What is the light below the microwave for?

The Cooktop/Vent Light has two (2) settings: High, Low, or three (3) settings: High, Medium, Low and both types have an Off setting.Touch Light pad once for High, twice for Low, or once for High, twice for Medium, three times for Low; press again to turn off the light.

The Cooktop/Vent Light can be set to turn on and off at certain times. Touch Options or Setup control to reach the “Light Timer” submenu, and set the Light On Time and Light Off Time in hours and minutes with A.M. or P.M.

NOTE: The Cooktop/Vent Light Timer will only operate in the 12 hour time format. Touching the Light Pad will over-ride the Light Timer.

The Cooktop/Vent Light bulb is located on the underside of the microwave oven, and is replaceable. Use only an incandescent light bulb as a replacement.  Do not use an LED light bulb, unless directed by your Owner's Manual.  Disconnect microwave before replacing any parts. 

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This part can be ordered at our Purchase Genuine Parts site.

If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.

Has the circuit breaker tripped or a fuse blown?

  • Power unit down by turning off the circuit breaker(s) for one (1) minute.
  • Power unit up by turning on the circuit breaker(s) or replacing the fuse.
  • Verify microwave operation.
  • Monitor the microwave for one (1) minute to ensure proper operation.

NOTE: Do not continue to attempt to operate the microwave if the circuit breaker or fuse opens again. Disconnect power cord, turn off circuit breaker, or remove the fuse that controls the appliance.

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What is the light below the microwave for?

Like any other lightbulb, you need to change your microwave's oven light once in a while. But don't worry, it only takes a minute to replace the bulb with a new one, and soon you'll be cooking fast, delicious meals again.

Caution: When replacing the oven light or cooktop light, make sure that you are wearing gloves to avoid injury from the heat of the bulb.

The oven light inside your microwave lets you see what's happening while your food is cooking. Without it, your food could possibly overcook or burn. So, make sure to replace the microwave's oven light if it goes out.

  1. Check your user manual for the exact wattage of the bulb you need; bulbs can be purchased at a general hardware store.

  2. Before doing anything, unplug the microwave or turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Then, open the microwave door, and remove the vent cover mounting screws (2 middle screws).

  3. After removing the vent screws, slide the vent grill to the left, and then pull it straight out. Remove the charcoal filter, if present.

    What is the light below the microwave for?

  4. Then, remove the screw securing the bulb cover and the bulb by pulling it out gently.

  5. Next, replace the bulb holder. Place the vent grill back and reinsert the 2 screws.

  6. Plug the microwave in or turn on the power at the main power supply.

  7. Finally, reset the microwave's clock.

If you have an over-the-range microwave, it will have a cooktop light, sometimes called the night light, that helps you see better when the kitchen is dark. Replace this light if it burns out, so you can see what you're doing when you go get a midnight snack. 

What is the light below the microwave for?

  1. Unplug the microwave or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.

  2. Remove the screw from the light cover, and then remove the cover itself. Disconnect the wire connectors, and then remove the screw securing the LED lamp board or bulb(s).

  3. For microwave models that have bulbs, you can replace them with a standard 40w or 50w halogen bulb. You should check your user manual for the exact wattage; the bulbs can be purchased at a general hardware store or from Amazon. However, for models that use an LED lamp board, you'll need to visit an authorized Samsung service center or contact Samsung support to get a replacement.

  4. After you've replaced the bulb or LED lamp board, you can reconnect the wires, and secure the screws back into place.

  5. The cooktop or night light can be turned on and off by pressing the Light HI/LO/OFF button. Press the button again to cycle through the High and Low settings.

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