Granada Hills Appliance Repair
Let’s start with a safety note, because this one matters: a microwave stores a high-voltage charge in its capacitor even when unplugged. Do not take the cover off to poke around. The checks below don’t require it.
The harmless checks
- Try a different outlet. If the light comes on but it doesn’t heat, a low-voltage outlet could be it.
- Check the power level. Did someone set it to 10%? It happens more than you’d think.
- Test with a cup of water for one minute. If it’s barely warm after that, it isn’t heating.
- Make sure the door closes fully. A worn latch means it runs but won’t engage the heat.
What’s broken, in order of likelihood
- High-voltage diode or capacitor. Common, relatively cheap parts ($20 to $60), but they hold dangerous charge, so this is a professional job.
- Magnetron. The part that actually makes the microwaves. If it’s dead, you’ll usually hear the fan and turntable run, but nothing heats. Part cost often $80 to $150 plus labor.
- Door switches. Worn micro-switches are cheap but fussy.
- Thermal fuse or control board. Less common.
The honest math
For a countertop microwave, a $60 to $90 unit at the store beats almost any repair bill. We’ll say so. Don’t pay $150 to fix a microwave you could replace for the same money.
For an over-the-range or built-in microwave, the story’s different. Those cost $300 to $800 and require a mounting job, sometimes cabinetry work and venting changes. Repairing a $200 magnetron on an over-the-range unit often makes sense, especially for the trim-kit models that fit a specific cutout.
Don’t ignore these signs
- Sparks or arcing inside (often a burnt wave guide cover, a $10 part, but stop using it)
- A burning smell
- A door that doesn’t seal or is bent
Quick answers
Can I fix a microwave myself? Not the heating parts. The capacitor is the problem.
How long do microwaves last? 7 to 10 years for most.
Why does it run but not heat? Most likely the diode, capacitor, or magnetron.
Have an over-the-range unit that quit heating? Call us and we’ll tell you honestly if it’s worth fixing.