Microwave stopped working, no power? Learn how to fix it

oven cleaning
Image Credits: Sunny Appliance Repair

Microwave is essential everyday appliances which fulfils several purposes in the kitchen and helps us not just cook but also heat.  It is one appliance that is used multiple times a day and due to this constant usage, it may start showing signs of wear and tear or damage once in a while. If you are someone who is facing the problem of no power in microwave and no working, then you must first understand the possible reason behind it and then find a solution. The following is a way to fix the problem of microwave stopped working, no power:

1. Problem with the door switch

One of the possible reasons for microwave stopped working and no power could be an issue with the door switch.  A faulty door switch which is also often called as an interlock switch is the part which signals the other parts to turn on when the door gets closed and to stop when it is opened.  To access the door switch, you will have to dismantle the cabinet but only after unplugging the appliance. There are two terminals which must be checked using a multi meter for continuity.  If there is no continuity then the problem will be with the door switch and replacement might be needed.

door switch

Image Credits: Wikipedia

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

2. Problem with the ceramic fuse

Another cause of the problem of microwave stopped working, no power could be the ceramic fuse.  If the microwave is not starting and display is also blank then ceramic fuse may be defected.  This is the part which is responsible for protecting other parts from fluctuations and when it fails, then the microwave also fails.  Unplug the microwave and then access the fuse from inside the cabinet which is near the power cord.  To check the continuity of the ceramic fuse, make use of a multimeter. If no continuity is observed, you may have to replace the fuse.

We recommend following ceramic fuses for your microwave:

  1. Microwave Fuse Ceramic Fuse Cartridge Fuse 20 Amp 250V Slow-Blow Compatible and Universal Replace for GE WB27X10388 and Whirlpool Kenmore Other Microwave 5 PCS

  2. Divine Lighting 5 Qty. MDA 20A Slow-Blow Ceramic Fuse 20 Amp 250v MDA20A,MDA20

  3. Zephyr Slow Acting Ceramic Cartridge Fuse (Pack of 6) 5x20mm 250V (15 Amp)

3. Cut out or thermal fuse defects

If there is a problem with the thermal fuse, then this could be leading to no power in the microwave.  Thermal fuses protect the appliance from overheating and to locate it you will have to remove the cabinet after unplugging the microwave. Disconnect the wires from the terminals and check the continuity using a multimeter.  If no continuity is observed, replace the thermal fuse or cut out.

Recommended Microwave Thermal Fuse Thermostat:

  1. General Electric WB21X10148 Microwave Thermostat

  2. Samsung DE47-20060A Microwave Thermostat Switch

  3. Frigidaire 5304464094 Microwave Thermostat Unit

4. Problem with the door latch assembly

Another cause of the problem of a stopped microwave could be an issue with the door latch assembly. Door latch assemblies are made using plastic hooks which stick out of the door and signal other parts to power the appliance.  If the hooks are not working or are damaged then the switch won’t latch properly and hence the microwave won’t turn on.  Inspect the door latch and replace if the need be.

door latch assembly

Some of the most popular door latch replacements are:

If you are still unable to solve any of the issues given above to turn and power on the microwave, then it is better to contact a professional by contacting Mr Right for Microwave repairs.

You might also like

9 Comments

  1. 1
  2. 2

    The whirlpool microwave stopped operating completely after a small spark shot off while changing the light bulb. I am not seeking an answer for the spark, just an answer to have the microwave come on again. The outlet has power and the microwave does not. The breaker did trip as well.

  3. 3

    My Samsung microwave just stopped working. It was made in Malaysia, in 2018. Anyway, it was losing power. Sometimes it had power, sometimes not. Then no power. Power to the circuit and outlet worked fine. I read this post and was going to try #2 ceramic fuse problem. I opened the microwave, remembered #1 – door and tried messing with the door (moving the latches up and down, closing the door gently. It worked. It was the friggin door and I thought that was crazy. Thank you for the info, appreciate it. I won’t say it’s a tough life without a microwave, but I bought my son 18 hot pockets at BJs today. Stay safe.

  4. 4

    Hi
    my lg micro oven mc2149bb in not working properly . Only convention butten display.rest all function not working. Plz advice

  5. 5
  6. 6

    Assuming I diagnose one of the problems, where do you I buy the microwave parts ? Does hardware stores like ‘home hardware’ carry the parts ? I live with my family in Vancouver, Canada. Maybe it is easier to junk the microwave and buy a new one, but the old one goes to the landfill. Thanks.

    Jean Jacques
    Vancouver, Canada

  7. 7

    My microwave tripped my breaker. The microwave plug sparks and trips the breaker when plugged in. A lamp will plug in and turn on fine in the same socket. Could it be the ceramic fuse that’s the problem? Any ideas?

  8. 8

    I had Kenmore appliances for 19 years and never had to have a repair or replacement. Bought a Samsung appliance package in 2018. After 18 months my Samsung microwave just quit working for no reason. Now I will have to pay a service repair and part replacements if necessary. I will never recommend Samsung nor ever buy a Samsung product again.

  9. 9

    Greetings,Thermal cutout in Amana commercial microwave, what could cause a thermal cutoff to fail, apart from overheating .. Catastrophic failure, melted and broken plastic on housing of part.
    Thank you, Franco

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>