MICROWAVE OVEN TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Sparks

If you see sparks inside the microwave while it is running, turn it off immediately. Most likely, there
might be a small piece of metal in the microwave. It doesn’t take much metal to cause a spark. Even a
small piece of steel wool you might’ve used to clean it can cause sparking.
Also, the wave guide cover that goes over the magnetron (that’s what sends the heat out to warm up
your food) might be damaged. If this is the case, simply remove the wave guide cover and replace it
with a new one.

2. Turntable isn’t turning

This is another common problem with microwaves. The turntable keeps your food rotating to help it
cook evenly. If the turntable isn’t rotating, then remove the turntable plate from the microwave and
make sure the guides aren’t bent or brushing up against the edges. Sometimes food particles can get
stuck in there and cause the turntable to malfunction.

3. The microwave doesn’t turn on

There’s a good chance this might be a problem with the outlet and/or circuit the microwave is plugged
into rather than the appliance itself. Check to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. In some cases,
your microwave might be plugged into a GFCI outlet to protect against surges in current. If you have
one, check it as well
If the outlet your microwave is plugged into works good, then the problem is with the microwave itself.
This is probably one problem where it’s a good idea to either call an appliance repair technician or
replace it with a new unit.

BASIC MICROWAVE MAINTENANCE

1. Keep your microwave clean

Scrubbing it out once a week will go a long way in preventing a lot of problems. The build-up of food
particles, grease and grime can cause malfunctions and even fires!

2. Never run your microwave empty

If it’s empty, the waves will bounce around with nothing to absorb them. This can damage the
magnetron and other components over time.

3. Use the preset cooking times

Instead of just guessing how much time it will take to defrost your chicken, use the microwave’s
presets. This will do the job much more efficiently and probably save you electricity.
Microwaves are a great appliance because they make meals very easy to prepare. They don’t require a
whole lot of maintenance and the newer models are becoming increasingly reliable. If you do run into
problems with your microwave, assess the problem first and then decide whether you want to fix it
yourself, call an appliance repair technician or buy a new microwave.