Are you frustrated with your microwave not spinning? It’s always frustrating when you have a quick meal to prepare, and your microwave throws a tantrum.
Well, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! This article will examine 10 easy ways to fix your microwave if it’s not spinning. From motor failure to a worn-out belt or a faulty switch, we’ll cover all the possible culprits that could be causing your microwave to malfunction.
We know how important it is to have a functional microwave in your kitchen, especially when you’re in a rush or have a hungry family waiting for food. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you diagnose and fix the issue with your microwave and get it back to spinning like it’s brand new.
Why is Your Microwave Not Spinning?
Before we dive into resolving the microwave not spinning predicament, let’s take a moment to examine the possible causes of the issue. Identifying the root cause is crucial to avoid further damage to your appliance.
Motor Failure
A motor failure in a microwave can occur due to a range of reasons, such as wear and tear over time, electrical issues, or physical damage to the motor. The motor is responsible for spinning the microwave turntable, which allows food to cook evenly in the microwave.
When the motor fails, the turntable motor will not spin, leading to uneven heating of the food. This can result in undercooked or overcooked food, which can be a health hazard.
Defective Coupler
The coupler, which connects the motor to the turntable, may have broken or become loose, preventing the turntable from rotating. The coupler transfers the motor’s power to the turntable motor, allowing it to rotate.
Overuse of the microwave, general wear and tear, or age can cause the coupler to become loose or break. If the coupler is loose, the motor may not be able to transfer enough power to the turntable to rotate it.
Additionally, if the coupler is broken, the motor may not be able to transfer any power to the turntable motor, resulting in it not spinning. This issue can also occur if the coupler is not correctly aligned or installed.
Worn-Out Belt
The turntable belt in a microwave oven is responsible for transferring power from the motor to the turntable, causing it to spin. The motor of some microwaves is connected to the turntable with a belt.
Over time, the belt can wear out, resulting in the turntable motor not spinning. When the belt is worn out, it can cause several issues with the microwave.
Firstly, the food inside the microwave will not cook evenly if it is not rotated, which can lead to uneven heating and overcooked or undercooked areas. Additionally, if the turntable is not spinning, the microwaves may not be distributed evenly throughout the cavity, causing hot spots and uneven cooking.
Malfunctioning Control Board
The control board is responsible for sending signals to the motor to rotate the turntable. If it malfunctions, the turntable motor will not spin.
The control board controls various functions of the microwave, including the motor’s operation. Issues with the control board can occur due to electrical problems, damage, or wear and tear.
If the control board malfunctions, the motor may not receive the correct signals to rotate the turntable, leading to it not spinning. In addition, other microwave functions may also be affected, such as the timer or display.
Faulty Switch
The switch, responsible for turning the motor on and off, might have malfunctioned, causing the turntable to stop spinning. It can become damaged due to wear and tear, electrical issues, or physical damage.
A faulty switch can prevent the motor from receiving the signal to rotate the turntable, leading to it not to spin at all. The switch can also cause other issues, such as the microwave not turning on or turning on but not functioning correctly.
Dirty or Damaged Roller Guide
The roller guide, which the turntable rests on, may become dirty or damaged, preventing it from rotating.
The roller guide ensures the turntable rotates smoothly and evenly. Over time, the roller guide can become dirty due to food spills or general use.
In addition, physical damage, such as cracks or breaks, can also prevent the roller guide from functioning correctly. If the roller guide is dirty or damaged, it can prevent the turntable from rotating or cause it to turn unevenly.
Damaged Drive Shaft
The drive shaft transfers the motor’s power to the turntable to rotate. As this connects the motor to the turntable, it may have become bent or damaged over time.
Overuse of the microwave, general wear and tear, or physical damage can cause the drive shaft to become bent or damaged. If the drive shaft is bent or damaged, it can prevent the motor from transferring enough power to the turntable to rotate it.
Additionally, it can cause the turntable to rotate unevenly or not at all.
Overheated Motor
An overheated motor can cause the microwave’s turntable to stop rotating. This can occur if the microwave has been used excessively, causing the motor to overheat and stop functioning correctly.
The motor’s overheating can be caused by various factors, such as using the microwave for extended periods, running the microwave with nothing inside, or running it at a higher power level than recommended.
An overheated motor can also cause other issues in the microwave, such as electrical damage or physical damage to the motor.
Power Supply Issue
A power supply issue can cause the microwave to stop functioning correctly, including the turntable not spinning. The microwave relies on a stable power supply to function correctly.
A blown fuse, circuit breaker tripping, or issues with the power outlet are all causes behind a power supply issue.
Furthermore, it can cause other problems in your microwave, such as uneven heating or no heating at all. Diagnosing and repairing the power supply issue promptly is essential to prevent further damage to the microwave.
Faulty Capacitor
A defective capacitor can potentially trigger a motor malfunction in your microwave, rendering the turntable immobile. The capacitor has the crucial task of storing and delivering energy to the motor as needed.
When the capacitor is defective, it may not store adequate microwave energy or discharge it at an inappropriate moment, leading to motor malfunction. This issue can arise due to a combination of factors, including regular usage, electrical glitches, or physical harm to the capacitor.
