Kenmore Microwave Oven Troubleshooting
Introduction
If you have a Kenmore microwave oven, you can do many things with it. They are perfect for heating frozen foods, and they have a speed-cook function that is particularly useful. Many people find microwave ovens useful gadgets – but that’s only true if your oven works as it should be.
When your oven stops working well, troubleshooting properly is important. Many issues can be fixed without needing to call an engineer, and you may be able to get your microwave oven running again in no time. Don’t ignore issues if they arise, as they may worsen and harm the appliance considerably.
Common Problems And Solutions
We will check out some of the top problems and how you can solve them!
Microwave Oven Not Heating Properly
If your microwave oven doesn’t seem to be heating properly even though it has power, there are quite a few potential issues.
First, you should check that the appliance is connected to the outlet and that power is being supplied. If the microwave oven doesn’t switch on, there is a high chance that it isn’t getting power as it should be.
You may wish to disconnect the microwave oven and then test another appliance with the same outlet to make sure that the outlet works properly. If the other appliance works fine, the outlet isn’t the problem.
The second thing to do is to make sure that the microwave oven’s door is closing properly. If it isn’t sealing, it cannot heat effectively. Make sure you have checked this before using the oven.
Thirdly, look at the waveguide cover and check that it hasn’t been damaged or covered up by something. Dents or other damage to this cover could stop the microwave oven from functioning properly, so ensure it’s in good condition before using the appliance. If it’s not, consider replacing it.
Next, check the diodes and the magnetron for any signs of damage. The magnetron is responsible for generating the microwaves that make your microwave oven work, so if it has been damaged, your microwave simply won’t heat up, even if it sounds like it’s on.
If the diodes are the problem, you will probably notice a burning smell. There will likely be visible damage to the diodes, such as blistering, cracking, etc.
You might be able to replace the diodes or the magnetron yourself, but in some cases, you’ll need to contact an engineer to repair the appliance.
If you will replace the parts yourself, make sure you use like-for-like parts to minimize the risk of issues arising. Only undertake this task if you are confident you can do it safely.
Touchpad Not Functioning Properly
If your oven is working but the touchpad isn’t responding properly, there are a few potential issues – so let’s explore these next. You won’t be able to use the appliance until you have fixed whatever’s going wrong with it.
The best place to start is by cleaning the touchpad. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe it down thoroughly. Get rid of all debris and grease, and then dry the touchpad with a clean, soft cloth and see if this has solved the problem.
Next, check whether the touchpad is properly connected to the control panel. If you can see any wires are out of place, these may need to be reconnected or replaced by an engineer.
If neither of these things helps, check whether your control panel is malfunctioning or damaged. You may need to replace a part if so.
Light Not Working
Although some people think of the light as a cosmetic feature, it’s actually pretty important. If something has gone wrong with it, don’t ignore it. It’s often going to be a reasonably easy fix.
Begin by checking the bulb. Bulbs don’t last forever, and if yours has burned out, you’ll need to replace it with a like-for-like option.
Next, you should check that the connection between the control panel and the light is good. If this connection has come loose, make sure you get this repaired promptly.
You should also check the control panel to see if it has been damaged or if it is malfunctioning, as this could cause the light to malfunction too.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If your microwave oven is still causing you problems, you’ll need to do some more advanced troubleshooting. Start by resetting the whole microwave oven; this can fix technical glitches and some other problems.
To do this, flip the switch on the power outlet and then unplug the microwave oven. Wait for a full minute, and then plug the appliance back in. Flip the switch, and see if the issue has been resolved.
If this doesn’t solve the problem and you’re seeing an error code, you should get the manual out and look up the code. If you don’t have your manual, you may be able to download one from the internet. The manual will probably offer some troubleshooting steps, or you may be able to find further information about the issue online.
If that hasn’t helped, you may want to get some professional assistance from a certified repair technician. They should be able to help you identify the issue and then find the most efficient way to fix it. This can be a great way to avoid buying a replacement appliance, as many minor issues can be resolved.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting is an important first step when attempting to get your Kenmore microwave oven running again. Many problems can be fixed with relative ease, so it’s generally worth doing this.
However, if you identify the issue and it’s complicated or if you aren’t particularly confident about your repair skills, you should get in touch with a professional. This will ensure that the repair is done properly and the appliance remains safe to use.