Whirlpool Microwave Door — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as Open/Close Door, DOOR on some models.
DOOR or OPEN/CLOSE DOOR appears when the door has been closed for 5 minutes or more without the microwave being started — open and close the door, then start the cycle.
What this code means
Whirlpool says this message appears when the door has been closed for 5 minutes or more without the microwave oven being started, to avoid unintended starting. Opening and closing the door clears it. If it does not clear, check that packing material or an out-of-position cooking rack is not blocking the door lock system.
Whirlpool over-the-range and countertop microwaves. Some countertop models also have a 2-step door lock — see the EA guide.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Food loaded, door closed, and Start pressed more than 5 minutes later | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Packing material or dish blocking the latch | Occasional | Yes — no tools |
| Cooking rack out of position | Occasional | Yes — no tools |
| Door switch fault | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Open the door and close it firmly.
- Press Start.
- If the message stays, remove any packing material and check the dish and rack are not keeping the door from closing.
- Contact a qualified servicer if it will not clear.
When to call a technician
- Message will not clear with the door firmly closed.
- Door latch damaged.
- Microwave runs with the door open — unplug it or switch off the breaker immediately.
Typical professional repair cost: Free normally; door switch repairs cost about $100–$200.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Whirlpool microwave say DOOR?
The door has been closed for 5 minutes or more without the microwave being started.
How do I clear it?
Open and close the door, then start the cycle.
Why does it do this?
Whirlpool says it is to avoid unintended starting of the microwave oven.
Sources checked
- Whirlpool Product Help: Door or Open/Close Door - Over-the-Range Microwave
- Whirlpool Product Help: "Door" or "Open/Close" - Countertop Microwave
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Whirlpool codes
- Whirlpool Microwave E03 E03 — or a plain F2 — means the keypad reported a problem to the control board; reset power for one minute and call for service if it comes back.
- Whirlpool Microwave SE SE means there is a problem with the keypad (user interface) or its wiring — clean and dry the panel, reset power for a minute, and call service if SE remains.
- Whirlpool Microwave E11 E11 and E12 point to the microwave's gas sensor — the sensor used for automatic cooking — or its wiring; reset power for a minute, and expect to need a technician if it returns.
- Whirlpool Microwave E13 E13 means the oven did not pre-heat correctly, with a possible problem in the appliance control board or its wiring; reset power for a minute and call service if it repeats.
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