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Frigidaire Microwave Not Working (How To Fix)

We don’t typically give our microwave oven much thought until it is no longer working. If your Frigidaire microwave has stopped working, there may be ways to fix it.

The first step in fixing a Frigidaire microwave is to perform a hard reset. This is done by turning off the power to the microwave, either by unplugging it or by turning off the circuit breaker for a few minutes. Doing so will reset the settings back to factory default and will often correct many of the smaller issues that could keep the microwave from working.

Using the microwave in the kitchen

At times, you may also be able to cancel any issues with the microwave by pressing the off/clear button. If you press and hold that button for a few seconds, it will back out of many of the common problems and also stop the issue with the control lock feature.

Of course, we realize that there are many times that a hard restart or even a soft restart is not going to touch the problem you’re having with your microwave. Since there are so many things that can go wrong with it, it’s important to know how to troubleshoot as well as repair the specific problems you are experiencing.

Frigidaire Microwave Not Working (How To Fix)

Before we start talking about how to repair your Frigidaire microwave, it’s a good idea to consider if it is worth repairing in the first place. Many microwaves are relatively inexpensive, although there are some Frigidaire microwaves that cost hundreds of dollars or perhaps even more.

You really need to think about the cost when it comes to fixing a microwave oven. Sometimes, the repair price is going to be considerable and it may be less expensive simply to replace it. At other times, the time and cost are going to add up considerably, and you may think about replacing it in that case.

If you feel that it is a good idea to troubleshoot the microwave and begin with the repair process, you need to think about safety first. There are many things that can go wrong with a microwave and if you start taking panels off and working without thinking first, you could be in serious trouble.

Perhaps one of the most common reasons why working on a microwave is dangerous is because of the radiation. When a microwave is turned on and you are exposed to the radiation directly, it can begin to cook your flesh just as it cooks anything that is inside of it at any other time. It can cause a painful burn, especially to the testes and eyes, which are more susceptible to RF heating.

Of course, you are probably thinking at this point that you will unplug the microwave before you do any work on it. It is always a good idea to do so, but does that mean that you are safe from harm?

Inside the microwave are capacitors that hold onto a charge for a considerable amount of time. When you think about the amount of energy that is necessary to operate a microwave, they can hold a lot of charge and it could even be deadly.

If you’ve never worked around capacitors or if you are unsure of how to discharge a capacitor safely, then working on a microwave is better left to a trained professional. You may be able to wait long enough for the capacitor to discharge on its own, but it may take 24 hours to do so in some cases.

Regardless of how long you wait, it’s always a good idea to test things with a voltage tester before you begin working on them. Don’t let overconfidence cause you to be careless when it comes to doing this work. If you take a false step, it could be the last step you take.

There are other issues associated with working on a microwave that can cause some harm to your health as well. An example of this is the magnetron that is inside of the microwave.

Inside of the ceramic insulators on the magnetron is beryllium oxide. If you breathe in the beryllium oxide, it can kill you if it gets into your lungs.

Although you may be able to remove the magnetron safely, if you start to take one apart, it could be a deadly mistake. It’s just another reason why there are times when it is best to allow a professional to work on your Frigidaire microwave.

If you are comfortable with your level of experience and you want to try to fix the microwave on your own, you should troubleshoot it first. This is easier done if it is working, at least on a primary level.

Honestly, if the microwave is dead and nothing is working on it, it will be difficult to troubleshoot it in this way. When that is the case, you may just start working from scratch to look at why it is not getting the power it needs.

Otherwise, you can troubleshoot the microwave by popping some microwave popcorn. It’s good to use this because it gives you both a visual and an audible sign that the microwave is working.

*This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/02/2022. 

If it seems as if the door is closing properly and the circuit breaker is engaged, you can plug in the microwave, put in a bag of popcorn, and try to pop it. Keep track of anything that takes place as you are doing this test and use it to help determine what the problem is.

We also have a number of different issues that are specific to microwaves that can occur on occasion. These are the more likely problems to happen, and we have them listed for you below along with the likely reason why it is happening and some options for fixing them.

