Microwave Not Heating Troubleshooting Guide

Get tips to help you get back to successfully heating meals in the microwave again. There are issues you can correct yourself.


TRANSCRIPT

If you love to kick back on your couch with popcorn and movies, you may have noticed your microwave is leaving behind way too many kernels. Hi, I'm Paul Blake for Repair.com with some tips to help you get back to successfully heating meals in the microwave. There are issues you can correct yourself, some you can have professionally repaired and some that will have you considering a new microwave.

First, a warning: Microwaves contain high-voltage parts that can be deadly unless handled correctly. Unless you are a qualified expert, don't attempt to get into its inner workings.

Step 1: Make sure you actually have a problem

Before you spend any time or money, make certain your microwave has a real problem. The best way to check is by heating water.

Fill a glass measuring cup with water to the 1-cup mark. Put the cup in the microwave and set it to heat on full power for 1 minute. Repeat the process with fresh water several times. If the water is not consistently warm, you've confirmed there's a problem.

Step 2: Correct any program error

If your microwave is failing to heat correctly, you may be on a previously programmed setting. Press the STOP/CANCEL button and start the heating process again, but use a higher power setting. This may correct the problem.

Otherwise, there may be an issue with the circuit board and its connections. If a qualified professional determines that the circuit board is defective, the most practical fix may be to buy a new microwave.

Step 3: Try drying out the circuitry

Microwaves installed above the range may be affected by steam from cooking. Condensation collecting on the circuitry can interrupt heating. Allow the circuitry to dry out by avoiding stovetop cooking for a few days. If you're still having the same problem, it could be a loose connection in the circuitry or a faulty door safety switch. A qualified professional can repair or replace the malfunctioning parts.

Step 4: Listen for strange sounds


A buzzing or humming microwave that emits a faint burning smell could signal a damaged magnetron, high-voltage capacitor or diode. Replacement magnetrons are expensive, so if a service professional determines that's the problem, you may be better off buying a new microwave. Capacitor and diode parts cost much less, but remember, you'll be paying for the expertise to have them installed correctly and safely. It may still make more sense to buy a new microwave, especially if it's a simple countertop model.

Step 5: Prevent future microwave troubles

Never slam the microwave door, even if you're in a hurry. And, always hit the STOP/CANCEL button before you open the door to remove food. These steps will prevent damage to the door safety switch, and that's crucial because microwaves are designed not to work when the safety switch is damaged.

Remember, microwaves are too dangerous to try fixing solo. Visit Repair.com to contact a qualified professional or for more tips and troubleshooting advice.