Is it worth the money to repair your microwave oven?
When your microwave problem involves a single component, it’s often worth making the repairs to fix that one thing. A broken microwave door handle, the glass plate or roller guide, for example, are common aspects that break and can quite easily be replaced.
How do you replace a microwave oven?
Removing the Old Microwave
- Turn off the circuit breaker at the main electrical panel that powers the microwave oven.
- Unplug the microwave from the wall outlet. ...
- Use a non-contact circuit tester to verify that power is effectively off at the microwave's outlet by placing the tester into the right slot of the receptacle. ...
Should I replace my microwave oven?
- Smoke, sparks, and burning smells. These are signs of a serious and urgent problem.
- Food isn't cooking properly.
- It makes horrible sounds as it cooks.
- The door doesn't seal properly.
- The keypad doesn't function.
- It's over 10 years old.
How to replace an over the range microwave oven?
Replace Your Over-the-Range Microwave
- Prep. Before getting started, you may want to move the oven below the microwave out of your way to give you adequate space to work.
- Install a Mounting Bracket. Unpack your new microwave, ensuring you have all the parts. ...
- Put the Microwave Up. With the wall mount in place, it’s time to turn your attention to the cabinet mount. ...
- Clean Up the Microwave. ...
Are microwaves worth repairing?
If your microwave is relatively new and the repair costs less than replacing it, the fix is worth it. But are microwaves worth repairing if something major is broken? Probably not. Consider getting a replacement appliance for about $100, which should work for 7 to 10 years.
Is it cheaper to fix or replace a microwave?
The cost to install a new microwave ranges from $110 to $190, plus $100 to $700 for the appliance. Consider a replacement if you have a basic model that can cost as little as $60. High-end microwave models can run from $500 to $1,000, so repairing these devices is often cheaper than replacing them.
What causes a microwave to suddenly stop working?
The most common cause for a microwave oven not working at all is a blown main fuse. The microwave main fuse will cut the flow of electricity if too much current passes through it.
What is the most common cause of microwave failure?
Microwave not heating is one of the most common problems with microwave. Most popular reason behind this issue is magnetron failure. A magnetron uses high voltage to produce microwave frequency to cook food. If the microwave is turned on when it is empty, this cause the magnetron to burn out.
What's wrong when microwave won't heat?
If your microwave oven doesn't heat, you may have a problem with the magnetron. This component is part of the high voltage circuit and provides the microwaves that generate the heat. If the magnetron is defective, the unit may blow a fuse, or you may still have all other functions operating normally.
What's the average life of a microwave?
The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. A large family may find themselves replacing their appliance every four to five years as they become more reliant on its use to heat up snacks and leftovers, or to defrost meals.
How do I know if my microwave fuse is blown?
1:382:24Microwave Not Working? Fuse Testing, Troubleshooting & RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fuse has continuity. However if the meters needle does not move or the digital display. Does notMoreThe fuse has continuity. However if the meters needle does not move or the digital display. Does not change significantly. There is no continuity. Which means the fuse has blown.
Can a magnetron be repaired?
The magnetron is what generates the actual microwave energy in your microwave oven- thus, it's one of the most common components that need repairing or replacing.
What to do when a microwave stops working?
Start by checking the wall plug to ensure the microwave is plugged into power. Next, check the door switch and the door latch assembly. The microwave won't start if the appliance believes the door is open. Next, check the two fuses, the thermal fuse, and the ceramic fuse, to see if they need to be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a magnetron in a microwave?
$100 to $200Replacing a microwave magnetron costs $100 to $200. This includes a part price of $50 to $100 and $50 to $100 for labor. A magnetron is the primary component that produces heat for the appliance.
How do I know if my microwave capacitor is bad?
2:018:25Faulty Microwave Capacitor Diagnosis and Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if those plates in the metal touching no longer functions as a capacitor.MoreAnd if those plates in the metal touching no longer functions as a capacitor.
Step 1: Unplug Power and Remove Moving Parts
Be sure the power cord is unplugged and then remove the moving parts from microwave oven.
Step 2: Open the Back Cover
There are 2 screws on right side and 1 screw on left side. They can be easily remove with normal screwdriver. But there are 4 screws on the back are little special, a star screwdriver is needed.
Step 3: Check the Fuse First
After open the back cover, check the fuse first. I checked it with a resistor tester, if it shows the fuse resistance value is infinity. That means the fuse is broken. Only need to change a fuse for the microwave oven. But it showed a resistance value on the meter, this means the fuse is not broken.
Step 4: Inspect Door Switches
The next step is to inspect door switches. There are 3 switches in the microwave oven. See their location in the pictures. Press down the pin beside the switch and rotate the switch a little to take it out.
Step 5: See Inside of the Switch
Open this switch to verify. In the picture, press the button down, the contacts cannot be connected. Yes, this one is broken. Since some plastic is burned, this switch has to be changed.
Step 6: Buy a Replacement Part
Found the spec and model on the back of the switch, I bought a similar switch online - the grey one on the picture, to replace the broken switch. Its cost is $3.50.
