What Colon Flashing Means
Countertop Microwave: KitchenAid gives this two sentences and they settle it. "The colon, between the digits in the display, will flash when the time is set." And then: "This is normal." There is no fault, no code and no procedure on the page, because a flashing colon on a countertop unit is simply how the display shows that the clock is running.
Common Causes of Colon Flashing
- The clock has been set, which is when KitchenAid says the colon flashes
- Normal display behaviour with no fault behind it
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Nothing. This is documented normal behaviour, and the appliance is telling you the clock is set rather than reporting a problem. Note that a colon flashing in an empty display on some other KitchenAid microwave families means something quite different - a power failure - so this answer applies to the countertop family and not beyond it.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- There is no hazard and no fault here, and the only way to create one is to open a countertop microwave over a flashing colon.
- A countertop microwave looks like the one appliance in the kitchen a confident owner could open, and it is not: the capacitor inside holds a charge capable of killing after the lead is out of the wall and the display is dark.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.