If you are experiencing the problem of your microwave not turning on, this article is for you. We are going to talk about why your microwave won’t turn on and what you need to do to fix that.
Table of Contents
How Do You Fix a Microwave That Won’t Turn On?
if your microwave won’t turn on, or if it has no power, do the following…
Step 1: First, unplug the microwave and plug it back. If you get lucky, that will fix the problem, if not, go to the circuit breaker for your microwave. Turn it off.
Step 2: After 5 minutes, turn the circuit breaker back on and test the microwave. If it still doesn’t come on, keep reading.
Step 3: Unplug the microwave again.
Step 4: Take out the screws at the top of the microwave that hold the front grille in place. Depending on your microwave model, there will be two or three screws.
Step 5: Take out the front grille.
Step 6: Remove the screw above the control panel that holds it in place.
Step 7: Open the microwave door.
Step 8: Lift the control panel up then out to detach.
Step 9: Take out the screw that holds the metal cover to reveal the inner components of the microwave.
Step 10: Before going further, you will need to discharge the capacitor to prevent the risk of getting shocked. Drag a screwdriver with an insulated handle across the two terminals of the capacitor. When the capacitor is discharged, you will hear a pop. For more information on capacitors click here
Step 11: Past the capacitor, there is a small box that houses the fuse, open it.
Step 12: Take out the fuse and replace it with a new one.
Step 13: Close the fuse with the box.
Step 14: Put the metal cover back and secure with the screw.
Step 15: Push the control panel back in and return the screw above it.
Step 16: Return the front grille and the screws that hold it in place.
Step 17: Test the microwave. If the microwave won’t turn on after this, you will need to contact a technician.
Watch the video below for a visual of how to replace the line fuse in a microwave.
Microwave Turns On By Itself
If a microwave turns on by itself when the door is opened or closed, it may be the result of a faulty door switch. So to check and replace the door switch in a microwave, do the following…
Step 1: Before you start taking the microwave apart, make sure that it is unplugged.
Step 2: Take out all the screws at the back and two sides of the microwave.
Step 3: After taking out the screws, lift out the microwave cover and set aside.
Step 4: You will see the door interlock switches somewhere behind the control panel. Take out the first switch from the holder and press the small button on it. If there is a strong click, the switch is still good so place it back in the holder. If not, you need a replacement switch.
Step 5: Do this same test with the other two switches.
Step 6: Disconnect the wires from the bad switch and connect them to the right places on the new door switch.
Step 7: Place the switch in the holder.
Step 8: Put the microwave cover back and return the screws at the sides and back.
Step 9: Plug in the microwave and check if the problem is fixed. If following this steps didn’t fix the issue, get an experienced technician to determine what the problem is.
Below is a video which will show you how to replace a microwave door switch.
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Bottom Microwave Light Won’t Turn On
If the bottom light of your microwave won’t turn on, the LED light needs to be replaced. So, to replace the LED light in a microwave, do the following…
Step 1: Begin by turning the microwave off and unplugging it.
Step 2: Place a cloth or towel underneath the microwave so that in case you mistakenly drop a screw, you can still retrieve it.
Step 3: Take out the four screws that hold the light cover in place. The cover is shaped like a “T”.
Step 4: As you are taking out the last screw, make sure that one hand is underneath the cover. Since it is made of glass, it could break if it falls down.
Step 5: Bend the metal tabs that secure the LED light a bit.
Step 6: Take the light out and disconnect the wire from it.
Step 7: Plug the wire to a new LED light and slide it into the metal slot.
Step 8: Put the LED light cover back and secure it with the four screws.
Step 9: Turn the microwave on to check if the light is working. If the bottom light of the microwave won’t turn on after following these steps, call a technician.
The video below will show you how to replace a microwave LED light if the light in your microwave won’t turn on.
