6 common problems with microwave

Microwave is a popularly used kitchen appliance these days. Like any other home appliance a microwave fails and breaks in its lifetime. Here are the common problems with microwave and their possible solutions:

Microwave does not heat

Microwave not heating is one of the most common problems with microwave. Most popular reason behind this issue is magnetron failure. A magnetron uses high voltage to produce microwave frequency to cook food. If the microwave is turned on when it is empty, this cause the magnetron to burn out. A burned magnetron has to be replaced as it cannot be repaired. Other probable causes behind this problem are faulty diodes, capacitor burn, defective door switch and transformer failure.

Refer to “No oven mitts! Is your microwave not heating food?”

Some commonly used Magnetrons available online:-

1. GE Microwave Oven Magnetron and Diode Kit OM75P
2. LG Electronics 6324W1A001H Microwave Oven Magnetro
3. BlueCatELE 2M246 Microwave Magnetron Tube 
4. Supplying Demand SD0259 Microwave Magnetron Compatible AP5183463 & Fits 0M75 
5. Generic Microwave Magnetron Tube WB27X10516 OM75P(31) Air Cooling Compatible for GE Samsung 

Microwave runs and then stops

Possible causes behind this issue are faulty door switch, failed transformer, defective touch pad and faulty fan motor. To understand this problem in detail refer to “Why does my microwave runs for a few seconds and stops?”

Here are some of the recommended microwave door switches:

1. LONYE SZM-V16-FD-63 Microwave Oven Door Micro Switch Replacement for LG GE Starion Microwave RE1(Normally Open)
2. LONYE W10727360 & W10269458 & W10269460 Microwave Switch Replacement for Whirlpool Microwave SZM-V16-FC-61 SZM-V16-FC-62 SZM-V16-FC-63
3. KW3A Microwave Oven Door Switch 16A 125/250V Door Interloc(Normally Open & 3 Insert Foot)
4. Microwave Door Switch SZM-V16-FA-63 by Podoy Compatible with LG GE Starion WB24X829 3B73362F PS3522738 SZM-V16-FD-63 AP2024337

Microwave buttons do not work

If the microwave buttons do not work it indicates that the touch-pad or the control panel are defective or have been damaged.  Another possible reason can be defective main control board.

Our recommended replacements:

1. GE WB56X10822 Touchpad and Control Panel Microwave

2. GE WB56X10826 Touchpad and Control Panel

3. Samsung De94-02517c Assembly Control Panel

Microwave  plate does not spin

In a microwave there is a rotating motor below the plate which is responsible for the rotation of spinning plate. So the most probable cause behind this issue is a worn out or burned motor. Motor can be easily replaced. However, if the motor is not defective this indicates a fault in the main control board. If the control board is fine then check touch pad or control panel for the problem.

Here are some Rotating Motors you can find online:-

1. Samsung DE31-10172C Microwave Turntable Motor Genuine (OEM)
2. Microwave Oven Synchronous Motor Replace for Panasonic 
3. Microwave Turntable Motor for GE 

Microwave light-bulb does not turn on during operation

There is a small bulb inside your microwave located behind the grill, which lights when the microwave runs. If the bulb does not work then it may have fused. Another possible reasons are faulty bulb socket and bad wiring.  If the bulb, socket and wiring are fine then check the main control board.  The control board may have gone bad and fails to send voltage to bulb socket.

Microwave Light Bulbs you can get online:-

1. Microwave Surface Light Bulb Genuine (OEM) Part 
2. GE Spacemaker Profile Microwave Light Bulb 
3. Microwave Light Bulb for LG 
4. Microwave Light Bulb for Panasonic 
5. Microwave Light Bulb for Kenmore
6. Microwave Light Bulb for Frigidaire 

Sparking inside microwave

Sparking inside microwave is common and does not indicate that your microwave has gone bad. It requires you to immediately switch off your microwave and perform the necessary inspection. Possible reasons behind this problem are damaged wave guide cover, diode burn, damaged rack support or worn out paint from the inside walls.

Refer to “4 common reasons of sparking inside microwave”.

(Cover image source: www.thenutritionpost.com)

Knowing about the common problems with microwave will help you in fixing it on time and saving your appliance from any serious damage.

Some recommended DIY Tools and Equipment:-

Multi-purpose Multimeters :-

1. AstroAI Digital Multimeter with Ohm Volt Amp
2. KAIWEETS Digital Clamp Meter T-RMS 6000 Counts
3. Klein Tools 69149 Multimeter Test Kit

Multi-purpose Tool Kit:-

1. DEKOPRO 168 Piece Hand Tool Kit with Plastic Toolbox Storage Case 
2. Dedeo Cordless Hammer Drill Tool Kit, 60Pcs Household Power Tools Drill Set with 16.8V Lithium Driver Claw Hammer Wrenches Pliers DIY Accessories Tool Kit
3. BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX Drill & Home Tool Kit, 60-Piece (BDCDD12PK)
4. WORKPRO 156-Piece Home Repair Tool Set – Daily Use Hand Tool Kit with Tool Bag

Soldering Kits:-

1. A-BFastiron Electronics Soldering Iron Kit, Welding Tool for electronic repairs and DIY 
2. Soldering Iron Station Solder Kit – 48W 110V Soldering Tool Set Temp Adjustable Electric Welding for SMD/PCD/DIY
3. Soldering Station With Additional 5 Tips

If you’re considering buying a new microwave, we would recommend you to consider these: