Samsung microwaves are known to be some of the best ovens out there. They reduce cooking time and provide ultimate heating for your favorite foods or drinks. Their top performance makes you take them for granted. But isn’t it frustrating when your reliable oven no longer heats your desired items?
Indeed, when you are rushing in the morning to get your hot coffee or a delicious melted cheese sandwich only to find your Samsung microwave oven not heating, you will feel lost and confused. In this blog post, we’ll help you overcome such confusion.
We’ll dive deep into the leading causes and ways to diagnose them. Additionally, we’ll shed more light on reliable fixes and troubleshooting methods. So read on!
Why is your Samsung Microwave Not Heating?
Numerous reasons can make your oven stop heating all of a sudden. You might have activated the wrong mode or setting. Also, the appliance may suffer from defective components, leading to a heating malfunction.
Without further ado, let’s discuss the 7 reasons why a Samsung microwave is no longer heating:
1. Wrong Mode Activated
Demo mode or other incorrect cooking settings may give you error codes. Yet you can identify a demonstration mode by what is written on the screen. The oven’s screen will be lit by the icon “dOn.” Other incorrect settings will show error codes, such as SE.
As for the demo mode on a Samsung microwave, it displays all the device’s functions but not the heating. This typically happens when the appliance’s magnetron is not active.
2. Microwave Door Switch is Defective
Regardless of the microwave model, it won’t heat unless the door is securely locked. With a broken door latch, it won’t seal. Lack of sealing leads to the formation of a circuit breaker. Subsequently, the magnetron will remain turned off.
There are various reasons why the door remains unlocked, including dirt buildup all over the door. Also, a faulty door switch or a misaligned door. Generally, the issues of a broken door switch or a misaligned door are easy to fix with proper knowledge of the causes.
3. Poor Ventilation
This is a grave issue that many users do not know about. Without adequate ventilation, the oven won’t operate or heat properly. Insufficient ventilation will affect the appliance’s performance and cause overheating. This will subsequently trigger a forceful shutdown of the device.
The improper microwave oven ventilation issue is usually associated with a malfunctioning vent. The problem is commonly found in all over-the-range ovens.
This component can get stuck with debris and food particles, preventing it from circulating and providing cool air for hot parts. Moreover, it might be damaged due to wear and tear.
4. Damaged Thermal Fuse
This fuse plays a critical role in protecting the oven from overheating. You might notice that bad ventilation is a significant cause of blowing this fuse. The fuse detects any abnormality in the electronic system or circuit shortage that might result in overheating the motor.
Then, it cuts off power to the microwave for safety and damage control.
When this fuse goes bad, the oven won’t heat the food. So, it is recommended to inspect the fuse thoroughly, along with the relevant ventilation components, to determine the cause of the damage.
5. Defective Magnetron
Without a functional magnetron, your Samsung microwave won’t heat anything. The component is responsible for generating sufficient radiation that turns into heat.
The usual wear and tear happen by default on this component. The average life expectancy of this component ranges between 2,000 and 8,000 hours of operation. However, it is more likely to malfunction before serving all these hours.
6. Check the Microwave Diode
Voltage diodes work with magnetrons. As their name suggests, diodes are supposed to provide the magnetrons with a sufficient voltage that generates radiation.
Testing a diode for continuity is one of the best ways to check its functionality. However, a Faulty diode will produce a burning smell. Also, its appearance will indicate its defectiveness. For instance, it might show some cracks, splits, or burns.
7. Defective High-voltage Capacitor
Any microwave oven requires increased levels of voltage to turn on its magnetron. This is where an oven capacitor steps in. The component receives power from the wall power source, stores the high voltage, and provides the magnetron with what it needs to generate radiation. When this part malfunctions, your Samsung microwave will not heat.
How to Fix a Samsung Microwave Not Heating?
Many homeowners may hesitate to DIY troubleshoot Samsung microwaves are delicate kitchen appliances. This is not an entirely wrong approach, as it is an electrical appliance. If not dealt with carefully, there is always a chance of getting an electric shock.
However, some causes of the lack of heating in a Samsung microwave are simple to tackle. This includes fixing error codes and existing incorrect modes. Also, you can easily fix or replace electrical components if you are cautious and knowledgeable. However, if you have any doubts, it is better to call a professional repair technician.
1. Exit the Wrong Mode
This is one of the simplest fixes when your Samsung microwave stops heating. To do this, press the “options” button on the oven’s panel. Then find the demo mode on the options list. When setting this option to 2, the display mode will be completely off.
You can refer to the user manual for further illustrations on activating and deactivating the demonstration mode.
2. Replace the Faulty Switch
A defective switch happens with heavy use or accidental banging of the delicate door. This makes the door unable to lock the oven. So, there will be no heat or waves generated inside it. A defective switch must be replaced. Sometimes, there are more than two switches, depending on the model.
So, access the switches located on the side of the housing panel. Test them using a multimeter, and replace those that show no resistance. Consult with a certified service technician for a successful replacement.
If the door’s problem was dirt buildup, you can easily wipe it down until it is gone. Also, inspect it for broken or damaged latches or springs and replace them accordingly.
3. Clean Clogged Vents
Among the functions of a microwave’s ventilation system are drawing air from the kitchen, filtering it, and sending it back to the cooking space. So, typically, the air might bring some debris that might jam the vent and make it unable to circulate. So inspect the vents and clean them thoroughly.
While you are at it, you might want to check the blower too. A malfunctioning blower might resist constant airflow inside the kitchen. So, the oven will not heat properly. A defective blower requires help from a qualified technician.
Also, check the microwave user manual to ensure your oven has sufficient clearance from the rest of the kitchen appliances. Sometimes, inadequate distance and clearance may cause a lack of heating and, eventually, overheating.
4. Replace Samsung Microwave Thermal Fuse
Any damage to the thermal fuse is irreversible. So it should be replaced after determining the cause of the damage. Sometimes, it is the usual wear and tear or a damaged fan or vent. So, a thorough inspection of these components is recommended to avoid recurrent damage to the same fuse.
Look for this fuse inside the microwave cabinet. It is not very far from the magnetron. A licensed technician is useful in performing this kind of in-depth check of ventilation and cooling components.
5. Get a Replacement Magnetron
Replacing a broken magnetron is not easy for everyone, but knowing your way around the oven’s parts becomes much easier. Before replacing the suspected faulty magnetron, testing it with your multimeter won’t hurt. Attach the tester to magnetron terminals and wait for readings.
You replace the wrong component if the result ranges between two and three ohms. However, if the reading shows no resistance, there is no escape from replacing the defective part.
6. Replace the Bad Diode
A diode, a magnetron, and a high-voltage capacitor are located nearby. They are found behind the control panel. Moreover, they all work together to provide the energy required for heating. Aside from the appearance and smell of a defective diode, you can test it with a multimeter. No reading indicates a faulty diode.
Remember that testing these electrical components requires removing them from the microwave. Unplug the appliance from the power cord and give it time to discharge.
7. Get a New Capacitor
A faulty capacitor needs extra caution when testing or replacing it. This component is constantly charged with high voltage. So, it needs much more time to discharge. Also, it is better to use rubber gloves if you come into contact with this part. Contacting a professional technician to help you securely replace this part is okay.
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.
