Why Is My Samsung Microwave Not Working? 9 Main Causes & Resolutions

If your Samsung microwave stops working abruptly, something is amiss. The brand has cutting-edge technology around home appliances and many other electronic goods.

But even with the reputation for top mark brand, that doesn’t exempt the Samsung microwaves from breakages and malfunction. Equally, as a homemaker, you have to equip yourself with tips to help you handle your appliance before replacement plans.

I am writing this guide; to help you understand your Samsung microwave snags and how to deal with them effectively.  

Samsung Microwave Not Working; What Is The Cause?

Several external and internal factors can cause your Samsung microwave to stall. It can be something that you can resolve as a DIY or requires a technical expert. Do your calculations well before settling on a plan of action. Here are the causes and resolutions.

  1. Damaged Diode

The work of a diode in your microwave is to convert A/C power into D/C power. That process multiplies the voltage from the oven’s transformer to make it about 5,000 V.

The volts are transferred to the magnetron to cook your food. In addition to power conversion, a microwave diode blocks the negative energy cycle and facilitates only the positive cycles (electrons), which the magnetron requires to heat your food.

Without the high voltage, the magnetron will not have enough power to heat your food. When the diode malfunctions, that means the magneton also stops working effectively. 

How to fix

A burnt-out diode is irreparable. Get your technician to replace the feature and bring your microwave to life.

2. Faulty Door Switch

A door switch has several components. As the door closes, the switches (which could be more than three) interlock and secures the door, ready to begin the cooking process. Your microwave will not work if the door switch is faulty. 

How to fix

The first step is to test the door switches. You can have an expert remove the screws holding the door’s outer cover. Go ahead and access the switches in the interiors of the door.

Position the tip of a multimeter into the switch slot to test each of the switches and see if they are alive. After testing all the switches, you will be able to separate the malfunctioning ones and replace them immediately.

3. Lack Of Power

Your Samsung microwave uses electrical power to function. That means any disconnection causes the appliance to shut off. It could be a faulty socket, plug, or general power outage in your home or location. Whatever the cause, your Samsung microwave will not work. 

How to fix

First, establish the cause of your power loss. You have to wait until power resumes if it is a local problem. But for a broken socket or plug, it is easy to replace those.

If you can figure it out DIY or get a technical expert to change the part. Remember to be cautious with electricity when replacing sockets, plugs, and fuses by switching off the main controls. 

4. Faulty Magnetron

We have highlighted a faulty diode as the main cause for your Samsung microwave not working. The function works closely with a magnetron. It converts A/C energy to D/C energy and conveys it to the magnetron. If the magnetron is faulty, it will not receive the energy. So, no heating will take place. 

How to fix

A damaged magnetron cannot undergo repairs to bring it back to life. The only fix is to replace it with a new one. Microwave technicians know how to conduct the replacements. Contact one if you cannot do it all by yourself.

5. Damaged High Voltage Capacitor

Let me enroll you in a physics class. A microwave’s high voltage capacitor is in charge of storing D/C voltage after conversion by the transformer from AC.

The piled-up energy is what drives the magnetron. The reason is it requires boosted voltage to heat food molecules.

When the high voltage capacitator stores more energy, it equates sufficient DC output for the magnetron. What does that mean? If the capacitator is damaged, it cannot store high voltage. And your oven doesn’t function.

How to fix

Detect the damages using a multimeter and replace if it is damaged. If the capacitator is not the issue, move on to the transformer.

6. Broken High Voltage Transformer

A transformer transfers power from one circuit to another. Your microwave transformer functions the same and has electromagnetic components to withstand high voltage. A broken microwave transformer is easy to detect because it produces a burning smell.  

How to fix

No microwaving will go on once the transformer burns. The only resolution is to replace it immediately.

7. Blown Thermal Fuse

I will take you through the thermal fuse as a cause for your microwave not working. Though the device can fit well in the gadgets that contribute to power loss, I consider it individually. The reason is it is a safety gadget that comes with the microwave.

Your Samsung microwave has a plug that you fit into a socket to transmit power to your appliance. Inside the plug, the head is this device known as a thermal fuse. Its purpose is to regulate power before it gets to the microwave.

When there are power surges, the thermal fuse will regulate and transmit a safe energy level into your device. Your microwave stays protected from the power source (socket) and cannot burn down.

Sometimes, the thermal fuse is overwhelmed and blows off whenever there is a very high voltage. If that happens, your Samsung microwave will not work.

How to fix

The thermal fuse is an inbuilt guard feature for your appliance. Once it burns, the operations stop, and so you have to open the screws, remove the fuse and replace it with a new one. It is easy to identify a blown thermal fuse. It has a burnt smell and also looks brownish on some portions.

8. Tripped Or Faulty Thermo Protector

The thermal protector is an inbuilt function to guard your device against overheating like the thermal fuse. It functions as a thermal fuse but internally by stopping if your appliance overheats.