Step 7: Install the New Switch
The following things are connect wires to the new switch and install it properly. Just reverse the operation what I did. Close the back cover, drive in all screws and put the moving parts back.
Touchpad does not respond
Determine why the touchpad in your microwave will not work. Learn to inspect the membrane switch, and the control board.
Unusual noise
When your microwave starts making loud and unusual noises it can mean any number of things. Learn to check the drive motor, magnetron, drive coupler, roller guide, high voltage diode, and cooling fan.
No heat
If your microwave is not heating you need to inspect the high voltage diode, the door switch, and the magnetron. Learn to test these parts and repair your microwave.
Door not closing properly
If the door of your microwave won't close you cannot use the appliance, it will not start. If you are having issues with the door on your microwave we recommend inspecting the door latch assembly, and the torsion springs.
Door stuck closed
You might have an issue with the door latch lever or button if your microwave will not open. Find out how to test and replace the latch assembly on your microwave.
Exhaust fan not working
Repair a microwave exhaust fan that has stopped working. It could be as simple as changing out the charcoal filter or grease filter. Learn how to inspect these parts and more.
High Voltage Warning
The one thing you need to know about DIY repairing a microwave is the high voltage capacitor. The capacitor actually retains a large charge of electricity even after the microwave is unplugged.
When to Repair a Microwave
Repairing a microwave can be quick and easy or surprisingly difficult, depending on what needs to be repaired. In many cases, you can restore a misbehaving microwave to full functionality with a few mechanical updates. In a few other circumstances, a minor electrical repair can be conducted without great hassle.
When to Replace Your Microwave
Of course, there are also many situations when it’s more practical to replace your microwave rather than conducting DIY or hired repairs. There are two reasons why this might be true. The first is that replacement parts or labor might be more costly than a new microwave.
Replace or Repair Your Microwave?
If your microwave is broken or malfunctioning, it’s time to make an important decision. Should you tackle repairs, call an expert, or buy a new microwave? The choice is a practical one based on effort and expense. Contact us for more appliance guides or for professional repair services.
When to Repair Your Microwave
The first question is whether your microwave can be repaired and how much effort it will take to repair it. IF the repair seems easy, simple, or straight-forward, then a repair is likely your better option. If a repair seems involved, dangerous, or requires multiple stages of repair, then repairs might not be worth your time.
When to Replace Your Microwave
Of course, not all microwave malfunctions were meant to be fixed. The low cost of a new microwave combined with the potentially stacking cost of replacement parts and repairs can often make it more practical to just buy a new one.
Consulting with a Microwave Technician
Of course, you don’t have to know for sure immediately which option is better for you. In many cases, there’s no way to know the real cost of an appliance repair until you’ve had an inspection and consulted with a technician.
6 Common Microwave Repair Problems
The stovetop and oven may be your kitchen’s primary cooking appliances, but no home is complete without a microwave. The microwave brings added convenience to your kitchen by allowing you to quickly cook pre-prepared meals or heat fresh ingredients, saving you time when you need it most.
1. Microwave Will Not Run
You obviously need a microwave that runs, and a unit that will not turn on can be the result of simple or complex problems.
2. Microwave Runs But Will Not Heat
You don’t want to finish a microwave cycle only to discover your dish has not been heated. A microwave that runs, but will not heat is basically useless, but can be fixed.
3. Microwave Touchpad Does Not Respond
A microwave’s touchpad controls allow you to program a variety of cooking functions with the touch of a button. If the touchpad doesn’t respond, then you can’t use your appliance.
6. Microwave Is Making Excessive Noise
It’s natural for your microwave to make noise while in operation, but excessive noise can be an indication of bigger problems.
Comprehensive Microwave Repair Service From Expert Technicians
The microwave is a small, but powerful appliance, offering convenient cooking features to the modern kitchen. There is no reason for you to deal with a malfunctioning appliance, and by educating yourself on some of the most common microwave repair problems, you’ll be ready to fix any issues that come your way.
1. Microwave Oven Not Turning On
Problem: Microwave oven does not turn on can mean a few different things. First, is the display blank (no time, timer). Second, if you have a display, does the microwave not run when you push start? Third, are you able to set a time prior to pushing start?
5. Microwaved Food Dried Out
Problem: The microwaved food is consistently dried out to the point where it is un-edible.
6. Microwave Starts Then Stops
Problem: You place you food in the microwave, press start, the microwave begins, then ends.
7. Turntable Does Not Spin
Problem: You expect the turntable to spin while the microwave is in use, but it doesn’t
8. Light Bulb Does Not Turn On
Problem: The internal microwave does not turn on when the microwave door opens
9. Fan Starts When the Door Opens, Stops When It Closes
Problem: The microwave’s fan starts when the door opens, stops when the user closes, working in reverse than it shou ld
11. The Microwave Smokes While Cooking
Solution: This could be a few different issues including arcing, empty microwave, or a nonfunctioning High voltage transformer. It’s also possible that a part inside of the microwave is generating the smoke. I recommend unplugging the microwave, and contacting a professional.
