Solving Common Microwave Problems

Microwaves are useful, time-saving appliances found in almost every US household.

It is important to know how to maintain, clean and fix this indispensable appliance. Bellow are tips for fixing easy microwave problems.

Your microwave won’t turn on when activated:

• Check to make sure that your microwave oven is properly plugged in.
• Confirm that the unit door has completely closed and that the door latch is aligned.
• Make sure that the interlock switch in microwave door is in proper working order.
• If door is loose, warped or damaged, replace for a new microwave door part.

The microwave carousel won’t turn:

• Check the plastic couplings under the glass tray.
• Look at the plastic ring and the roller assembly and check for misalignment or debris.
• Adjust the tray to make sure that it is properly positioned on the turning mechanism.
• Replace interior parts that are loose, warped, worn or burnt.
• If you suspect that the carousel motor is broken, don’t try to fix it yourself but contact a service technician.

Touch pad on microwave does not work at all or works only intermittently:

• If touch pad gets wet, it can start working unevenly. Let touch pad dry for several days and avoid spraying cleaning liquid near the controls.
• Insects (cockroaches in particular) prefer the warmth coming from the circuit board and have been known to nest under the surface of microwave touch pad controls. To keep insects away from the area, place window mesh over the vent.
• Replace touch-pad if damaged.

There are lightning sparks inside the microwave:

• Check to make sure that there is no aluminum foil or metal trim inside the oven.
• Food residue or burned spots can cause Electrical sparks can be caused by burned food residue, so clean the internal chamber thoroughly.
• If wave-guide cover is burned or carbonized, make sure to replace it.
• If the inside of microwave chamber has burn holes, do not attempt to fix yourself but contact a service technician.

Microwave is activated but does not heat food:

• If your microwave does not heat and you hear unusual buzzing noises, the magnetron or other electronic modules could be destroyed. You can easily acquire the parts you need, but it is not recommended that a DIYer tackle this problem on his or her own. You should contact a service technician to safely repair this problem.

More microwave parts, repair advice, maintenance tips, instructional videos, etc.

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