Why Does My Microwave Not Heating – How to Fix

Why Does My Microwave Not Heating
Read Time:5 Minute, 15 Second

The magnetron in your microwave is probably broken if it isn’t heating food. Furthermore, a burnt-out magnetron cannot be fixed; instead, it needs to be replaced.

Depending on the microwave, it is unlikely to be working at all if another component is responsible. However, the heating problem could also be brought on by a blown thermal fuse or Thermoprotector, a broken door switch, or a bad control board.

We will describe how to resolve the heating problem, but you should first read the safety notice below because fixing a microwave is more complicated than fixing other home appliances.

How to Repair a Microwave That is Not Heating

Why Does My Microwave Not Heating

The reasons your microwave might not be heating are discussed in the steps that follow, along with potential fixes. Contact a trained service technician if these steps don’t solve the problem or if you’re unsure of what to do next.

Step 1: Check the Microwave’s Power Supply

Verify that the power supply for the microwave is plugged into a grounded, working outlet. If you’re not sure if the outlet you’re using is working, try plugging in a lamp or another small appliance to see if it’s operational. Check to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit has tripped in your home if the outlet seems to be working properly.

Step 2: Ensure the Door is Closing Properly

A microwave won’t heat until the door is properly closed as a safety measure. Before using, make sure the microwave’s door is tightly closed. If your microwave is brand-new, make sure to take out the shipping spacer and any remaining packaging that might be preventing the latch from closing all the way.

Why Does My Microwave Not Heating

Step 3: Check the Microwave’s Controls

Verify that the settings on your microwave are set to the appropriate temperature for the object you are trying to heat. You will need to adjust the power level if the current settings are causing your food to come out cold because they are using less power or a shorter cook time than what is required to heat your dish.

Step 4: Check for Error Or Display Codes

Your microwave won’t heat up and a code will show up on the display if it has an error or is in a particular mode. Two frequent codes—Control Lock and Demo Mode—will stop the appliance from heating and must be removed before it can resume normal operation.

If you have followed all of these instructions and your microwave is still not heating, there may be a problem with an internal component, and a new appliance may be necessary. Maytag brand offers plenty of microwave options to suit your needs.

How Does a Microwave Work?

In the 1940s, microwaves made their debut. The candy bar in his pocket had melted, the American scientist noticed, when his radar equipment did.

These appliances have since revolutionalized kitchens around the world – but how do they work? (Read More: How Does A Microwave Oven Work – Complete Guide to Use It in 2023)

Actually, it’s quite easy!

A magnetron, which creates high-frequency radiowaves, is a component of every microwave. Alternatively, “microwaves.” This is comparable to how radios and wifi operate by using invisible airborne waves.

These waves are produced by the magnetron and are guided into the metal box by a waveguide. The more they come into contact with water, the more they bounce around crazily in there. They are the perfect frequency to penetrate water and cause ferocious vibrations in the water molecules. There is a lot of heat produced by all this movement at the miniature scale. which is what cooks our food!

Put Safety First When Repairing a Microwave

Why Does My Microwave Not Heating

Be aware that repairing this appliance carries a sizable risk for injury or death if safety precautions aren’t taken due to the high voltage and high current used by microwave ovens. In order to begin any disassembly, you must always unplug the microwave. We advise that only qualified professionals access and replace internal components because high voltage capacitors used in microwaves might retain a charge even after the microwave has been unplugged.

If you do need to access internal components, you should make sure the capacitor is fully discharged immediately after removing the microwave’s shroud or cover. Even though the bleeder resistor found in the majority of high voltage capacitors used in modern microwave models should cause the capacitor to discharge itself once the voltage is cut off, it’s a good idea to manually discharge the capacitor to be sure. This can be done by placing a screwdriver blade or needle-nose pliers across each set of capacitor terminals. You should keep your hands away from the metal part of the tool when it is in contact with the terminals, and the handle of the screwdriver or pliers should be insulated.

Conclusion

When your microwave won’t heat, it can be one of the most annoying appliance problems. Even after they have been unplugged, microwave ovens can retain lethal amounts of electricity in the high voltage capacitor. To put it in perspective, a microwave needs about 120 volts to operate, while anything above 30 volts is considered unsafe for humans. As a result, microwaves are without a doubt among the most hazardous home appliances to repair. It is best to leave microwave repairs and troubleshooting to a qualified technician.

FAQs

Why is My Microwave Running But Not Heating?

The most frequent cause of a microwave that is operating but not heating food is a damaged magnetron. A microwave’s magnetron, which generates the microwaves required to heat your food, is a crucial component.

What Causes a Microwave to Suddenly Stop Working?

The most common cause of a microwave not working is that the main fuse has blown. Power fluctuations or a broken door switch are the two main causes of fuses blowing. The magnetron or capacitor, for example, could be faulty and cause the component to blow.

Why is My Microwave Humming and Not Heating?

Your microwave may be making a loud humming noise because one of its diodes is broken or worn out. The diode is in charge of converting AC to DC in order to supply power to the magnetron. Your microwave won’t produce heat if a bad diode is the cause of the noise.

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