Troubleshooting a Broken Microwave with Simple Repair Tips

From reheating leftovers to cooking a quick meal when you are on the go, the microwave is easily one of the most valued modern appliances in the kitchen. However, just as it is with any other kitchen appliance, on occasion, the average microwave can have problems. Here are a few of the most common microwave repair issues and their potential causes.

Problem: Digital touch pad is not functional.

Cause and Solution: If you see a digital display, but the buttons do not respond at all, try unplugging the microwave for a few minutes to reset it. In some cases, the digital control needs to reset. However, if you do not have any numbers displaying on the screen and nothing is working, you could have issues with the interior power supply to the controller or the controller itself may need to be replaced.

Problem: Microwave continues to run when the door is opened.

Cause and Solution: The interlocking system on the door of most microwaves contains a sensor that signals the microwave to stop working when the door is opened. If the microwave continues to run when you open the door, there is a pretty good chance that this sensor is bad and will need to be replaced by a professional.

Problem: The microwave seems to function normally, but does not offer any heat.

Cause and Solution: The heating unit of a microwave contains diodes, fuses, and thermal connectors that could be damaged if you do not have any heat. You may have noticed intermittent heating or erratic behavior before your microwave completely stopped heating. If this is the case, be sure to stop using the microwave right away until you can have the heating unit checked out by a technician. There is a good chance that one or more components inside is damaged and will have to be removed and replaced.

If you are having issues with your microwave, you may not always have the expertise to tackle the issue on your own. You can call for an expert.