Frigidaire Microwave Not Heating

Using the microwave in the kitchen

If your Frigidaire microwave is no longer heating, it is not doing its job. There are some issues that can be looked into and perhaps even corrected when this is a problem.

The most common reason why a Frigidaire microwave is not heating is that the magnetron, which is what actually heats the food, is not receiving the power it needs. This is often associated with a diode, which converts AC into DC.

If you are having a problem with the diode on your Frigidaire microwave, it is not something that can be repaired. You will have to inspect the diode and test it to make sure that it is working properly and if it is faulty, you will have to replace it.

There are some other issues that can lead to a microwave not heating. Here are a few to consider:

Magnetron: It may be a problem with the magnetron itself. The magnetron is what produces the energy that cooks the food but it isn’t without its own problems. If the Megatron has burned out you will have to replace it but you need to be very cautious. There is deadly gas inside the ceramic insulators and if you contact a voltage capacitor, it could release a deadly electrical discharge.

Door Lock/Switch: There is a safety feature built into your Frigidaire microwave so it doesn’t accidentally turn on while the door is open. Those switches detect when there is any activity to the door, but they can also fail. If the door switch is not working or if the sensor is faulty, then the microwave will not start. It may work as far as the buttons are concerned but the heating will not happen.

Thermal Fuse – If the microwave is experiencing a problem with overheating then the thermal fuse has the job of shutting it down. Unfortunately, the thermal fuse can also burn out over time and keep the microwave from starting. It is relatively easy to replace, just be careful when you remove any panels.

Frigidaire Microwave Not Spinning

Man Fixing the microwave

We want to make sure that the microwave tray is spinning because it helps the food to cook properly. If it is not spinning, it may be a relatively easy fix.

A common reason why a microwave tray doesn’t spin is that it is not seated properly on the tray table ring. This ring goes under the tray and engages with the turntable motor, causing the entire unit to spin. If you don’t have the tray seated properly, the tray table ring may be spinning underneath it.

If you are having a problem where things are not lined up properly, it’s a simple matter of making sure that you have things seated as they should be. Otherwise, you can check one of the following issues that may be a problem when your Frigidaire microwave is not turning.

Motor: There is a motor that turns the microwave tray when the microwave is heating. It is something that typically works without any issue but sometimes, it can burn out. The motor cannot be repaired but it can be replaced. Use a multimeter to check the motor for continuity.

Tray Support: If the glass tray is seated properly in the support and it still isn’t spinning, it may be that the support itself is stripped out. Remove the glass tray and try to spin the support on its own. If it spins easily, it may not be engaging with the motor properly.

Control Board: Another issue that sometimes occurs is a problem with the control board. It can burn out over time or it may have been hit with a surge. If the control board is not working, there are likely to be more problems than the tray not spinning. Then again, you never quite know how a control board is going to act when it has problems.

The control board is not something that can easily be tested. Using caution, however, you can remove the control board and inspect it visually. Use a magnifying glass to look for any areas in the circuitry that are burnt or cracked. You cannot correct those issues but you can replace the control board.

Frigidaire Microwave Not Beeping

Using the microwave in the kitchen

When you press the buttons on your Frigidaire microwave, you are likely accustomed to hearing an audible beep. What can you do if your microwave is no longer beeping?

The most common reason why a Frigidaire microwave is not beeping is that the option has been turned off. You can try to turn the option back on by pressing and holding the start time button for six seconds. This is also the method that can be used to run on silent operation if the beeping is not desired.

Although it may be possible to mute and unmute many Frigidaire appliances by pressing that button, it is not going to be the same for every unit. You may need to research your specific Frigidaire microwave to see how to fix this problem.

If you try to turn the sound back on and it still doesn’t work, it may be a problem with the control board. Try performing a hard reset by disconnecting the microwave from power by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. Reconnect the microwave after a few minutes.

*This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/02/2022. 

Finally, you may need to replace the control board if the sound is important to you.

Frigidaire Microwave Not Starting/Turning On

Using the microwave in the kitchen

When we put something in the microwave and push a button, we automatically expect it to turn on. What can you do when your Frigidaire microwave is not starting?

