Broken microwave? Troubleshoot your microwave by yourself. Well, it can be done by the basic tools you have in your cupboards such as flathead and Philip’s head screwdrivers. These days the majority of the microwave parts are available in the markets online and offline both, and it’s not too expensive as well. And on average, it isn’t much time consuming as well, so why burn a hole in your pocket?
Yes, it’s true that working on a microwave can be dangerous. Because most of the electrical devices immediately disseminate their electricity after they have been unplugged, there are high chances of microwave to stay connected with the live electrical connections or parts. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that, on average, two people die per year while working on their microwaves.
The high voltage capacitor within microwaves does retain a charge, but an internal resistor is designed to automatically empty out that charge. After unplugging, let the oven sit for at least ten minutes to make sure the charge is fully dispelled in the event of a non-functional resistor. The capacitor in a microwave will stay charged for 2 or 3 days or it might be for a longer time period even after its being unplugged.
If you feel that you are not so comfortable while troubleshooting your broken microwave, you can definitely call for a microwave expert who can help you fix the bug between the service panel and the kitchen outlet.
Different Scenario: Just in case if the microwave display is not lit up. When you try to turn on the microwave, nothing happens.
- GFCI outlet: According to electrical code, outlets over kitchen counters are required to be ground-fault current interrupter style which is a safety device on electrical outlets. GFCI outlets frequently trip. Unplug the microwave, press the “Reset” button on the GFCI outlet, plugin, and try again.
- Non GFCI outlet: Your microwave may not be plugged into a GFCI-style outlet but it might still be receiving GFCI protection from another outlet that is GFCI-style. Well, this is not a common practice while this is not a common practice, this does cohere to electrical code in many communities. Facilitate the oven, reset all other GFCI style outlets in the kitchen, plugin, and see if the display lights up.
- Circuit breaker: The circuit breaker on the electrical service panel may have broken down. So, finding the correct location of the service panel, after that finding the breaker that correlates to the microwave’s outlet. Flip the breaker off and then on again.
And it’s always good for you to double-check that power is running to both the GFCI outlet and into the microwave’s power cord with an inexpensive voltage detector. After that when you touch the power cord and If it beeps or lights up (depending on the tester), this means that the cord is electrified.
Microwave Outlet has Electricity, But Oven Isn’t Powered
Scenario: when you know that your microwave has live power running to it, but the display does not light up and the oven doesn’t turn on.
The problem might be with the blown fuse. You can purchase the correct fuse; consult your owner’s manual. Microwave fuses are inexpensive and easily available online and offline
- Getting Access to the working area of your microwave. If you have a counter stand. Microwave, you will likely access it in the back by unfastening the metal cover.
- Once inside, you will see two black wires connected to one other with a plastic casing between them. The fuse is located within this casing.
- Open the casing with a flat-head screwdriver and pull the fuse free from the two wires.
- Remove the new fuse from its package, and maintain some distance and take some precaution to not to touch with naked hands and Push the fuse into place between the two wires and snap the casing shut.
Close the access door and try the microwave.
Microwave Carousel Rotates Jerkily or Not at All?
Scenario: If your microwave fully powers up and runs very smoothly but what if that or carousel that is supposed to rotate the food spins in jerks or does not spin at all.
The issue maybe with the carousel drive bushing coupler. The coupler is the three- or four-pronged plastic part that engages with the carousel to cause it to turn.
It may not be engaging with the carousel (in which case, all you need to do is align the teeth) or it is so embedded with food and other gunk that it no longer adequately engages with the carousel teeth.
- Open the door and remove the turntable by lifting it up.
- Grasp the coupler with your fingers (not pliers) and pull it straight up.
- Clean this item in warm, soapy water, replace it, and the carousel and try again.
- If this does not work, remove the coupler again. The coupler may be stripped at the bottom so that the motor’s metal shaft does not engage with the coupler. Purchase a new coupler online and replace it.
A plastic wheeled ring surrounds the bushing coupler mentioned above and supports the turntable. Check to make sure that the wheels on this ring easily turn. If not, immerse in warm soapy water, clean, replace, and then try running the oven again.
Microwave Carousel Not Rotating
Scenario: If you have tried to fix it previously as it was mentioned, but the carousel still does not turn, then what?
There is a high possibility off your microwave carousel motor might be dead. You should replace the motor.
- Turn the microwave on its side (for over-the-range ovens, you can access from the bottom) and undo the control panel with Philip’s head screwdriver.
- Before setting the control panel aside, you may need to delink a wire harness that attaches to the light. To do this, knead each side of the connector until the wires segregate.
- Two wires connect to the motor. Slide those wires off of the motor terminals.
- Unscrew the current motor from the microwave with the Phillips head screwdriver and remove it.
- Place the new motor on the bottom of the microwave. Ensure that the flat side of the motor’s shaft aligns with the flat receiving hole in the coupler.
- Screw the motor into place; affix the wires to the terminals.
- Fasten the access panel, plugin, and try the microwave.