Microwave ovens, after refrigerators, are the most commonly used home appliance. As this appliance is used too frequently, some problems may be seen while using it. If a microwave starts humming or buzzing or any kind of noise, it is a signal of the beginning of a problem.
Though every microwave makes a light humming noise while heating or cooking food, which is very normal. But if you are getting to listen to any other kind of noise from the appliance, such as a louder humming it means that something is fishy. This noise not only irritates people but also indicates a major breakdown in the appliance. If you are looking to quiet down your appliance, here are the eight major suspects to investigate so you can make the correct repair for the noise you hear.
# Drive Motor :
Most microwaves will use a drive motor to rotate the tray on which it sits. If the turntable is making heavy noise, the problem may be with the drive motor. Generally the motor is placed below the floor of the oven which gets access through the bottom and is held in place with a retaining screw and have two attached wires. The noisy motor need to be changed under the observance of a servicing person.
# Malfunction in Motor Fan :
A motor fan in the microwave oven helps to circulate the air through the exhaust system and keeps the appliance cool. If a microwave becomes noisy, there must be a problem that occurs in the motor fan of the oven; this is a very common problem. To check if the fan motor is properly functioning, check the fan motor located behind the microwave but first the plug needs to be removed from the plug. Next, try to remove the fan motor cover and rotate the fan blades manually using an object. If it still does not rotate, it is a symbol that there is a problem that arises in the fan and it needs to be changed as soon as possible. But if the motor fan is rotates and then continuously pause the work, the fan is needed o be replaced.
# Unresponsive Drive Coupler :
If changing a drive motor did not solve the issue, can check if there any problem appears in the coupler. This is the actual part that keep the motor connected with the tray. The appliances come with a round glass tray use a motor-driven coupler to rotate the tray on a roller guide. There are some models which are using a rectangular and having a drive coupler that has an offset center roller to drive the tray guide from side to side. Other models may have a three-pronged coupler similarly as the center of a nuclear symbol. Generally, this tray sits on top of it and is held still by protrusions on its bottom. The coupler then rotate the tray and the tray the coupler, vice-versa. However, if the coupler is damaged or become very dirty, it will not be able to perform its job. It is advisable to turn off the device and call the service person to look over the matter; the coupler may be needed to change or clean.
# Problem in Roller Guide :
The final part of the tray assembly is generally create odd noises and it is the actual roller guide that supports the tray. Microwave ovens having a round glass tray uses a motor-driven coupler to turn the roller guide. The roller guide keeps supporting the tray and to engage the rotating coupler. And if the appliance is making an unusual noise when the turning tray is rotating, the problem may be with the roller guide under the tray. This part will be set on the drive coupler and spun by the motor and suffers most physically while using the microwave and if it gets worse, there comes a noisy sound while turning on the appliance. Try to remove the roller guide using the User manual and ask for a repairing person from a reputable company to look after the matter.
# Cracking Noise can be Heard :
It is not that unusual loud noises in the microwave can happen due to the damage of a certain component but it could also be because of the food item that you are cooking in the microwave oven. Cooking meaty dishes often in the microwave can also increase the noise in the microwave, and it is not recommended to leave the door open while cooking these kinds of dishes. Always remember to cover the food items and keep these in the microwave and the turntable always clean, as food spills can also cause cracking noises. Lastly, avoid using metals or non-microwave safe utensils in the microwave, as that leads to cracking sounds too.
# Problem with the Magnetron :
The magnetron and its high voltage circuit generates heat in microwave. A defective magneto causes a loud humming or buzzing noise. To check the problem, completely the cabinet of the microwave needs to be removed. More on that, this high voltage part comes with a significant risk of electrical shock, so minimum precaution must be taken. Before removing and replacing the magnetron completely, the high voltage diode for continuity needs to be checked. If the diode is faulty, it will affect the magnetron’s performance. This means the diode only needs to be replaced and not the actual magnetron. The process must be done under the observance of a knowledgeable person, and it will be better to call a microwave servicing person to keep the thing under control.
# High Voltage Diode :
If the above problems are not there, it may be a problem with the high voltage diode which is a part of the high voltage circuit along with the capacitor and the magnetron. To get access to the diode, the cabinet needs to be removed. One by one, the power and the high voltage capacitor must be ditached to prevent an electrical shock. Then immediately call a servicing person to take charge of the matter.
# Dispute in Cooling Fan :
The job of a cooling fan in the microwave is to keep the magnetron temperature managed. When the fan gets defective, a loud noise may increase inside the appliance. To check the cooling fan the outer cabinet of microwave needs to be removed. And after locating the fan assembly pen can inspect it for any damage or any foreign objects. Sometimes food particles can be reached in this fan or ambient grease to build upon it from the airflow. The fan blades can be removed and cleaned, but for a lot of build-ups, it is typically just better to replace the fan. If the fan is not working after cleaning; it must be replaced and need to be done with the help of a technical person.