How to Diagnose Microwave Oven Problems

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(25 Ratings)

Once you become dependent on such a timesaving appliance, you'll need to know how to fix common problems. Avoid opening the microwave cabinet; doing so can be dangerous, and many manufacturers will void your warranty. See also How to Get Rid of Microwave Smells.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Microwave doesn't activate

Step 1

Make sure microwave is plugged in properly.
Step 2

Check that door closes completely and its latch is aligned.
Step 3

Check that interlock switch in door works properly (required for activating microwave).
Step 4

Replace a blown fuse if it's accessible, or contact a service technician.

Carousel won't turn

Step 1

Inspect plastic coupling beneath tray.
Step 2

Check ring and roller assembly for misalignment or debris.
Step 3

Make sure that tray is sitting properly on turning mechanism.
Step 4

If carousel motor is broken, contact a service technician.

You see lightning inside the oven chamber

Step 1

Make sure there's no aluminum foil or metal trim on dishware.
Step 2

Food residue or burned spots can cause electrical arcing. Clean chamber thoroughly. Replace wave-guide cover if burned or carbonized.
Step 3

Sand away burn spots, and smooth rough metal edges.
Step 4

Touch up spots with microwave interior paint if necessary.
Step 5

If chamber has burn holes, contact a service technician.

Touch pad does not work or works erratically

Step 1

If touch pad has gotten wet, then allow to dry for several days. Avoid spraying cleaning liquid near touch pad.
Step 2

Check for insect infestation. Insects (cockroaches most frequently) will appear under clear surface of touch pad or under readout window; they like the warmth of the circuit boards.
Step 3

Place window mesh over vent to keep insects out.

Microwave activates but won't heat food

Step 1

If you hear an unusual buzzing noise, the magnetron (the component that actually generates the microwaves) or other electronic module may be broken. This is not easily fixed; contact a service technician.

Comments

reillyfamily said

Flag This Comment

on 7/21/2009 Hello-I purchased a Frigidaire built-in microwave just 2 years ago. Its been fine and now suddenly the light comes on and the timer runs, but there's no fan/motor on or heating of food. There's a click that occurs like it usually has when the fan kicks in, but now nothing. Does that sound like a magnetron issue? (I hope not!)

warmis said

on 9/21/2008 To check a Microwave, get a AM Radio and in any station ( no music no talk )just in any frecuency, turn on the radio and putit near the Microwave door (around it, just al one inch) and start the oven and if you HEAR ANY INTERFERENCE OR NOISE, the oven needs a technical hand. Armano de la Fuente J.

LimoBarbie said

on 9/21/2008 Microwave ovens are dirt cheap, it's always cheaper to buy a new one than to have one fixed. When the service people want $75 JUST TO SHOW UP and you can buy a brand new oven for $50 or so there's no point to having it repaired.

Rockie said

on 1/30/2008 Same Panasonic 1300w problem suddenly occurred here. Heating time is double, the magnetron is buzzing noticeably, and interference is noticed on my monitors.