The most common reason why a microwave is not turning on is because of an issue with the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is an internal sensor that monitors the heat in the microwave and shuts things down if it detects heat that is too high. Although this may be beneficial, there are times when the thermal fuse goes bad and it may keep the microwave from starting.

The thermal fuse may be a relatively easy thing to test and replace on a microwave oven. You should still exercise caution, however, because of the possibility that you come in contact with the capacitor that is still holding on to energy.

After removing the thermal fuse, check it with a multimeter. If it doesn’t pass the continuity test, you should replace it.

There may also be other issues that keep the microwave from starting, including the following:

Control Board: If problems are being experienced with the control board, the microwave may look like it’s on but it will not operate. Control board issues can happen over time or they may occur because of a power surge.

Be cautious when removing the control board because you are in an area that could hold onto a deadly electrical charge, even when the microwave is turned off. After removing the control board, you can inspect it with a magnifying glass to check for any burnt or damaged areas. You can’t repair a control board but you can replace it.

Sometimes, the microwave may have just died. There are a variety of issues that could lead to the microwave not starting and at times, it’s just easier to buy a new one rather than trying to fix an old one that is likely to break down again.

Frigidaire Microwave Not Turning Off

Using the microwave in the kitchen

Is your Frigidaire microwave not turning off? This can be a frightening problem.

A common reason why the microwave continues running while the door is closed or possibly even when it is open is the control panel has gone bad. If it is a problem with the control panel, you should replace it right away. Never operate a microwave oven with the door open.

There may also be times that you feel that the microwave continues to run but it isn’t actually heating. There are fans included in microwaves, including your Frigidaire microwave and it may continue to run, even after the microwave has turned off.

The fan runs because it is trying to dissipate the heat that is inside the microwave. This is commonly seen when you cook larger meals in a microwave which may put off a lot of excess heat.

If you hear the sound of a fan but the light is off and the turntable is no longer spinning, it is likely not still cooking. Given time, the fan will eventually stop once the interior temperature has cooled sufficiently.

Frigidaire Microwave Buttons Not Working

Using the microwave in the kitchen

If your Frigidaire microwave buttons are no longer working, you will not have much success in cooking your food. Here’s how to fix the issue.

A common problem that keeps the Frigidaire microwave buttons from working is for the touchpad and control panel to have failed. After unplugging the microwave, you can remove the control panel and look for any physical damage, including cracking and burning. You can replace the touchpad and control panel but they cannot be repaired.

It’s a good idea to test things and see what is actually happening. You can try to restart the microwave by unplugging it and plugging it back in again to see if it gets the buttons working properly.

You might also have times when some of the buttons are working and others are not. This can also be an issue with the control panel but it is more likely to be an issue with the display board.

If none of the buttons are working as they should, the control panel and display board are likely both bad and should be replaced.

Frigidaire Microwave Display Not Working

Using the microwave in the kitchen

We rely on the microwave display to see how much time is set and how much time is left while cooking. We also rely on it to tell us the time of day.

If you have a problem with the display going out but it is only partially out, then the display board is likely the problem. It is not possible to test the display board but you can visually inspect it to see if it has any damaged areas. Replace the display board to fix the problem.

There are also other factors that could contribute to the microwave display not working. This could include the main control board, which would also need to be replaced.

If you plan on removing microwave panels, it’s important that you unplug the microwave first. Be aware that energy can stay in the capacitors for an extended amount of time when there is enough energy that it could be deadly.

The most common reasons why a display has failed is because of the display board, the main control board, or perhaps an issue with the wiring.

*This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/02/2022. 

Frigidaire Microwave Light Not Working

Using the microwave in the kitchen

Although the microwave may operate without a light, it is an inconvenience that most of us want to fix as soon as possible.

The most common reason why a microwave light is no longer working is that the light bulb has blown. You can replace the light bulb but you should unplug the microwave first. Look at the old bulb and see if it has turned black or has any discoloration. That is likely a sign that the bulb needs replaced.

When replacing a microwave bulb, exercise extreme caution. Not only is there a possibility of electric shock if you are close to a capacitor, but you also can ruin the bulb before you ever begin using it.

