Troubleshooting the Microwave: Potential Problems
Tue, May 22, 2007
Most everyone has a microwave in their home these days and we depend on them for many different things. But what do you do when your microwave goes on the fritz? How can you tell what is wrong with your microwave and how to fix it when it isn’t working properly? Nobody wants to pay a lot of money for a good microwave only to have problems with it later and have to spend a lot of money taking it to the repair shop. Some people don’t want to spend the expense of a repair so they just go and buy a new microwave, often purchasing a cheap one that only later has more problems. If you can learn some simple troubleshooting issues with your microwave, you may be able to save yourself a lot of time and money.
Often there are simple problems that occur with your microwave that can be fixed without a lot of time or money and you can have your microwave oven working like new again. Here are some troubleshooting tips and guidelines to help you if you are having trouble with your microwave or you find that it is not working properly.
First it is important that you learn the proper safety precautions because repairing a microwave can be very dangerous. You should always be sure:
- The appliance is not plugged in
- You don’t touch any wiring or components until you discharge the high voltage capacitor
- Don’t work alone
- Remove watches and other jewelry
How to perform an RF leakage test
It may be needed for you to perform an RF leakage test. Most amateurs and even many professionals do not own an RF leakage meter. You can get one at appliance and electronic parts suppliers, costing from about $10.00 up to many hundreds of dollars for the certified models used at the professional level. You can find inexpensive RF detection devices at many retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Radio Shack.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If your microwave does not work at all and you know everything is plugged in properly and the outlet is functioning, then check your fuses and your door switch. If the internal fuse or thermal fuse is blown you will need a professional to help you replace it. You should also check the door hooks and the door release button. If they are broken, your microwave will not work.
If your microwave looks and sounds normal but isn’t producing any heat, you should check the internal door switches, the high voltage circuitry and the circuit board for problems. You will need a certified technician to help you make these repairs.
If you are unable to adjust the power level, there may be a defective triac or a problem with the circuit board. If the carousel inside your microwave won’t turn when you run it, the small motor that operates it may be broken.
If the display flickers but it does not affect how the microwave heats, then you don’t need to worry about it. But if you are having display flickering and it is affecting the way your microwave operates, you may have a more serious problem in the microwave cabinet.
If your microwave buzzes loudly and produces no heat you probably have a defective power diode, magnetron or high voltage capacitor. These are all things that can be replaced or repaired by a qualified technician.
These are just a few common microwave problems that you may face and what the likely cause is. You will ultimately need to take your microwave to a qualified, certified repair shop to have it fixed if there is something seriously wrong with it that is causing it not to heat or function properly.
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May 30th, 2007 at 12:56 am
JVM1653SHO1 Runs for 5 seconds then shuts down and asks me to reset time , date etc. continues to ask me this evertime I reset. This unit is a little over 1 year old. The problem is not in the troubleshooting section of the manual. I bought this unit a little over one year ago at home depot in Eugene ore a little over 1 year ago. My wife Sandra De Board paid for it. Serial # ZG901234B.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:43 am
Jeff, I’m afraid it sounds like the power control module is bad. The new module retails for about $155, APP has it for $129: http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?part_id=3183982
I believe mfg warranty on this microwave is only one year, so I don’t think GE will pick up the tab on this one, but do check with them just in case. You can try replacing the module, or purchase a new microwave. Over the range microwaves start at about $280-$350 and can go up to $1000 depending on brand/features. Microwave installation is typically $35-$50.
Hope this helps.
AJ
June 23rd, 2007 at 7:58 pm
I have a fairly new whirlpool microwave that runs find except it doesn’t heat. I took it to the repair shop and they said that it worked fine, He replaced a few things and I brought it home and it worked on a couple of items and I went to use it the next day and it ran but didn’t heat any suggestions Thanks John
June 24th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
John
- What’s the microwave model number?
- What was replaced at the repair shop? Check your receipt.
AJ
December 11th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
I also have a GE JVM1653SHO1 which would shut down after about 5 seconds and I would have to reset everything. My problem is this unit sat in my garage for about 6 months before we had it installed. It quit on us after about 7 months, which was past the one-year warranty. Is the part something that we can order and install ourselves or do we need to pay for the part and labor to install it? This really stinks.
December 13th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Cheryl, check out the appliance repair forum http://forum.appliancepartspros.com
May 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I have a 12 year old Whirlpool microwave and recently sometimes there will be a delay after you hit the start button before it actually starts. The time will start counting down as if it’s running, but it won’t actually start for several seconds. Is there something within it that typically goes bad about this age that might be causing it?
