Avoid Microwave Meltdowns: Easy Troubleshooting Tips

If you and your family are always on the go, then your microwave may getit's quite possible that your microwave gets a lot of use. So, when you notice issues such as the carousel off its rotation, strange odors or peculiar noises, you probably want to check things out post haste. But before calling (and paying) a repairman, here are a few tips for microwave troubleshooting.

Carousel not spinning

You're rushing out the door and just popped your cup of coffee in the microwave to warm it up for a few seconds. However, while the microwave sounds like it's working OK, the glass plate turntable and carousel aren't rotating. How should you handle this instance of your microwave not working?

1. First, remove the glass plate turntable. Check the carousel to see if there are any large food particles or crumbs impeding movement. 
2. Wash both the carousel and plate thoroughly. You'll want to pay close attention to the rollers, as food tendshas a tendency to get trapped here without people knowing. 
3. Before placing everything back inside the microwave, make sure the interior is also cleaned, paying extra care to the area below where the turntable and plate sit. 
4. Once the interior is cleaned and dry, carefully place the carousel back in the microwave and be sure it's aligned properly. 
5. Next, place the plate back on the carousel, ensuring the grooves are lined up. 

If you continue to experience problems with your carousel not spinning, then  the issue may have to do with your microwave's drive bushing, or motor, in which case you would need to call a Pro.

Buttons not working

There are several reasons why the buttons on your microwave might not be functioning properly. First, test your touchpad and control panel. Remember, you never want to run an empty microwave, so for testing purposes, place a mug of water inside the microwave. Once you close the door, try pressing each button one by one on your control panel. If you notice some buttons responding and others not, you can either have the control panel replaced by an electrician or try repairing it yourself.

If you decide to go with the latter option:

1. Unplug your microwave.
2. Remove the screws at the top of your microwave, which is typically where the fan guard is located. 
3. Once the fan guard is removed, you should see your touch panel, which is normally secured by a screw. Be extremely cautious here, as the control panel board is still active and may shock you. 
4. Disconnect the wires, and gently tug or push the ribbon cable. 
5. Once you've done this, carefully reassemble the parts. 

This should correct your issues with the control key panel, allowing the buttons and display to function properly. If your microwave is still not working, then you may need to go ahead and swallow your DIY pride and call a Pro.

Can you see the light?

Usually upon opening the microwave door, a light comes on and stays on while your beverage or food item is warming up. If you notice your microwave light isn’t working, you could simply have a blown bulb. Before checking the bulb, unplug the microwave. If you determine the bulb is indeed blown, identify the type of bulb your microwave uses and carefully replace the bulb with a new one. 

If you’re still experiencing issues with the interior microwave light not working, try using a multimeter to test the light bulb to voltage connection. If the multimeter indicates the voltage connection is faulty, you’ll likely need to switch your control board. If even then you still notice issues with lighting, it may be attributed to the light socket, which can also be tested with a multimeter.

In cases where your microwave light won’t turn off, this could be due to a number of factors. A faulty door switch, a malfunctioning control board, or even a wiring issue might be to blame— which means calling a Pro might be your best bet if you don’t feel confident about your knowledge of the inner workings of a microwave.

Food not heating

You've had a long day at work, and all you want to do is heat up that plate of leftover spaghetti from yesterday's Italian feast. You grab the plate, hit "4" and four minutes later your microwave beeps. You take the plate out of the microwave only to discover it's just as cold as it was before you put it in.

A microwave not heating may occur for a number of reasons.

1. Malfunctioning diode. For one, your diode could be malfunctioning or burnt out. The microwave's diode transforms or converts A/C power to D/C power, doubling the voltage. If the diode burns out, your magnetron is not receiving enough power or voltage to operate. 
2. Burnt out transformers or capacitors. Your high voltage capacitors and transformers could be burnt out, preventing the necessary energy from reaching the magnetron. When these components fail, the microwave may power on but will be unable to generate the heat needed to cook your food.
3. Thermoprotector overheating. You could also be experiencing issues from your thermoprotector overheating, which usually happens when it's tripped. To test this possibility, use a multimeter, a device used to calculate electric voltage and current. If you're not seeing stability while testing then it's likely the thermoprotector needs to be replaced. 

For instances like this, or other large-scale issues like the microwave not getting power, it’s best to consult a licensed Pro.  

Something smells a little funny

If you're giving your microwave a daily workout, you need to carve out some time to clean it once a week, especially if you're detecting unpleasant odors. After you've wiped down your microwave and its components thoroughly and are still noticing an off-putting odor, your microwave may be experiencing issues that necessitate more than a little freshening up. 

Are there any burnt odors or strange sounds coming from the appliance? These could indicate faulty wiring in the control panel. Do not attempt to repair the device yourself unless you are certified to do so. Either contact an electrician or purchase a new microwave.

 Don’t worry, be warranty.

The beauty of the microwave is its convenience, but when things keep going wrong, this trusty appliance can go from convenient to a constant source of frustration. Especially when you’re dealing with a built-in microwave -=, problems can be difficult to diagnose, and parts are hard to access.

With an American Home Shield® home warranty, a mystifying microwave malfunction doesn’t have to derail your mid-week leftovers routine. Instead, you can rest easy knowing that your microwave, and up to 22 more of your home’s systems and appliances are covered. No matter how big the breakdown, American Home Shield has’s got your back — compare plans today to find the coverage that’s right for you tomorrow.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.