Noisy microwaves can be annoying, especially when theyre off, and youre not expecting them to make any sounds. Fan/Blower Wheels: If your microwave is making a grinding sound whenever you try to operate it, theres a chance the fan is not properly being coupled with its shaft in the motor. Keep in mind, the diode should only have continuity in one direction, so if the multimeter display shows no continuity, try reversing the diode so the black lead is in contact with the opposite end of the diode when touch the other end of the diode to the 9-volt terminal. New Topic Post Reply: Loud Popping Noise, Whirlpool. Sometimes, turning your microwave off and giving it a good clean can stop it from making noise. From https://www.justanswer.com/ythiJustAnswer Customer: my whirlpool microwave makes a clicking noise and then shuts off after a few secondsPearl Wilson: As. Remove turntable. So, if the microwave makes sounds like a magnetron but is way over normal, then its likely that the diode or magnetron is faulty. Microwave is Making a Beeping Noise. Food items with a higher fat content will pop and sizzle as they cook. If so, you might consider leaving your microwave unplugged when youre not using it to prevent it from making noises. In most cases, a microwave making a popping noise is not a sign that it needs a replacement or a trip to your technician. AppliancePartsPros.com Appliance Repair Help Microwave Repair Loud Popping Noise, Whirlpool. JavaScript is disabled. 2. Thanks! Apparently jotting things down is what separates us humans from the rest of the animals, allegedly. If a microwave is making static noise, the reasons can include a damaged magnetron, loose wiring, or frayed wiring. A magnetron produces high-frequency EM waves to cook your food quickly. Metal Studs vs. Wood Studs for Soundproofing Which is Better? I tightened it and everything worked the way it should. Make sure you do not touch the metal on the pliers with your hands. If your Frigidaire microwave is making a popping sound, it is most likely because of metal. Step 2: When you see "oP-2" on the microwave, press Start. A defective capacitor will have to be replaced before your microwave will work again. If your microwave is making a noise when the door is closed, it could be that there's metal in between the door and cabinet surface. Nick Nishino. My GE Profile range clicks when baking. back cover, then the sides/top(one piece) off. With loose wires, you can easily put them back in place. This May Also Interest You: How Much Does a Microwave Cost? It may not display this or other websites correctly. On most models the turntable motor can be accessed from underneath the microwave. community. Occasionally, cleaning the cooling fan can solve the problem if the noise is due to dirt or clogs obstructing . It's safest to turn off the power supply and get it fixed before using it again, especially if you notice your microwave sparking or smoking. If I open the door the humming stops. However, before measuring the electrical resistance, youll need to discharge the microwaves capacitor so that you dont damage the other parts in the microwave or get electrocuted. @andreazalazar. Hi-this is Sue from GE. Depending on the model, a healthy diode will read between 50,000 and 200,000 ohms. Normal microwaves make a slight humming noise while they're working. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. You can fix your microwaves noises by checking the magnetron, power supply, fan, or diode and replacing or repairing these parts if needed. Verify microwave oven operation. Not the easiest appliance repair I have ever done.$48 beats $250 for a new one. Taking the bottom cover. Joe fix worked! Microwaves have an integrated cooling fan, which can get dirty and clogged over time. So, what does it mean if your microwave makes noises when its off? Also, you might want to test the motor using a multimeter for continuity. Humming or buzzing. But i want to make sure that is the real problem. s.eVar14 = document.title; All rights reserved, Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06851. We've got millions of parts, hundreds of brands, and thousands of step-by-step videos everything you need to find it, fix it and finish the job right. These problems are more common in older microwaves or ones that are used extensively. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. Popping sounds are usually caused by the food item being cooked in the microwave. There is nothing flammable except the food that you insert. If the fan is not obstructed but is not spinning freely, it indicates that the fan motor will need to be replaced. Popping sounds can be due to refrigerant circulation, thermal expansion or it could be as a result of different components in the fridge turning on and off. Microwave fans should be rotated by hand after being removed from the machine. Another culprit might be the turntable motor. : (Easy Checklist). Nov 22, 2021 by Make sure the appliance is not plugged into a power source, Remove the microwaves top casing to access the high-voltage circuit and the diode. I have found a price on a new magnetron for this product for $115. However, if the magnetron is damaged or nearly burned out, it may begin emitting high-pitched sounds or growling noises. If the motor develops a fault, it must work harder, causing an annoying grinding noise. An ohmmeter reading of 1 Ohm or more means that the magnetron needs to be repaired or replaced and could explain why you hear noises when your microwave is off. It's kind of a cheap oven and about 12 years old. I don't notice any of that any more. You can keep them in good condition and prevent them from making noises by avoiding food build-up on the walls and in the fan. var s_code=s.t();if(s_code)document.write(s_code); If your microwave is making arcing, sparking, popping, or other electrical sounds: If you would like to schedule a service appointment, please contact GE Appliances Factory Service or schedule a service appointment online. Bad microwave magnetrons can make various noises, and the noise is often very loud. Its not dangerous if you know what youre doing and carefully follow the process highlighted in this guide. Apr 14, 2019 by As soon as you close the door, without pressing any buttons or starting the microwave the hum comes back. In which case it is on the inside of the lid. A faulty magnetron can also cause an annoying high-pitched sound, which indicates that the magnetron tube is failing due to age and heavy usage. Sometimes, turning your microwave off and giving it a good clean can stop it from making noise. I tried it again with the top off and the sound is definately coming from the magnetron. 