The unit interrupts the power supply to your microwave when it reaches the specified temperature range. A thermal fuse can trip or malfunction, suddenly stopping your Samsung microwave from working. And what’s the fix for this one?

How to fix

I cannot advocate for repairs of a faulty thermal protector as I haven’t heard of any. To be safe, replace the unit immediately to keep your microwave safe.

Even a tripped thermal protector isn’t safe to just fix it back. Find out the causes why it tripped. And this requires a technician to help. Otherwise, you may do the wrong replacements that can cost you heavily afterward.

9. Old App

When did you last update your Samsung microwave model app on your mobile? An expired app can confuse your smart microwave and stop working completely.

How to fix

Easy, update your Samsung microwave mobile app to continue enjoying your warm food.

What Causes A Samsung Microwave To Suddenly Stop Working?

A progressive slowing down of a microwave is easy to route the problem. But a sudden stop will reset you into panic mode.

It means something just happened and affected your appliance, which can cause you the oven. But before you think of a replacement, I will help rake out a few common causes of a microwave suddenly stopping mid operations.

  1. Power loss

An instantaneous power loss will also switch off your microwave without notice. 

How to fix

Find out the cause before you move on to the next possible cause. If your area just lost power, the error could be from the service provider. Wait until you are connected to access the situation.

2. Power Plug

A power plug whose cord breaks or thermal fuse blows will stop your Samsung microwave suddenly. 

How to fix

A microwave power plug has screws that safely secure the fuse in place. They are usually two or three. Remove them and pluck out the fuse. If it is burnt, replace it with a brand new one to get the oven up and work. Also, you have to fix back a new one that is safe to use by your loved ones for a broken cord.

3. Demo Mode

Retailer showrooms use a Demo mode to demonstrate to buyers without activating the magnetron. The oven will operate like a dummy without using crucial parts. The microwave will not heat while it is on demo mode. 

How to fix

You may have pressed some settings, including the Demo mode, that suddenly stopped your appliance. Refer to your manual and check whether you pressed the Demonstration mode and other settings to resolve the issue.  

4. Bad Thermo protector 

A thermal protector guards your oven against overheating. If the unit gets random thermal protector damage, that cuts power in the oven. 

How to fix

You have to locate the unit in the microwave and identify this problem. Disconnect the cables from the terminals and check for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then the protector is not working. Remove and replace.

5. Interlocked Door Switch

One possible microwave stopping is an interlocked door switch. The purpose of this lock is to signal all the other elements of the microwave to turn on once the door closes.

Your microwave stops when you open the door. When the door switch gets amiss, its internal system signals other components that your oven is open and should stop working immediately.

How to fix

If you have enough expertise to dismantle the trim kit, do it and unplug your appliance. Pull it out of the cabinet to open the door interiors.

Go ahead and check the switch terminals using a multimeter. If the switch does not have continuity, remove and replace. Otherwise, get an expert to replace you with a door switch if you feel you cannot handle the work.

6. Defective Door Latch Assembly

The door latch assembly is another cause of the problem of a stopped microwave mid-operation. A door latch assembly comprises plastic hooks that pop out of the door and notify other parts of your oven to power once you lock the door.

The assembly works hand in hand with the door switch. And if the hooks are defective, the door switch won’t latch properly. 

How to fix

A defective door latch assembly requires repairs or part replacement. Find out the most appropriate solution through an expert. 

Samsung Microwave Not Heating Food But Runs 

Your microwave not heating while the turntable is running can mean a breakdown of the parts concerned. Often, that calls for part replacement or buying another microwave if it shows intensive damage. But it could also be a case of unlatching the door. Examine several parts before concluding the issue.

  1. Check The Door  

When you close your microwave door correctly, its mechanism signals that everything is in order and that heating can begin. The latch hooks have to be in the proper position for the heating process to happen.

In addition, the door switch actuates a sequence that latches the door in place. Any discontinuity will not heat your food even if the turntable is running.

How to fix

If the door is not well latched, heating will not happen. The simplex fix will be to hold and close again. The door switch or latch assembly could also be defective. These two require an expert in microwave and oven appliances to inspect and solve.  

2. Check For Diode Error

As I discussed in the previous section, the work of a diode in microwaves is to convert the A/C energy into D/C energy. The process involves doubling the power in voltage to reach your heating requirements. And that will be about 5,000 volts.

Your microwave requires a high voltage to power the magnetron sufficiently so that food can cook. A slight defect in the diode, like burnout, can stop the heating process. The turntable can run, but no heating will take place.   

How to fix

Conclusive inspecting can point out a damaged diode. What follows will be a replacement to get your microwave functional. Like many electronic parts of the microwave, a multimeter will test perfectly and tell you if there is power continuity or current flow.

3. Check High Voltage Transformer

Your Samsung microwave must produce high voltage to run the magnetron. The magnetron is in charge of producing heat. The production of high voltage is through a transformer. The feature also converts the AC to DC, safe for your oven. And it can break down. Whenever this happens, you will smell the burning elements. What to do?

