Amana Microwave Troubleshooting
Amana microwaves are reliable, sturdy machines that offer good value for their purchase price. Unfortunately, even good-quality microwaves have problems that need troubleshooting. Here are some of the most common problems and how you can fix them.
Common Amana microwave problems include a lack of responsivity to controls, failure to heat, straonge noises, and display malfunctions. To rectify these issues, check for damaged components, investigate the power supply, and ensure the vents aren’t blocked.
With a little investigation, you might be able to find and fix the problem with your Amana microwave. Proper troubleshooting is important to avoid further damage to your machine and to avoid the risk of injury. The rest of this article will cover the most common problems that plague the Amana microwave and what you can do to fix them.
Common Amana Microwave Problems and Solutions
Amana Microwave Not Turning on or Responding to Controls
An unresponsive microwave can be frustrating, but before you assume that it’s completely broken, start with the basics.
Make sure the microwave is plugged into a working outlet by testing another electronic on the same outlet. You should also check that the door is closing properly and latched, since the microwave won’t work if the door isn’t closed.
If these basic steps don’t resolve the issue, then your problem may lie with the control panel, fuse, or circuit breaker. The control panel is responsible for giving instructions to the microwave to make it function properly, and if you note damages to your control panel or fuse, the damaged component will need replacing.
If your microwave keeps tripping the breaker, then it could be down to another faulty component or the dedicated breaker itself. Check for damages to the breaker and replace it if necessary.
You will also want to consider checking for other damages, such as to the diode, magneton, turntable motor, and other components to see if they’re responsible for repeatedly tripping the breaker.
Microwave Not Heating
If you’ve noticed that your microwave isn’t heating properly, then you’ll want to investigate the possibility of a power supply issue, check the ventilation, and examine the turntable.
Before fiddling around with the internal components, check that demo mode isn’t turned on. To do so, hold down the menu button for 3 seconds until the menu appear. Navigate to Settings > Display > Demo Mode. Select Off.
First, check to ensure the microwave is properly connected to a power source and that there are no damages along the length of the cord that could be affecting the power supply.
If there is, replace the damaged component. Your next step should be to ensure that the microwave is properly ventilated and that the vents aren’t being blocked.
The vent is intended to prevent condensation inside the microwave; thus, a blocked vent can affect the function of the microwave and potentially damage the delicate electrical components. Clean out the vent and test the function of the exhaust fan, replacing it if it feels stiff or unresponsive.
Amana Microwave Making Strange Noises
Strange noises in your microwave may indicate a mechanical problem within. The first and most common cause of these noises is a malfunction in the turntable.
This is the plate inside the microwave where you place the item you want to be heated. If there’s anything in contact with the turntable, then remove it. Similarly, you should make sure that the turntable is placed correctly; an off-balance turntable can cause it to scrape against the inside of the microwave.
The waveguide might also be responsible for the noises you’re hearing if it’s arcing or sparking. The cover, quite simply, protects the waveguide from errant crumbs, grease, or anything else that might damage it.
Check that the cover isn’t damaged, and if it is, replace this component to test whether the strange noise disappears.
Poor ventilation can also cause the microwave to make odd noises, especially if the vents are blocked. Clean out the ventilation where applicable and test the cooling fan.
If debris is stuck inside, the fan can clip against other components or wear out more quickly, creating the odd buzzing noise you’re hearing.
Amana Microwave Display Not Working
A lack of function in the display generally indicates a power supply issue, but before you investigate the control panel, start by ensuring that your microwave isn’t in demo mode, since demo mode doesn’t have the same range of functions as regular operating mode.
Check whether the control panel is properly lit and responsive to your inputs, and if it isn’t, check the control panel fuse or the display board, both of which are essential components in making the control panel work.
If the fuse is tripped or worn out, replace it carefully. You can replace the display board, but it’s generally best to let the pros handle this one, since there could be a number of underlying issues that cause your display board to malfunction, and improperly diagnosing the cause could lead to further issues.
Extra Troubleshooting Steps
Full Reset
If all else fails, try doing a hard reset on your microwave by unplugging it, waiting a few minutes, and plugging it back in. This can reset your microwave back to its original state, potentially fixing any software issues that might be occurring.
Customer Service
If you can’t diagnose the issue or are uncomfortable handling electrical components, then you might want to refer to the user manual for guidance or contact Amana customer support. If your microwave is still under warranty, you may be able to have a repair technician check out and replace any faulty parts at no cost to you.
Conclusion
There are a number of problems that can arise in an Amana microwave, and if you have the right tools, you may be able to figure it out yourself and replace the faulty part.
Always exercise extreme caution when working with electrical components, and if you’re ever in doubt or are uncomfortable working on your microwave, contact Amana customer support for assistance.