Troubleshooting Microwave Oven Problems [Update 2023]

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This article is about troubleshooting microwave oven problems. Microwave is the most used kitchen appliance, but what do you do if it breaks down or it does not work? No doubt, it is so frustrating. But the most important is troubleshooting microwave oven problems. In this helpful article, we will discuss the most common issues that many people face with their microwaves and they have no idea what to do about them.

There is no doubt, there can be many different ways that a microwave would go wrong. However, the list of the most common microwave problems is given below. But if your microwave is complex under the hood and often, then don’t repair it by yourself then you must get the help of an experienced appliance technician to safely replace the faulty electrical components. 

But Before going to the main problems, you should learn that a microwave is very hazardous to repair because it has a lot of volts of electricity in its capacitors even if it is unplugged. This could be a high risk. So, you should be careful about that. Now, take a look at the possible reasons for the microwave problems.

So let’s get started for further detail!

Troubleshooting Microwave Oven Problems:

Here are a few tips to help you get it working again.

Microwave Plate stops Turn

The first common problem that you experience with your microwaves is when the plate of the microwave stops turning around correctly. Basically, the turning microwave plate is so important to evenly cook or heat your meal because the microwave plate needs to support the meal food to cook evenly on every side by slowly turning.

If the plate won’t rotate then you need to check the plate first. After that, you should check the wide guide rollers underneath the plate to check if it is broken or if the microwave center is cracked. So if these two components are broken, then you need to replace them and if they are not faulty, then the issue could be caused by a broken drive motor. So in this case, you need to replace it.

Microwave Won’t Turn On

Troubleshooting Microwave Oven Problems

The next common issue is, the microwave won’t turn on. If your microwave doesn’t turn on then your microwave is completely useless. Now you cannot be able to cook food. If a microwave does not turn on then there could be some failures. In this case, you need to start by checking the wall plug to make sure that the microwave is plugged into power.

The next thing that you can do, you need to check the door switch and the door of your microwave latch assembly. Well, you know that the microwave won’t start if the door is open. Next, you can check the two fuses, the thermal fuse, and the ceramic fuse. If one of them is faulty or both these are faulty then they need to be replaced.

Microwave Door Not Closing Properly

With the spending time, it’s common in the microwave for the door to stop hanging properly.  So, if the door of your microwave won’t close, then there are faulty or lose hinges. To fix this issue, first of all, inspect the hinges and springs to see if they are damaged or not; if so, then you can repair them or replace them. If these are fine, then you need to check the torsion springs and try to tighten any screws that are loose in the door latch assembly and replace any damaged parts.

Microwave Door Stuck Closed

Sometimes, the door of the microwave gets stuck closed. This is so common in microwaves that have a push-release door switch. Many microwaves have a manual override to open their door that’s why you need to check your user manual. The manual helps you to know what this manual door override is for your model microwave.

After getting the door open, you have to check the latch assembly for any signs of wear and tear. If it is not faulty or broken, then you have to check the button release mechanism, maybe it is faulty. If so, then you can repair or replace it.

Microwave Doesn’t Shut Off

Troubleshooting Microwave Oven Problems

It is also a common problem that your microwave doesn’t stop running or it does not shut off even when the timer runs out. So if your microwave does not stop after the fixed time then it will overcook your meal. In this way, you need to open the door or unplug the unit to stop it from cooking.

In this case, you must check solely for electronic parts that might be at fault. You need to check the door switch and the door interlock to make sure that they are working properly. If they are fine, then you have to check the smart board that controls your microwave. If the starboard is faulty, then it might be the main culprit behind the issue of your microwave not turning off.

Microwave Not Heating

When your microwave is too old, then it starts not heating properly or not heating at all. The microwave light will turn on, and the plate will rotate but still, your meal cant heat. In this case, first of all, you need to look at the door switch with the multimeter to check if it has continuity or not, and if not, then you must have to replace it.

Now you can also, check the voltage diode to check out if it is working correctly by checking the magnetron. If it is defective, then you need to replace it. But if your microwave is old then it is better to purchase a new microwave.

Microwave Making Noise

If your microwave starts making noise then there could be some basic reasons. The common reason is misplacing the microwave plate. If the plate of your microwave is rattling, then you can also check the coupler and guide roller. If it’s the drive motor then you have to replace it. It can be the high voltage diode or cooling fan issue.

Microwave Touchpad Does Not work

When the touchpad does not respond then it could be frustrating.  Well, your microwave should beep when you push the buttons. If you notice that the touchpad is completely dead then you can do that. First, you have to check out the membrane switch. If it’s working or not but if it is not the membrane switch, then the main culprit is the control board that controls all responsiveness.  So you have to get the help of a technician.

The microwave Exhaust Fan Not Working

When the exhaust fan of your microwave stops working, then you can investigate the air filters. A charcoal filter could be changed out to restore them to usefulness. You can also take apart all the moving pieces, clean them properly then back together. If there is any broken part in the exhaust fan then you can replace it.

Microwave Light is Out

As everybody knows that there is a microwave light that helps you to know that it’s on and you can keep track of the food you’re cooking. When the microwave light goes out, then the bulb can be replaced.

Conclusion

So that is all you need to learn about “troubleshooting microwave oven problems”. But to check out the fault of your microwave might be risky so you must be careful about that. If you are not confident to do so then you can get the help of a technician. We hope so, this article will help you a lot!

Sania Imtiaz

Hi, My name is Sania Imtiaz and I’m from Pakistan. I’m a housewife. And I Love cooking. And I’m a believer in making life peacefully with FOOD. I’m doing cocking from the last 10 years and I’m sharing all my knowledge related to cooking on TheKitchenWaves.com. I’m sharing all my experience on this site related to cooking products.

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