Frigidaire Microwave Troubleshooting
Frigidaire microwaves are usually reliable hardware, but when you start to experience issues, then you might find that you need to check the internal components for damages. Here’s everything to consider when troubleshooting a Frigidaire microwave.
Some common issues with a Frigidaire microwave include the microwave not turning on, not heating, or not working as intended. To rectify the issue, you’ll generally have to check the internal components, such as the control panel, door seal, or circuit breaker for damages.
Fixing a Frigidaire microwave can be done from home, depending on what the issue is. The rest of this article will give you the in-depth guide to troubleshooting your Frigidaire microwave.
Introduction
The first question that most technicians ask themselves when dealing with a malfunctioning piece of hardware is: “What went wrong?” Identifying the source of the problem is your first step towards looking in the right place and finding the part that isn’t functioning correctly. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What part of the microwave’s function is impaired?
- Are there any strange noises coming from the microwave?
- Is the microwave heating?
- Is the microwave’s user interface responsive?
These questions will help you get a basic assessment of what’s wrong so that you can start looking in the right place to fix the issue. Keeping track of these issues is also useful information for a repair technician, who will often know exactly where to look based on the symptoms you describe.
Safety Considerations
Before you start fiddling around with delicate electrical components to fix your microwave, it’s important to address some basic safety concerns.
Unplug before Troubleshooting
Before you get started rooting around for issues, unplug your microwave. Doing so is a simple step that will keep you safe from the risk of electric shock.
Handle Electrical Components Carefully
In a similar vein, you should always be responsible when handling electrical components. Don’t press or stretch any electrical cords, keep water away, and stay alert for damaged electrical parts. A little bit of common sense goes a long way when troubleshooting, so make sure to keep these basic precautions in mind.
Common Issues and Solutions
With any brand of microwave, common issues are bound to arise and create a recognizable set of symptoms you can use to diagnose the issue. Here are some of the most common issues with Frigidaire solutions and what you need to do to fix them.
Microwave Not Turning On
A microwave that’s not turning on is no use to anyone, and if your microwave is completely unresponsive to any inputs, then you’re likely looking at a power supply issue somewhere down the line.
Start by carefully examining the power outlet and cord for damages. Test another electronic device in the outlet to see if it’s the socket, not the microwave, that’s causing the issue. Check along the length of the cord for any frays, punctures, or splitting. Even something as small as a mouse can damage the cord and cause the microwave not to work properly.
If your cord looks fine, check the circuit breaker and fuse. If the breaker has been tripped, resetting it should resolve your issue. A damaged or worn-out fuse will need to be replaced.
Microwave Not Heating
Another common issue with microwaves occurs when they are responsive to inputs but won’t heat your food. This can happen if the door seal is malfunctioning, since the microwave needs to get the signal that the door is closed for the system to work properly.
Similarly, the door seal also prevents heat energy from escaping the microwave, so if it’s damaged, heat could be escaping and preventing the microwave from working properly.
Another cause might be the diode and magnetron. The diode converts AC to DC, doubling the voltage and powering the magnetron responsible for heating the food. You can use a multimeter to test the diode, and if either is damaged, replace them.
Microwave Making Strange Noises
Strange noises might have a mechanical origin. Loose or damaged parts are usually responsible, so check to make sure that all connections are tight and in working order.
Check the turntable and roller ring, which make up the ‘plate’ and metal ring inside the microwave. When off-balance, they can create the strange noise you’re experiencing, and replacing them is a simple solution.
Microwave Not Functioning Properly
If the microwave isn’t doing what it’s told, turns on and off sporadically, or is just downright temperamental, then you have good reason to suspect the control panel or damaged internal components.
The control panel is responsible for, at the most basic level, telling the microwave what to do in response to inputs. If you find a damaged component, replace it with a new one.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
Using a Multimeter
If you can’t find anything apparent wrong with your microwave, you can use a multimeter to dig a little deeper. Test the output of the diode using the multimeter, the turntable in the microwave, or the connectivity of the internal components.
When to Call the Pros
If you can’t identify the source of the problem or don’t feel safe investigating delicate electrical components, then it’s a prudent idea to contact the professionals. Make sure to keep tabs on what you’ve checked and be prepared to describe the symptoms your microwave is exhibiting.
Doing so will help the repair technician narrow down the source of the problem and use their expertise to recommend a follow-up course of action. If well prepared, they might have the necessary replacement parts on hand to quickly get your microwave back in working order.
Conclusion
Frigidaire microwaves can experience a range of problems in their expected lifespan, and if you know what you’re looking for, you might well be able to identify and solve the problem yourself.
It’s important to reiterate that you should take extensive safety precautions when working with electrical components, and that if you ever feel out of your depth, the professionals are just a phone call away.