You may be experiencing so many issues with your microwave turntable but have no idea what to do about it. If this is the case, you have come to the right place because we are going to talk about microwave turntable issues and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
Is a Microwave Turntable Necessary?
Yes, a microwave turntable is absolutely necessary. In order to ensure that every part of your food is cooked evenly, the turntable rotates. Some microwaves don’t have turntables that turn, so you have to stop the cooking process every now and then to do this yourself.
Can a Microwave Turntable Be Repaired?
If your microwave turntable stops turning, you can repair it. We are going to show you how to do that later in this article.
How Does a Microwave Turntable Work?
Underneath the microwave, you will see the bottom panel covering the turntable motor. When you turn on your microwave to cook, the turntable motor spins, making the turntable turn around in order to make sure that your food is cooked evenly.
Some microwaves have a “Turntable” button on them so that you can choose to turn it off or on. If your microwave turntable is not spinning, ensure that you haven’t pressed this button by mistake.
Microwave Turntable and Light Not Working
The reasons your microwave turntable and light are not working are completely unrelated. The light in your microwave is not working because the bulb is probably bad. But the reason your turntable is not working could be because of a couple of issues. First, we are going to talk about the microwave light.
The Microwave Light — How To Fix
To replace the light bulb in a microwave, do the following…
Step 1: Before you start this repair, make sure to turn the microwave off and unplug.
Step 2: Take out the screws at the top of the microwave front grille. Depending on the model of your microwave, you could see two to four screws.
Step 3: Open the microwave door and remove the front grille by pulling it out cautiously.
Step 4: Beside the control panel inside the microwave, there is a cover held by a clip. Push the tab up to take out the cover.
Step 5: Inside, you will see the light bulb, unscrew it.
Step 6: Get a new bulb and screw it into place.
Step 7: Return the cover plate.
Step 8: Reinsert the front grille and secure it using the screws you removed earlier on.
Step 9: Close the microwave door.
The video below will show you how to replace the interior light bulb of a microwave.
The Turntable — How To Fix
The most likely reason your microwave turntable is not turning is because the motor is faulty. This component is located underneath the microwave and you will need to check and maybe replace to get your turntable working again.
To check and replace the turntable motor in a microwave, do the following…
Step 1: Before disassembling the microwave, make sure you have unplugged the microwave.
Step 2: Take out all the screws at the bottom of the microwave that hold the panel in place.
Step 3: Gently lower the bottom panel down.
Step 4: Disconnect the wire connector from the turntable motor.
Step 5: Take out the screw securing the motor and turn it clockwise to fully remove.
Step 6: Get a new turntable motor and insert it into the hole.
Step 7: Turn the motor in the opposite direction to lock.
Step 8: Secure the motor with the screw you removed.
Step 9: Reconnect the wire connector to it.
Step 10: Put the bottom panel back and return all the screws.
If your microwave turntable is still not working, inspect the coupler. To access the coupler, take out the glass tray. Pull the coupler out and inspect closely for cracks or any damage. If it is damaged, replace it.
Another reason for the turntable in a microwave to stop working is because of the roller guide. If the roller guide is damaged, the turntable will not spin. So, inspect it for damages and replace it if there are any.
The video below will give you a visual of how to replace a microwave turntable motor.
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]
Microwave Is Working But… [Problems Solved]
Microwave Turntable Stops and Starts
Your microwave turntable may be experiencing a bumpy spin cycle because there are crumbs of food obstructing it. Take out the glass tray within the microwave and examine the turntable coupler for any spilled food.
Scrub the interior of your microwave with a soft and damp sponge to get rid of any hard stains. Make sure that the sponge isn’t dripping wet because the electrical components of the microwave are located underneath the turntable coupler.
Microwave Glass Turntable Broken
If the glass tray in your microwave is broken, there is no way to fix this except to buy a new one. You can click on the image below to buy a new glass tray.
Microwave Turntable Coupler Melted
To replace the turntable coupler in a microwave, take out the glass tray and support from within the microwave. Pull the coupler out and place a new one in the hole. Return the glass tray and support. Try using the microwave again, if the coupler melts, your microwave is extremely faulty. Contact the manufacturer.
Microwave Turntable Plate Gets Hot
It’s normal for the turntable plate in your microwave to get hot as you are cooking. As the food is cooking, the heat from your dish will transfer to the turntable plate. So if your microwave turntable plate is getting hot, it is not a cause for alarm.
Microwave Turntable in Dishwasher
Before putting the turntable glass tray in the dishwasher, check your microwave manual to know if it is safe to do so. If it is, wash it at the bottom rack.
Can You Glue a Microwave Turntable?
It is not at all safe to do this. Even if this is a very cheap way to fix the turntable tray, it is dangerous because the glue could melt as you are using the microwave. Instead, by a new glass tray to be safe.
Microwave Turntable Keeps Turning When Door Is Open
If the turntable in your microwave keeps turning with the door open, one of the door switches is faulty. To know how to check and replace the switches read this article.