Troubleshooting and repairing KitchenAid microwaves

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Microwave Malfunctions: Troubleshooting and repairing KitchenAid microwaves

Microwaves are convenient and versatile appliances that can help you prepare meals, snacks, and beverages in minutes. But what if your microwave stops working or starts acting up? How do you know what’s wrong and how to fix it?

If you own a KitchenAid microwave, you’re in luck. KitchenAid microwaves are known for their quality and performance, but they can also encounter some common problems that can be easily solved with some troubleshooting and repairing tips. In this article, we will show you how to diagnose and fix some of the most frequent issues that affect KitchenAid microwaves, such as:

  • Microwave not turning on
  • Microwave not heating
  • Microwave fan not spinning
  • Microwave making loud noises
  • Microwave buttons not working
  • Microwave turntable not turning
  • Microwave not showing time
  • Microwave door not opening

Before you start troubleshooting, make sure to unplug your microwave from the power source and wear protective gloves and eyewear. Also, be careful when handling any electrical components, as they may carry high voltage even when unplugged. Is your Kitchen Aid appliance needing repair in Santa Barbara? Turn to our skilled partner for prompt and reliable repairs.

Microwave not turning on

If your microwave does not turn on at all, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • Faulty power cord or outlet: Check if the power cord is plugged in properly and if the outlet is working. You can test the outlet by plugging in another appliance or a lamp. If the outlet is faulty, you may need to call an electrician to fix it.
  • Blown line fuse: The line fuse is a small ceramic tube that protects the microwave from power surges. If the line fuse is blown, the microwave will not turn on. To replace the line fuse, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the fuse holder. You can use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the fuse has no continuity, replace it with a new one.
  • Blown thermal fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts off power to the microwave if it overheats. If the thermal fuse is blown, the microwave will not turn on. To replace the thermal fuse, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the fuse on the top of the cavity. You can use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the fuse has no continuity, replace it with a new one.
  • Tripped thermal protector: The thermal protector is a switch that shuts off power to the microwave if it detects excessive temperature. If the thermal protector is tripped, the microwave will not turn on. To reset the thermal protector, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the switch on the side of the cavity. You can use a screwdriver to press the reset button on the switch.
  • Faulty main control board: The main control board is the brain of the microwave that controls all its functions. If the main control board is faulty, the microwave will not turn on. To replace the main control board, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the board on the back of the control panel. You can use a multimeter to test the board for power. If there is no power coming to or from the board, replace it with a new one.

Microwave not heating

If your microwave turns on but does not heat up your food, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • Defective high voltage transformer: The high voltage transformer produces high voltage to power the magnetron, which is the component that generates microwaves to heat food. If the high voltage transformer is defective, your microwave will not heat up your food. To replace the high voltage transformer, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the transformer on one side of the cavity. You can use a multimeter to test the transformer for resistance. If there is no resistance or very high resistance, replace it with a new one.
  • Faulty door switch: The door switch is a safety device that prevents microwaves from escaping when you open or close the door. If one or more of these switches are faulty, your microwave will not heat up your food. To replace a door switch, you will need to access
    the interior of the microwave and locate them on one side of where door latches into place. You can use a multimeter to test each switch for continuity. If any switch has no continuity when activated or has continuity when deactivated, replace it with a new one.
  • Damaged diode: The diode is a component that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) for powering up other components such as magnetron and capacitor. If diode is damaged, your microwave will not heat up your food. To replace the diode, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate it on one side of the high voltage capacitor. You can use a multimeter to test the diode for resistance. If the diode has no resistance or very low resistance in both directions, replace it with a new one.

Microwave fan not spinning

If your microwave fan is not spinning, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • Blown thermal fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts off power to the fan if it overheats. If the thermal fuse is blown, the fan will not spin. To replace the thermal fuse, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the fuse on the top of the cavity. You can use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the fuse has no continuity, replace it with a new one.
  • Tripped thermal protector: The thermal protector is a switch that shuts off power to the fan if it detects excessive temperature. If the thermal protector is tripped, the fan will not spin. To reset the thermal protector, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the switch on the side of the cavity. You can use a screwdriver to press the reset button on the switch.
  • Faulty main control board: The main control board is the brain of the microwave that controls all its functions, including the fan. If the main control board is faulty, the fan will not spin. To replace the main control board, you will need to access the interior of the microwave and locate the board on the back of the control panel. You can use a multimeter to test the board for power. If there is no power coming to or from the board, replace it with a new one.

