Microwave Is Working But… [Problems Solved]

If your microwave is working but there is no light or if it’s working but not heating this article is for you. We are going to talk about why you may be experiencing these problems and what to do to fix them.

Microwave is Working but Not Heating

There is more than one possible reason why your microwave is working but not heating. Below we will talk about each one and how to fix them.

The Line Fuse

Your microwave may work but not heat because the line fuse has blown. To know how to check and replace the line fuse in a microwave, do the following…

Step 1: Start by unplugging the microwave from the socket.

Step 2: At the top of the microwave front grille, there will be two or three screws, take them out.

Step 3: Open the microwave door and remove the front grille gently.

Step 4: There is a screw above the control panel that holds it in place. Take that out with a screwdriver.

Step 5: Lift the control panel up then out slowly.

Step 6: Inside the microwave, you will be a tube-like box which houses the fuse. Open it.

Step 7: Take out the fuse.

Step 8: Using a multimeter, test the fuse for continuity. If there is not continuity, you will need to replace the fuse.

Step 9: Connect the wires to the new fuse and place it back in the box.

Step 10: Close the box.

Step 11: Insert the tabs on the sides of the control panel back in the slots the push it down.

Step 12: Screw the control panel back using the screw you removed earlier.

Step 13: Return the front grille and secure with the screws.

Step 14: Close the door.

If your microwave still doesn’t heat after this, you should call a technician.

Watch the video below for a visual of how to replace the line fuse in a microwave.

Thermal Fuse

Another reason your microwave is working but not heating may be because of a faulty thermal fuse. To replace the thermal fuse in a microwave, follow these steps…

Step 1: First, unplug the oven to avoid the risk of electrocution.

Step 2: Take out the screws at the top of the microwave front grille.

Step 3: Open the microwave door.

Step 4: Now remove the front grille.

Step 5: Take out the screw right next to the microwave’s control panel.

Step 6: Lift the control panel up and lower it down.

Step 7: In the microwave cavity, you will see the thermal fuse at the bottom. Disconnect the wires connected to it.

Step 8: Take out the screw securing the thermal fuse to the microwave.

Step 9: Test the thermal fuse for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, get a new thermal fuse.

Step 10: Position the new thermal fuse on the microwave floor.

Step 11: Hold the thermal fuse in place using the screw.

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Step 12: Reconnect the wires to the thermal fuse.

Step 13: Lift the control panel up and push it back in.

Step 14: Return the screws which secures the control panel.

Step 15: Return the front grille and the screws at the top.

Step 16: Close the microwave door and plug it back in.

Keep reading if your microwave is working but not heating.

Watch the video below for a visual of how to replace the thermal fuse in a microwave.

The Diode

A faulty diode may also be the reason your microwave is working but not heating. To replace the diode in a microwave, do the following…

Step 1: Unplug the microwave or switch off the circuit breaker.

Step 2: Take out the screws which hold the front grille of the microwave. There will be two or three screws at the top depending on your microwave model.

Step 3: Open the oven door and remove the front grille.

Step 4: Take out the screw securing the control panel. The screw will be either on the side or at the top of the panel.

Step 5: Lift the control panel out.

Step 6: Take out the screws which hold the inner access panel of the microwave in place.

Step 7: Set the inner access panel aside.

Step 8: Discharge the capacitor. Do this by placing a pair of pliers or a screwdriver with an insulated handle across the capacitor terminals.

Step 9: Disconnect the diode from the capacitor using a pair of pliers.

Step 10: Take out the screw which secures the diode.

Step 11: Get a new diode and screw it to the frame.

Step 12: Connect it to the capacitor.

Step 13: Return the inner access panel and secure using the screws.

Step 14: Lift the control panel and push it back into place.

Step 15: Return the screw which secures it.

Step 16: Return the front grille and the screws which hold it in place.

Step 17: Close the microwave door and plug it in.

Keep reading if your microwave is working but not heating still.

The video below will show you how to replace the diode in a microwave.

The Capacitor

A faulty capacitor is another possible reason why your microwave is working but not heating. Follow the steps below to replace the capacitor in a microwave…

Step 1: Unplug the microwave.

Step 2: Open the microwave door and take out the glass tray and support.

Step 3: Open the cabinet door and take out the bolts which secure the microwave to it. Make sure to get someone else to support the microwave while you do this.

Step 4: Tilt the microwave forward and pull the power cord through the hole in the cabinet.

Step 5: Lift the microwave up and set it on a sturdy surface lined with a cloth.

Step 6: Take out the screws which hold the front vent of the microwave in place.

Step 7: Open the microwave door and remove the front vent.

Step 8: Close the door and set the microwave on its back.

Step 9: Take out the screws which hold the bottom panel in place.

Step 10: Disconnect the wire harness connected to the bottom panel.

Step 11: Set the bottom panel aside.

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Step 12: Turn the microwave to its upright position.

Step 13: Take out the screws which hold the microwave cover in place. There will be some at the top, back and maybe the sides.

Step 14: Remove the microwave cover.

Step 15: Discharge the capacitor by placing a pair of pliers across the terminals of the capacitor.

Step 16: Using the same pliers, disconnect the wires connected to the capacitor.

Step 17: Take out the screws which secure the capacitor.

Step 18: Test the capacitor for continuity using the multimeter. If there is no continuity, get a new capacitor.