2. If your microwave makes strange or loud noises when it's in standby mode, something could be wrong with your fan. http://www.applianceaid.com/component-testing.php, GE Refrigerator GTE18GTHGRWW Strange Noises, KEHC309JSS06 Combo unit Microwave not heating, Whirlpool Microwave Model WML55011HS2 heats for the first 20-30 seconds and then provides almost no heat for the remainder of the cook time. Here is the common cause of your microwave making an annoying sound high-fat food being cooked inside, a defective diode, a damaged magnetron, or an empty microwave. Magnetron - The microwave magnetron uses high-voltage to create the microwave frequency that cooks the food placed in the oven cavity. A couple of things result in the unusual noise, and the machine being faulty isnt one of them. Benjamin Gray. Holding the black lead against one end of the diode, touch the opposite end of the diode to the negative terminal on the 9-volt battery. Operating the microwave empty may also cause a popping to occur and can damage the interior. Step 3: Open the microwave door. A faulty stirrer motor typically makes a grinding sound as the motor struggles to keep up. Not to be confused with the convection fan, the cooling fan is a wholly different fan located typically at the top of your oven. However, regular microwave sounds should be quiet and unobtrusive. the last one I haven't even had a month. This motor moves a blade that distributes electromagnetic waves throughout the inside of the microwave to ensure even cooking. If there is no continuity, it will need to be replaced. When your microwave is on, its normal to hear the magnetron making the occasional clicking sound. 3 DIY Ways [Thats Works! The diode was also touching another wire, which might have caused it to short. If I remove the turntable motor arm or turn the turntable off, it sounds fine (no unusual noise). This was the issue with a humming Samsung microwave I just repaired. If you notice any problems, address them as soon as possible or consult a microwave technician. While the microwave is operating, it is normal for it to make a low humming or buzzing sound. After testing transformers and magnetron and other interior components I traced the problem to the lower door switch. A functional cooling fan motor should measure about 280 ohms. But it can be worrying if your microwave begins to make a strange clicking noise. This motor powers the turntable that slowly rotates your food to ensure even cooking. Next Last. Turntable Motor Issue: A turntable motor rotates the glass tray of a microwave in order to heat food and beverages evenly. Options . Repair and disassembly guides for microwave ovens. Also, if the food is fatty, as in ham, the oils will cause the heat to create a sizzling noise. However, damaged wires require immediate replacement. There's excessive moisture present: One reason why your oven might be making clicking noises is moisture. The meter display should show less than one Ohm for the magnetron to be working properly. 5 Reasons & Quick Situation, Unplug the appliance from the power outlet, Remove the microwaves top casing to access the high-voltage circuit and the magnetron. If youve been microwaving something for an extended period, your microwave can get incredibly hot, but thankfully it has a thermostat that detects when the parts are getting too hot. Pierce the skin of potatoes before cooking. The current assumption is that it the switch was still the culprit and replacing it should make a lasting repair. By removing and packing the fan back on its axis, it may go back into place freely without having to worry about replacing the device entirely, as some people would typically do in this case. When the motor doesnt move freely, you know it needs to be replaced. * Required question. Micro waves heat from the inside out. I took mine apart to find that the power supply was poorly epoxyied . 1 of 2 Go to page. Also, if the food is fatty, as in ham, the oils will cause the heat to create a sizzling noise. A faulty diode typically makes a loud humming noise. The capacitor will have to be tested to determine if this is the cause of your problem. Home Appliance Technician. Your microwaves fan can continue running even after youve switched it off, and the noise you hear could be the fan rotating. As noisy as the poster says, it would be easy to . Test the cooling fan motor for continuity with a multimeter. I figured out my samsung's power transformer was coming unglued in terms of the steel laminations. So now off to buy a new microwave. //s.eVar15 = ""; 2. To fix the issue, unplug the microwave, unscrew the back panel, inspect the wires for damage, and replace the magnetron. 