Why would a microwave suddenly stop working?

Sarah
by Sarah

Hey everyone, I need your help. My microwave stopped working suddenly, and I have no idea why. Can anyone shed some light on what could be the possible reasons behind it? Are there any common issues that cause a microwave to suddenly stop working?


I've tried checking the power supply and the plug, but everything seems to be okay. So, I'm not sure what the problem could be. I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced this before and has successfully fixed their microwave.


I appreciate your help!

why would a microwave suddenly stop working

  17 answers
  • Janice Janice on May 09, 2023

    Some of your outlets will also include GFCI outlets. You can locae them as they'll have a small label embossed on them with the initials "FFCI" on them. There will be a two very small switches on them, press the one that is sticking out and then check your microwave again. GFCI is acronym for ground fault connector interrupter. Strangely one that flips my backsplash outlets is located in my garage but now that I know it's there, that's the first thing I check when something I plug in in the kitchen doesn't seem to have power. Hope this helps you!

  • William William on May 09, 2023

    Power at the outlet? Did you try another outlet? Are other outlets working? Is there a GFCI outlet in the kitchen like Janice suggests. One GFCI can protect all outlets in the kitchen. Nothing turning on? No light inside? Microwaves do have internal fuses that can burn out when there is an internal short or internal problem. Might be time to buy a new microwave.

  • Check the outlet. If that isn't the issue, it's usually best to buy a new one. Often it's not worth the $$ to repair them.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 09, 2023

    Have you checked the circuit breakers? I would try another outlet you know works.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 09, 2023

    There is a tube that "runs" the microwave. When it goes out, there is no warning and it will just stop working. You might be able to get it replaced. My aunt had a friend who repaired them as a hobby for years.

    You could also have experienced a power surge so check your outlet to make sure it is working.

  • Dee Dee on May 09, 2023

    My old microwave fuse burned out. We did replace it but it did not last long. Try your microwave on another outlet. he most common cause of a microwave not working is that the main fuse has blown. The fuse will often blow because of a power fluctuation or a defective door switch. It can also blow because another part, like the magnetron or capacitor, is defective. It is important to find the cause of the blown fuse, as a new fuse will likely blow again if the issue is not resolved. For safety, the microwave will not operate if the door is not closed. Microwave ovens typically have three or four door switches that cut off the power to the microwave if the door is not closed properly. Sometimes, a door switch will fail, usually due to wear and tear or because it is stuck. If a door switch has failed, the microwave will not work. check and replace the door latch:

    To be safe, disconnect the power to the microwave.

    Open the microwave door and remove the plastic trim panel that runs around the inner lip of the microwave window and over the door latch assembly. On most microwaves, the trim panel is held on by clips. The panel can be unclipped by using a flat-edge screwdriver to get behind the panel and wedge it off. Be careful not to break the plastic. If you can access the door latch assembly, you may not need to take the whole panel off.

    Check the door latch assembly for signs of wear, cracking, discoloration, or damage. If there is damage to the door latch assembly, it will likely need to be replaced to get the microwave working again.

    Check the door latch assembly spring to see if a tab that the spring hooks onto has broken, causing the spring to lose tension. If a tab has broken, see if there is another tab that the spring can be hooked onto to restore tension in the spring. If you are unable to reset the spring, the door latch assembly will need to be replaced.

    If you need to remove the door latch assembly, take note of how the assembly is secured to the microwave door so that it is easier to replace it.

    It may be easier to just go to Walmart and get one on sale.


  • Deborah Mallinson Deborah Mallinson on May 10, 2023

    A friend cleaned the inside of her microwave; but it would not work afterward. She had not yet placed the glass tray back in the bottom. She told us that when she called the manufacturer, they told her that the tray needed to be in place for the microwave to work properly.


  • I’d try plugging it into another outlet as maybe it’s the outlet. If that’s not the case, try contacting the manufacturer, see if they have any ideas. Otherwise, yeah, sadly it could be time for a new one.

  • It's absolutely darling! Unfortunately, we had the same issue, ours just burned out one day and that was that. We used it quite often and the cost to have it even looked at, nevermind repaired, was way more than a new one. Based on your photo this may help though: De'Longhi microwaves are sold by Argos, who are the manufacturer, importer and supplier of this product.

    https://www.argos.co.uk/help/contact-us

    • Sarah Sarah on May 14, 2023

      Thanks Kim, I absolutely love my little microwave. Will contact them😀

  • Deb K Deb K on May 10, 2023

    Hi Sarah, hope this helps. It could be an inline fuse in your microwave as well! I fixed mine for under $10 myself, just google the manual and brand. Also, here is a reset sequence to try on your de longhi mic. Press the cancel/reset button to do a soft reset on your microwave. If necessary, perform a hard reset by unplugging your microwave for 30 minutes, then plug it back in

  • Gayl Gayl on May 10, 2023

    I agree with William and a great natural cleaner in this case is catsup or tomato acids works very well

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on May 11, 2023

    did you check the breaker box to be sure power isn't off? unplug and wait a few minutes and plug back in also contact the mfg. to see what they say about the issue

  • Hi Sarah! The most common cause for a microwave oven not working at all is a blown main fuse. The microwave main fuse will cut the flow of electricity if too much current passes through it.

  • Patricia Patricia on May 22, 2023

    Probably blown fuse on the power cord.

  • Patricia Patricia on May 22, 2023

    Probably a blown fuse on the power cord.

  • Annie Annie on May 30, 2023

    There are some ideas here: https://diy.repairclinic.com/what-would-cause-a-microwave-to-stop-working/


    I agree with others, in many cases it would be easier to buy a replacement than to spend money on repairing the current one.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 01, 2023

    The most common cause for a microwave oven not working at all is a blown main fuse.