6 common problems with microwave

Divya Mishra

9 years ago

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?”

Our Pick

GE Microwave Oven Magnetron and Diode Kit

OM75P Part WB27X10017

This is a brand new factory supplied part and is the SAME EXACT part sold by GE. Direct factory replacement for Samsung manufactured OM75S & OM75P(10) magnetrons. Common magnetron used in many GE, Frigidaire and other brand microwaves. This is the current replacement for magnetron tubes having a Samsung label

Some more commonly used Magnetrons available online:-

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?”

Our Pick

LONYE SZM-V16-FD-63 Microwave Oven Door Micro Switch

Replacement for LG GE Starion Microwave 3405-001034

Commonly found in microwave ovens, this switch will close the circuit once the button is depressed. This switch may be used in many other appliances

Here are some of the recommended microwave door switches:

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 Pick

GE WB56X10822 Genuine OEM Control Panel Assembly

Control Panel Assembly is a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer part designed and engineered to exact specifications

The Black Control Panel Assembly houses the selection buttons and display for the microwave.

Our other recommended replacements:

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:-

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.

Our Pick

5304488360 Microwave Surface Light Bulb

Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Part

Light bulb 5304488360 illuminates the surface below the microwave or the interior of the microwave

Microwave Light Bulbs you can get online:-

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:-

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