Top Reasons Microwave Is Not Working

It’s easy to not appreciate the convenience of a microwave until yours stops working. Simple tasks, from making popcorn to reheating leftovers, become just a little more difficult.

If your microwave stopped working recently, read on. In this post, we’ll review what causes a microwave to stop working. And while most microwave issues should be handled by a professional, we’ll also share how to fix a microwave when the solution is something the average homeowner can reasonably do themselves.

Always Keep Safety First

As always, use the utmost caution. Make absolutely sure your microwave is not connected to a power source before attempting to fix it. If a power cord is inaccessible, shut off power at your circuit breaker. And know that a microwave is one appliance that can deliver a lethal shock even after it’s been unplugged.

It’s also unwise to tinker with a microwave that’s still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. It‘s standard for unauthorized repairs to void a limited warranty. Check your appliance’s documentation to determine if its manufacturer’s warranty is still active.

Whether your microwave is new enough to have a manufacturer’s warranty or you’ve chosen an extended home warranty to prolong coverage for this and other appliances, it’s always best to choose an experienced and authorized professional for repairs. This not only helps you save time and money, but also spares you from potential hazards.

How to Repair a Microwave: 9 Common Issues

Are you asking yourself, “Why is my microwave not working?” Here are several common microwave failures and what you can do about them.

1. Your microwave won’t turn on

There are a couple of explanations for a microwave that won’t power on. First, you should confirm that the microwave is plugged in. This seems like a no-brainer, but we all have our moments. Maybe the power cord got nudged during cleaning, or an item fell behind the microwave and knocked it out of place. Confirming the device is plugged in is always a good first step.

If the power cord isn’t the issue, it could be that the breaker was tripped. This is the likely explanation if your microwave shuts down while it’s in use. Try resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse to restore power.

If you’re still having no luck, the problem could be with an internal fuse. Like many other devices, microwaves have a thermal fuse to keep the appliance from overheating. If this fuse is blown, the microwave won’t power on.

Microwaves also have a ceramic fuse. This is usually inside the rear panel, near the power cord. As with the thermal fuse, if the ceramic fuse goes, the device won’t work. Look online for pictures of what these fuses look like. Once you’ve identified them, you can test both with a multimeter. If either shows no continuity, it will need to be replaced.

If you’re nervous about opening panels and poking around or you don’t have a good understanding of how to fix a microwave that’s having electrical issues, this is a failure you should probably get a professional to investigate and repair.

2. The light won’t turn on

This one is typically an easy fix. When the light inside your microwave won’t come on during operation, or the light underneath goes out for an over-stove unit that features task lighting and ventilation for your cooktop, all you have to do is find a suitable appliance lightbulb, remove the cover, and replace the bulb.

What if this doesn’t solve the problem? If you replace the bulb but there’s still no light, the issue could be a failing socket. This is a more complicated repair, so if you have warranty coverage, you might want to call for assistance. 

If you feel comfortable with minor electrical repairs and your appliance is out of warranty, a DIY approach may save you some money.

3. Your microwave won’t heat

If your microwave turns on but won’t heat food, a likely problem is a faulty door latch. The door has a safety mechanism built in to ensure the microwave won’t run with an open door. Sometimes this mechanism fails. The failure could be electrical or mechanical. It’s a good idea to enlist a professional’s help. If you’re determined to work on it yourself, contact your appliance’s manufacturer or find the device schematics for more information.

A faulty magnetron, burned out capacitors, or a bad diode are other possible culprits. Replacing these parts takes a little more electrical know-how, and there’s a risk of shock even when the microwave is unplugged. It’s best to find a professional for help.

4. Food is cooking too fast

A microwave not heating is definitely a problem, but what about one that heats too much? This is a possible indicator of mechanical malfunction. As with a microwave that won’t heat, this problem could be associated with the magnetron, which converts electrical energy and magnetic currents into heat to warm your food.

It could also be a control panel issue. In either case, it’s best to seek professional help. Of course, overheated food could also be a consequence of using the wrong dishes, such as ones that aren’t rated as microwave-safe.

If you’re not sure if a dish is microwave-safe, try testing with one that you know for sure is designed for use in a microwave. If food still heats too fast, it’s time to let a trained technician take a look at your appliance.

6. The turntable is stalled

If the turntable within the microwave won’t spin, first ensure it’s not a setting on the microwave. Most microwaves allow you to turn the turntable on and off, and it’s possible to change the setting without realizing it.

There could also be a physical obstruction. If you don’t see anything in the microwave, you can remove the turntable assembly from the microwave floor to see if anything is obstructing it from below.

If that hasn’t resolved the problem, there’s probably a disconnected internal wire. A repairperson is your best bet.

6. The touchpad won’t operate

A microwave not working properly could be caused by a faulty touchpad. Sometimes one or a handful of buttons won’t respond. Sometimes the entire panel doesn’t function. The required fix is likely a new control panel. It may require some soldering. If you’re not comfortable with that kind of work, find a professional tech.

7. The door won’t latch

If the microwave door won’t latch, the entire microwave is effectively useless. Fortunately, the door latch is often a simple mechanical mechanism. If you’re mechanically inclined, you can replace the necessary parts in the latch. Contact your device’s manufacturer to find the precise components you need.

8. Your microwave is sparking

Has your microwave stopped working as it should? One of the more harrowing signs of a malfunctioning microwave is sparking. When you see sparks in the microwave, consider first whether it’s simply the result of a piece of metal in the microwave. 

For example, maybe you used a mug with metallic paint, or you accidentally left the aluminum foil on your plate of leftovers. Just turn off the microwave immediately and remove the offending item.

If there’s no metal in the microwave compartment and you can’t tell where the sparks are coming from, however, turn off the appliance and unplug it to avoid a fire. This is likely an electrical issue in the machine itself that requires professional testing to identify and repair.

9. You hear strange noises during operation

Most appliances make some kind of noise during operation. Your refrigerator may hum all the time, and you can hear the gas kicking on in your oven when you fire it up. Your microwave probably emits a low hum during operation related to the magnetron or possibly a cooling fan.

If you hear a rattling or clanking noise when the appliance is in use, though, it could be a minor issue like a cracked or broken plate or guide roller that’s easy to replace. Unfortunately, it could also be your drive motor wearing out, which is a more complicated fix.

A high-pitched whine could be related to magnetron deterioration, while a grinding sound might be a failing stirrer motor. Any time a microwave starts making unusual or loud noises, you should halt operation and have it checked out.

Protect All Your Kitchen Appliances with Liberty Home Guard

You don’t need to break the bank just because you’re dealing with a microwave not working. Microwave oven repair costs can set you back a few hundred dollars, but you can avoid these costs with warranty coverage.

Liberty Home Guard covers virtually all home appliances and systems, and this includes built-in microwave warranty coverage. Use our website to learn more. You can also talk with us at (833)-545-5006.