If you have a microwave that’s not heating anymore, this article is for you!
Has this ever been you?
You’ve got those leftovers from dinner last night bouncing around in your head. You decide that sounds like a delicious snack right about now.
So you grab the container out of the fridge and pop it in the microwave (covering it of course!).
You decide 90 seconds ought to do the trick.
You wait, very patiently if you do say so yourself, until that beep goes off.
But as you reach in to carefully grab the hot container, you realize that something isn’t right…the container is still COLD!
You my friend have fallen victim to a microwave that runs, but isn’t heating!
Don’t panic and go buy a new microwave!
What to do when your microwave is not heating
So the bad news is, your microwave is broke.
The good news is, it’s a pretty easy fix.
It’s probably just a blown fuse that can be easily replaced.
It only takes a few everyday tools and a few minutes of your time.
DISCLAIMER – Microwaves contain high voltage electrical components. Do not attempt to repair a microwave not heating yourself. Hire a professional.
Step 1
Disconnect the power cord
I know a lot of people might feel like this goes without saying, but I run in to to many folks who don’t realize how dangerous it is to work on electrical components while they are still connected to a live circuit.
Even if the device is “powered off” if still has power running through it. ALWAYS be safe and unplug it first.
I even like to wait a few hours after disconnecting it, just to make sure any capacitors or other components that hold a charge have had enough time to dissipate.
Step 2
Remove screws
You need to remove all the screws that are holding the outside cover to the frame.
These are usually located on the backside around the edges, and sometimes on the sides at the bottom.
Your specific microwave might vary so look around and keep removing screws that you find until the cover comes loose.
Step 3
Turn to the side
You want the side closest to the control panel to be facing you.
That is where the electronics are located and where you will be working.
Most of the time this will be the right side of the microwave, but I have seen the opposite.
Whichever side that is for you, turn it so that side is facing out toward you.
Wearing insulated gloves would be highly advisable just to be safe
Step 4
Locate the fuse holder
Looking down at the inside of the microwave, you should see a small long plastic container. It will have a wire coming out each end.
This plastic case contains the fuse.
It might be clipped down to another component, or it might just be held in place by the wires connected on the ends.
Either way, you should be able to unclip it if it is clipped and then slide it out of the frame.
It is still connected at this point, but there should be enough wire to move it closer to you to work on.
Step 5
Open the microwave fuse holder
The fuse holder is held closed by some snap clips. These are usually on the front.
If you can, with just your hands, pop these open. If you need something to pry with, use something plastic or wood. Don’t use anything metal as metal is conductive.
Once open you should see the two wires coming in from each end, and the fuse in the middle that connects them.
The fuse and wires should lift out of the plastic container now which can be set aside.
Step 6
Remove the microwave fuse
You have reached the source of the problem! The most likely reason your microwave is not heating is because this fuse is bad.
This type of fuse is a barrel fuse or glass tube fuse.
To remove the fuse (and still wearing insulated gloves) gently tug on the two connectors.
One of the ends will slide off the fuse, leaving the other side still connected.
Simply grab the fuse and again gently pull until it slides out of the other connector.
You now literally have the problem in the palm of your hand!
Is my fuse bad?
You can tell if the fuse is bad by looking at the the wire inside the glass part. Usually a bad fuse will no longer connect end to end, but will be broken or burned .
A good fuse will have a continuous wire end to end with no breaks or gaps. There are a few different styles. Some have a straight wire down the middle, some have a coil. The thing to check is if it continuous, if it isn’t, this is why your microwave isn’t working.
If you happen to have a multi-meter, you can use it to check continuity between the metal caps. If you don’t get continuity, the fuse is bad.
Step 7
Replace the fuse with a new one
At this point all that’s left to do is to install a replacement fuse and follow the steps in reverse order to put everything back together.
- Notes about fuses below
Your broken microwave should now be fixed, and it only cost a fraction to repair than it would have to replace.
