Are you worried about your microwave making noises that are unusual? Well, such noise can indicate that your appliance may be faulty and needs repair.
To fix this issue, you need to identify which part of your microwave is faulty or malfunctioning. That’s why I am going to discuss this issue, identify the possible reasons, and learn how you can fix it.
Microwaves are one of the most frequently used home appliances that also require proper maintenance and cleaning. Therefore, issues like noises coming from your microwave over long-time use are nothing out of the ordinary situation.
Regarding this, the loud or unusual sounds from microwaves can be of different types caused by issues with different microwave parts. So, let’s find out about the noises microwaves make and why these issues occur.
Thus, I will also try to resolve them to get back to microwaving foods right away.
Is A Noisy Microwave Dangerous?
You may wonder whether a buzzing microwave is dangerous or a noisy microwave is dangerous. The correct answer is both Yes and No.
A noise microwave may or may not be dangerous, depending on the type of noise it’s making. However, unusual sounds from your microwave can be a sign of broken or faulty components of the microwave.
Some of the microwave noise may not be dangerous and mean only overuse. But the noises, depending on the type, can affect your microwave components’ functionality.
Besides, some unusual noises coming from your microwave components usually indicate that certain components are faulty and need replacement.
Microwave Making Noises: 6 Causes & Solutions
A microwave making loud or strange noises, such as buzzing or humming, generally indicates that any of its components are broken, damaged, or faulty.
You can fix these noises by repositioning, cleaning, or replacing the faulty parts. But you see different types of noises can come out of your microwave.
If you know which part of your microwave is causing the noise, you can easily repair or replace it. Now let’s go through the types of microwave noises, and which faulty component causes them, along with their solutions.
Also See: https://kitchenflock.com/can-you-cook-bratwurst-in-the-microwave/
Here are some of the most common types of noises microwaves make and their sources:
1. Microwave Humming Noise
Has your microwave started making a humming sound like a UFO (MmMmMMmm)?
This could happen if your microwave’s diode fails to convert alternating current into direct current. The diode works with the capacitor to convert current so that your microwave has enough high voltage for the magnetron.
If the diode itself is faulty or worn out, it won’t be able to convert current and provide enough voltage. As a result, the microwave will make a humming sound as it won’t get enough power.
Solution:
You can inspect your microwave’s diode and fix it by using the steps:
- Remove the microwave’s cover and locate the diode.
- Discharge the diode from the capacitor.
- Test the diode’s resistance with a voltmeter. (A working diode’s reading will be between 50,000-2,00,000 ohms)
- Test the diode’s continuity using a multimeter. (A working diode’s continuity will only be in one direction)
- If the diode fails any of the tests for resistance and continuity, you will have to replace it.
2. Microwave Buzzing Noise
The buzzing noise coming out of your microwave is caused by the electromagnetic waves produced by the magnetron. It’s called the microwave magnetron noise.
This sound can occur whenever you heat anything in the microwave, which is normal. However, if the buzzing noise is louder than regular, you might also wonder, ‘Is a buzzing microwave dangerous?’.
Further, the buzzing sound from your microwave is not dangerous, but it can mean that your microwave’s magnetron is faulty.
Solution:
You can determine if your microwave’s magnetron is actually faulty by checking the magnetrons continuity by following these steps:
- Turn off the microwave and unplug it from the power socket.
- Remove the top cover frame of the microwave and locate the magnetron.
- Discharge the magnetron’s capacitor and test its continuity with a multimeter.
- Replace the old magnetron with a working one if it is faulty.
3. Microwave Screeching Noise
Loud screaming or screeching sound coming from your microwave is also caused by magnetron.
This type of noise happens when the magnetron is old and worn out. In addition, this happens when you have used the microwave frequently or for a long time.
It is very common for your microwave’s magnetron to get worn out or damaged in any other way.
Solution:
The best way to fix this issue is by replacing the old magnetron with a new one.
4. Microwave Clicking Noise
When you notice your microwave making clicking noise, be assured the source of the noise is the turntable motor. The turntable motor helps the turntable to rotate while the microwave is heating your food.
If the turntable motor is faulty, it creates clicking noises while rotating.
Solution:
Here’s how you can check whether the turntable motor is faulty or not:
- Remove the turntable plate and roller from the microwave.
- Locate the turntable motor and test its continuity with a multimeter.
- Replace the turntable motor if it fails the continuity test.
5. Microwave Rattling Noise
Microwave making irritating rattling noises is also a very common scenario, especially with old microwaves. You are likely to hear this type of sound if your microwave’s cooling fan is loose or dirty. An old and dirty cooling fan can get mispositioned or become loose.
