Microwave ovens provide a quick and convenient way to heat food and beverages, but like any appliance they can sometimes cause issues.
Some microwave problems are easy to identify and remedy; others might require more effort. This article will discuss three of the most frequently occurring issues: noisy plate, tray that won’t turn over, and broken magnetron. Before you embark on repairs though, you want to know if the microwave is covered in your home warranty policy. More details on that here:
1. The Light Won’t Turn On
Alternatively, if the light won’t turn off after checking that it is connected to a working outlet and hasn’t tripped a circuit breaker, there could be an issue with its light socket that requires opening your microwave and testing its continuity with a voltmeter.
Possible issues could also include improper door latching, which causes your microwave to think the door is open even though it’s closed. Check for food residue accumulation around this part and clean as necessary.
2. The Touchpad Is Unresponsive
A microwave can make many kitchen tasks simpler, from pre-preparing meals to warming up leftovers. But like any appliance in your home, microwaves may develop issues which require repairs or replacement.
If the microwave is unresponsive, first use an inexpensive voltage tester to verify if there is power going to it. If not, use one on both plugs in your electrical service panel and on its power cord; if neither beeps off or turns off when tested then your breaker likely flipped and needs to be reset.
Microwaves are complex appliances that use significant electricity consumption, making their repairs best left to a professional service technician. If possible, avoid DIY attempts when working on this appliance for its safety and peace of mind.
3. The Tray Won’t Turn
Your microwave’s tray sits atop a roller guide that turns with its drive motor, but over time this guide may become dirty or break causing it to stop turning completely and stopping its tray from turning with it.
Start by inspecting the underside of the plate for food particles or abrasions which might obstruct movement, then check both coupler and roller guide for damage. If this problem continues, take steps such as replacing these parts if necessary.
If the coupler and roller guide appear to be functioning normally, your issue could lie with the drive motor. To tackle this challenge, more advanced methods such as using a multimeter in test mode and disassembling parts carefully are required for troubleshooting purposes.
4. The Door Isn’t Closing Properly
If something metallic has entered your microwave or is sparking, don’t ignore it; this could be an indicator of an imminent problem; in such instances it might be best to replace your unit altogether.
Unplug your microwave and access its working area (this may be easier on countertop models with open access doors in the back). There should be two wires connected to a fuse which you can remove using a flat-head screwdriver, before replacing a new fuse between these wires and closing off access panels.
5. The Magnetron Is Faulty
If your microwave hums, but fails to generate heat, this could be an indicator that its magnetron has gone bad. A diode supplies DC electricity directly to the magnetron; if its diode burns out, no power will be generated to turn the magnetron and cook your food.
To test your magnetron, unplug your microwave and set your multimeter’s highest resistance scale. Touch one probe directly onto a magnetron terminal while touching another directly to its metal housing; if your meter indicates infinite resistance readings then your magnetron may be defective.
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