Microwave Not Heating Troubleshooting Guide

Get tips to help you get back to successfully heating meals in the microwave again. There are issues you can correct yourself.
TRANSCRIPT
If you love to kick back on your couch with popcorn and movies, you may have noticed your microwave is leaving behind way too many kernels. Hi, I'm Paul Blake for Repair.com with some tips to help you get back to successfully heating meals in the microwave. There are issues you can correct yourself, some you can have professionally repaired and some that will have you considering a new microwave.
First, a warning: Microwaves contain high-voltage parts that can be deadly unless handled correctly. Unless you are a qualified expert, don't attempt to get into its inner workings.
Step 1: Make sure you actually have a problem
Before you spend any time or money, make certain your microwave has a real problem. The best way to check is by heating water.
Fill a glass measuring cup with water to the 1-cup mark. Put the cup in the microwave and set it to heat on full power for 1 minute. Repeat the process with fresh water several times. If the water is not consistently warm, you've confirmed there's a problem.
Step 2: Correct any program error
If your microwave is failing to heat correctly, you may be on a previously programmed setting. Press the STOP/CANCEL button and start the heating process again, but use a higher power setting. This may correct the problem.
Otherwise, there may be an issue with the circuit board and its connections. If a qualified professional determines that the circuit board is defective, the most practical fix may be to buy a new microwave.
Step 3: Try drying out the circuitry
Microwaves installed above the range may be affected by steam from cooking. Condensation collecting on the circuitry can interrupt heating. Allow the circuitry to dry out by avoiding stovetop cooking for a few days. If you're still having the same problem, it could be a loose connection in the circuitry or a faulty door safety switch. A qualified professional can repair or replace the malfunctioning parts.
Step 4: Listen for strange sounds
A buzzing or humming microwave that emits a faint burning smell could signal a damaged magnetron, high-voltage capacitor or diode. Replacement magnetrons are expensive, so if a service professional determines that's the problem, you may be better off buying a new microwave. Capacitor and diode parts cost much less, but remember, you'll be paying for the expertise to have them installed correctly and safely. It may still make more sense to buy a new microwave, especially if it's a simple countertop model.
Step 5: Prevent future microwave troubles
Never slam the microwave door, even if you're in a hurry. And, always hit the STOP/CANCEL button before you open the door to remove food. These steps will prevent damage to the door safety switch, and that's crucial because microwaves are designed not to work when the safety switch is damaged.
Remember, microwaves are too dangerous to try fixing solo. Visit Repair.com to contact a qualified professional or for more tips and troubleshooting advice.

[@jarrodlangwinski4508]

Gonna save you a few minutes, he just tells you to buy a new microwave.

[@iWillFightYouInComments]

Thanks. I heed your advice right away

[@danvee3928]

I expected more from Repair Guy than safety tips. Deceived me with the title.

[@johnmerlin2917]

This was not a video about self-repair. This is a salesman trying to get your service. What a waste of time.

[@Nick-cs9dp]

my thoughts exactly...I was just gonna say, why else are there so many DIY videos here on youtube

[@jp040759]

@@Nick-cs9dp This was worthless.

[@JediTreeSmoker]

He looks like Reese from Malcolm in the Middle

[@21Myshell]

He looks like a dumbass

[@LeakyWicks]

Thanks, Captain Obvious.

[@ytgentry]

I did not find this helpful.

[@ATLOffroad]

The women in this video should put a little more drama into it. When she checks the water temperature with her finger, she should shout at the microwave, flip it off, and then storm away because her water is still cold.

[@Shmoney_gunns420]

When he said buy a new microwave 2 times tho

[@lousminetrastillo3257]

Yo amplified my gongetit instinct not once but twice lllllllllllllooollllll

[@Freud_Mayweather]

So basically you have no idea how to fix a microwave

[@JackRascal]

Reported for misleading title.

[@Bulletcore]

Why call a pro if it is better to buy a new microwave. Go out of business :p

[@Nick-cs9dp]

or if its a 7.00 fix

[@dt1mdlara]

Come on man! Now I'm scared to fix my microwave.

[@koekene]

2:13 Never slam The micowave door, even if you're in a hurry.

[@OneShroomTooMany]

Lmfao

[@jomoser83]

How am i supposed to not cook on the stovetop when my microwave isnt working?! For a few days? Who has the money to eat out all their meals for a few days?

