Identifying and Resolving Microwave Issues
For many households, their microwave is one of the key kitchen appliances and an often-used device. The ability to quickly and easily heat up or defrost food is a great convenience. As with any appliance, though, microwaves can develop faults from frequent use or from aging. Knowing how to identify, diagnose and repair common faults can help you fix the issue or identify when you should call a professional.
One of the most common faults associated with microwaves is door failures. If your microwave’s door no longer seals properly, it could result in microwave radiation leaking out if not addressed. To diagnose the cause of the issue, you may have to take the door off and examine the internal springs, catches and latches which will hold the door shut when closed. If these appear to be worn or bent, you will likely need a specialist technician to come in to repair the tracking or replace the actual parts.
Another common fault is the magnetron, or the motor which creates microwaves. These will commonly malfunction due to usage or from bad wiring, overloading the motor and causing it to become overheated or burn out. If you smell burning or notice sparking from the device, you will likely need to call a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
The third common fault is related to your electrical power. If you have a tripped breaker or if your plug is not correctly powered, you may have an intermittent power which would intermittently turn the microwave off and on. To diagnose this, check your main supply and ensure the wires appear to be connected correctly. You may even try unplugging your microwave and re-plugging it in, or using a different circuit. If the fault remains, contact a professional for further assistance.
By knowing how to identify common faults and diagnose the cause of the issue, you can easily determine when it is time to repair your microwave or simply replace it. If you need assistance, our Directory of Appliance Repair Technicians can help you find a reliable local technician or professional to diagnose or repair any faults.
Common Microwave Faults - Troubleshooting and Repair
Q: What are some common microwave faults? A: Common microwave faults can include not heating, tray not turning, door not opening, making loud noises, and lights not turning on.
Q: How do I diagnose a microwave fault? A: Diagnosing a microwave fault can be done by inspecting the appliance visually, checking the plug and power supply, and running a few test rounds with different settings.
Q: How do I determine if a fault is caused by a part that needs to be replaced? A: It is usually best to narrow down the cause of the fault first before replacing any parts. If a visual inspection and basic testing do not identify the cause, you may need to replace the part to see if this solves the fault.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when repairing a microwave? A: Safety should always be your top priority when repairing a microwave. Unplug the appliance and make sure it is switched off, avoid contact with moving parts and the mica sheet, and wear protective gloves and glasses at all times.
Q: Are there any resources available to help me repair a microwave? A: Yes, there are many resources available to help with repairing a microwave. You can check out online tutorial videos, instructional repair manuals, and troubleshooting guides to help with identifying and resolving common microwave faults.
Key Takeaways for Common Microwave Faults
- Door failures in microwaves can be due to worn or bent internal components, and may require a specialist technician.
- Magnetrons, the devices that create microwave radiation, may malfunction from frequent use, bad wiring, and overheating.
- Electrical power issues in microwaves could cause intermittent turning on/off and require re-plugging or circuit use.
- Knowing how to identify, diagnose and repair common faults is beneficial.
- Professional assistance is available to diagnose or repair faults.