Microwaves have become a kitchen essential in almost every household. It can reheat leftovers to prepare quick meals. But what happens when your microwave does not work the way it should?
Many people instantly assume they need a replacement, but often the issue is simple and fixable with just a bit of know-how. Here, we will discuss the most common microwave issues that people encounter and understand how to handle them with confidence.
Microwave Won’t Turn On at All
You plug in your microwave, press the start button, and nothing happens. No lights, no sound, no response. If your microwave oven stopped working completely, it might feel like it’s beyond repair.
First, verify that the microwave is properly plugged into an outlet. If the outlet is damaged, plug it into another appliance in the same socket to confirm. Sometimes, a microwave can trip the circuit breaker if it shares an outlet with other high-power devices. Check your home’s breaker panel and reset the breaker if needed.
If the power supply is fine and the microwave not working persists, the issue might be internal. The internal fuse could have blown, especially after a power surge or electrical overload. In such cases, replacing the fuse might fix the issue.
However, it can be dangerous to fix the issue on your own due to the high-voltage capacitors inside. If you’re not experienced with appliance repair, it’s best to call a technician.
Microwave Runs But Doesn’t Heat
A microwave that turns on but doesn’t heat your food is one of the biggest issues. If your microwave is not heating, there could be several primary causes. Most often, the problem lies with the magnetron. It produces the microwave energy that heats your food.
When a magnetron fails, you’ll notice that your food remains cold even after a full heating cycle.
Replacement of a magnetron can be expensive and should only be done if the cost is less than a new unit. In other cases, a faulty high-voltage diode or capacitor may prevent the microwave from heating.
To narrow down the issue, listen for any unusual noises when the microwave runs. If it sounds quieter than usual or emits a strange noise, it could indicate a problem with the power components. At this point, it’s best to get a qualified repair technician to examine the device.
Microwave Plate Won’t Turn
When your microwave’s turntable is not able to rotate, it can result in different issues. The plate guarantees that food heats evenly. If this function stops, check whether the turntable is enabled. Some microwaves allow you to turn off the turntable. So, it could just be a setting issue.
If the rotation is enabled and the microwave stopped working in terms of plate movement, inspect the turntable guide under the glass tray. The small motor underneath the turntable might be malfunctioning, or the roller ring could be misaligned.
Remove the plate and clean the area under it and test again.
If the motor fails to spin even after the plate replacement and cleaning, the motor itself may be burnt out. A replacement motor is relatively inexpensive, and many models allow easy access to the motor through a bottom panel. Still, always disconnect the appliance from power before opening it up.
Microwave Door Won’t Close or Latch Properly
A common reason why a microwave oven is not working is due to a door issue. Microwaves are designed with built-in safety features to prevent operation when the door isn’t securely closed. If your door doesn’t latch correctly, your microwave simply won’t start.
Check if there’s any visible obstruction around the door, such as food debris, warped seals, or bent hinges. Gently clean around the latch area and inspect the condition of the door switch. Microwaves typically have multiple door switches, and if one is faulty, the microwave may interpret it as being open.
Replacing a faulty door switch is straightforward if you’re comfortable with minor repairs. However, if the door itself is damaged or misaligned, professional help might be necessary. Never force a microwave door closed—this could damage internal components and create a bigger problem.
Microwave Sparks or Makes Popping Sounds
If your microwave does not work properly and starts to spark inside, don’t use it. This is not normal behavior and indicates a serious issue that could become hazardous. Sparks are often caused by metallic objects inside the microwave, such as foil or utensils. However, if you haven’t placed any unusual objects inside, the issue could be internal.
Check for damage to the waveguide cover, located inside the microwave on one of the sidewalls. This cover protects the magnetron and directs microwaves into the cavity. If it’s burnt or covered in grease, it can cause sparks.
Clean it carefully or replace the cover to solve this issue.
Another possible cause is damaged or peeled interior paint. Microwaves have special coats that prevent arcing. When this coat wears off, the exposed metal can spark. You can use microwave-safe paint to touch up small areas, but for larger damage, the replacement of the unit may be safer.
Microwave Light Not Working
When your microwave’s light bulb burns out, it affects the cooking. If your microwave oven stopped working internally but everything else works fine, this could simply be a bulb issue.
First, identify if the light fails in cooking only or also when the door opens. If the light works in one situation and not the other, a door switch might be faulty. Otherwise, you likely need a new bulb. Most microwave light bulbs are easy to replace and can be checked by the external panel.
Remember to unplug the appliance when you plan to repair it. Also, use the correct replacement bulb as specified in your microwave’s manual.
When you install the wrong bulb, it can result in electrical issues.
Microwave Buttons or Touchpad Not Responding
Another stressful situation is when your microwave is not working and includes unresponsive buttons. This problem may stem from a faulty touchpad, a damaged control panel, or internal moisture.
First, wipe off the touchpad with a dry cloth. Sometimes grease or moisture can interfere with the sensors. If the buttons still don’t respond, a hard reset may help. Unplug the unit for a few minutes and plug it back in to reset the control board.
If the issue persists, you may need a new membrane switch or control board. These parts are replaceable, but working with control electronics requires caution. Professional service is recommended if you’re not confident in your DIY repair skills.
Microwave Turns On By Itself
If your microwave turns on by itself, it will be strange and dangerous. If this ever happens, unplug the unit immediately. This issue often results from a stuck relay on the control board or a faulty touchpad.
Moisture can also cause short circuits, particularly if it gets into the control panel. Clean the control panel gently and guarantee it’s dry before plugging the microwave back in. If the problem continues, a replacement control board is likely necessary.
This is one problem you shouldn’t ignore. Spontaneous operation can pose a fire risk. Don’t forget to contact a qualified repair professional. However, always put safety first. Microwaves contain high-voltage components that can retain electricity even when unplugged. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