A malfunctioning capacitor can also induce other microwave complications, such as flickering illumination or irregular heating patterns.
How to Fix a Microwave That’s Not Spinning?
Having familiarized yourself with the issue of your microwave not spinning, we can now dive into the solutions to get it up and running.
Motor Failure
To fix a motor failure in a microwave, the motor may need to be replaced entirely. This can involve opening up the microwave and accessing the motor, which may require special tools and knowledge.
It is recommended to seek the help of a professional technician to replace the motor safely and efficiently. In some cases, replacing the motor may not be cost-effective, and replacing the entire microwave may be more practical.
If the microwave is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover the cost of the microwave repair or replacement.
Defective Coupler
If you’re dealing with a faulty microwave coupler in your microwave, you may need to replace it to fix the issue. This involves accessing the motor and turntable and removing the defective component. Once the old coupler is out of the way, a new one can be installed and properly secured.
However, depending on the brand and model of your microwave, you may need some technical know-how and specialized equipment to perform the repair. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s advisable to seek the services of a microwave repair expert to do it for you.
Worn-Out Belt
To fix a worn-out belt in a microwave, the belt will need to be replaced. This involves accessing the motor and the turntable, removing the old belt, and installing a new one.
Depending on the make and model of the microwave, this repair may require some technical skill and specialized tools, so it’s best to seek the help of a professional technician. It’s crucial to replace the belt as soon as it shows signs of wear to prevent damage to the motor and other components.
If the microwave is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover the cost of the repair or replacement of the belt.
Malfunctioning Control Board
If the belt in your microwave has started showing signs of wear and tear, it’s crucial to replace it promptly to avoid causing harm to the motor and other vital parts. This repair necessitates accessing the motor and turntable, removing the old belt, and installing a new one.
Fortunately, if your microwave is still within the warranty period, you might be eligible for free repair or replacement of the faulty belt by the manufacturer.
Faulty Switch
To fix a defective switch in a microwave, it may be necessary to replace the switch by accessing the control panel and identifying the switch responsible for activating and deactivating the motor.
To verify that the switch is indeed causing the issue, it may need to be tested, removed, and replaced with a new one. Depending on the brand and model of the microwave, this repair may necessitate the assistance of an appliance repair person.
Dirty or Damaged Roller Guide
If you’re having trouble with a dirty or damaged roller guide in your microwave, it’s important to take action to fix the problem. To do so, you’ll need to access the turntable and remove it from the microwave, then remove the roller guide from its base.
If the roller guide is dirty, clean it using soapy water or a mild cleaning solution, then dry it thoroughly before reattaching it.
However, if the roller guide is damaged, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. You can purchase replacement roller guides from appliance repair shops or directly from the manufacturer.
If you can’t complete the repair on your own, it’s always a good idea to seek the assistance of a professional technician.
Damaged Drive Shaft
If the drive shaft in your microwave is bent or damaged, it will require replacement, just like the other parts. However, this is a complicated repair involving accessing the microwave’s internal components.
Firstly, you’ll need to remove the turntable and its support components to gain access to the motor and drive shaft. Carefully detach the drive shaft from the motor and turntable hub, then replace it with a new one.
You can purchase replacement drive shafts from appliance repair shops or manufacturers. Still, it’s crucial to ensure that the replacement drive shaft is compatible with your microwave’s make and model.
Overheated Motor
If your microwave’s motor has overheated, it might require replacement since the internal components of the motor could get damaged, resulting in its inability to work correctly.
To prevent overheating, it’s best to avoid using the microwave for long periods without breaks in between. If the motor has already overheated, it’s advisable to give it some time to cool down before attempting to use it again.
You may also try resetting the motor by unplugging the microwave and letting it rest before plugging it back in. But if the motor is damaged and cannot work, it’s essential to seek assistance from a professional technician to replace it.
Power Supply Issue
If a power supply issue is the culprit behind the non-spinning turntable of your microwave, an electrical system repair may be necessary. The first step is to ensure the microwave is correctly plugged in and the outlet is functioning correctly.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, a thorough inspection of the microwave’s power supply unit may be necessary to check for any damages or faults.
However, it’s important to note that only a qualified technician should conduct this inspection. Attempting to repair the power supply unit without the proper knowledge or equipment can be hazardous.
In some cases, a simple replacement of the power supply unit may be all that is needed to fix the problem and get the turntable spinning again smoothly.
Faulty Capacitor
If your microwave has a faulty capacitor, the fix involves opening up the appliance and replacing the problematic part.
But again, this is not a task for amateurs, and only a skilled technician should handle it. Capacitors hold an electrical charge even after the microwave has been unplugged, making them potentially hazardous if handled improperly.
The technician will first discharge the old capacitor and then remove it from the microwave. After that, they will install a new capacitor with the correct voltage and capacitance rating.
Once the new capacitor is in place, the microwave should be reassembled and tested to ensure the turntable is spinning smoothly. So, it’s essential to leave the job to the professionals to avoid any danger and ensure the repair is done correctly.