Step 19: Transfer the mounting bracket from the old capacitor to the new one.

Step 20: Screw the new capacitor into place.

Step 21: Reconnect the wires to the capacitor.

Step 22: Reposition the microwave cover and secure with the screws.

Step 23: Return the front vent of the microwave and hold it in place with the screws.

Step 24: Lay the microwave on its back and return the bottom panel.

Step 25: Reconnect the wire harness to the bottom panel.

Step 26: Screw the bottom panel into place.

Step 27: Lift up the microwave.

Step 28: Sit the microwave on the mounting bracket on the wall.

Step 29: Pass the power cord through the hole in the cabinet.

Step 30: Secure the microwave to the cabinet using the bolts.

Step 31: Return the microwave glass tray and support.

Step 32: Plug the microwave back in.

The video below will walk you through the process of replacing the capacitor in a microwave.

The Magnetron

To replace the magnetron in a microwave, follow the steps listed below…

Step 1: Turn off the microwave and unplug it from the outlet.

Step 2: Take out the glass tray and support from the microwave.

Step 3: Take out the bolts which hold the microwave to the cabinet. Have someone support the microwave while you do this.

Step 4: Pull the power cord through the hole in the cabinet.

Step 5: Lift the microwave off the mounting plate and set it on a flat and sturdy surface lined with a towel or cloth.

Step 6: Take out the screws which hold the front grille of the microwave in place. Depending on the model of your microwave, there will be two or three screws.

Step 7: Remove the front grille.

Step 8: Turn the microwave to rest on its back.

Step 9: Take out the screws securing the bottom panel.

Step 10: Disconnect the wire harness connected to the bottom panel.

Step 11: Note where the wires go on the turntable motor then disconnect them as well.

Step 12: Remove the panel.

Step 13: Turn the microwave back up.

Step 14: Take out the screws which hold the microwave cover in place.

Step 15: Remove the microwave cover.

Step 16: Next, discharge the capacitor by placing a flat blade screwdriver with an insulated handle over the terminals of the capacitor.

Step 17: Take out the screws at the back of the microwave which hold the air baffle in place.

Step 18: Remove the air baffle.

Step 19: Note where each wire goes on the magnetron then disconnect them.

Step 20: Take out the screws which hold the thermoprotector to the magnetron.

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Step 21: Take out the screws which secure the magnetron.

Step 22: Test the magnetron with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, get a new magnetron.

Step 23: Screw the new magnetron into place.

Step 24: Screw the thermoprotector to the magnetron.

Step 25: Connect the wires to the right magnetron terminals.

Step 26: Return the air baffle and the screws which secure it.

Step 27: Reposition the microwave cover and hold it in place with the screws.

Step 28: Return the front grille and the screws which secure it.

Step 29: Rest the microwave on its back and return the bottom panel.

Step 30: Reconnect the wire harness and turntable motor wires.

Step 31: Screw the bottom panel into place.

Step 32: Lift the microwave and sit it on the mounting plate.

Step 33: Pass the power cord through the hole.

Step 34: Secure the microwave to the cabinet with the bolts.

Step 35: Return the glass tray and support.

Step 36: Plug the microwave back in.

Watch the video below for a visual of how to replace the magnetron in a microwave.

Microwave is Working but No Light

If your microwave is working but there is no light, the bulb is probably bad. To replace the bulb in a microwave, follow these steps…

Step 1: Turn the microwave off and unplug it.

Step 2: Take out all the screws on the two sides and back of the microwave.

Step 3: Lift the microwave cover up then take it out.

Step 4: Take out the screw that holds the bulb down. Note that your microwave bulb may not be held down by a screw. If your microwave is a different model, skip this step.

Step 5: Unplug the wires connected to the bulb.

Step 6: Connect the wires to the new bulb.

Step 7: Screw the bulb down.

Step 8: Return the microwave cover and all the screws.

Note: These steps for replacing the light bulb in a microwave work on some microwaves. If it doesn’t work on yours, Click zimovens.com/microwave-light-issues-solutions/.

The video below will show you how to replace the light bulb in a microwave.

Check out these articles…

Microwave Won’t Turn On [How to Fix]

Microwave Door [Problems & Solutions]

Microwave is Not Heating [Various Issues Solved]

Microwave Light [Issues & Solutions]

How to Install an Amana Microwave [Quick Guide]

Amana Microwave Keeps Blowing the Fuse [Solution]

How to Clean an LG Microwave [Quick Guide]

What Causes a Microwave to Run When the Door Is Open?

The cause for this problem is a faulty door interlock switch or switches. When you close the microwave door, the door interlock switch is what signals the other microwave components to start running. But if the switch is faulty the microwave will run by itself whether the door is closed or open.

To find out how to replace the door switch in a microwave, look at this article.

FAQ

Can a Samsung Microwave Overheat?

Yes, it could. When a Samsung microwave overheats, the most common cause is that the microwave doesn’t have enough breathing space.

Samsung Microwave Overheats and Shuts Off

Why is your Samsung microwave overheating then shutting off? This is because some parts in the microwave are becoming too hot causing the thermal switch to activate to stop any further overheating.

Don’t be alarmed because as soon as it has cooled down, the switch will proceed to reset by itself and your microwave will operate normally.

To avoid this overheating problem, ensure that there is a minimum of ten centimeters space between the walls and the microwave. This will help the microwave get some air on all sides.

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