Notes about fuses
I didn’t know what fuse I needed until I opened my microwave and looked at the fuse, and you probably won’t either.
This ended up being a 2 stage repair as I had to open it see what the fuse was and order a replacement.
I set everything aside for a few days until it arrived, at which time I followed the steps in reverse to install it and re-assemble everything.
What fuse do I need for my microwave?
There are 2 possible ways to know which fuse you need.
- The manufacturer will sometimes print the fuse type on the plastic case that the fuse is in.
- It will be listed on the side of the actual fuse that you can see once you remove it.
My fuse is a 5KV 0.85A
which I was able to find on Amazon.
Once you discover the specific fuse you need, a simple google search should provide options to purchase a replacement.
Conclusion
With a few household tools and an inexpensive replacement fuse, you too can fix your microwave if it’s not heating.
This usually only applies if the microwave still powers on, but doesn’t heat.
If your microwave won’t power on at all, you probably have a different issue.
Thanks for visiting!
Please share with others who might be in the same situation and need a little guidance.
- If you are interested in more DIY ideas see our post about the custom wainscoting wall trim we did in our dining room
Dave & Abigail
Abraham sekhombane
My microwave was working but not warming the food and I came across this info and I opened and found the fuse burnt.thsnks a lot
Dave
That’s fantastic Abraham, I’m so glad it helped! Thanks for letting us know!
Ron Beard
That was the best and most detailed description and easiest to understand explanation of how to repair an item that I have ever read. Thanks
Dave
Thank you Ron, that is very kind. I really hope it helped you!
janet haren
My fuse was 5KV 950 mA and visibly blown.
No one sells them. I tried using a 5KV 0.9A from Amazon, but it is still not heating. It runs, lights come on, just won’t heat.
The LG website lists three different part numbers for one diagram number at the line fuse. None of the part numbers they list have a picture or specs, so impossible to order a fuse from them.
Dave
I’m sorry to hear that. I wonder if you could call them and speak to someone. You might be able to get a more specific answer that way. Good luck!
Kimo
Thanks You for this article.. I just replaced the diode, and my microwave still doesn’t work. I was wondering if I should open that plastic container in there. Haha I hope it’s the fuse. Aloha
Dave
Kimo, you’re welcome, I hope it is too!
Kang Sun
If the microwave is turning and making sound but does not heat, is it the fuse’s problem? Is the fuse control the whole microwave machine or only the heating part?
Thanks!
–Kang
Dave
Kang, that is correct.
The fuse that this article is about controls the heating portion only. When this fuse is bad the microwave will rotate and light, but not heat.
Charles Goyeneche
Hi Sir, My microwave will not heat and rotate. I have not started opening my microwave yet. From reading all the q&a you provided, would this probably be a faulty fuse or others like diode?
Thanks for your help.
Charlie
Dave
Hi Charles,
The common problem is that it will rotate, but doesn’t heat. That is the example from this post. Replacing the fuse fixed this problem. If your microwave will not rotate as well, it might be a fuse or multiple fuses, or it might be a different problem completely.
James
What’s the problem my GE microwave oven it’s working but doesn’t produce heating?
Thanks.
Dave
Hi James, the article describes some things to check to see if you are having related issues. Without knowing more I don’t think I can diagnose your specific issue.
George Yohanna Joseph
What if I connect directly without fuse
Dave
George, that fuse is there for a reason, I do not recommend bypassing it, you could cause permanent damage, or harm yourself or others.
Donna Belcher
What if the fuse is good, i bought a new rv microwave on amazon, it comes on, turns but does not heat. They sent a replacement microwave and said to dispose of the other one, but my friend wants to fix it and use in her rv, but still, what if the fuse is good, what do we check then?
Dave
Hi Donna, I wish I could offer you more advice on your situation. The information in this blog is about the most common cause when experiencing this issue, but it doesn’t cover all situations. It sounds like you have a different problem with your microwave. I wish you luck in finding a solution!