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A microwave has just one job : bring food hot fast . When A microwave has stopped heating , either because it ’s not get raging enough or not starting at all , you may be tempted to jactitate it out and buy a new one . It ’s worth doing some troubleshooting , however , before give up on the appliance . With a fiddling time , a Phillips - head screwdriver , and a multimeter , you may be able-bodied to exploit through this list of rough-cut issues and get your microwave oven heating up again .

But first , some warning : disconnect the microwave oven before you do any tinkering . If the fireplug is n’t accessible , turn off the index at the electric circuit breaker . Also , microwaves have a mellow - voltage condenser , which stores electrical energy and forms part of the high-pitched - voltage circuit that powers the magnetron — the equipment that generate the microwaves that wake your nutrient . The capacitor can deliver a life-threatening shock , even after the microwave has been unplugged , and it must be discharged before doing any body of work on this electrical circuit . If you are not have in electric repairs , it ’s better to call in a pro than to risk hurt .

A young woman places container of food into black microwave in a kitchen.

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6 Possible Reasons Your Microwave Is Not Heating Up

1. It isn’t plugged in.

If nothing happens at all when you press out the “ start ” button , check that the appliance is plug in and that the electrical outlet has power . If it ’s plugged in but not starting , determine the breaker boxwood to see if the circuit is tripped . If the breaker is n’t tripped , apply a multimeter to test the outlet , or try plugging a lamp or another appliance into the outlet to see if it cultivate .

2. The microwave has been set for a delayed start.

Some microwave have a retard start feature that lets the drug user programme the appliance to start cooking at a placed time . If this characteristic is selected , the microwave oven wo n’t immediately turn on when you press “ start . ” Check the user ’s manual to find out how to cancel the setting . Alternatively , unplugging the microwave for a few minutes may reset the gismo and clear out the delay beginning .

3. The control lock feature is turned on.

If nothing happens when you press out the “ start ” clit but the display is lit up , the controller lock feature may be on . This feature forestall inadvertent use or role by nestling . When it ’s on , there is usually an indication in the display . Control lock can often be cancel by holding down the “ offset ” or “ off ” button for a few seconds or by repeatedly fight it , but check the user ’s manual for your microwave . On most but not all framework , disconnect the microwave for a few minutes will strike down the control ringlet stage setting .

4. The microwave may be in demo mode.

If the appliance is on , the display is illume up , themicrowave fanis running , and the lazy Susan is spinning , but the microwave will not heat up , the contrivance might be in demonstration mode . Retailers use this setting to certify the gizmo ’s features without using existent microwave world power . The process for turning it off varies from model to manakin , so check the user ’s manual for instructions or just disconnect the microwave for a few arcminute to readjust it .

5. Your microwave is set to a low power level.

If the microwave no longer ignite up food properly or hot up very tardily , check the mightiness context . Microwaves typically volunteer between five and 10 unlike power levels for more precise preparation , make the convenience effective at everything from softening butter to preparation stews to wake a loving cup of urine for afternoon tea . Check the great power set to ensure it ’s appropriate for the food you ’re heat .

6. One of the door switches is bad.

switch on the microwave oven ’s door — there are typically three , but sometimes more — prevent the appliance from lock with the door clear . This is an important base hit feature film , but sometimes a faulty switch can preclude the microwave oven from heating up , although the light and turntable may go on , and the timer may look down . A bad replacement can also cause the fan and turntable to run when the door is undecided .

These switching are located on the inside of the microwave door by the latch mechanics . Accessing the switches typically requires removing some of the gadget ’s exterior passementerie and the control panel . The process varies by model , so check the substance abuser ’s manual of arms or search for instructions online . Take photos before and while you ’re slay the switches to make certain you reinstall them properly .

Use amultimeterto check each switch for persistence , affirm that index flux through when the substitution is closed . If the multimeter reads near to zero when the replacement is close , the switch has continuity . If not , the electrical switch needs to be replaced .

Woman with silver bracelet setting microwave time.

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When to Call a Professional for Microwave Repairs

While there are a turn of other component that can be checked or supplant , theU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissionand major manufacturer strongly discourage DIY microwave oven repairs . For homeowner who do have the appropriate skill and experience , here are some other potential trouble points worth checking if the microwave is be given but not heating . forge with any of these components need that you first discharge the eminent - potential capacitor using a safe - handle screwdriver or other safety shaft .

The high-voltage diode has failed.

The diode is the piece of equipment that converts alternating current ( AC ) into lineal current ( DC ) , cater power to the magnetron . If it ’s burned out , the magnetron will not receive enough potential difference to generate the microwave that wake the food .

The high-voltage capacitor is faulty.

The capacitor stores electrical get-up-and-go and discharges it to the magnetron , ensuring that it receive the roughly 4,000 volts postulate to generate microwaves . If the capacitor is faulty , the oven wo n’t heat up , and it may make foreign hum , buzzing or greaves noise .

The magnetron has failed.

The magnetron generate the microwave oven that fire up the food . When a magnetron give out , it can also blow fuses , which can cause other failure in the microwave .

It ’s recommended that a incorrect magnetron be supersede by a professional due to the dangerous nature of high - voltage fix . The magnetron is comparatively expensive to substitute , so it may be worth replacing the microwave oven if the magnetron has gone out , peculiarly if it ’s an older unit of measurement .

When Should You Replace Your Microwave?

If after troubleshooting the appliance you ’re still wondering why your microwave oven is n’t heating , it may be time to buy a replacement . The lifespan of a microwave is about 7 years , reckon on the quality of the appliance and how often you expend it . It generally does n’t make sense to repair a microwave that ’s more than 7 years old . Instead , look at new model that may be more energy - efficient or extend useful lineament likeconvection cooking .

It is often , however , worthwhile to repair a microwave oven , even an cheap one , if it ’s less than 3 years one-time . To decide whether to substitute a broken microwave oven sometime than 3 long time , consider the initial cost of the microwave oven and weigh that against the cost of the repair and the cost of a new simulation with the desired features . If you ’re replacing an over - the - reach microwave , be sure to factor in in the price of induction as well as any console or discharge modification the newfangled unit may call for .

Dispose of your microwaveresponsibly if you do decide to buy a new one . see with your local sanitation section to find out if the convenience needs to be taken to a peculiar collection site for recycling or right administration . If the onetime unit is still in workings condition , believe donate it ; if it needs some work , ask a local contraption repair store if they ’re concerned . Do what you may to keep the microwave oven out of the landfill .

Opening a microwave door.

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Maintain Your Microwave to Make It Last

To reach out the life of your microwave , avoid making thesecommon contraption mistakes .

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A repairman in safety glasses repairs a pull-out drawer style microwave.

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Somebody cleaning the interior of a microwave with a sponge.

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