Microwaves are among the most commonly used kitchen appliances. Like most electronic devices, they’re prone to fail and need to be repaired. Here are some common microwave problems and their possible solutions.
Common Microwave Problems
A few common microwave problems that people often face include that the microwave is not heating, it runs then it stops, the buttons don’t work or more.
Microwave Not Heating
This is one of the most common problems you might experience with your microwave. The most popular reason why your microwave may not be heating is a magnetron failure. A magnetron produces a microwave frequency using high voltage. Turning on the microwave when empty causes the magnetron to burn out. And once a magnetron is burned, it has to be replaced as it cannot be repaired. Other possible problems resulting in a microwave that’s not heating include capacitor burn, faulty diodes, transformer failure or a defective door switch.
Microwave Runs and Then Stops
Possible reasons why your microwave would run then stop include a defective touchpad, failed transformer, faulty door switch and faulty fan motor. If your microwave runs then stops, call a professional to diagnose the issue and recommend a permanent fix.
Microwave Buttons Don’t Work
If the microwave buttons on your device doesn't work, it could be an indication of a defective touchpad or control panel. Another common cause could be a defective main control board.
Microwave Plate Doesn’t Spin
Microwaves have a rotating motor below the plate which spins the plate when you’re either cooking or warming food. So, if the plate doesn’t spin, the chances are that the rotating motor is either burned or worn out. Fortunately, the motor can be easily replaced. However, if the motor is not defective, there may be a fault in the main control board. If you’ve ruled out the control board, then check the control panel or touchpad for the problem. Regardless, you should follow the proper appliance maintenance tips to ensure that this doesn’t happen in the future
Microwave Light Bulb Doesn’t Turn on During Operation
Microwaves will often have a small bulb inside located near the grill. The light will turn when the microwave is on but if it doesn’t work, then it may have fused. Other possible reasons are a faulty bulb socket or bad wiring. If the wiring, socket and bulb are okay then check the main control board. There may be an issue with the control board or touch pad that’s preventing it from sending voltage to the bulb socket.
Sparking Inside the Microwave
This is a common problem and may not always indicate that your microwave has gone bad. A quick appliance tip is to start by switching off the microwave immediately and perform the necessary inspection. Some of the most common causes for this problem include a diode burn, damaged waveguide cover, worn-out paint from the inside walls or a damaged rack support.
Bottom Line
Those are just but some of the common microwave problems you may encounter with your device. While some of them will require you to replace worn out or damaged parts, most have simple fixes that you can repair on your own. If you’re in doubt, consult a professional to inspect your unit and recommend the most reliable fix. Once your microwave is fixed, be sure to follow the proper appliance maintenance tips to keep your appliances in good shape.