Has your microwave stopped working properly? Has it stopped heating up your food and you don’t know why? There are a couple reasons why this could be happening.

Replace Your High Voltage Diode

If your microwave is turning on, but not heating up, there may be an issue with the high voltage diode. This component helps power the magnetron, which is instrumental in heating up your food. Start off my unplugging your microwave. Remove the cabinet and make sure to discharge the high voltage capacitor. Using the multi-meter, test the diode for continuity. If working properly, you should expect low resistance in once direction and high resistance in the other direction. If you notice that the resistance is low in both directions, or there is a lack of continuity, the diode will most likely need to be replaced. 

A Broken Door Switch

Another possible culprit for this problem is a broken door switch. If broken, it will fail to signal other microwave components to supply power when closed. While the fan and stirrer motors may still function, a broken door switch can stop your microwave from heating. Start off by unplugging your microwave and removing the cabinet. The door switch typically has wires marked “C” for common, and NO for normally open. Using a multi-meter, you can check the switches while depressing the actuator button. If you notice there is no continuity, it may be time for a new switch. Check your door hooks to ensure they are working properly, as this may also cause the issue.

Replace Your Magnetron

A broken magnetron can also be the cause of the issue. The magnetron is what creates the heat, and if broken, it may blow a fuse in your microwave and lead to other components failing. Start off by unplugging your microwave and removing the cabinet. Make sure the high voltage capacitor is discharged to protect yourself against electric shocks. Disconnect the magnetron’s attached wires and then attach the leads of a multi-meter to its terminals. If the multimeter shows no continuity between the terminals, your magnetron may need to be replaced.

If you are not experienced with microwave repairs, we suggest calling an appliance repairman to take a look at your microwave.

Has your microwave stopped working properly? Has it stopped heating up your food and you don’t know why? There are a couple reasons why this could be happening.

Replace Your High Voltage Diode

If your microwave is turning on, but not heating up, there may be an issue with the high voltage diode. This component helps power the magnetron, which is instrumental in heating up your food. Start off my unplugging your microwave. Remove the cabinet and make sure to discharge the high voltage capacitor. Using the multi-meter, test the diode for continuity. If working properly, you should expect low resistance in once direction and high resistance in the other direction. If you notice that the resistance is low in both directions, or there is a lack of continuity, the diode will most likely need to be replaced. 

A Broken Door Switch

Another possible culprit for this problem is a broken door switch. If broken, it will fail to signal other microwave components to supply power when closed. While the fan and stirrer motors may still function, a broken door switch can stop your microwave from heating. Start off by unplugging your microwave and removing the cabinet. The door switch typically has wires marked “C” for common, and NO for normally open. Using a multi-meter, you can check the switches while depressing the actuator button. If you notice there is no continuity, it may be time for a new switch. Check your door hooks to ensure they are working properly, as this may also cause the issue.

Replace Your Magnetron

A broken magnetron can also be the cause of the issue. The magnetron is what creates the heat, and if broken, it may blow a fuse in your microwave and lead to other components failing. Start off by unplugging your microwave and removing the cabinet. Make sure the high voltage capacitor is discharged to protect yourself against electric shocks. Disconnect the magnetron’s attached wires and then attach the leads of a multi-meter to its terminals. If the multimeter shows no continuity between the terminals, your magnetron may need to be replaced.

If you are not experienced with microwave repairs, we suggest calling an appliance repairman to take a look at your microwave.