Microwave Troubleshooting Guide
Microwave not working? Whether it won't heat, sparks, or the door is stuck, this guide helps you troubleshoot common faults safely at home.
Try and fix Your Microwave at Home With These Simple Steps.
Microwave not working? Whether it won't heat, sparks, or the door is stuck, this guide helps you troubleshoot common faults safely at home.
Try and fix Your Microwave at Home With These Simple Steps.
MicrowaveWhen the microwave does not turn on, it could be due to a number of issues. A check can be done to see if the microwave is plugged into power by checking the wall plug. The door switch and door latch assembly are the next two items to inspect as the microwave will not turn on if the microwave door is open. It could also be that the thermal fuse and ceramic fuse need to be replaced.
This issue may occur when the door hinges or springs loosen from their original factory tightened state. It is crucial that this problem is resolved as heat and smells can escape the appliance if the door does not close properly, in addition to other malfunctions that may arise from this issue. The microwave door might be difficult to close if it will not latch and therefore, the door latch assembly, hinges and torsion springs can be inspected for loose screws to be tightened and for any damaged parts to be replaced.
The microwave plate is an important feature of the appliance as it has to turn smoothly for the food to be cooked evenly. The plate simultaneously supports the food and turns to ensure this even cooking process. When the plate does not spin, check the wide-guide rollers underneath the plate to see if they are positioned properly as well as the pronged coupler in the middle of the microwave to see if it is cracked.
It is helpful in this scenario to know that in addition to the microwave push release door switch, there is usually at least one other manual override so that the microwave door can be opened without the usual push release door button. Locate the manual door override for the model of microwave and take a look at the latch assembly. The door handle or button release mechanism may also require repairing in this instance.
This could happen as the microwave appliance ages. The microwave light may come on and it ‘hums’ but no heat is created. The first thing to do here is to check the door switch to make sure that it is latching properly as if it does not, the cycle will not start. If the door switch is working fine, then the issue is likely to be with the voltage diode or the magnetron and for the latter, the microwave will be required to be replaced.
If the noise is coming from a rattling microwave plate, it would be good to investigate the pronged coupler in the centre and guide roller. Alternatively, the problem could come from the drive motor, magnetron, the high voltage diode or the cooling fan.
When the microwave sparks, stop the microwave and turn it off. Sparking could be from metal debris inside the microwave which would cause this to happen as the presence of metal reflects the microwaves and causes sparking to happen. Sources of metal debris could include any peeling off paint from the inside walls which exposes the inside metal or a possibly damaged metal rack support. Sometimes, it could also be that food particles have been stuck inside the microwave and become burnt, causing sparks to happen. Note – When using the microwave, do not place food tins or tin foil in the appliance during cooking. There should be no loose metal in the microwave (even a strand of steel wool) and a microwave-safe dish should be used to heat the food in.
A common trait of most microwaves is that it would beep when a button is pressed. If the microwave touchpad does not seem to respond when pressed, it could be the membrane switch (that determines the responsiveness of each button) that is causing the problem. Otherwise, the control board which controls overall responsiveness is malfunctioning.
Some microwaves have an exhaust fan and when this fan stops working, the air filters should be washed and cleaned if they are of a charcoal or metal mesh material. Alternatively, the exhaust fan can be taken apart into all their moving pieces, cleaned and reassembled. Should there be a broken part in the exhaust fan, it would have to be replaced.
The microwave bulb can be replaced, depending on the model of microwave. If the bulb is in good condition, then the control board might be the root of the problem.
When the microwave does not turn on, it could be due to a number of issues. A check can be done to see if the microwave is plugged into power by checking the wall plug. The door switch and door latch assembly are the next two items to inspect as the microwave will not turn on if the microwave door is open. It could also be that the thermal fuse and ceramic fuse need to be replaced.
This issue may occur when the door hinges or springs loosen from their original factory tightened state. It is crucial that this problem is resolved as heat and smells can escape the appliance if the door does not close properly, in addition to other malfunctions that may arise from this issue. The microwave door might be difficult to close if it will not latch and therefore, the door latch assembly, hinges and torsion springs can be inspected for loose screws to be tightened and for any damaged parts to be replaced.
The microwave plate is an important feature of the appliance as it has to turn smoothly for the food to be cooked evenly. The plate simultaneously supports the food and turns to ensure this even cooking process. When the plate does not spin, check the wide-guide rollers underneath the plate to see if they are positioned properly as well as the pronged coupler in the middle of the microwave to see if it is cracked.
It is helpful in this scenario to know that in addition to the microwave push release door switch, there is usually at least one other manual override so that the microwave door can be opened without the usual push release door button. Locate the manual door override for the model of microwave and take a look at the latch assembly. The door handle or button release mechanism may also require repairing in this instance.
This could happen as the microwave appliance ages. The microwave light may come on and it ‘hums’ but no heat is created. The first thing to do here is to check the door switch to make sure that it is latching properly as if it does not, the cycle will not start. If the door switch is working fine, then the issue is likely to be with the voltage diode or the magnetron and for the latter, the microwave will be required to be replaced.
If the noise is coming from a rattling microwave plate, it would be good to investigate the pronged coupler in the centre and guide roller. Alternatively, the problem could come from the drive motor, magnetron, the high voltage diode or the cooling fan.
When the microwave sparks, stop the microwave and turn it off. Sparking could be from metal debris inside the microwave which would cause this to happen as the presence of metal reflects the microwaves and causes sparking to happen. Sources of metal debris could include any peeling off paint from the inside walls which exposes the inside metal or a possibly damaged metal rack support. Sometimes, it could also be that food particles have been stuck inside the microwave and become burnt, causing sparks to happen. Note – When using the microwave, do not place food tins or tin foil in the appliance during cooking. There should be no loose metal in the microwave (even a strand of steel wool) and a microwave-safe dish should be used to heat the food in.
A common trait of most microwaves is that it would beep when a button is pressed. If the microwave touchpad does not seem to respond when pressed, it could be the membrane switch (that determines the responsiveness of each button) that is causing the problem. Otherwise, the control board which controls overall responsiveness is malfunctioning.
Some microwaves have an exhaust fan and when this fan stops working, the air filters should be washed and cleaned if they are of a charcoal or metal mesh material. Alternatively, the exhaust fan can be taken apart into all their moving pieces, cleaned and reassembled. Should there be a broken part in the exhaust fan, it would have to be replaced.
The microwave bulb can be replaced, depending on the model of microwave. If the bulb is in good condition, then the control board might be the root of the problem.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Service Box is for general guidance only. Attempting repairs on your own appliances or devices carries risk. Some repairs may void the manufacturer's warranty, and Service Box accepts no responsibility for any damage, costs, injury, or issues arising from attempts to carry out repairs based on this information. Always take proper safety precautions, especially when working with electrical equipment, to avoid the risk of electric shock, and be aware that electronic components can be damaged by static discharge. Check your manufacturer's warranty documentation before attempting any repair, and if in doubt, consult a qualified professional.
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