June 16th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I own a Frigidaaire Model PLMV168cc1 microwave over-the-range oven. It is 5 years old and suddenly quit heating. Everything works, the timer counts down but it does not heat and the turn table does not turn. Could this possibly be the magnetron tube?
June 19th, 2008 at 3:06 am
Doesn’t sound like it. Could be one of the door switches. Post your question on the appliance repair forum and the experts will take a look: http://forum.appliancepartspros.com
August 14th, 2008 at 1:51 am
I am in canada and just bought a 1.1 cu JE1140, I plugged this in and although the light inside comes on, there is no power in the panel, I do not even have the digital numnbers for the clock lit up.
I have tried other items in the plug and it is working fine. I had the same problem with my first one by Sylvannia and returned it. I have had that one for 7 years except for the 4 years it was not used. Any ideas why this is happening.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:43 am
On our whirlpool otr MICROWAVE model mh6150xm from 2002 the blower fan will not turn off ofter the oven does it’s job. We must unplug it to turn it off. This happens whether we use it on high for 30 seconds or 10 minutes. Any idea why?
September 10th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
PANASONIC MICROWAVE (NN-S760WC-F) RUNS FOR FIVE SECONDS , THEN SHUTS OFF
September 10th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
my MICROWAVE keeps blowing the fuse after i replace it it would work fine for few hours or then blows again not sure where to start troubleshooting for this.. pls advise via email would be great thanks
September 10th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
my MICROWAVE keeps blowing the fuse after i replace it it would work fine for few hours or then blows again not sure where to start troubleshooting for this.. pls advise via email would be great thanks
pls help me
October 13th, 2008 at 12:19 am
My microwave keeps showing a F3 on screen and is constantly beeping.I touch to clear it but none of the key pads will work so it will beep all night lone and then after maybe 5 hours later I can touch the clear buttong and it will clear but later within 2 hours or so it will start again. My husband even disconected the power for about 15 minutes and is still did the same thing. If you can help my I would really appreciated it because the beeping is annoying at night. It is a GE Phillip XL1800
Thank You
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Last night, my son burned some frozen french toast in our microwave. After a lot of smoke, the microwave will not heat, although everything appears fine. Any suggestions as to what might be the problem?
Thanks, Marc
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
After resetting time yesterday, the oven now come on at random times when no one is turning on. Unpluged unit for minutes, repluged in and within 20 min. unit came back on.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I have a microwave that is shorting out making sparking sounds sometimes the heat will work and go out the light and turn table don’t work either it sounds wired too
JVM1851BH03
November 29th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I put butter in a glass bowl to melt, but overheated it, now Whirlpool built-in comes on but won’t heat anything
November 29th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
hi,I have a sylvania microwave which is for 3 years ago.last night it stopped while it was working.now every thing looks ok execpt that the Start button does not work.thanks for your help hamed
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I have a jenn air microwave,when I turn it on it stays on for few seconds and then it goes off and I have to do the same procedure again.
January 6th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I hav a goldstar overhead microwave. While running it I heard a loud pop, and after that happened it seems there is no more heat. Everything els seems to work.
Thanks
January 17th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I have a magic chef microwave, with a digital panel. Everything sounds normal, except it does not heat any food etc. The outside of the microwave gets very hot, however. Do you have any suggestions…
January 24th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Our Whirlpool microwave makes a whistleing noise at times. It just started this.
January 24th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Our Whirlpool microwave makes a whistling sound at times.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
whirlpool gold/accuwave system mdl#GH5184XPQ-0 bought 4 yrs ago. worked last night, now will not heat at all. everthing sounds and run fine but no heat. paid over 500.00 for it/can it be fixed or is it toast. can you tell me about how much it should cost to fix? any thing will help thanx.chris
February 8th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
gm, The diode probably failed on the microwave. New diodes are less than $20. Discharge the capacitor before replacing. Mine has failed (over stove version) after boiling water forming condensation and probably shoring circuit some where.
February 8th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
how does a built in microwave come out is a sleeve its in or is it screwed to the wall
April 5th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
i went to use my whirlpoolhood microwave, mh6150xhq-1. The timer on it runs super fast. and it doesn’t heat up. Whats the matter? it’s over 8 years old. time to get a new one? or is it an easy fix?
April 11th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Microwave runs but does not heat.
