The microwave works, but does not heat

Unfortunately, there are times when, having put food in the microwave to heat up, a person finds it just as cold after a while. At the same time, the device rotates the substrate, the display panel lights up, but the food is not heated. What should you do in this case? Is it possible to fix the breakdown yourself and how to carry out repairs without resorting to the services of specialists from the service center? This is what our article will be about.

How does a microwave heat up?

When operating, a microwave oven uses high frequencies to heat substances through irritation of water molecules, which begin to rub against each other, generating heat.

High frequency currents allow you to defrost, heat or cook food.

Signs of a microwave oven malfunction

The main signs that the device is not in order:

• The device does not turn on at all;
• The food remains cold.

Possible reasons for the microwave to malfunction:

• lack of power supply;
• the door switch failed;
• one of the fuses has failed;
• The magnetron failed.

The most common reasons why the microwave does not heat

Quite often, the user forgets to switch modes and tries to reheat food in the defrost mode. Pay close attention to which function you have chosen!

If heating does not occur due to an incorrectly set mode, then, following the instructions in the operating manual, select and set the desired mode on the control panel.

Probably the most common problem with a microwave oven is the failure of the magnetron, which does not perform its main function because the capacitor is malfunctioning. Sometimes the reason is the fuses, which burn out quite often.

It happens that the transformer stops working. Reasons for transformer failure:

• Damage to the control unit;
• Transformer short circuit;
• Inverter faults.

Less common causes of microwave failure

Less common reasons for oven malfunction include:

• Mains voltage drop. During operation, voltage stability plays an important role. When decreasing by 20 V, the food will be heated only on the surface. A drop in electricity parameters can be avoided by connecting the stove through an uninterruptible power supply.
• Network overload. This can happen when two powerful household appliances are connected to the same outlet.
• Door failure. The latch on the door may break, and fuses may prevent the appliance from being operated with the door open to avoid leakage of microwave radiation.

What to do if the microwave does not heat.

Self-diagnosis and possible repairs

If the product turns on, but the food does not heat up and the microwave hums, then most likely the problem is the following:

• The diode failed;
• The capacitor has failed;
• Magnetron failed.

Troubleshooting minor problems

If you still want to identify the problem yourself and repair the product, then you need to understand that the device is dangerous. Even when switched off, there is a possibility of receiving an electric shock with a voltage of 5 thousand V.

If in doubt, it is better not to experiment, but to immediately take the car to a service center.

Most faults can be fixed with your own hands; this will require a screwdriver and a voltage tester.

Before operating the microwave, you must unplug it and wait a while for the high voltage to disappear.

After removing the cover, you need to make sure that all fuses are intact and intact. If carbon deposits appear on the surface of the fuses or the thread is damaged, they need to be replaced.

If you hear a strong hum when you turn on the device, then most likely the capacitor has stopped working. You will need a tester to check. If during testing the tester arrow remains in place, then the container must be changed. Before replacing the capacitor, it must be discharged.

Diode testing is complex and is rarely performed. A faulty diode causes a hum or the fuses blow after the machine is turned on.

If no faults were identified when testing the furnace, then most likely the magnetron is faulty. That is, it will need to be inspected for carbon deposits or damage to the housing. If none are found, you need to test it using a tester switched to ohmmeter mode.

Preventing microwave oven problems

To ensure proper operation, it is enough to follow the requirements of the operating manual, in particular, regularly clean the device and cook food in strict accordance with the cooking modes.