Microwave ovens have become essential kitchen appliances, enhancing our lives with convenience and speed. But like any electronic device, they may experience issues occasionally.
When that happens, it’s quicker to leverage troubleshooting tips to fix common microwave oven issues — especially when there’s an urgent need to reheat your dinner. So, before you call a microwave repair service, try our in-house recommendations for DIY microwave repair.
Here, we’ll explore common microwave issues you might encounter. We’ll also provide troubleshooting tips to solve them yourself and save time and money.
Common Microwave Oven Issues and How to Fix Them
Just like a professional repair technician would, the most important troubleshooting tip is disconnecting the microwave oven from the electric outlet. This essential first step is crucial for your safety.
Here’s what’s next, depending on the microwave repair issue.
Uneven Heating
One of the most frustrating problems associated with microwave ovens is uneven heating. If your food isn’t heating evenly, this could be caused by several factors.
Firstly, ensure your food is placed evenly on the turntable. Furthermore, ensure the turntable rotates smoothly. If this troubleshooting tip doesn’t work, you may need to clean or replace its motor.
Sparks in a Microwave
Sparks inside your microwave oven are both alarming and potential fire hazards. If you notice sparks while using your device, immediately turn it off and unplug it.
The simple troubleshooting tip for this microwave oven issue is checking for foreign objects in the device. Most often, the cause of sparks in your microwave oven is metal objects being placed accidentally inside. Therefore, any metal utensils or aluminum foil must be removed before using your oven.
If this issue continues, then there could be something amiss with its waveguide cover. This fault typically needs professional intervention by an appliance repair technician.
Unresponsive Controls
Start by ensuring everything is properly connected and the circuit breaker has yet to trip. If this still does not help, unplug and wait several minutes for your microwave oven to reset before plugging the device back in.
Unresponsive controls after this troubleshooting step indicate a bigger problem somewhere in the control panel. In that case, seek professional assistance for help with fixing the device.
Otherwise, you risk causing a bigger problem rooting around in the control panel.
Unusual Noises
Hearing strange buzzing, humming or grinding noises from your microwave oven can be alarming. The ideal troubleshooting tip for this common microwave oven issue depends on the exact source of the noise.
If the sounds come from its turntable motor — which often malfunctions due to lack of maintenance — then it needs to be investigated further before any decision can be made on replacing or not replacing. If they come from its magnetron (the component responsible for producing microwave energy), seeking professional assistance might be required instead.
Related Article: Troubleshooting Tips for an Oven That Won’t Turn Off
Oven Not Heating
If your microwave oven isn’t heating as expected, there could be several potential causes. First, check that its power cord is securely plugged in and that there’s electricity running to its outlet.
If it still doesn’t work after this troubleshooting step, the cause of your microwave oven not heating is typically a faulty magnetron or high-voltage diode. Either component must be evaluated and possibly replaced by an experienced technician.
Door Issues
A faulty door can significantly impair the operation of a microwave oven. If it fails to close completely or latch engage, this could prevent your microwave oven from starting or cause it to stop mid-cycle, potentially stopping production altogether.
In these instances, check for obstructions or debris around the door area and clean it thoroughly. If this microwave troubleshooting tip doesn’t work, it’s time to bring in professional help.
Display Issues
A malfunctioning display can make operating your microwave oven challenging. Flickering or dim display is due to loose connections between the display module and control board.
Usually, you can troubleshoot this microwave oven problem by unplugging and replugging your device. In other cases, unplugging and replugging in again might suffice; otherwise, it’s wiser to seek professional assistance to diagnose and repair its display module.
Burning Smell
A burning smell coming from your microwave is alarming. If it persists or you can’t identify its source, immediately turn off and unplug your appliance before trying to rectify it.
Most often, the cause will be food debris burned during previous use. Use a mild detergent with a damp cloth to clean away residue left by previous uses of your microwave oven.
And where there’s no food debris inside your microwave oven, you’re likely dealing with a bigger electrical fault.
For longer-term issues or any electrical faults, consult a qualified technician as soon as possible for help.
Tripping Circuit Breaker
If your microwave oven frequently trips the circuit breaker or causes power outages, this could indicate an electrical problem. A loose power cord, malfunctioning magnetron, or a high-voltage diode could cause this.
In order to prevent further damage or electrical hazard, refrain from using your oven until this issue has been addressed. Instead, contact a qualified repair service to diagnose and address all underlying electrical issues to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Consider Regular Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your microwave oven in optimal working condition. Take time each month to carefully clean its interior and exterior surfaces, including the microwave turntable, door seals and vents.
Similarly, avoid using harsh cleaners that might damage your microwave surfaces. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and maintenance. This will extend its lifespan.
Related Article: The Best Tips to Keep Your Appliances Running Strong for Years to Come
Final Thoughts
Microwave ovens can occasionally experience issues like uneven heating, sparks, unresponsive controls, strange noises and failure to heat. By following the troubleshooting tips discussed here, you may be able to solve these issues without professional assistance.
However, in situations where you’re unsure, please seek expert advice. By taking proper care and quickly addressing any problems, your microwave will remain reliable over its lifetime.
Prime Appliance Repairs provides professional microwave oven repair solutions at competitive rates. Our experienced and qualified technicians will quickly diagnose and resolve common microwave oven issues the same day you call us.