Only stops if you open door, starts instant door is shut
Have unplugged to reset to no avail.
Is this a door issue?
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I have a Emerson microwave not even 1 year old. The lights were flickering and the beeping sound were going on and off, and then when I opend the door and closed it never worked again. Now it’s not working at all, and I would hate to throw it away and buy another one because it’s still in really good condition. Any suggestions?
Thanks
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I have a welbilt microwave it cooked food normally then minute or two after it was off it started humming so i unpugged it plugged back in after a day still humming as soon as its plugged in. Can this be fixed its 5 years old 1100 watts clock display works
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:32 pm
what part is causing this malfunction?
May 25th, 2009 at 3:12 am
I close the door to the microwave and the fan runs, ansd when i attempt to input a time it keeps running and the micrwave never comes on but the fan keeps running. If the press on the edge of the control panel the fan will stop running and i can set the microwave. However the microwave will complete the timed cycle, and when i try to click on start to get it running again the fan will start but the microwave won’t. Then I start thr process of pressing around the edges of the control panel to stop the fan so I can set the microwave
microwave: Sharp carousel house hold microwave model-r-1467
June 1st, 2009 at 10:33 pm
My countertop is turning pink from the microwave…. besides just covering my top where the microwave is…. Is my MW dangerous or emitting some kind of radiation waves? Is this normal? How do I clean it up? Its almost a unremovable stain.
June 6th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
GE JE1640WA 002 (JAN1999) the microwave suddenley stopped cooking everthin seems to be working: light,timer but no heat and we the turn table isnt working either….can this be repaired….the microwave is 10yrs old is it time to replace??
June 6th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
GE JE1640WA 002 (JAN1999) the microwave suddenley stopped cooking everthing seems to be working: light,timer but no heat,the turn table isnt working either….can this be repaired….the microwave is 10yrs old is it time to replace??
June 9th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Could be something as simple as a door switch. http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=212991
Post your question on the repair forum http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/microwave-repair/. Don’t forget to describe your problem in greater detail. What happens when you set the timer and turn the microwave on? Does it sound like it’s working but doesn’t heat or does it remain quiet?…
June 18th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I have a Panasonic NN-S654 Inverter. It will run for about 30 seconds, then shut off. The food is not heating up at all during these 30 seconds. TY
June 20th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
My whirlpool microwave Model GH5184XPB4 has error message of F3H and does not heat when does run.
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:04 am
fridigaire plmv168kc1 was cooking and stopped, no more power, outlet is good. could it possibly be the thermal fuse??
July 5th, 2009 at 1:06 am
I have an Oster Microwave (model # OTM1101GTS…Stainless microwave/grilling oven…maufactured 2006…purchased at Target)
Oven light and fan won’t turn off, but the microwave works. Any reset sequence I should know about?
July 6th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Sharp, R-308J, from 3/26/05: START button not working, however, MINUTE PLUS does work. Lights work, turntable works. Do I need a new machine?
July 6th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I have a GE over the range unit. all is OK when I use the timer
to heat or reheat items using short time settings ( l to 2 mins).
When cooking a baked potato using 8 mins, the sound is different
(more strained and a bit louder), then in about 3 minutes the unit goes off due to the circuit breaker downstairs tripping to OFF.
I can reset the breaker, restart the unit for the remaining mins
and the circuit breaker will trip OFF again. Maybe by then the
potato is cooked, if not, 1 min setting will finish it.
The question is– Is it the unit problem? if so what??? OR
Is it a circuit breaker problem?? This unit is about 5 yrs old
and this is a new problem. Thanks in advance for your reply.
July 7th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I have a Kenmore over oven microwave/exhaust combination that is almost 2 years old. The clock runs fast, gaining 10-15 minutes per hour, and the timer also runs fast. When cooking, if the cook timer is set for 15 seconds, it runs to zero in about 12 seconds. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
July 13th, 2009 at 3:11 am
I have a Panasonic OTR Microwave NNS245B. It has suddenly started tripping the breaker. No obvious signs of something wrong.
July 15th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
hello
my goldstar microwave keeps whistling. Works okay but whistling all the time . why? how do you fix the problem?
