If you have been having issues with your microwave oven, you may wonder how to fix a microwave light that isn’t working. Even the best microwaves, after all, can experience light malfunctions that can seriously impede the cooking process. Keep reading to learn how to troubleshoot this common issue.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- If your microwave light has gone out, the most common culprit is a burned out light bulb.
- Another potential cause is a malfunctioning main control board, requiring professional repairs.
- If your power outlet is malfunctioning it could cause your microwave to malfunction or not power on at all.
What is a Microwave Light?
Every microwave has an internal light bulb that lets users keep an eye on their food as it cooks and after the cooking process has finished. This lets you check out how far along your recipe is and how much more microwaving may be needed.
What to do if a Microwave Light Fails
Each microwave is built differently, so if you are wondering what a microwave is made of, it will vary. The lighting systems also vary, so there is no one universal solution to the problem of a light malfunction. There are some troubleshooting tips, though, that you can perform to get to the bottom of it.
Burned Out Light Bulb
It’s possible the light bulb in your microwave may have burned out. This isn’t the easiest of fixes, as it will likely require you to open up the microwave. Check out our article on how to disassemble a microwave for more information. Make sure the microwave is unplugged before you attempt any fix. You will also want to purchase a replacement bulb. Check the instructions of your microwave for viable replacements. Replace the bulb, close the microwave back up, plug it in, and see if it worked.
Control Board Issues
You could have a problem with your main control board. You can this out by using a multimeter, but replacing a control board can be extremely time-consuming and difficult, requiring some soldiering and engineering know-how. If your main control board or another electrical component has malfunctioned, your best bet will likely be to simply purchase a new microwave or to have it professionally repaired.
Outlet Problems
The problem may not lay with your actual microwave, but with your power outlet. If your microwave is not powering on at all, then it is likely a problem with your outlet. In rare instances, a microwave could power on yet boast limited functionality if a power outlet is not supplying all of the power needed for operation. This can be a large annoyance when it comes to a range microwave.
F.A.Q.S
What materials cause sparking?
Any electrical component can cause sparking, including appliance light bulbs, incandescent bulbs, and voltage diodes. This issue will require professional microwave repair.
How to discharge a microwave?
Unplug the microwave and physically turn off the breaker that powers the appliance. Then, make sure every aspect of the microwave has stopped functioning, including exhaust fans, any halogen light, and related components. After that, the microwave should be discharged.
How to stop a microwave from sparking?
If your microwave is sparking, carefully remove it from a power source and then keep an eye on it. You will likely need to replace the voltage diode and other components.
STAT: Revenue in the microwave ovens segment will amount to US$8,919m in 2021. The market is expected to grow annually by 1.09%. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/household-appliances/small-appliances/microwave-ovens/worldwide
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/306892/us-expenditure-on-microwave-ovens-owned-home/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Microwave-Ovenr
- https://www.wikihow.life/Use-a-Microwave
- https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-in-a-Microwave-Oven