[@JasonSmith-utube]

I think you missed the point if this video, well it was a stupid video but that isn't what he said. He was saying steam could have messed up your microwave in the first place. Which is completely false and retarded. They are designed to be mounted over stoves and act as an exhaust fan.

[@new-knowledge8040]

My microwave oven had two bad switches, one blown AC fuse, and one blown thermal fuse. But fortunately, at the same time, I also needed to pick up some beer. I walk 4.4 kilometres with my foldable cart during returning beer cans, and then picking up some more beers. On the way to the beers store, in the rain, I noticed someone has tossed out their old microwave oven, placing it next to the curb for disposal. It was about the same size and power rating as mine, so when heading back home from the beer store, I stopped and tossed it into my foldable cart. Just as I had hoped, all the specific parts that I needed were also present within this dead microwave oven, and they were all in good working condition. So I used these parts in my microwave oven, and all is well again. Total cost $0.00. This microwave oven, which I purchased many years ago, was a display shelf demo. So it only cost me about $45. But it turned out to be not just a demo, but a defective unit. Half the keyboard buttons did not work. So, rather than go through a long term hassle with the supplier, I took it apart and disconnected the keyboard from the control board, then cleaned the connector contacts, then reinstalled it. Bingo, problem gone. Total cost $0.00.

[@MrHodvig]

This video condensed by me; "RTFM, didn't help? Buy a new one!"

[@kgb2hell]

totally hopeless video. Yes, the fuser, capacitor or/and diode can be a problem. And it MUST be shown for the beginners where they are located and what they look like. Full stop.

[@giulia2609]

not very useful.. but the guy is pretty hot. lol ;D

[@JasonSmith-utube]

Bu bu bu bullshit! What a waste of time. He basically said you can't fix it, it's too dangerous. But a new one. The parts are cheap as hell, labor prices are just a rip off. You can fix it yourself. The only dangerous part is the capacitor and all u have to do to make it safe is dis charge it by putting a screwdriver across both leads.

[@namranazir565]

Non-sense video wastage of time, very disappointed

[@ricardogonzalez6701]

microwaves these days are like printers... they all suck!

[@arthurkettle3010]

terrible, terrible video...completely unhelpful

[@manuelroymuyo6209]

This is not a troubleshooting guide. Change your title

[@ispendit]

Very helpful! From now on I won't be slamming the door shut OR opening it without stopping it first. Wish I'd know that! THANK YOU

[@duanethamm4678]

Great videos Paul. You are as damn cute as the video is informative. You would make a great partner. You anywhere near Chicagoland Illinlis?

[@lousminetrastillo3257]

Sassy

[@shermanhofacker4428]

HOOKS STICKING OUT THE DOOR IS A DUMB IDEA! I assume the designer had a warped sense of humor and enjoyed thinking of how many people, removing scalding liquid from the oven, will be splattered when the vessel catches on the hooks.

[@achilles6541]

Creep (the commenter below)

[@rubenfortunato1969]

Not very Useful. But I try someting. If your Microwave dosen`t work, try to get out all the things above the air ducts. Then with something put air inside the air ducts. That was my problem and I solve it.

[@sandeeprajbhandari88]

My microwave can do all three things . Microwave, grill and convection cooking.. but now it cannot microwave.. bt can still grill and convection...what might be the problem plz..??

[@walkerblue6441]

Buy any brand but GE, My Toshiba cost 1/2 as much and cooks meals with 1/10th the hassle !!!

[@abdulganichairil9942]

Thanks of u tutorial..do u still repair n support the major spare parts for microwaves until now ..?pse advice of spare shops microwives in this country

[@AbdulaiIddrisu]

Great.

[@johnkenny1340]

Waste of time.

[@donnie9001]

so bottom line, buy a new microwave...

[@noahferguson7467]

As soon as I got mine it stopped working the second day. And I used it totally like a normal person. It’s a very expensive Samsung microwave and it always likes to show me these weird symbols that i don’t know what they mean

[@henrykahrs7623]

the door on my frigidaire will not open when I press the button to open.

[@onclephile817]

Great advise.

[@danephillips]

Microwave makes strange noise and emits burning odor

[@BHassan786]

My microwave is turning on and making all the correct noises and stuff when you set it to microwave, but its just not warming up my food at all, any idea on how i can solve this?

