Five Common Microwave Problems & How To Fix Them

Spoon in microwave

Microwaves are great inventions and have simplified cooking and heating certain foods by the simple push of a button. Despite their simplicity, though, they can have faults, just like other appliances.

To know whether or not there’s an easy fix for your microwave problem or if you need to arrange for your microwave to be repaired, you first have to establish what the problem might be with it.

Here are five of the most common microwave faults:

Microwave sparking

Sparks in a microwave can be a scary sight, but generally it’s not a cause for worry, if the cause of the spark is remedied as soon as possible.

The most common reason for a sparking microwave is caused by the presence of a metal object which leads to the build-up of charged particles. The solution for this is simple. Avoid putting metal in the microwave, that includes foil and enamel coated crockery. And if you notice the sparking, remove the item to avoid excessive heat or damaging your microwave.

In rarer cases, a sparking microwave can be caused by a broken waveguide cover or faulty diode, both of which will require repair.

Read more about other causes of sparking microwaves.

Microwave is not heating food

If your microwave isn’t heating food, it’s likely that the magnetron in your appliance is broken.

Unfortunately, a burned-out magnetron can’t be repaired, it has to be replaced.

Other issues that can lead to food not being heated, includes a broken diode or a faulty door switch.

Microwave plate not spinning

The rotating glass plate in your microwave has two main purposes, which are evenly distributing heat and absorbing any excess energy the microwave puts out.

If the plate isn’t spinning correctly when operating, your food might be getting unevenly heated. This is most likely an issue with a broken motor, which can easily be replaced, and if it’s not the motor, it could be a problem with the microwave control board.

Microwave making noise

If your microwave is making a loud or unusual noise (buzzing, humming, scraping, static), there are a range of potential faults you’ll have to check for.

  • The drive motor that provides the power to rotate the plate might be faulty.
  • The magnetron might be defective, leading to an electrical humming or buzzing. The good news is that magnetron’s can be replaced.
  • The drive coupler or roller guide might be the problem, causing the rotating plate to make noise as it moves. Fix this yourself by inspecting the parts for dirt or food stuck to them.
  • The cooling fan at the back of the microwave can be damaged or obstructed, which can also cause a loud noise during operation

Microwave starts and then stops

If your microwave works when you first set it but quickly stops working after a few seconds, despite the time you’ve set it to heat for, there’s a good chance the door seal is broken. The door seal has to be triggered so that the microwave knows the door is closed in order for it to run

A broken seal can mean that the microwave still thinks it’s open, causing the operation of the microwave to stop. This is also a simple problem that can be repaired.

 

Comments

R.N.Johnson
Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 1:00 pm

I have a built-in AEG Microwave MCC 663 which is absolutely dead although the switches indicate that there is power.The serial number is 206 OO766 and I suspect that it was installed when the flat was built in 2002. We have only been in the flat a few months and so have no idea about previous history. Postcode KT1 !AZ – next to the Rose Theatre.

We also have an AEG built-in oven which has suddenly decided not to work because the clock refuse to be set. The power lights come on and the clock lights up. Serial number -21757936 AEG thinks this is either 6 or 16 years old. I think it is probably the latter.

Hasina Patel
Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 12:23 pm

Hello

Just one to know if you are able to repair my microwave. I have a burn on the inside of the microwave door. Now I am worried that I will not be able to use it.
I can send you the picture of the burnt microwave door if you like.

I haveI a Panasonic model combi microwave.Model NN-CT5855
Sériel number 5C0713547

If it is repairable please can you tell me the costs involved.
Kindest regards

H Patel

Carolyn Hardie
Friday, August 23, 2019 at 8:22 pm

My Sharpe microwave, 800 watts, is rusting along the cavity of the oven, and along the edge of the door. The rust is a strip surrounding this area.
My oven is about 3 months old, and this has occurred with several ovens I have previously had. What can I do about this

MGlotech
Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 3:01 pm

This is caused by bad manufacturing quality I am afraid. To reduce it you could leave the door open to dry the interior out after use.
If you do a lot of cooking that produces a lot of steam then this could expedite the onset of rust.

Microwaves with stainless steel interiors should be immune to this but the quality of stainless that manufacturers use sometimes is bad and then rust can still develop.

If it makes you feel any better I have seen this happen to a £1000 Siemens microwave that was 4 years old.