July 16th, 2009 at 1:48 am
I have an overhead Whirlpool Gold GH7155XHS, manufactured in March 2001. It suddenly stopped working today. It will not start. The interior light is very dim, the overhead light (light on the bottom of the microwave, above the stove) is really dim, the and the overhead fan won’t turn on. The display keeps on fading in and out. When you press the key pad, it “beeps” like normal, but when you press “Start” nothing happens except for a very quiet, barely audible, raspy, mechanical-type sound. Also, anytime you press Start, the display says “Set Time Of Day,” even though if it was just set two seconds ago when it said to.
The only thing I can think of is that my husband did a routine cleaning of the interior of the microwave’s surface this morning. He just used a sponge and a bleach/water solution. It was the kind of quick cleaning we have to do weekly to clean up splatters.
Any thoughts?
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:54 pm
My top of the range Whirlpool Gold microwave oven Model No. GH9115XEQ-O dated 1/98, finally went out. I tried different electrical outlets and still does’t work.
August 12th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
We have a GE Microwave that was cleaned by a cleaning service. I believe that they sprayed it and may have sprayed into the vents inside the microwave. Now the vent above the microwave opens and closes continuously and there is a constanct clicking sound as if it wants to short out. We have disconnected the power. What could be wrong.
Thank you, Kris
August 24th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Display panel on microwave does not work. It shows 00:00 and when I try to put in any settings, such as clock, minute timer, cook cycle, it cancels out. I have tried flipping the main house fuse for the microwave and nothing changes. Is the microwave shot?
August 26th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
My goldstar microwave makes a weird sound when cooking food, and smells like burnt plastic?
August 28th, 2009 at 10:54 am
i have a magic chep microwave over the stove range. it comes on but will not heat up.
August 29th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Hi - we have 12 y.o whirlpool microwave that stopped working model
mh7130xeq-0
When turned on there lights come on but there is no sound and nothing happens, counter does counting down but no heat.
What would you suggest?
Thank you,
September 6th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Hi
I have a 7 year old GE model # JVM1860CF001. I want to know what part I need to replace. It heats fine, but the turn table hardly moves. It makes a loud ticking noise. The sound stops sometimes and I see that the spinner sometimes moves a little. Please advise what part you think I need to order and if it can be put in by a novice. Thanks, Erica
September 16th, 2009 at 12:15 am
My microwave runs and turns (sounds weird) and produces no heat. It’s about 8 yrs old and is one of the range-top models.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:07 am
I have a kenmore microwave Model#665.61632100. It will not turn on. The display is black. The outlet that it is plugged into does work. Is there maybe a reset code or is there maybe more to the problem?
October 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I have a Black Whirlpool Over the Range Microwave (MH3184PBX-0). It is plugged into a live outlet yet no power whatsoever. It is only 4 yrs old and looks great! I thought about checking fuses or simple troubleshooting but do not know where they are in the unit. What is the possible problems or solutions.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:17 am
whirlpool model GT4175SPB1
pressed the latch to open the door after heating something. the latch popped & the door won’t open. we removed the latch pad & found the spring loose behind the pad. called whirlpool, they’re no help, recommended taking it for repair. any ideas?
November 5th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
i have a whirlpool built in high speed microwave oven - model gsc308. when we run it, it smells like something is burning. where would that smell be coming from.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:04 am
I have a new whirlpool microwave MH1160xsq-1. Only used a couple of times, but it is just over a year old. The microwave turns on, but doesn’t heat up anything. Light turns on, fan turns on but no heat.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I have a customer that is asking me to fix a condensation problem with the exhaust flue. The condensation builds up in the exhaust flue through the roof and runs back down through the microwave and drips on the stove. She says she has replaced one microwave that burned out due to moister. I’m stumped on a correction, could you suggest something? I thought it might be from inadequate attic ventelation, but house seems to have plenty of eve blocks, gable and roof vents. Thanks for your time, Thomas
December 1st, 2009 at 11:05 pm
i have a microwave sanyo model EMS2298V with internal fuse blown. fuse is a 10 amp type ET fuse,is this a special type that i need to use because a standard 10 amp keeps blowing or could there be that there is a problem with the appliance
December 13th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I have a black Wirpool over the range M# MH1140XMB-0. I have moisture between the glasses inside the door. How do I take the door apart to clean?
December 14th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
my microwave is completly blank,the cable is plugged but the numbers arent showing..wat could be the problem?is it the fuse!
December 18th, 2009 at 5:36 am
I had a Whirlpool non vented unit and it broke. So, I bought another one (made the year after mine–basically looked just like mine.) The vent closure on the top looked different so I assumed the previous owner vented differently. So, I removed my flat plate and attached it to the new one. It didn’t fit exactly like my old one. When I run the unit, I hear the vent and feel the air. Do you think it’s that I didn’t properly seal the vent with my old cover?