How to fix

Install a new high voltage transformer as there is no parts replacement. 

4. Check Magnetron

The magnetron should be the next feature to check after the diode. The reason is that the two work together to heat your food. The diode transfers the transformer’s high voltage power (DC) to the magnetron. DC power is high in frequency to cook your food effectively. Like the diode, the magnetron burns too. But your oven will run but won’t heat. 

How to fix it

A burnt magnetron calls for a new piece. Call your technician to help replace the feature. Do not attempt all by yourself because of the high voltage, which is a potential for electric shock.

5. Check The Main Control Board

Some functions on your microwave control board may freeze and cause the appliance to stop heating. 

How to fix

Usually, when this happens, there is a major problem that requires an expert to handle. He scrutinizes all the functions to find out the problem.

A malfunctioning control board can be disastrous as it is the central operations system of the microwave. If the primary concern is a new unit will serve you better than continuous expensive repairs and parts replacement. 

6. How Old Is Your Samsung Microwave?

Finally, its the age of your microwave. When the oven grows old, its activities slow. Yesterday you replaced the door switch, but today another problem shows up. The interior light is also misbehaving, plus a series of other functions.

Sometimes your oven hums but doesn’t rotate. And no heating is taking place. The problem does not have to follow this sequence, but it indicates old age. 

What’s the fix?

Once you determine the age of your microwave and find out that it is more than seven years on your countertop, it is time to let go. Most microwaves live up to seven years under normal usage.

If you use the appliance heavily, the lifespan will be shorter. It’s all in vain whether you replace the magnetron, diode, door switch, among other parts. Get yourself ready for a new and modern microwave.

With our previous guides on the best countertop or built-in microwaves, I’m optimistic that you will get the best microwave that fits your situation.

What Causes A Samsung Microwave To Stop Heating?

It is very disappointing if you are midway warming your food and your Samsung microwave stops heating. You have to figure out the next move or disband the process and stay hungry.

If this problem shows, there is an internal problem that needs urgent attention.

Check out for;

  1. Intertwined Door Switch:

The door switch interlocks causing a faulty that does not allow latching. You have to open the door switch and correct the fault for your microwave to resume heating.

2. Open Door: 

Microwave ovens have a mechanism that only allows operation when the door is fully locked. Leaving the door half-closed stops the relay of information to other components that the oven is ready to run and heat.

E-36 or E-47 error will show on display indicating Door Open Error. Open and close the door appropriately to clear the error and resume heating.

3. Dead Magnetron: 

A fully functional magnetron emits heat that cooks your food. Once the piece is dead, your Samsung microwave will stop heating.

4. Dead Voltage Diode: 

An intact diode converts AC into DC, which the magnetron uses to heat food. A small malfunction will cause the appliance to stop heating food.

5. Defective Transformer: 

This component is in charge of high voltage power production. A defective transformer cannot produce sufficient power to run your microwave. A Samsung microwave may run but cannot heat with a faulty transformer.

6. Faulty High Voltage Capacitor: 

The capacitator stores high voltage power ready for relaying and using the diode and magnetron. When the feature is not functioning well, it cannot store the energy. In turn, the oven will not heat.

What To Do If Samsung Microwave Is Not Heating?

Here are seven points on what to do if your Samsung microwave is not heating;

  1. Open and close the door correctly: a clinching sound indicates that the door is in the right position.
  2. Inspect the transformer and replace it if it emits a burning smell.
  3. Check the door switch for defects and replace
  4. Measure the voltage on the Diode to determine there is continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the piece.
  5. Find out if the magnetron is functional. It is the main heating element in a microwave. Once it breaks, there is no repair. You have to replace the piece. 
  6. Replace the faulty high voltage capacitor to get your microwave up and functioning.
  7. Contact your Samsung microwave care center for more advice from a technical expert.

Samsung Microwave Says Run On Screen 

Several words and errors will feature on your Samsung microwave screen. Among those is RUN. When you see RUN on your device’s screen indicates your microwave is running and not heating your food.

Despite the turntable rotating, a heating element or magnetron does not produce sufficient heat to cook your food. The best thing to test is a series of things, starting with the magnetron itself.

Move to the diode, the capacitor, and then the transformer. The main controller may also be faulty, so you need an expert to conduct the exercise. Alternatively, call the Samsung customer desk as they are always ready with technical help.

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Wrap up

Samsung offers its clientele the top-of-mark microwave models. Like any other brand, its users continue to record common troubleshooting problems such as not heating, error codes, and even not working. That can mean either a simple hitch that resolves by applying DIY tricks or technical problems that require expertise.

You still need to learn the simple remedies to your Samsung microwave, Whichever the problem. To eliminate guesswork and costly overhauls, I have laid out several causes of your microwave not working and the simplest way to fix the issues.

Any time you find yourself on a cross path while applying the tips, you should stop right there and feel free to call an expert. That will save you costly repairs and replacements. 

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