5. Once located, discharge the capacitor. If your floors are nailed down to the subfloor, the popping noise could be coming from the nails. Feb 4, 2022 by You can further diagnose a magnetron issue by running the microwave on a low setting and seeing if the microwave noise reduces or stops as the magnetron turns on and off while cooking at the low setting. If the motor has the proper voltage, but is noisy or won't turn, replace it. GE Smart Microwaves: Smart Features and Functionality, Shock Hazard Sparks Recall of 25,000 National Presto Smokers, Broken Wrists Cited in Recall of 10,000 Log Splitters With Briggs & Stratton Engines, Here's Why Your Washing Machine Is Making Noise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. While Repair Clinic stocks appliance parts that fit microwaves from top brands like GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, Kenmore, Frigidaire, and Panasonic, youll want to make sure youre selecting a part that is directly associated with your specific microwave oven model. The screws in the door didn't fit any screwdriver bit that I had, so I just pushed on the door frame, and voila! With your hand making contact with the base of this motor part, you should be able to feel whether or not it feels rough before realizing that replacement is necessary. 6-10 years. Clean the oven in order to get rid of the noise. It's probably an electrical fault, like a short in a high voltage capacitor or a problem with the power supply. Microwave Making Popping Noise When Off. When I started cooking with my microwave (Whirlpool model), I heard a loud electric popping sound but it continued to run and cooked my food just fine. If you put a metal plate in a microwave, it could cause it to spark and make a popping noise. If defective, remove and replace the magnetron. Unfortunately, those unfriendly noises your hearing from your appliance . You can continue to safely use the microwave if the hole is equal to or smaller than the hole size that you see on the door screen and additional arcing is not occurring during the cooking cycle. cxavi_007. Give the safety switches a test for continuity. Due to the risk of electrocution, it is recommended that a trained microwave professional be used to repair the more complex issues. Arcing can be caused by a dirty wave guide or the exposed metal of a damaged interior wall. Regional office:150 King Street West Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 1J9. s.prop43 = "Responsive"; When start to cook within 5 seconds 1 or 2 loud electrical pop sounds occurs. If the hole is larger than this, it is recommended that the microwave be replaced. If the diode tests negative for continuity in both directions or has continuity in both directions when the leads are reversed, the diode has failed and will need to be replaced. Once the screws are out, take the cabinet off the microwave. Test the high-voltage diode resistance with a multimeter. Yes now that You mentioned it the door seems a little loose, Nov 1, 2018 by If your microwave is off, still plugged in, and makes strange noises, it could be due to a power supply problem. It can also be challenging to access if you have an integrated microwave. Try covering the food items and this should help reduce the noise. Figuring out the issue is just as easy as solving the problem. And, this leaves us confused and asking, why is my microwave making popping noises?. // Manipulate variables Step 1: Turn off and unplug the microwave. Popping and clicking noises coming from a mini-fridge can mean different things. You might need to repeat this a few times until you hear a loud pop indicating a short circuit. The oven control board has relays that turn on and off power. Hold for approximately 10 seconds or until the light flashes. Microwaves are low-maintenance appliances. Food items with a higher fat content will pop and sizzle as they cook. If you hear a crackling noise during operation, try to identify the location of the sound. It has always worked fine until yesterday when it started making a ticking noise kind of like a fan blade was hitting a piece of paper or something. If nothing is grounding out and your door switches test okay, try opening up the microswitches to see if there is any damage inside them. While a loose blower wheel or faulty diode will not necessarily pose any imminent danger when operating a microwave, arcing can damage the oven and the cookware so you should immediately shut off the appliance and avoid using it until the problem is fixed. entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Over time, its normal for the motor bearings to wear out, creating that screeching or grinding sound as it tries to rotate your food forcefully. A defective high-voltage diode can also cause the magnetron to be loud. A faulty turntable motor typically makes a clicking or grinding sound. If this isn't possible, turn the circuit breaker off. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Also, if you notice a burning smell, its likely the magnetron has gone bad. While this doesn't mean your floors are defective, there are various reasons it can occur. This appliance is built for cooking meals in an instant, not to spray butter or cooking oils. bonniejmuir, The magnetron uses high voltage, high current DC power to generate the microwave frequency that cooks the food. If the magnetron is noisy, this indicates that the magnetron is nearing the end of its life or might be defective. Fix things more easily! The need for a quiescent working and living environment cannot be overemphasized. If your microwave is making arcing, sparking, popping, or other electrical sounds: Popping sounds are usually caused by the food item being cooked in the microwave. Simple Solutions! But the most common is: Press the power button on your headphones. If your microwave is making Crackling Noise or other electrical sounds: Crackling sounds are usually caused by the food item being cooked in the microwave. Is it dangerous? Although, if you are handy, you can use a multimeter to test the continuity of these components and replace the faulty parts yourself. Depending on the model, a working cooling fan motor should read 280 ohms. Whirlpool gold gmh3204xvs-1 - Answered by a verified Appliance Technician . s.channel = "Service_Support"; If you hear a metallic sound while opening the microwave door, then this means that there is metal in between. Your microwave makes noises when its off because of hot parts, the transformer, magnetron issues, a faulty fan, power supply problems, or diode problems. The microwave turntable turns and food still heats up but it sounds like popcorn is popping even when nothing is inside. 