has a power supply issue. Start with basic power checks, then test the fuse and door switches.
Quick checks first (no tools)
- Confirm the outlet works by plugging in a lamp or small appliance.
- Reset the kitchen circuit breaker or GFCI outlet if it tripped.
- Make sure the door closes fully and the latch area is not blocked by food debris.
- Unplug the microwave for 2 minutes, then plug it back in to reset the control.
- If the display is dead, focus on power, fuse, and door switches first.
Most common causes and what they look like
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Completely dead (no display, no interior light) | Blown line fuse, bad door switch, no power | Outlet, then microwave fuse 3B74133Q, then door switches |
| Runs but does not heat | High-voltage circuit problem, thermostat open | Thermostat continuity, then high-voltage components |
| Starts then stops after a few seconds | Overheat protection opening, airflow issue | Cooling fan operation, vents, thermostat |
| Works only when you lift or push on the door | Door interlock switch or latch alignment | Door switches and latch mounts |
Parts on this model that commonly relate to “stopped working”
These are model-matched parts we often see involved in no-power or shutdown complaints:
- Microwave fuse 3B74133Q (protects the unit if there is a surge or short)
- Oven switch 6600W1K001Q (door interlock switch; prevents operation with an unsafe door condition)
- Microwave thermostat 6930W1A003J (opens if overheating is detected)
- Microwave cooling fan motor 6549W2F016D (failed fan can lead to overheating shutdown)
Safety note before testing
Microwaves contain high-voltage components that can store a dangerous charge even when unplugged. For anything beyond basic power checks and door inspection, we recommend using the troubleshooting steps in the owner's manual and having a qualified service person handle internal testing.
Why it matters
A microwave that “stops working” is often doing exactly what it is designed to do: shutting down to prevent unsafe operation (door interlock issue) or damage (overheat protection or blown fuse). Finding the symptom pattern helps you replace the right part the first time.
Last updated: February 2026
