Microwave Making a High-Pitched Noise? Here’s How to Fix It

What is a high-pitched noise from a microwave?

Microwaves are a convenient way to cook food, but they sometimes make a high-pitched noise. A faulty magnetron, door switch, or waveguide usually causes this noise.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of a high-pitched noise from a microwave, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Faulty magnetron

The magnetron is the part of the microwave that generates the microwaves. It is in the back of the microwave, usually behind a metal panel. To access the magnetron, you must remove the microwave’s back panel.

The magnetron is a high-powered device, so it is important to be careful when working with it. Do not touch the magnetron with your bare hands, and do not allow any metal objects to come into contact with it.

If the magnetron is faulty, it can make a high-pitched noise. To fix the magnetron, you will need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement magnetron at most appliance repair shops.

Problem with the door switch

The door switch is located on the door of the microwave. It is responsible for ensuring that the microwave only turns on when the door is closed.

If the door switch is faulty, it can cause the microwave to turn on even when the door is open. This can be dangerous, as it can allow microwaves to leak out.

To test the door switch, you can use a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the resistance setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the door switch. If the multimeter reads “0 ohms,” the door switch is working properly. If the multimeter reads “OL,” the door switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Loose or damaged waveguide

The waveguide is a metal tube that carries the microwaves from the magnetron to the food. It is located in the back of the microwave, usually behind the magnetron.

If the waveguide is loose or damaged, it can cause microwaves to leak out. This can be dangerous, as it can cause burns.

To tighten a loose waveguide, you can use a screwdriver. To replace a damaged waveguide, you must purchase one at most appliance repair shops.

Dangers of working on a microwave

Microwaves use high-powered radiation, so it is important to be careful when working on them. There are a few dangers to be aware of:

• Microwave radiation can cause burns.
• Microwave radiation can damage your eyes.
• Microwave radiation can interfere with pacemakers and other medical devices.

To avoid these dangers, always unplug the microwave before you start working on it. Also, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from microwave radiation.

Best tools to use

The best tools to use when working on a microwave are a screwdriver, a multimeter, and safety glasses.

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Torx screwdriver (optional)
• Replacement magnetron (if needed)
• Replacement door switch (if needed)
• Replacement waveguide (if needed)

The screwdriver will be used to remove screws and tighten loose connections. The multimeter will be used to test the door switch and other electrical components. The safety glasses will protect your eyes from microwave radiation.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Unplug the microwave from the power outlet. This is important to do before you start working on the microwave, as the magnetron can be very dangerous if it is turned on while you are working on it.
2. Remove the back panel of the microwave. This is usually done by removing a few screws. The location of the screws may vary depending on the make and model of your microwave.
3. Locate the magnetron. The magnetron is the part of the microwave that generates the microwaves. It is a large, cylindrical object that is usually located in the back of the microwave, near the top.
4. Inspect the magnetron for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, burns, or other damage to the magnetron. If the magnetron is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
5. Replace the magnetron if necessary. To replace the magnetron, you will need to remove the old magnetron and install the new one. The screws that hold the magnetron in place may be different from the screws that you removed to take off the back panel.
6. Inspect the door switch. The door switch is located on the door of the microwave. It is a small, rectangular object that is usually located near the top of the door.
7. Inspect the door switch for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, burns, or other damage to the door switch. If the door switch is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
8. Replace the door switch if necessary. To replace the door switch, you must remove the old one and install the new one. The screws that hold the door switch in place may be different from the screws that you removed to take off the back panel.
9. Inspect the waveguide. The waveguide is a metal tube that carries the microwaves from the magnetron to the food. It is in the back of the microwave, near the bottom.
10. Inspect the waveguide for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, burns, or other damage to the waveguide. If the waveguide is loose, you can tighten the screws that hold it in place. If the waveguide is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
11. Reassemble the microwave and plug it back in. Once you have replaced the magnetron, door switch, or waveguide, you can reassemble the microwave and plug it back in.

Safety tips:

• Always wear safety glasses when working on a microwave.
• Be careful not to touch the magnetron, as it can be hot.
• Do not attempt to repair a microwave if you are uncomfortable doing so.

FAQs

How common is it for microwaves to make a high-pitched noise?

It is not uncommon for microwaves to make a high-pitched noise. It is estimated that about 10% of microwaves will make this noise at some point.

How can I prevent my microwave from making a high-pitched noise?

You can do a few things to prevent your microwave from making a high-pitched noise.

• Regularly clean the microwave. This will help to prevent food particles from building up and causing the magnetron to overheat.
• Ensure the door is closed properly when the microwave is in use.
• Avoid using metal utensils in the microwave. Metal utensils can reflect microwaves and cause them to arc, damaging the magnetron.
• If you hear a high-pitched noise, unplug the microwave immediately and call a qualified technician.

Can I fix a microwave that is making a high-pitched noise myself?

Yes, if you are comfortable working with electrical appliances, you can fix a microwave that is making a high-pitched noise yourself. However, it is important to be careful and to follow the safety instructions. If you are uncomfortable repairing the microwave, you should call a qualified technician.

How do I know if the microwave is fixed?

After you have made the repairs, you can test the microwave to see if it is working properly. Here are a few things to check: * Does the microwave heat food properly? * Does the microwave make a high-pitched noise? * Does the microwave spark or arc?

If the microwave works properly, it should not make a high-pitched noise, spark, or arc.

Other symptoms of a faulty magnetron, door switch, or waveguide:

• Magnetron:
  • The microwave does not heat food properly.
  • The microwave sparks or arcs.
  • The microwave smells like burning plastic or metal.
• Door switch:
  • The microwave turns on even when the door is open.
  • The microwave does not turn on even when the door is closed.
  • The microwave door does not close properly.
• Waveguide:
  • Microwaves leak out of the microwave.
  • The microwave does not heat food properly.
  • The microwave sparks or arcs.