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Error code reference

Amana Microwave Error Code SE

Keypad shorted for 10 seconds or longer, indicating sticky keypad(s).

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Keypad shorted for 10 seconds or longer, indicating sticky keypad(s).

First step from the service manual

Check for sticky keypad(s).

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What SE means on a Amana microwave

The SE error code on an Amana microwave indicates that one or more keys on the control keypad have been detected in a continuously shorted or depressed state for 10 seconds or longer. The control board monitors keypad input signals at all times, and when it detects that a key circuit is closed without any valid user interaction initiating that state, it interprets this as a fault condition and displays SE to alert the user.

The keypad on these microwaves consists of a membrane switch assembly layered over a control panel. Each key corresponds to a specific contact point that, when pressed, completes a circuit and sends a signal to the control board. If food residue, moisture, or physical damage causes a key contact to remain closed, the board registers a continuous input signal. After 10 seconds of this uninterrupted signal, the SE code is triggered and normal operation is suspended.

The most common physical cause is contamination from spills or grease that seeps beneath the membrane and causes one or more keys to stick in the depressed position. Less frequently, the membrane itself can develop a deformity or the underlying keypad assembly can become warped, keeping a contact permanently engaged. In some cases, the control board itself may be misreading keypad input due to an internal fault, though this is a less likely cause than physical keypad contamination or damage.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of SE

  1. 01

    Contamination beneath the keypad membrane

    Wiring / connection

    Grease, food splatter, or spilled liquids can seep under the membrane keypad and cause one or more contacts to remain depressed. Inspect the keypad surface for sticky residue, discoloration, or areas that feel stiff when pressed.

  2. 02

    Physically stuck or deformed keypad button

    Part replacement

    The membrane can warp or a key can become mechanically lodged in the pressed position due to impact or age. Press each button individually and feel for any key that does not spring back normally.

  3. 03

    Moisture intrusion into the control panel

    Wiring / connection

    Steam or condensation that enters the control panel area can bridge keypad contacts and simulate a continuous keypress. Check for signs of moisture around the panel edges and allow the unit to dry fully before retesting.

  4. 04

    Failed or worn keypad membrane assembly

    Part replacement

    Over time, the membrane switch layer can degrade, causing contacts to short internally even without visible contamination or physical damage. Replacing the membrane keypad assembly is required if cleaning does not resolve the error.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the main control board may develop an internal fault that causes it to misinterpret keypad signals and generate the SE code even when the keypad itself is intact. This is typically diagnosed after ruling out all keypad-related causes.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about SE

What does SE mean on a Amana microwave?
The SE code on an Amana microwave means the control board has detected that one or more keypad buttons have been in a continuously shorted or pressed state for 10 seconds or longer. This is commonly called a sticky keypad error. The microwave will not operate normally until the condition causing the key to remain engaged is corrected.
Can I fix the SE error on my Amana microwave myself?
In many cases, yes. Start by unplugging the microwave and carefully cleaning the keypad surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove any grease or food residue that may be holding a key in the pressed position. Press each key firmly and release it to check for any that feel sticky or do not rebound properly. If cleaning resolves the sticking, the error should clear on its own once the unit is powered back on.
Will resetting the microwave clear the SE error code?
Unplugging the microwave for a minute and plugging it back in will reset the control board and may temporarily clear the SE code. However, if the underlying cause, such as a stuck or contaminated keypad button, has not been addressed, the error will return within 10 seconds of the board detecting the shorted key again. A reset alone is not a fix; the keypad issue must be resolved.
Is it safe to use my Amana microwave when it shows the SE error?
No, normal microwave operation is suspended when the SE error is active, so the unit will not heat food while the code is displayed. You should unplug the microwave until the issue is diagnosed and resolved. Continuing to power the unit with a stuck keypad contact can place unnecessary stress on the control board over time.
How much does it cost to repair the SE error on an Amana microwave?
If the issue is simply contamination on the keypad surface, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. If the keypad membrane assembly needs to be replaced, parts typically range from around 20 to 80 dollars depending on the model, plus labor if you use a technician. Control board replacement, which is only needed in rare cases, can cost between 100 and 250 dollars or more for parts and labor combined.

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