[@kief4diamonds]

you can check the primary interlock. monitor switch. the thermal fuses which are not the 20amp fuses. and there should be a third. make sure its unplugged. discharge the capacitor. The mag COULD be shorted. it may have continuity, but doesnt mean its not failing under load. the diode may be bad. test for continuity by testing it both ways. one way should read a value...the other way should be 0. the magnetron should NOT test for continuity to its casing. Check the transformer for voltage if your brave enough to plug it up. warning. some of the wires (red mostly) near the transformer and the cap are highly dangerous. More so than your wall outlet ever thought about being. if you can read the wiring schematic it will explain what is good and what is bad on alot of those items. trying to run the microwave by closing any of those switches or bypassing them will mess things up. sorry i cant be more descriptive. that should be enough to go on without getting you in over your head, provided you have some technical knowledge.

[@vtandrewharris]

***** nice input captain obvious

[@21Myshell]

Maybe it's cuz you haven't watched many John cenas matches

[@21Myshell]

Maybe it's cuz you haven't seen John cena that much

[@TheDimitri1994]

Yea u can buy a new one that's what d man said!!

[@Fish4Man61]

2 cheap fixes for these contraptions. 1: take to extremely high mountain and throw over cliff. 2: take out side and grab your shotgun and blast away................

[@zee30000]

Overkill much?

[@Fish4Man61]

zee30000 You are right. I forgot to mention going to space and nuking it from orbit. It is the only way to be sure.

[@brianmott728]

I have a built in microwave that is also attached to a built in conventional oven. The microwave will not heat up anymore but everything else works fine. How and what should I do?

[@lousminetrastillo3257]

Did you get any answer? I have a sharp carousel 2 from like 1980 it’s a beast email me at [e-mail]

[@imcoolpramesh]

Thank you. So I need to buy a new one.

[@AlexysRM]

Time to eat some vegetables.

[@chrisstover1560]

"Miker-wave"

[@whodoesntloveMikey]

I honestly dont understand so many dislikes and negative comments... I mean yeah he ain't tell u how to fox it 1, 2, 3 but still went over the actual potential problems...people just mad they cant heat their food at this very second lmfao. Well guess I'm getting a new microwave. And btw, Above ALL #JesusISTheTruth 💯🙏

[@Skimoab]

"correcly"

[@BadEggMaster]

im renting a new unit, for school, that has a fridge, freezer, and microwave. Everything works except the microwave- it wont heat anything up.

[@avantbespokeluxurywear]

mmmmmm

[@chicatube]

Thanks repair.com

[@tylerpod16]

(2:15) slam!!!!

[@Edwin19911000]

I was about to open my microwave but I said naw Maybe KZbin will help. Mines the timmer works but it wont start heatting

[@cristianace8371]

Ed its probably not your timer.

[@helemchilin6063]

Thx that helps

[@8jallin97]

fuck this... im going straight to sears

[@andrealoulou]

Sensible! A microwave is not worth death by electrocution.

[@TheBah12345]

basically it is not worth having your microwave repaired as it is always cheaper to buy a new one. So is this guy's repair service bankrupt yet or what

[@rich1051414]

No, that may be true for most people, but some people have an attachment to their microwave, especially older people. Also some units are modified to fit into a custom cabinet, and some units are multifunction, fridge, freezer, microwave combos. Still many reasons to have one repaired.

[@Nick-cs9dp]

the video I watched, his wasn't heating...it was only a 7.00 fix and he did it himself.

[@XShotGuyX]

"fixing solo"

[@clarepardoe-matthews1437]

I totally agree with Koch & Jones' comments. I happen to LIKE my microwave & want to repair it if I can...Why be rude if somebody is only trying to help? Makes you wonder who Exactly the A"%^*Wipe Is?!!! P.s. I just turn mine over to Grill Function & it worksLOL.

[@wotan10950]

Good video. Thank you.

[@walkerblue6441]

This video is for a microwave with a control panel much more traditional than the current models.

[@MNpale]

Crap, waited too long to look at the dislike ratio. ffs.

[@ArtietheArchon]

Anyone who is not homeless?

[@vwinn9474]

Waste my time

[@martybauer31]

Worthless...