Spending time fixing your own microwave saves you a significant amount of money and is often achievable with tools found in the garage. However, it is important to be careful when fixing your own microwave as they are powerful appliances that pose a shock risk. By unplugging your microwave and discharging the capacitor you can reduce the risk of any potential injuries.
This guide applies to most microwaves including those from:
A broken magnetron is the most common reason that your microwave is running but not heating your food. The magnetron is an essential part of a microwave which is responsible for creating the microwaves needed to heat your food. The magnetron can become damaged if the appliance is run without any food in it, or due to broken magnets and loose connections.
If a magnetron is broken, it cannot be fixed and must be replaced. This is often an expensive repair and, in many cases, it will be cheaper to invest in a new microwave. However, if you have spare microwave parts, replacing the magnetron is a viable option to consider before parting from your current microwave.
Magnetrons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations depending on which microwave you own. Different models include LG, Panasonic, and Samsung, to name a few. Every magnetron will have a sticker with the brand name and a model number on it. A replacement magnetron should have the same model number to ensure it is compatible with your microwave.
The microwave door switch usually stops microwaves from being generated when the microwave door is open. The door switch is located inside the door of the microwave and is normally about an inch long with metal prongs attached. If the switch is broken, the microwave may appear to be working but will not be generating any microwaves and will not heat the food. Replacing a door switch is usually quite inexpensive as they are commonly used in other appliances. Some microwaves though will not run at all if the door switch is broken.
It is important that the right door switch is used so that your microwave is able to operate. Parts will usually need to be bought from the same brand and have the right number of terminals – usually 2 or 3. The switches will also be ‘usually open’ or ‘usually closed,’ it is important to choose the right one.
A high voltage diode provides the power to the megatron that creates microwaves to heat your food. A defective high voltage diode will result in a microwave that runs but does not heat your food.
High voltage diodes are not universal. It is important to buy the right diode by checking the model number of your microwave against the new diode.
Although less common, there can be other causes that result in your microwave running but not heating your food. These include:
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