3. Worn out ball joints and tie rods can also create a popping noise. Learn How to Soundproof Your Therapy Office. For some models, you might have to remove some components to access the cooling fans. Reasons why a mini-fridge clicks: Start relay. For most microwave ovens, it can be accessed from the bottom panel without having to remove the casing. All rights reserved Violently from within your food. Other reasons for unusual noise from your microwave could be the metal between the oven rack or cabinet surface and the door. . Check the Cooling Fan As Well. Is it possible to repair in place, as it would be very difficult to remove the machine? Covering the container will reduce this. daniel waweru, Same issue hereit scares the !&&* out of mesounds like a loud cap pop gun if I had to try to describe it but it's only when it's first starts. The Owner's Manual will offer recommendations on the correct utensils to use. The solution for annoying noises like this is to reduce or remove the gap. Microwaves are hardworking kitchen appliances, and its understandable that they sometimes have problems. One of them even used the same words to describe the noise. If your microwave is making strange noises, it is most likely because a part needs replacing due to such heavy usage. Test the magnetron for continuity. It is critical to determine what type of noise your microwave is making because it can be a strong indicator of faulty or worn-out parts. My microwave brand is Frigidaire and I dont have screws on door to tighten, what can it be? You can buy them online or in DIY stores. JOE YOU SAVED THANKSGIVING!! Is it even safe to use the microwave if its emitting such a loud noise? The high-voltage capacitor inside the microwave can store a lethal amount of electricity, even after the microwave has been disconnected from the power for months. The worst that could happen is that it may start a fire, although it won't explode, and microwave ovens aren't known for . I tightened the screws just inside the door because one was slightly loose. I don't really feel like it is safe to leave plugged in or even use. What are the Signs that a Microwave is Going Bad? If the diode is not defective, replace the magnetron. This is one of the few moving parts of the appliance. Its normal for a cooling fan to make a little noise when operating. Next, reverse the leads to determine if theres continuity in the other direction. Only a licensed technician should replace the magnetron.). Popping and sizzling noise from the Microwave is a regular occurrence. So, if the stirrer motor is to be blamed, youd notice a grinding sound, and your meals will less likely to be evenly cooked. Here's a YouTube video of a microwave doing this. I'm sure this has freaked many people out; the mysterious and intimidating popping sound of the microwave. andrea Zalazar 1; 2; Next. As the stirrer turns, it deflects the microwave energy randomly throughout the microwave. It's a quite common cause and it can make your oven click even when it's turned off. The responsibility of the diode is to generate direct current from the input AC to power the magnetron. Touch the red lead to the positive terminal on the battery. GE microwave makes ticking noise. In this fast-paced world, its hard to deny the indispensability of the microwave. Top 6 Noise Recorders for Noisy Neighbors In 2023, Power Strip Making Buzzing Noise? However, if that noise becomes louder or the microwave is making a buzzing noise, usually from the rear of the microwave, it indicates a problem with the cooling fan motor. Oh, my!! Ive explained what issues can cause microwaves to make sounds when off. My microwave is making clicking sounds, why? Using an ohmmeter, measure the diodes electrical resistance by setting the ohmmeter to R x 10,000. Clicking Noise In Dashboard When Car is Off? First, I prayed, then I checked on the internet for possible answers, and find this response by Joe. The diode is a part of the high-voltage circuit, along with the magnetron and capacitor. To safely access electrical components in the microwave, the capacitor must be discharged. I dont understand how this worked, but it did. A magnetron may also make a loud buzzing or humming noise, depending on the issue. Access the stirrer motor from inside the microwave cavity, above the turntable plate. If not properly inserted it can cause arcing and destroy the probe. If your microwave makes noises when it's in standby that are somewhat loud or strange, something could be wrong with your fan run on. In good condition, the magnetron will emit a low hum during operation. Still, when something is going on you like to know what it is. Only one loud crack coming from the back of the unit as soon as i press start then nothing and cooks fine. Its responsible for rotating the glass tray to guarantee your food is evenly heated. However, if the magnetron is damaged or nearly burned out, it may begin emitting high-pitched sounds or growling noises. Unplug the microwave from the power source. The unit will still heat food, and everything else seems to be working as normal. I have the same exact issue Ryan with the same exact model. Worked for me and took 2 seconds to do for my samsung microwave. Why is My Microwave Making a Clicking Sound. Saturday: 9:00am 3:00pm.