What to do if the plate does not turn in the microwave and can you use it
Microwaves have been in every home for a long time. Such a unit often has increased functionality. In it, you can not only heat up food, but also defrost it and even prepare delicious dishes. However, this device is also capable of breaking. Often, when the plate does not spin in the microwave, a person simply does not know what to do. You can try to find the cause of the problem and fix it yourself.
The main reasons for the breakdown of the microwave oven plate
In older microwave ovens, the plate did not rotate at all. To get food to the required temperature, it had to be turned by hand. However, over time, microwave models have improved, new functions have been added.
Rotating the pan in the appliance heats the food evenly. This allows you to get food to the required temperature in a short time, without performing additional actions.There are several reasons why this function may be impaired in a microwave oven.
Brunt lightbulb
In some models of microwave ovens (in most cases, old ones), the lamp necessary for internal lighting is included in a series circuit. If it is blown, the contact is broken. As a result, the plate in the oven does not rotate. Dealing with such a problem is quite simple - replacing the faulty lamp.
Improper pallet installation
To rotate the plate in the microwave, there are special wheels and rails. If the pallet is incorrectly positioned, it cannot be moved. Also, the paddle may not be positioned correctly due to the large volume of food. The problem is easily solved - you just need to fix the plate.
Foreign body
A special part is installed inside the microwave oven - a coupler. Below is a small motor that drives the plate. Sometimes a small piece of food can get stuck in the branches (there are three) of the coupler. This will cause the paddle to rotate incorrectly. Just remove it and the stove will work again.
Technical reasons
If, after examination of the microwave oven, no external problems are identified, then there may be a technical breakdown.
Similar reasons for a malfunctioning microwave oven include:
- Reducer broken. This is one of the most common causes of microwave oven failure. It is possible to solve the problem by replacing the part. If there is no positive result, it is recommended to check the engine. If it fails, it is easier and cheaper to buy a new unit than to repair it.
- Pairing issues. This part is connected. If it begins to slip on the shaft, the rotation is disturbed.You can try to strengthen the clutch or replace it completely.
- Breakage of the motor winding. It is unlikely that it will be possible to eliminate such a reason on your own. It is recommended to contact the wizard.
- The power circuit is interrupted. It is worth "ringing" the wiring to identify shortcomings.
Microwave without paddle
The first stoves did not have a turntable. However, new models often do not have such a device. In this case, the magnetron is not located on the side, but below. There are two types of such units: with a mobile radiator and a stationary radiator. If you have any problems with such a microwave oven, it is recommended to contact the master, you will not be able to configure the work yourself.
How to determine a technical failure
To eliminate technical malfunctions, it is recommended to find them first, and therefore already start repairing.
Open circuit or short circuit of the motor windings
Most microwave ovens have motors designed for a voltage of 220 V. Therefore, in order to determine the presence or absence of an open circuit, you just need to plug the device into an outlet and switch it off. trying to turn it on. If necessary, an ohmometer can be used for this purpose.
The resistance index should vary from 1.2 to 1.6 kOhm. If the motor is low voltage, the resistance is between 100 and 200 ohms. If the sensor shows values that deviate from the norm, or the infinity icon, then we can speak of a break in the motor wiring. Improper maintenance or operation may cause such a phenomenon.
It is impossible to replace the winding on your own, it is better to contact the service or completely change the part.
Broken gearbox output shaft
In the presence of an overload (large volume of products) or when the plate is stopped by force by hand, a malfunction of the gearbox output shaft may occur. In cheaper models of microwave ovens, this part is often made of plastic, so it breaks down quickly. Replacing a part is quite simple if you find the correct one. As a last resort, you will need to install a completely new engine.
Slipper clutch
With constant and prolonged use of the microwave oven, the coupling is often loosened, so that the plate simply stops rotating. To eliminate the problem, it is recommended to try to seal the sleeve. If a positive effect does not occur, the part must be completely replaced.
Reducer wear
In early microwave ovens, the gears were often made of metal. However, in order to save money in new models, plastic parts are often installed, which accelerate their wear. Over time, teeth break.
It is quite possible to replace the gears on your own, choosing suitable and high-quality ones.
Under pressure
Undervoltage in the motor and transmitter causes a decrease in power. As a result, the motor is simply not able to spin the plate. Often the reason is network congestion. It is recommended to disconnect other devices from the mains or to use a voltage stabilizer.
Repair methods
If the plate has stopped spinning in the microwave, it is first recommended to determine the cause. Depending on this, it is possible to repair yourself or contact a service center. It is possible to correct the following errors at home:
- A burned out bulb can be easily changed, just buy a new one and fix the problem according to the instructions.
- The foreign body can be easily removed by carefully checking the bottom and all parts in the inner chamber of the microwave. It is recommended to wash the device, remove excess fat and pieces of food.
- If the pallet is installed incorrectly, you must remove everything and carefully put it back in place.
However, in some cases, only a specialist from the service center will help to cope with the problems:
- the motor does not work;
- the winding and the contacts are broken.
Solving such problems on your own is almost impossible, and it is quite easy to lose the possibility of warranty repairs. Therefore, it is better to turn to specialists in time. This will repair the damage and keep the microwave oven in good working order.
Expert tips and tricks
Experts advise not to disassemble the device yourself in order to exclude the occurrence of other malfunctions. Do not forget about warranty repair and, if necessary, use it.
Some types of breakdowns are described in the instructions for the unit, so first of all it is worth studying it carefully.
It is possible to carry out repair work on your own only if you have experience and confidence in the matter.
Rules of maintenance and operation
In order for the microwave oven to work for a long time, it is recommended to use it correctly and to observe certain conditions:
- Read the user manual carefully before use.
- Immediately remove grease and food bits that have fallen from dishes into the inner chamber.
- Carefully monitor the mains voltage when using the device.
- If there is a need for a new part, it is recommended to consult a specialist and choose the most suitable for a particular model.
A correct and careful attitude to technology will allow you to use it for a long time. If problems occur during operation, it is recommended to find the cause and then take the necessary measures. It is necessary to remember that self-repair can lead to the loss of the warranty card. Therefore, if you are not sure, it is better to immediately contact the service center.