Our Kitchens are incomplete without the presence of a Microwave oven. Because if you see the capabilities of multipurpose cooking, the oven is a much-required kitchen appliance. And one fine day, we find that the microwave stops heating. This is one of the most annoying and confusing moments. Until we reach the solutions for why the microwave oven is not heating, we don’t rest.
There will be so many things going on in our mind that what can be the causes for the microwave to stop working. Sometimes the reasons can be minor ones ranging to the major ones. It all depends on how carefully you analyze the problem so that you can come out with an appropriate solution.
This can happen due to multiple reasons, it can be starting from the age of the machine, improper usage, and not following the guidelines correctly.
Whether it is a solo or a convection oven. You do not need to panic, some of the solutions for the common problems can be performed by yourself. They do not require any technical knowledge. Because these instances are sometimes caused by human error which we don’t recognize.
Let us now understand the reasons and troubleshooting solutions for why the microwave oven is not heating.
Why the microwave oven is not heating?
Below are some of the instances that you can watch out for. The data have been compiled from multiple sources as the consumers have found faults in these areas.
1. Checks the basics
1.1 The mode of cooking
This is one of the most common scenarios for a microwave oven is not heating. Check the mode of cooking you have set. Because most of the time, the mode of the cooking doesn’t facilitate its purpose. For example, you can’t keep it in the bake mode when there is Frozen Food present in the microwave oven chamber. Depending upon the type of food, and the expectations you are seeking. You need to set the relevant mode for cooking purposes.
1.2 Microwave oven is not heating due to the wrong timer
Sometimes due to human error, you might have selected the timings which are far out of reach from the machine. This also causes the oven to not heat the food item. Always ensure that you select the proper time which is defined in minutes or seconds. When you select the appropriate number, the device analyses the function if it is completely relevant to the type of food that is present in the chamber or not.
1.3 Test with multiple food items
A few of the times the oven can’t heat a particular type of food. Maybe it is due to some functional error which has been caused within the machine. You need to test the machine by using multiple types of food item. These also can be liquid substances, like water. This process acts as a hard reset to your machine. And sometimes it gets automatically fixed when you test heating with multiple modes and varied types of food.
1.4 Check whether if the device has been properly plugged
This is one of the most common instances where consumers fail to realize. You need to see whether the plug has been properly connected. This can even happen to the low electricity supply from the board. Ensure that there is an optimum amount of electrical supply provided to the oven. And also check if the oven has been properly connected. You can also experiment by connecting to other switchboards.
Cautionary note: Please be aware that these are some of the scenarios mentioned below that require technical assistance. If you still wish to continue forward, unplug your oven from the switchboard immediately. As sometimes the power is still preserved within the machine, and when you open the device, you can get electrocuted.
All the instances below require the assistance of a multimeter if you are going to perform on your own. A multimeter is something that really helps to analyze the problem and let you know whether the respective part is properly functioning or not.
Understand how does a microwave oven work.
2. The door switch causing the problem
This is another common scenario when your microwave oven is not heating. This can be majorly happening due to the improper functioning of the door switch in the machine. The door switches are something that helps to seal the outer part of the microwave oven to the machine. And when the machine is not properly closed, the oven stops heating the food item which is present inside the chamber. You can also see the other parts of the device are still functioning.
Before you directly replace the door switch lock, you need to test it with the help of a multimeter. A multimeter is something that gives you the results whether you have to replace the door switch or not.
Basically, you need to start by detaching the power cables from the switchboard.
You need to closely evaluate whether the doors have been properly closing or not.
And when you find that the doors have been properly functioning, you need to remove the outer layer of the door.
Search for the lock switch is present within the door and again tested.
Use the multimeter to check whether the switch of the door terminals has been properly functioning.
And when you find the results of the multimeter is 0, that means the door is working well.
3. Problem with the Magnetron
The magnetron is one of the most important components of the microwave. Because they are wholly and solely responsible for heating the entire oven. And when you find that this part of the device is broken, it doesn’t facilitate other parts of the machine to heat the food. This is generally caused due to the fuse getting blown up, which results in the dysfunction of other microwave parts.
To check whether there are any issues with the Magnetron or not, you need to take the help of the multimeter.
You need to start this process by disconnecting the device from the switchboard.
You have to open the outer layer of the oven.
And when you open it, discharge the high voltage capacitor. There is a high amount of energy stored. And if you improperly touch it, it can cause huge electrocution. You need to be very careful while operating this step.
With the help of the micrometre, you need to check the terminals of the Magnetron.
And when you find the results of 2-3 ohms, then the Magnetron is perfectly normal.
You can even experiment by testing the metal part of the Magnetron. And when you find the same result, you can proceed to another step.
4. Problem with the high voltage diode
A high Voltage diode is something that provides a power supply to the Magnetron. And when it fails to do so, the oven will not produce any heat. The high voltage diode plays an important role to convert the power supply which is required for the oven. The general instance to find out when there is any improper functioning in this diode would be the unusual sound. If you hear an unusual sound when the machine is on, then it can be due to the problem in the High Voltage diode.
You can test the functioning of the High Voltage diode with the help of a multimeter.
Start the process by unplugging your device.
Try to access the high voltage diode opening up the outer layer of the oven.
And when you open the outer layer, you need to immediately discharge the high voltage capacitor.
Test the diode using the multimeter.
The results that you usually get from a normal diode would be that the meter should read in one direction. Not the other way around. If you see the results going to the opposite side, that means there is a problem in the diode.
5. Problem with the motherboard
The motherboard is the heart of the microwave oven. It controls the overview functionality of how the device needs to be performed. And when the motherboard fails to do its primary role, the entire device stops heating up. Because the other components of the oven do not receive the commands from the motherboard.
When you check all the aspects from the above scenario, this can be one of the last reasons which make the oven stop heating. And when you find that all the scenarios are false, then the motherboard can be the major cause for it.
The motherboard is something that can’t be repaired, and even if it has to be repaired. The charges for repairing would be very high. And there is no guarantee that after repairing, the part will survive for a longer time.
Depending upon the cost and the age of the microwave oven, you need to decide whether you have to replace it or repair it.
Related: Importance of using a microwave oven
Concluding thoughts
Before proceeding to perform any of the functions above, check whether your microwave oven falls under the warranty period. And when you find that it is covered under warranty, you do not need to worry about fixing the problem on your own.
As the scenarios and the solutions are completely dependent on the type of problem. When you observe the above scenarios, it requires technical expertise to perform them. And I am going to emphasize the safety tips again, please ensure that when you start to open the cabinet of the oven, discharge the power of the High Voltage capacitor. Because the high voltage capacitor is something which the energy is conserved in the oven even after the device has been unplugged.
Since you have learned all the troubleshooting solutions for a microwave oven is not heating. It’s your turn to perform the actionable strategies. But keep in mind that, if you are not sure about what you are doing. Please consult the expert technicians.
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