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Why Does My Microwave Stop During Use?

Jul 29, 2023, 12:41pm

If your microwave stops in use, there will be several things you can check. After discharging the capacitor, it will be necessary to check:

  • door security
  • the power cord
  • the magnetron
  • the fuses

It’s undoubtedly frustrating when your microwave stops in the middle of heating your food. A microwave that stops during use may indicate a serious problem, but sometimes the solution is simple and easy. Here are some potential reasons why your microwave might be stopping during use and what you can do about it.

Why Does My Microwave Stop During Use?

Overheating

One common reason for a microwave to stop during use is that the appliance is overheating. This can happen when the vents are blocked or the fan isn’t working properly. When the microwave overheats, it can trip the thermal fuse, a safety device that shuts off the microwave to prevent a fire.

Solution

If your microwave is overheating, ensure that it’s not placed too closely to the wall or other appliances, as this could block the vents. Clean the vents to remove any accumulated dust or grease. If the fan is not working correctly, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.

Door Switch Issue

Microwaves are designed to stop running when the door is opened for safety reasons. If the door switch is faulty, the microwave may think the door is open even when it’s not, causing it to stop during use.

Solution

If you suspect that the door switch is causing the problem, you should contact a professional appliance repair technician. Dealing with electrical components can be dangerous and should be done by a professional.

Control Panel or Touchpad Problems

If the control panel or touchpad of your microwave is faulty or damaged, it could cause the microwave to stop unexpectedly. The control panel sends signals to the various components of the microwave, so any problem with it can disrupt the microwave’s operation.

Solution

A faulty control panel or touchpad often needs to be repaired or replaced by a professional. This is a complex process that requires expert knowledge.

Why Does My Microwave Stop During Use?

Faulty Magnetron

The magnetron is the component in your microwave that generates the microwaves for cooking. If it’s faulty, it could cause your microwave to stop during use. This issue often presents with the microwave turning off after a few seconds of operation.

Solution

A faulty magnetron needs to be replaced by a professional, as it’s a high-voltage component. Note that replacing a magnetron can be quite expensive and in some cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire microwave.

Blown Fuse

Microwaves have one or more internal fuses. If one of these fuses blows, the microwave might start but then stop unexpectedly.

Solution

If a fuse has blown, it needs to be replaced. However, dealing with the internal components of a microwave can be dangerous due to the high voltage capacitors, so this should be left to a professional.

In conclusion, a microwave that stops during use can be due to various issues, some simple, others more complex. If the problem isn’t easily resolved, it’s always best to consult a professional technician to avoid the risk of injury or further damage to the microwave.