A microwave oven is a common household appliance. Sometimes it simply refuses to work and will leave us confused and wondering what went wrong. Here are some common problems that can occur with the oven and a few microwave repair tips to resolve them.
Sometimes your microwave will not switch on. The first thing to check is the plug. Ensure that it is plugged in properly and the door is correctly closed and aligned. If there is a blown fuse you can replace that or reset a tripped circuit breaker. Turn the switch on. If it does not work then there might be other issues or you may have to contact a professional.
If the microwave keeps blowing fuses or tripping a breaker check its door switch. Find the door switches and take off the leads. Probe the terminus using a volt ohm meter. When the door is open the reading has to be infinity and when closed it should be zero. If these readings are not correct, replace the switch and check again.
Sometimes the diode or the capacitor may be bad. Test the capacitor using the voltmeter. The reading should gradually increase to infinity. Test again by reversing the probes. The reading should be the same. If it is not, it is damaged. Similarly, test the diode as well. The two readings have to be opposite. If they are not you need to replace them. But if you are not able to identify the problem, you need to call a professional.
The carousel may not turn sometimes. It is driven by a small motor and is not related to the heating function. You have to check the plastic drive coupling on which the tray is found and also the ring and roll assembly. You have to open the microwave cabinet to fix it.
If you feel that the microwave cooks unevenly or relatively slowly, examine the voltage at the power supply. If it's less than 115 the trouble is with the electrical service. A bad motor can also cause the problem. To check this, remove the grill at the bottom and check using the voltmeter after setting it to RX1 and removing a lead from the terminals of the motor. You will have to replace the motor if the reading is infinity. Even the wave guide and the magnetron can cause problems.
The touchpad may work erratically or not work at all. If by any chance your touch pad has become wet, let it dry properly. Do not spray any cleaning liquid near it. If you have insects in your kitchen, check for infestation by insects. They are most likely to appear under clear surfaces and in between the circuit boards to feel the warmth. Cover the vents by placing a window mesh to keep away insects.
If you still are unable to fix your microwave or find some other persisting problems you should contact a microwave repair professional for assistance.