KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave F3 Error Fix: Touchpad / Keypad Open Circuit

The touchpad membrane switch or its connection to the control board has an open circuit. A conductor in the membrane has broken. Replace the touchpad assembly. Check the ribbon cable connector — corrosion from steam exposure is common on OTR models.

Medium severity2 fixes available

Quick Answer

Error F3 on the KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave means: Touchpad / Keypad Open Circuit. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace the Touchpad Membrane Assembly” (medium difficulty, ~40 min, DIY cost: $20-$30). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · microwave

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many microwave repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $140-$220.

Other KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave Error Codes

ARCING INSIDE

Arcing / Sparking Inside Cavity

2 fixes

DOOR LATCH BROKEN

Door Latch / Handle Broken

2 fixes

Oven Cavity Thermistor Open/Shorted

2 fixes

Shortkey / Keypad Shorted

2 fixes

Control Board Failure

2 fixes

FAN NOISY

OTR Exhaust Fan Noisy or Weak

2 fixes

LIGHT OUT

Interior Light Not Working

2 fixes

Sensor Error — Humidity Sensor

2 fixes

People Also Ask About KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave Error F3

What does error code F3 mean on a KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave?

Error code F3 on the KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave means: Touchpad / Keypad Open Circuit. The touchpad membrane switch or its connection to the control board has an open circuit. A conductor in the membrane has broken. Replace the touchpad assembly. Check the ribbon cable connector — corrosion from steam exposure is common on OTR models.

How do I fix error code F3 on my KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave?

The most successful fix is "Replace the Touchpad Membrane Assembly" (medium difficulty, ~40 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $20-$30. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code F3 on a KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave serious?

This error is rated medium severity. It should be addressed soon, but your appliance may still function in a limited capacity.

Can I fix KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave error F3 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace the Touchpad Membrane Assembly") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 40 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers.

How much does it cost to repair KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave error F3?

DIY cost: $20-$30. Professional repair typically costs $140-$220. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave have?

The KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave has 8 other known error codes, including: ARCING INSIDE (Arcing / Sparking Inside Cavity), DOOR LATCH BROKEN (Door Latch / Handle Broken), F1 (Oven Cavity Thermistor Open/Shorted), F2 (Shortkey / Keypad Shorted), F5 (Control Board Failure), and 3 more.

What other error codes does the KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave have?

The KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 30 in. 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave has 8 other known error codes:

ARCING INSIDE — Arcing / Sparking Inside Cavity (2 fixes)
DOOR LATCH BROKEN — Door Latch / Handle Broken (2 fixes)
F1 — Oven Cavity Thermistor Open/Shorted (2 fixes)
F2 — Shortkey / Keypad Shorted (2 fixes)
F5 — Control Board Failure (2 fixes)
FAN NOISY — OTR Exhaust Fan Noisy or Weak (2 fixes)
LIGHT OUT — Interior Light Not Working (2 fixes)
SE — Sensor Error — Humidity Sensor (2 fixes)

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