December 25th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
My Whirlpool turntable stops if I let go of the door. But when I push the door and hold it, the turntable and microwave run just fine. How can I fix this myself?
December 30th, 2009 at 4:37 am
I just bought a 0.7 cubic foor, 700 watt microwave oven from GE (Model SES0730DMWW) and immediately upon opening it up and plugging in I got problems. Once I put the cook plate in it and closed the door it immediately turned on the oven light on started turning the plate, although it turns off if the door is open and I put something in there and it didn’t seem like it was heating at all. All the keypad inputs seem functional, but can’t cancel the the microwave from doing what its doing and I was even able to set the time while it spun.
January 3rd, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Hello. We have just purchased a Sanyo EM S156AW/S/B. Outside of unit gets very hot even when used for one minute. We have just replaced an old one which NEVER got hot outside. Is this a problem? Help greatly appreciated.
January 8th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I have a built-in Amana model #ACM1460A, and it sounds “funny”. It still heats, but the sound the microwave makes while it is running sounds like it is in slow motion. It sounds slower. Any idea what would cause that. It seems to be still working, but I think this is a warning sign that it will stop soon. Thank you!
January 15th, 2010 at 5:23 am
I have a Kenmore overhead unit. Everything works fine but the surface lights will not turn off. Any thoughts? Thank you.
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Over head whirlpool moicrowave. Cooked dinner last night, turned microwave fan on, finsished cooking, turned fan off, but light in mocrowave wont turn off. Now, micro wont start at all. Any help?
January 24th, 2010 at 2:37 am
We bought a whirpool over the range microwave oven six months ago. It ran fine until just tonight. The microwave turns on, but doesn’t heat up anything. Light turns on, fan turns on but no heat. Model number is WMH1164XVS-2. We had just used it a few minutes prior with no problem and then it no longer heats. Everything else works, just doesn’t heat.
January 24th, 2010 at 2:42 am
We bought a whirpool over the range microwave oven six months ago. It ran fine until just tonight. The microwave turns on, but doesn’t heat up anything. Light turns on, fan turns on but no heat. Model number is WMH1164XVS-2. We had just used it a few minutes prior with no problem and then it no longer heats. Everything else works, just doesn’t heat.
January 30th, 2010 at 5:42 am
We had a similar problelm today, with our Whirlpool microwave oven but a bit different. While not using the microwave at all, the fan spontaneously came on and would not turn off. The underside of the microwave got extremely hot within less than a minute. We unplugged it but are scared to plug it back in. It seems like it was about to catch on fire. Why would it spontaneously come on like that and get so hot?
February 1st, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Installed Maytag OTR microwave Model MMV1153BAS 11/6/07. A month ago it suddenly had a power outage (88:88) which has continued intermittently. Then the touch pad went haywire, some points working, others working but not where they were supposed to work! Two servicemen either could not duplicate the problem or could not determine what was causing the problem. Maytag is not interested in providing anything but another service call plus 50% off parts on a 2-year-old microwave! Now it works properly sometimes, other times it works a few seconds before kicking to 88:88. What a fiasco! Any ideas re the problem welcome. Talk about poor customer relations/service by a company revered for its reliable products…
February 4th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
I have Whirlpool GT1195shB-1 and it heats and runs fine EXCEPT, most times when you open the door the table begins to turn. It does not appear to be doing anything except turning at that time. What’s the problem?
February 6th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I have a Whirlpool Gold GH7208X Stainless steel microwave. The touch screen keeps freezing on certain food selections. I have to wait for a couple minutes for it to go back to the main screen. i have had the microwave about 8 months. have you ever heard of this happening
February 19th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Kenmore microwave, 18 months old. scrolls level 2, level 3, level 4, level 5 on the display while beeping, over and over
February 27th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Hi - I have an over the range Panasonic which as of yesterday runs for 2 seconds then shuts off - Its not too old but dont know if having it repairs is cost effective vs a new one. Thank you for your input.
February 27th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
When a microwave OTR barely 2 years old went out recently (and I posted here), Maytag only wanted to pay half of the parts, then finally offered to pay for parts but no service call or labor. I had already been out $150 for 2 service calls! Whirlpool (which now owns Maytag) was great about the problem. My microwave is now reparied and works great - so far!!!
Repair Question? Post it in the Forum
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