Like many bulbs, the microwave bulb will burn at a hotter temperature than a standard bulb found in most homes. Never touch it with your hand because the oil from your fingertips could cause additional heat, resulting in a shorter lifespan.

If the microwave bulb is not the problem, it may be an issue with the light socket. You can use a multimeter to check continuity on the light socket and replace it if necessary.

One other problem is if the control board has gone bad. This is likely the last solution to the issue, and most people are not willing to replace a control board for the convenience of having a light in the microwave.

Frigidaire Microwave Fan Not Working

Using the microwave in the kitchen

Most people are not aware that there is a fan inside a microwave oven. If your Frigidaire fan is not working, what can be done to fix it?

A common reason why a Frigidaire microwave fan is no longer working is that the fan motor has failed. After unplugging the microwave, remove the fan motor and try spinning the fan by hand. If the blades catch, the motor needs to be replaced. Otherwise, you can check the motor for continuity using a multimeter.

The fan is an important part of the microwave, especially when you are cooking food that cooks for an extended amount of time. You may not need the fan when you’re popping popcorn but if you are doing a pot roast, the fan is important.

If the fan isn’t working properly, then the thermal fuse may continually trip the microwave and stop it from operating. The fan helps to keep things cool in the cooking compartment, so it should be working.

If it is not the fan motor, then you may have a problem with the thermostat. When the thermostat determines that there is a high temperature it causes the fan to turn on. If the thermostat has gone bad, it may never trigger the fan in the first place.

Frigidaire Microwave Timer Not Working

Using the microwave in the kitchen

Are you having a problem with the timer on your Frigidaire microwave? It may be a bigger issue.

A common reason why the timer and display are no longer working is that the microwave is not receiving power. This could be due to a faulty circuit breaker or perhaps a bad receptacle. Check the power coming into the receptacle and make sure that a circuit breaker did not trip. You can also check the display further by trying to push buttons and see if they make an audible beep.

Fortunately, a problem with the electrical connection is often easy to fix. It may just be a matter of the breaker tripping because you have too many items running at the same time on the same circuit.

When you check the power cord and plug, look for any areas that are cut or damaged. If you see any burnt areas on the plug, that is a sign of a problem as well.

You can test the receptacle by plugging in another appliance, such as a lamp. You might also try plugging the microwave into the other adjoining receptacle to see if it works.

Other issues that can lead to a microwave display not working include a faulty control panel and a faulty display panel. Both of those items can be replaced, but you need to use caution when working inside of a microwave because of the capacitors.

*This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/02/2022. 

Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Beeping

Using the microwave in the kitchen

Most of us expect a microwave to beep when we push buttons or when the food is done. What can you do if your Frigidaire microwave continues to beep?

If the microwave continues to beep and does not stop, it can be an annoyance. In many cases, however, you can correct the problem without doing any major repairs. This is done by turning off the noise on the microwave and running it on silent operation. Press the start time button and hold for six seconds. You will hear a single beep and then no more beeping.

Essentially, you are turning off the ability of the microwave to make any noise. What you are doing is correcting the problem that can lead to the beeping in the first place.

If your Frigidaire microwave is new, you might not recognize that there are reasons why it might beep and it is appropriate to do so. This includes when the food is finished and you haven’t taken it out of the microwave.

Some Frigidaire microwaves will continue to alert you to the food in the microwave in case you forgot it. It may beep every minute or two, which is an annoyance but it is necessary so you don’t forget about the food you just nuked.

Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Blowing Fuse

Man Fixing the microwave

On occasion, we may expect that a fuse will blow in our Frigidaire microwave. What can you do if it continues to happen?

The most common reason why a Frigidaire microwave continues to blow a fuse is that the wrong type of fuse was installed. There are different fuses that may fit in the microwave, but that doesn’t mean they are the right type. Always refer to the information about your specific model and manufacturer when purchasing the fuse.

Along with being the wrong type of fuse, you may be installing the fuse improperly. There is a lot of power that flows through the microwave and if the fuse is not seated properly or installed wrong, it is likely to blow out.