Microwave making loud noises

If your microwave is making loud noises, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • Loose or broken parts inside: Sometimes, parts inside your microwave may become loose or broken due to wear and tear or accidental damage. This can cause rattling, buzzing, or humming noises when your microwave is running. To fix this problem, you will need to access
    the interior of your microwave and inspect it for any loose or broken parts. If you find any, you will need to replace them with new ones.
  • Worn coupler or blade assembly: The coupler is a rubber piece that connects
    the motor shaft to blade assembly in your microwave. The blade assembly consists of four stainless steel blades that create a vortex inside your jar. If either of these parts are worn or damaged, they can cause grinding or scraping noises when your microwave is running. To fix this problem, you will need to access
    the bottom of your jar and inspect them for any wear or damage. If they are worn or damaged, you will need to replace them with new ones.

Microwave buttons not working

If your microwave buttons are not working, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • The touchpad is defective: The touchpad is where you press buttons to operate your microwave. If touchpad is defective, some or all of buttons may not respond when pressed. To fix this problem, you will need to do a hard reset by unplugging your microwave for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. Then test start button to see if it works. If hard reset does not help, you will need to replace touchpad with a new one.
  • The microwave just jammed up: Sometimes, your microwave may just jam up due to a glitch or overload. This can cause some or all of buttons to stop working temporarily. To fix this problem, you will need to do a hard reset by unplugging your microwave for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. Then test start button to see if it works. If hard reset does not help, you may need to contact customer service for further assistance.

Microwave turntable not turning

If your microwave turntable is not turning, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • Tripped glass tray: The glass tray is where you place your food on top of turntable in your microwave. Sometimes, glass tray may get tripped or misaligned due to improper placement or accidental movement. This can prevent turntable from turning properly. To fix this problem, you will need to remove glass tray from turntable and reposition it correctly. Then test turntable to see if it works.
  • Faulty turntable motor: The turntable motor is what spins turntable in your microwave. If turntable motor is faulty, turntable will not spin at all or spin very slowly. To fix this problem, you will need to access test the motor for continuity. If the motor has no continuity, replace it with a new one.
  • Faulty turntable coupler: The turntable coupler is a plastic piece that connects the turntable motor to the glass tray. If the turntable coupler is broken or worn, it will not be able to spin the glass tray. To fix this problem, you will need to access
    the bottom of your microwave and locate the turntable coupler. You can use your hand to pull it off from the motor shaft and inspect it for any damage. If it is broken or worn, replace it with a new one.

Microwave not showing time

If your microwave is not showing time on the display, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • The clock is not set: Sometimes, your microwave may lose its clock settings due to a power outage or unplugging. This can cause the display to show nothing or a default time. To fix this problem, you will need to set the clock according to your microwave’s manual. Usually, you will need to press the clock button and then enter the current time using the number buttons. Then press the clock button again or start button to confirm.
  • The display is dimmed: Some microwaves have a feature that allows you to dim or brighten the display according to your preference. If your display is too dim, you may not be able to see the time clearly. To fix this problem, you will need to adjust the display brightness according to your microwave’s manual. Usually, you will need to press and hold the clock button for a few seconds until you see a number on the display. Then use the number buttons to change the brightness level from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Then press the clock button again or start button to confirm.
  • The display is faulty: The display is a component that shows information such as time, mode, and status on your microwave. If the display is faulty, it may show nothing or incorrect information. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the display with a new one. To replace the display, you will need to access
    the interior of your microwave and locate the display on the front of the control panel. You can use a multimeter to test the display for power. If there is no power coming to or from the display, replace it with a new one.

Microwave door not opening

If your microwave door is not opening, there could be several possible causes, such as:

  • Jammed door latch: The door latch is a mechanism that locks and unlocks
    the door when you press the door button. If the door latch is jammed or broken, it will prevent
    the door from opening. To fix this problem, you will need to access
    the interior of your microwave and locate
    the door latch on one side of where door latches into place. You can use a screwdriver to pry open
    the door latch and release
    the door. Then inspect
    the door latch for any damage and replace it with a new one if needed.
  • Broken door spring: The door spring is a component that helps
    the door open and close smoothly. If the door spring is broken, it will prevent
    the door from opening fully or at all. To fix this problem, you will need to access
    the interior of your microwave and locate
    the door spring on one side of where door latches into place. You can use a pair of pliers to remove
    the broken spring and replace it with a new one.
  • Damaged door handle: The door handle is where you pull
    the door open and close. If the door handle is damaged or loose, it will prevent
    you from opening
    the door easily or at all. To fix this problem, you will need to access
    the exterior of your microwave and locate
    the screws that hold
    the door handle in place. You can use a screwdriver to remove
    the screws and then pull off
    the old handle. Then attach
    a new handle with new screws.

We hope this article has helped you understand how KitchenAid microwaves work and how to troubleshoot some common problems. If you need more help or advice on repairing your KitchenAid microwave, feel free to contact us at murphyapplianceowensboro.com. We are experts in appliance repair and we can handle any issue with your KitchenAid microwave or any other appliance.