Maytag microwave ovens are among the best brands in the world. They are reliable and durable. Still, they are not problem-free. Many users have been complaining about the Maytag microwave not heating. The problem occurs when there is power in the appliance, and its lights and fan are on.
Unfortunately, there are different reasons behind this issue. However, many of them are simple to handle. The majority of the causes are related to faulty components. So, fixing or replacing may save your day.
This blog post will shed light on the most common reasons preventing a microwave from heating. Also, it explores reliable fixes and troubleshooting methods for each of them. So, read on for more insight!
Why is Your Maytag Microwave Not Heating?
Failure of electrical components is to blame for this annoying problem. A microwave that runs but does not heat food may result from a faulty diode, a defective magnetron, or a blown thermal fuse. When you spot the microwave light, you can identify a running oven, but the lack of radiation leads to no heat.
So, let’s get to know these reasons and suitable Maytag Microwave Troubleshooting in detail:
1. Faulty Magnetron
The magnetron is a critical component in all types of microwave ovens. It is responsible for generating the required radiation that heats foods and drinks. Without a functional magnetron, the oven won’t cook any food bowls quickly or slowly.
A magnetron appears like two boxes made of metal and stacked over each other.
You should test this component using a multimeter to ensure the problem lies in a magnetron. You have a functional magnetron if the test result is less than 1 ohm or displays an OL reading. Otherwise, it would be best if you threw it away.
2. Defective Microwave Diode
The diode and magnetron work accordingly to generate microwave heat. It is mainly responsible for transforming the alternating current into a direct one. Moreover, it doubles the voltage until it reaches around 5000 volts.
Without this component, the power won’t get to the magnetron. So. there is no wonder why a Maytag microwave stops heating when the diode goes bad.
3. Watch out for a Defective Door Switch
Most Maytag ovens come with 3 or 4 door switches. They work together to ensure a locked door during the microwave’s operation. The door won’t close appropriately without functional switches, and there won’t be heating for your frozen food.
Unfortunately, a defective switch affects the rest of the set. In addition to locking the door correctly, these switches protect you from getting burnt by the generated waves. So, it is a significant safety feature that a wide range of microwaves needs functional switches.
4. Look out for the Wrong Control Settings
The oven’s setting is one of the essential things you must check when your microwave fails to heat. Ensure the oven is set to the proper mode and displays no error codes. For instance, a Demo Mode will make the oven unable to heat anything.
Moreover, there won’t be enough energy to set the oven to something lower than necessary to heat specific food. Eventually, the food bowl will remain cold despite being placed inside a running oven.
5. Check the High-voltage Capacitor
This is another vital component that generates energy in the Maytag microwave. This capacitor plays a huge role in transforming AC power into DC energy along with the diode. Constant dealing with high voltage makes the capacitor prone to fraying and wear and tear.
6. Take a look at the Thermal Fuse
In all types of microwaves, thermal fuses act as a safety mechanism. Such fuses protect the appliance against overheating. It cuts the power the moment it detects the extreme heat. Letting this fuse discharge before getting into contact with it is mandatory. This is the right thing to do to avoid potential electrical shocks.
While inspecting the condition of the fuse, remember to check out its material. There are fuses made of ceramic, while others.
7. Inspect the Main Control Board
This component is the brain of the oven. It controls all the functions of the appliance. It is like the motherboard of your computer. So, when it malfunctions, nothing will be in order.
How to Fix a Maytag Microwave Not Heating?
In general, replacing or fixing Maytag microwave components is not a challenging task. This is true if you are used to maintaining electrical and electronic parts of similar kitchen appliances. The replacement steps are identical to others.
You will have to unplug the appliance and give it time to discharge. This is an important safety measurement. Also, wearing protective rubber is another recommended safety precaution.
1. Replace the Magnetron
A microwave magnetron is a part assigned to generate the required radiation frequency. Whenever it becomes faulty, there will be no heat inside the oven. For experienced DIYers, replacing this part is no big deal. However, you can contact a qualified technician for reliable help if you have any doubts.
2. Change the Voltage Diode
A faulty diode won’t remain a secret. It will show itself by its frayed appearance and the burning smell. Maytag diode is usually located underneath the bottom panel. However, this component is difficult to remove and reinstall, as a thin frame holds it.
Unexperienced hands may accidentally break this frame. So, caution is required while handling this critical microwave electrical component.
3. Replace Defective Switches
Defective door switches won’t let the oven operate correctly. Fortunately, the whole set of switches does not malfunction at once. So, the whole problem may lie only in one switch. It would be best to use a multimeter to test each for electrical continuity to know the right culprit.
You must remove the outer casing and control panel to access the door switches. There is a black frame containing them. Replace the faulty switches that fail the continuity test.
4. Change the Incorrect Settings
Use the correct setting required for cooking each type of food to avoid wasting cooking time and the appliance power. Also, ensure you are not using the demo mode that displays all the functions but prevents the primary heating function. You can identify this mode when the screen shows “dON.”
Deactivating the demonstration mode is simple and can be done quickly. All it takes is unplugging the oven and disconnecting its timer. Then, hold the number three on the keypad for s couple of seconds. Stop once you hear a peeping tone twice. This will get you out of the demo setting.
5. Replace the Capacitor
Before rushing into a nearby hardware store to buy a new capacitor, you should test the old component first. Bring a VOM meter to test the capacitor’s capacitance. If it fails the test, then get a new capacitor. Typically, the test will fail when no reading is displayed on the meter’s screen.
6. Change the Blown Fuse
A blown thermal fuse is against the standard safety features of the microwave. It also threatens the functionality of the microwave oven. This fuse is close to the magnetron, which is not significant. It is, at most, two inches long. Like the other electrical components of the oven, this will be tested with a multimeter.
A blown fuse will register no readings. So, make sure to replace it with a new one matching your oven’s settings.
7. Replace the Control Board
This should be your last resort if all other fixes fail you. A control board is a sensitive and expensive part that can revive your microwave. However, replacing it with another underlying culprit won’t be helpful.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
