Common Microwave Faults
I repair a wide range of common microwave problems, from simple faults to more involved electrical, control and heating issues.
| Microwave Fault | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| No power | Blown fuse, faulty socket, damaged power cable, failed control board, faulty door switch or internal fuse failure. |
| Microwave not heating | Failed magnetron, faulty high-voltage diode, capacitor fault, transformer fault, door switch issue or control board fault. |
| Turns on but food stays cold | Magnetron failure, high-voltage circuit fault, faulty relay, diode failure or capacitor fault. |
| Plate not turning | Faulty turntable motor, damaged roller ring, broken drive coupling, obstruction under plate or control fault. |
| Making unusual noises | Faulty turntable motor, cooling fan issue, loose internal part, magnetron fault or worn roller ring. |
| Sparking inside | Damaged waveguide cover, food debris, metal object inside, chipped cavity paint or damaged rack support. |
| Burning smell | Food residue burning, damaged waveguide cover, overheating component, electrical fault, failed motor or transformer. |
| Door not closing properly | Damaged door latch, misaligned hinges, broken door hook, worn catch mechanism or obstruction around door seal. |
| Door not opening | Broken release button, faulty latch mechanism, damaged door spring or misaligned door catch. |
| Light not working | Blown lamp, faulty lamp holder, wiring issue or control board fault. |
| Buttons not responding | Faulty touchpad, control panel fault, damaged ribbon cable, failed PCB or moisture ingress. |
| Display not working | Control board fault, failed display module, loose connection or power supply issue. |
| Microwave stops mid-cycle | Overheating, faulty thermal cut-out, fan issue, door switch fault or control board fault. |
| Tripping electrics | Shorted component, faulty high-voltage capacitor, magnetron fault, damaged wiring, moisture ingress or mains filter fault. |
| Fan not running | Faulty fan motor, blocked ventilation, wiring issue or control board fault. |
| Runs when door is open | Faulty door interlock switch, damaged latch system or control board fault. Appliance should not be used. |
| Overheating | Blocked vents, faulty cooling fan, thermal cut-out issue, poor airflow or internal component fault. |
| Interior paint peeling | Age-related wear, food residue damage, moisture damage, arcing damage or chipped cavity coating. |
| Grill not working | Failed grill element, thermostat fault, wiring issue, selector switch fault or control board fault. |
| Combination oven not heating properly | Fan oven element fault, thermostat issue, grill element fault, sensor fault or control board fault. |
| Error code showing | Door switch fault, sensor fault, control board issue, overheating fault, keypad fault or display fault. |