3 ways to troubleshoot your microwave

If you're part of a busy family, your microwave is probably an essential part of the kitchen. There are always days where you don't have time to fire up the stove to make a meal, and that's where the microwave comes in handy. However, it can certainly put a damper on your plans if this appliance stops working. Here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot your microwave and get your busy life back on track.

1. Clean the turntable guide
When you notice that the cooking tray isn't rotating correctly or your food isn't cooking evenly, the turntable guide might be the culprit. This part is what rotates the carousel tray, and it can easily get misaligned or stuck on food debris. To fix this problem, you'll want to remove the glass cooking tray from the microwave and place it somewhere safe. This is also a good opportunity to wash down the tray with warm soapy water to remove any food particles. Next, remove the turntable guide and clean it with warm water. Pay close attention to the rollers, as these can easily get obstructed by crumbs. Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp rag, then let all the pieces dry completely before reassembling. Make sure that you align the glass tray properly on top of the guide to ensure optimal performance.

2. Check the outlet
Sometimes your microwave might not run at all, and in this case, you'll want to check the power cord and outlet. Unplug the microwave and examine the cord for any burn or damage marks. If the power cord is compromised, it can often lead to problems with the microwave's function. You should also check the voltage at the outlet, which can cause the appliance not to run. If both these aspects seem OK, you may have a problem with the microwave's fuse, door switch or fan motor. If this is the case, proceed to step three.

3. Call a professional
There are some appliances in your home that aren't dangerous to troubleshoot, but that's not the case with microwaves. Part Select explained that microwaves can give you a serious electrical shock, even after they're unplugged. For this reason, it's best not to try any at-home repairs on this appliance. Instead, call your home warranty provider or a service professional to come inspect your microwave. They should be able to quickly and safely identify the problem and get your appliance back up and running.

If you have a TotalProtect® Home Warranty as part of your home protection plan, the repair or replacement of your built-in microwave may be covered by your package. Review your contract for details, then call one of our friendly customer service representatives to place a request for service. We'll send a pre-screened technician out to your home and get your microwave working again. The best part is that you'll only pay your deductible¹ – we'll help take care of the other costs!

Do these simple tasks regularly and you’ll improve your refrigerator’s energy efficiency — and increase its lifespan. It’s a good idea to also check your fridge’s owner’s manual to see what other maintenance tasks the manufacturer recommends. Refrigerator maintenance is easy. You don’t need to be an appliance repairman to do it, and doing it means you might not ever have to call on one.

The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.