Sometimes, there may be issues that are sending too much energy through the microwave and resulting in the fuse blowing. This can be problematic because that fuse is responsible for shutting down the microwave in the event of excessive heat.

Some of the issues that can occur include the capacitor sending electricity to the magnetron. This happens continually and the capacitor stores energy for that purpose. Sometimes, the capacitor is going to short out and this can also cause similar problems.

If you are experiencing electrical problems in your microwave and the fuse continues to blow, you may have to have it corrected by a technician. They may replace the control panel or perhaps they may suggest that you get a new microwave.

Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker

Using the microwave in the kitchen

When you run your microwave oven, does it trip the breaker? If it continues to be a problem, it needs looking into.

One of the main reasons why a Frigidaire microwave trips a breaker constantly is because you are running too much on the same circuit. If you are not running on a 20 amp breaker, the microwave itself may trip the breaker on occasion. If you are running another appliance, such as a toaster, then you are pulling too much energy from the circuit.

A microwave oven should generally be on its own circuit. It may be able to work on a 15 amp breaker but a higher amperage may be necessary on some Frigidaire microwaves. If the microwave is more powerful, it is going to pull more energy.

In some cases, you may have a circuit breaker that is also going bad. Those breakers are more likely to trip and it may be a problem that constantly occurs.

If you are only running your Frigidaire microwave on the circuit and the breaker continually trips, make sure that the breaker doesn’t need to be replaced. If you smell anything that smells like rotten eggs at the breaker box, it is likely that the breaker itself has gone bad.

Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Running

Using the microwave in the kitchen

What can you do when your Frigidaire microwave continues to run? There are some options but they need to be handled immediately.

If your Frigidaire microwave refuses to stop, even when you push the stop button, it may be a problem with the control board. Typically, this is seen when the microwave will not turn off unless the door is opened physically. The control board may have gone bad or could have been the victim of a power surge.

We rely on the control board to send signals from the buttons to the microwave for proper operation. This includes everything from the timing of our meals to how hot the food gets.

Anytime we are experiencing problems with the control board, we are going to have trouble with our microwave. It’s like trying to operate a computer monitor when the computer itself has been fried.

Fortunately, there are options available to replace the control panel and it isn’t difficult to do. You do need to be cautious, however, because there are capacitors in the microwave that hold onto power and it could give you a deadly shock if they aren’t discharged properly.

There may also be times when the microwave does not shut off, even when you open the door. This is a more serious problem.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on June 2, 2022.

Never operate a microwave with the door open, even for a short amount of time. The RF radiation can affect you very quickly, especially in your testes and your eyes.

If you open the microwave and the magnetron continues to operate, unplug the microwave or turn off the circuit breaker immediately. Have a qualified technician check the microwave or get a new one.

Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Turning Off

Using the microwave in the kitchen

We rely on our microwaves to cook food quickly. What can you do if your Frigidaire microwave continues to turn off?

The most common reason why a Frigidaire microwave continues to shut off constantly is that the door switch has gone bad. The door switch does more than hold the door closed, it also shuts down the microwave if the door comes open. This is a safety feature that is very important for the operation of your microwave. Replacing the door switch will often fix the issue.

In most microwave ovens, there is more than just a single switch and sensor. There are multiple sensors to ensure that the microwave is not operating when the door is open.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on June 2, 2022.

You may need to check multiple switches and sensors to see if one of them is a problem. A multimeter can check them to make sure that they still have continuity and if they are damaged in any way, they need to be replaced.

*This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/02/2022. 

Another issue that can cause a Frigidaire microwave to shut off repeatedly is a problem with the touchpad. The touchpad may be receiving signals that are telling the unit to cancel the cooking operation. It’s frustrating, but it can be fixed when the touchpad is replaced.

There are fuses and thermostats inside the microwave that shut the unit off if it detects a high temperature. If the thermal fuse has gone bad or the thermostat is detecting high temperatures unnecessarily, it may shut the microwave down quickly.

If your Frigidaire microwave is not working, you can try resetting the unit. Push the clear/off button multiple times. If that doesn’t work, unplug the microwave or turn off the circuit breaker for a few minutes. Often, a hard reset will correct most minor issues.

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on June 2, 2022.

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