If the cooling fan is not properly positioned, it will bump into other components of the microwave and create rattling noises.
Solution:
Here’s how you can fix the microwave’s cooling fan for rattling sounds:
- Remove the cover frame of your microwave and locate the cooling fan
- Turn the fan around with your hands to check if it gets stuck or touches any other components
- Remove any component that touches the fan and set the fan in its ideal position
- You should also check your microwave fan’s continuity with a multimeter to ensure that the fan isn’t obstructed.
- Clean the cooling fan blades if they’re dirty.
- Replace the cooling fan if it fails the continuity test.
6. Microwave Grinding Noise
Microwaves that have a faulty stirrer motor will produce grinding sounds when in use. The Stirrer motor provides power to the metal blade to distribute the heat around the microwave for efficient cooking.
If the stirrer motor becomes faulty, it will develop a grinding noise when the metal blade is spinning.
Solution:
The stirrer motor can become faulty if it is damaged or loose. If your microwave making grinding noise, you can Inspect it by following these steps:
- Turn off the microwave and remove its cover frame.
- Locate the stirrer motor.
- Check if the stirrer motor is damaged or displaced from its position.
If you find out that the stirrer motor is damaged, you will have to replace the whole unit. This includes the stirrer blade and the stirrer motor, and other connected components. Sometimes, you might need to replace the whole microwave too.
Tips: Sometimes, resetting the microwave will solve most of its issues and problems. So, reset the microwave by pressing Close/Cancel or simply disconnect it for 10 seconds.
More See: https://kitchenflock.com/whirlpool-microwave-door-error/
Why Is My Microwave Making Noise When Off?
After dealing with the issue of your microwave noise while in use, what if it makes noise when off? Well, a microwave make noise when not in use, indicating problems with some basic functions of the machine.
Here are some issues that can cause microwaves to make noise even when not in use and their solutions:
1. Mechanical Issues
Unusual noise from the microwave, when it is off, can come from damaged bearings, motors, and other parts. Sometimes, broken or loose components get displaced and keep making noises even when they’re not in use.
In addition, food debris can also cause such mechanical issues as dirt, and food can get stuck inside microwave components.
- Solution: Cleaning dirty parts and debris can fix such a problem if there is not any serious issue. However, if it doesn’t help, you will have to look for misplaced or faulty components. Repositioning misplaced parts and replacing faulty ones will surely fix the issue.
2. Control Panel Issues
Microwave’s control panel can also be damaged and cause unusual sounds. You have to inspect any debris, cracks, or broken buttons on the control panel that can produce noise. Sometimes the buttons get stuck inside and make crackling noises which are very unusual.
If there is any problem with the control panel itself, it might also show error messages. The panel’s display brightness can also get dimmed if there is any issue with it.
- Solution: You should check the user manual to fix control panel errors or replace the microwave if needed. Moreover, contact customer service for more guidance.
3. Electrical Component Sounds
Some electric parts of microwaves can still be in use after you’ve turned them off and make noises. This type of sound is very normal as long as the control panel operates accordingly.
- Solution: Thus, you don’t have to be concerned about electric component sounds from your microwave when it is off.
4. Cooling Fan Noise
The microwave’s cooling fan can keep running even after you turn it off. This happens because the microwave requires cooling down and resetting the temperature for further operation.
Your microwave’s display might also show a ‘cooling’ sign at this stage if it has a display feature available. This type of noise from your microwave, when it is turned off, is also completely normal and safe.
- Solution: To fix the microwave cooling fan noise, you need to clean your microwave fan regularly and ensure that all screws are tightened securely.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can I use a noisy microwave?
No, it is not safe to use a noisy microwave. The microwave making sounds indicate that it has some specific underlying issues, such as a damaged diode, magnetron, cooling fan, etc.
How to fix a noisy microwave?
You can restart the noisy microwave by unplugging it from the power source for 10 seconds, and this will hopefully stop the microwave noises.
Why does my microwave sound like it’s going to explode?
The high-pitched screaming noise, like an explosion coming from your microwave, indicates that the magnetron is malfunctioning and needs repairing.
How loud is a normal microwave?
Usually, a normally operating microwave has no sound or noise coming out of it. Sometimes, due to overuse, the microwave can create a low humming or buzzing noise. But if the microwave noise is loud clicking, banging, or screeching, your microwave has defective components.
Conclusion
Issues with your microwave making noise can be small or major. Once you find out the actual issue for your microwave making sounds, you should replace the faulty part or repair it if possible.
However, it is better to seek help from an expert mechanic, as electric components like these are very complicated. You should also exercise extreme caution when fixing the issues since electronic components can harm you too.
Related Reading:
