Troubleshooting Your Kenmore Microwave: Common Problems
When something is wrong with your Kenmore microwave, you want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Whether yours is new or used, some of the most common problems with Kenmore microwaves can be easily prevented or fixed with the right approach. Let’s take a look at some of the common problems and how you can solve them.
Troubleshooting the Control Panel
The control panel is the most complicated part of the microwave, and it requires a little bit of special care. To troubleshoot the control panel, the first step is to check the electrical outlet. Make sure it’s working and its power is on. If everything looks okay, try changing the power levels on the microwave. If none of these steps help, try cleaning the control panel as dust and dirt can sometimes interfere with the panel’s performance.
Troubleshooting the Cooking Coil
The cooking coil is one of the biggest sources of problems in any microwave. If you find that your microwave is taking too long to heat up or not heating up at all, make sure the cooking coil is clean and free of any debris. If you detect any signs of damage to the coil, replace it before using the microwave.
Troubleshooting the Door
The door of a Kenmore microwave is usually the first place to look when something goes wrong. The door needs to be properly closed for the microwave to work properly, so start here. If the microwave still won’t work after making sure the door is closed, check to see if the latch is working properly. If it doesn’t seem to be, then you will need to replace the latch.
Troubleshooting the Microwave Plate
The microwave plate is often the culprit when it comes to microwave issues. If the plate isn’t rotating, this is a sign that something is wrong. You may want to replace the plate if it isn’t working properly. You should also check that the plate isn’t cracked or otherwise damaged, as this could cause the microwave to malfunction.
Troubleshooting the Turntable
The turntable is what spins the food inside the microwave to make sure it heats up evenly. If the turntable isn’t spinning correctly, this could be a sign of a bigger issue. Try to clean the wheels that the turntable rests on first. If this doesn’t solve the issue, the turntable might need to be replaced.
Troubleshooting the Filters
The air filter located in your microwave is designed to help keep your food from burning while cooking. Over time, the filter can become clogged, reducing the amount of air that can pass through it. If you detect a strange smell coming from your microwave, take out the filter and replace it.
Troubleshooting the Timer
The timer on your Kenmore microwave is essentially the control panel in disguise. If the timer isn’t working properly, you may have to replace it. Check for any cracks or broken wiring, which could indicate that the timer is damaged, in which case you’ll need a new one.
Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting your Kenmore microwave doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach, you can identify and solve the common problems that can occur with your microwave. Start by checking the electrical outlet, the control panel, the cooking coil, the door, the microwave plate, the turntable, the filters, and the timer to diagnose and fix problems with your Kenmore microwave quickly and easily.
Kenmore Microwave Repair – Best Practices
In order to have the best experience possible with a Kenmore microwave and to help ensure that it remains free of repair issues, there are several preventive actions that can be taken. By following these best practices, customers can save time and money while still getting the most out of their appliance.
Regular Cleaning
One of the best ways to help ensure that a Kenmore microwave stays in peak condition is to regularly clean it. Cleaning the interior and exterior of the microwave regularly will help prevent a majority of major repair issues. It is also important to empty out the grease traps and to vacuum around the device to help remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated over time.
Proper Installation
When installing a Kenmore microwave, customers should always follow manufacturer or local technician recommendations. Doing so can help to increase the longevity of the device, as well as reduce the risk of damage to the device. It is important to make sure that the microwave is properly grounded and connected properly to the wiring that is provided in order to avoid any potential repair issues.
Avoid Overheating
Another important practice when using a Kenmore microwave is to avoid overheating the appliance. Avoiding overheating the device can help to prevent damage to its electrical components. If the device is overheating, it is important to disconnect it from the power source immediately and to contact a professional technician to assess the issue and provide an estimate for repair.
Avoid Forced Opening
It is important to avoid forcing the door open when the timer has come to an end. Doing so can cause major damage to the device and will likely result in costly repairs. It is important to wait until the timer has finished before attempting to open the door.
Use Caution When Removing Items From the Microwave
When removing items from the microwave, it is important to be careful not to burn oneself. It is important to remember that the food and interior components of the microwave may be very hot and should be handled with caution. In order to avoid any potential issues with the device, it is important to always use oven mitts or other protective gear when touching any portion of the device.
By following these best practices for Kenmore microwave repair, customers can help to keep their device in perfect working order. Regular cleaning, proper installation, avoiding overheating, avoiding forced opening, and using caution when removing items from the microwave are all important elements when it comes to ensuring that a Kenmore microwave stays in peak condition.
Average Kenmore Microwave Repair Cost in San Diego
Repairing a Kenmore microwave in San Diego can be tedious and costly, but the payoff is worth it. With the help of a professional, you can expect quality repair service with reliable and cost-effective solutions.
To get a full picture of the repair costs, you'll need to consider the cost of labor, parts, and any other tools or materials needed.
Labor: A professional technician in San Diego may charge anywhere from $100-200. Sometimes they will charge an additional fee if they need to purchase parts to complete the repairs.
Parts: It can be difficult to estimate the cost of parts since the cost can vary greatly depending on the make and model of the microwave. Some of the most commonly replaced parts are turntable motors, door switches, turntable trays, and light bulbs.
Tools & Materials: You will probably need to purchase various tools and materials to help with the repairs such as screwdrivers, a drill, clamps, and other specialized items. The cost of these materials will depend on the individual situation, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20-60 for the necessary materials.
We highly recommend calling Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222 for an efficient and cost-effective repair. They can provide an estimate of the total cost, give advice, and answer any questions you may have before the repair is started.
Repair Your Kenmore Microwave with Reliable
Is it time to repair your Kenmore microwave? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. Reliable HVAC and Appliance Repair is a family-owned, local company that offers same-day service for both appliance and HVAC repair and installation. As a first-time customer, we’ll give you $25 off labor.
Our highly experienced technicians know their stuff; you won’t find any apprentices here. Each of them has at least five years of experience in the field and many have dealt with Kenmore microwaves before. No matter the problem, our techs can fix it.
Reliable is licensed, insured and offers affordable pricing, ensuring you get the best service for a fair price. Whether you need repair work or complete installation, we can do it in record time. Even better, we proudly serve San Diego and the surrounding areas.
Make Reliable HVAC and Appliance Repair your go-to for Kenmore microwave repair. Call us today at and experience first-hand the quality of service that has kept our customers coming back for decades.
FAQ: Troubleshooting Your Kenmore Microwave and Repair
How common are Kenmore Microwave problems?
Kenmore microwave problems are relatively common, especially older models. Luckily, many issues can be solved quickly and easily with the proper troubleshooting.
My Kenmore Microwave Won't Turn On. How can I fix this?
The first thing to check is the connection that powers the microwave. Make sure the power cord is properly plugged into a grounded outlet. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the outlet or the power cord.
My Kenmore Microwave is Not Heating. What should I do?
This problem could be caused by the internal door switch. First, check that the door switches are closed. You can also reset the circuit breaker or replace the door switch to fix the issue.
My Kenmore Microwave is Making Strange Noises. Is this normal?
Noises such as grinding, humming, or vibrating are not normal. This could indicate an internal problem with the fan, turntable, or transformer. If you think this may be the case, it's best to call a professional for help.
My Kenmore Microwave is Leaking. What should I do?
If you see any leaks coming from your microwave, it could be a serious safety hazard. The thermostat may be the cause, but it's best to consult a professional to make sure.
What are the most common Kenmore Microwave repairs?
The most common repairs for Kenmore microwaves are replacement door switches and turntable couplers. It's also possible that a problem with the motor and fan assembly or magnetron could also be to blame.
For trusted electrical repairs like Kenmore microwave repairs, it’s best to call a professional. For convenient, reliable service, contact Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222.