Once there is rust on the inside of microwaves it can result in arching (sparks) and should then not be used.

Fran Banbury
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2:48 pm

We have a Sharp Microwave combi over which is only 15 months old. The light is still working but it doesn’t appear to be heating? Might this be a setting? Or an easy fix?

John
Friday, March 1, 2024 at 7:07 pm

My Microwave will only work during the warmer summer months, in winter the led display just goes on and off making a constant program key sound….
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Sharon Thies
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 7:10 pm

I have an GE microwave,model #JES2251FJ03
The latch to open the door is almost stopped working,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,it is floppy and has to be pushed a few times to open.
Can my son fix this or do I need to call a repair man.
The microwave is only 2 years old………..

lot david
Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:03 am

your information is very help full .

Dave Hass
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 4:25 pm

Our Beko micro table is not turning I have required a turntable motor how easy can they be fitted

Susan leader
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 12:53 pm

My AEG micromat – combi doesn’t heat food. The dial on front says SAFE I cannot work any of the programs as nothing happens.

MADHABANANDA BHATTACHARYYA
Monday, November 11, 2024 at 4:06 pm

I have a samsung microwave. For the last few months it is being noticed that as soon as food is being inserted for hot purpose, within 10-15 seconds a loud humming sound comes out from microwave. Very recently it is also observed the heating element is being burnt till the system is being permanently switched off. The gasket, ventilation points are ok. Please advise.

Casey Hewer
Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:07 am

Thank you for your message. The loud humming sound and burning of the heating element in your Samsung microwave suggest a serious fault, likely with the magnetron (responsible for heating) or the high-voltage components, such as the capacitor or transformer.

Operating it further may pose a safety risk, so we strongly recommend discontinuing use immediately.

This issue requires specialised tools and expertise to diagnose and repair. We advise booking an engineer to inspect and resolve the fault. Let us know if you’d like us to assist with arranging this!

Casey Hewer
Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:22 am

Thank you for your message. The “SAFE” setting on your AEG Micromat combi suggests that the microwave might be in a safety lock mode, preventing any operation. This is often activated to prevent accidental use.

To unlock the appliance, refer to the user manual for the specific steps to deactivate the child lock or safety feature (usually involves pressing and holding certain buttons).

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be worth checking for a fault with the control board or heating components. We recommend booking an engineer to inspect and repair it if needed. Let us know if you’d like to arrange this!

Casey Hewer
Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:44 am

Thank you for your message. Replacing the turntable motor in a Beko microwave is a relatively straightforward task if you’re comfortable with basic appliance repairs. However, it does involve disassembling the microwave and working with its internal components, so proper care should be taken.

You’ll need to unplug the microwave and remove the cover to access the turntable motor. Depending on the model, the motor may be secured with screws, and you’ll need to disconnect it from the wiring. After replacing the motor with the new one, reassemble the microwave and test it.

If you’re not familiar with electrical components or prefer professional assistance, it’s best to book an engineer for a safe and accurate repair. Let me know if you’d like help arranging this!

Casey Hewer
Monday, January 13, 2025 at 4:45 pm

Thank you for your message. If the latch to open the door of your GE microwave is becoming floppy and difficult to operate, it may be an issue with the door catch mechanism or the door latch spring. Since the microwave is only two years old, it’s likely still under warranty, and a repair could be simpler than expected.

Your son might be able to inspect and potentially fix it by disassembling the front panel, cleaning any obstructions, or tightening any loose components, but it can be tricky depending on the internal mechanisms. If you’re not comfortable with this or if the issue persists, it’s best to call a professional repair technician to avoid causing further damage. Let me know if you’d like help arranging a repair!

Casey Hewer
Monday, January 13, 2025 at 4:45 pm

Thank you for your message. If your microwave only works during warmer months and exhibits strange behaviour like the LED display turning on and off with a constant program key sound in winter, it suggests a potential issue with the internal electronics, possibly related to temperature fluctuations affecting the microwave’s components.

This could be due to a faulty thermal fuse, wiring issue, or a problem with the control board that’s sensitive to temperature changes. Given the unusual nature of the problem, I recommend booking an engineer to inspect and repair the microwave, as it requires proper diagnosis and expertise. Let me know if you’d like assistance arranging this!


Leave a Reply

Categories

Archives