Microwave Not Working? Two Major Issues And What Causes Them
The expected life span of a microwave is seven years with normal use. People who use their appliance more often should take a year or so off the number of years. The microwave will also last longer if you only use it according to the directions and never put anything inside of it that should not be microwaved, such as metal. Keeping the inside clean and free of food messes will also go a long way in helping it run better. Microwaves can malfunction over the years through normal wear and tear. This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose what is wrong and how to solve it.
Microwave Not Heating
One of the most common problems with a microwave is that it will not heat the food. Every microwave has at least two switches on the door. When you close the door, each switch has a sensor to make sure the door is properly closed and allows the appliance to turn on. If any of the switches are broken, the sequence is also broken and the microwave safeguards will not let the appliance turn on. You can use a multimeter to test the switches and see which one has failed and replace it.
A thermal fuse is installed in each microwave to ensure that the appliance does not overheat. A blown fuse would mean that the power would be cut to the appliance, which means that you would need to install a new one in order to solve the issue. You can use a multimeter to test the fuse before you remove it. Test both the left and right sides of the fuse and replace it if shows no signs of power.
Turntable Issues
The turntable is the tray inside the microwave that you place the items on. It turns as it cooks to ensure that the food is evenly heated and cooked thoroughly. The glass tray is designed to sit on a glass tray support which lifts it above the bottom of the microwave so the turntable can spin freely. If there is an issue with the support, the turntable cannot function properly. Make sure the support and the tray are lined up evenly. Check the support for signs of damage. It might be necessary to replace the part if it is damaged.
Conclusion
It is important to make sure that the power is off to the microwave before you repair any parts of it or you have a high risk of being electrocuted. You can also hire a general contractor or microwave repair contractor to repair the appliance for you.
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