{"id":4381,"date":"2023-10-04T08:27:08","date_gmt":"2023-10-04T15:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=4381"},"modified":"2024-01-11T11:48:01","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T19:48:01","slug":"why-is-my-microwave-turning-on-by-itself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/why-is-my-microwave-turning-on-by-itself\/","title":{"rendered":"Microwave turning on by itself: A troubleshooting guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div  class='avia-image-container  av-styling-    avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first  avia-align-center '  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"  ><div class='avia-image-container-inner'><div class='avia-image-overlay-wrap'><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-4386 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-4386 avia_image' src=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/appcreator_A_closed_microwave_oven_mid-cycle_with_nothing_insid_3e803405-88be-4c8c-91e7-5409bb1393be-1456x430.png\" alt='closed microwave operating with nothing inside in a dark kitchen' title='microwave' height=\"430\" width=\"1456\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s the middle of the night and you hear your microwave turn on. No buttons were pressed and no timers were set, yet it started heating all by itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is your appliance possessed? It\u2019s unlikely. Regardless, a microwave that turns on by itself &#8211; particularly if you have items inside &#8211; can pose a serious fire risk and threaten your safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what\u2019s going on? There are a few things we can check and test to try to isolate the problem and help you sleep better at night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Disclaimer:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n<h2><b>Safety tips<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to be very careful when testing microwaves since they contain high-voltage components. Here are some guidelines to prevent yourself from getting zapped:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always unplug the unit and discharge the high-voltage capacitor before disassembling the microwave to prevent electric shock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the microwave unplugged, remove the outer case to gain internal access.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never power on the microwave without the cover in place, as this protects it from radiation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear insulating gloves and use insulated tools when testing components.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check all parts for damage before reassembling and powering up again.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-use-a-multimeter-to-check-appliance-parts\/\"><b>Read More: How to use a multimeter<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to discharge a capacitor\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>IMPORTANT: Make sure to carefully follow the correct handling and discharge procedures since exposure to the voltage levels inside a microwave can potentially cause severe injury or death.<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With your microwave unit unplugged, touch the blade of a well-insulated screwdriver to one terminal.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gently slide the screwdriver forward until it reaches the other terminal and hold it there for a few seconds. Be aware that this often results in a loud and startling &#8216;POP&#8217;.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat this procedure to create a short circuit between each capacitor terminal and the chassis (bare metal mounting plate surface). This same method can be applied to a capacitor having three, and not two, terminals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-clean-a-microwave\/\"><b>Read More: How to clean a microwave<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Troubleshooting steps\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you\u2019re familiar with the major hazards involved, we can walk through some troubleshooting steps to find out why your microwave is turning on by itself:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step 1 &#8211; Check the exterior<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examine the outside of the microwave for any damages or abnormalities. Make sure to look at all sides, vents, the rear panel, and the top.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there are any burning smells coming from the unit during normal operation, that signifies there are overheating components that will likely fail soon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damage in these areas may provide clues as to why the microwave is turning on by itself and can cause short-circuiting:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Door<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hinges<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chassis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touchpad (especially if it\u2019s melted)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/painting-the-inside-of-a-microwave-transforming-from-drab-to-fab\/\"><b>Read more: Painting the Inside of a Microwave<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step 2 &#8211; Test the door switches<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common reasons why a microwave may turn on by itself is stuck switches. Most microwaves include three switches located behind the control panel: primary, secondary, and monitor switches, which all actuate to keep the microwave from cooking while the door is open.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to test the primary (top) and secondary (bottom) switches:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test the primary (top) and secondary (bottom) switches with the door open.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the door open and place the multimeter leads on the connectors on the switch.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When closing the door, the multimeter should produce a beep if the switch is good.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to test the monitor switches:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test the monitor (middle) switch with the door closed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you open the door, the meter should beep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>If you did not hear a beep when testing any or all three of these switches, replace the switch.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step 3 &#8211; Check the touchpad for short-circuiting<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The touchpad and control panel on the microwave door that houses the buttons is another area susceptible to shorts. Touchpads can crack or buttons can stick due to wear over time. If the membrane circuits responsible for sensing button presses on the touchpad are damaged or intermittently making contact, it may register random input commands and cause the microwave to turn on by itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The random signals can trigger preprogrammed cook times and power levels that could turn on the magnetron and start heating. If the short is more severe, it may even engage the highest power setting, resulting in an unintended yet full burst of microwave energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the main control board is good, check for issues with the touchpad panel containing all the buttons. Warning signs of a faulty touchpad:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The unit activates when pressing certain buttons, indicating a short. (This does not include the quick start buttons)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buttons work sometimes but not always, which suggests a loose connection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One or multiple buttons don\u2019t react at all. This means they have open circuits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Test the buttons<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Press and release each button on the touchpad and control panel. Do this several times for each one. See if the correct touch tones sound and display illuminates while pushing each button.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also try pressing multiple buttons in a sequence to see if specific combinations inadvertently start the microwave. This will help narrow down possible touchpad short locations.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any buttons that aren&#8217;t responding likely have faulty contacts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If pressing one button (other than quick start buttons) activates the unit, it means there\u2019s a short.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Test the touchpad<\/b><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visually inspect the touchpad for any damaged, burned, or unresponsive buttons. Replace the entire pad if issues are found. Touchpads are typically low-cost repair parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a multimeter set to ohms and check for continuity (closed circuits) when buttons are pressed. If certain buttons have resistance or no continuity, it signifies a faulty membrane switch, which means the touchpad needs to be replaced.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for cuts, breaks, or discoloration on the conductive traces underneath the pad material.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check for loose, damaged, or corroded connections where the pad plugs into the main control board.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test full button functionality like time setting, power levels, and start\/stop.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can, temporarily remove the touchpad connections and use a known good pad to narrow down the fault(s).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-change-a-microwave-light-bulb\/\"><b>Read More: How to replace a microwave light bulb<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step 4 &#8211; Check the main control board<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main control board is the central component that controls the various electrical operations of the microwave. This board houses multiple circuits and relays that engage the microwave&#8217;s cooking, lighting, turntable, safety interlocks, and other features.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some signs of control board problems include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Odors emitting from the unit that suggest the board is overheating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scorched or burnt spots on the board, which point to a short.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Error code displays related to board failures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A non-functioning unit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If one or more of the soldered connections or circuits on the main control board have shorted out, it can cause errant signals that activate cooking functions when no buttons are pressed. A short circuit on the board that overrides the door safety interlocks can also cause the microwave to turn on while the door is open.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If any signs of short-circuiting are confirmed, the main control board will likely need to be replaced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning: Unless you\u2019re experienced with appliance electronics, visually inspecting the control board is the safest option. Check with the microwave\u2019s manufacturer support for any specific component value verifications for the board.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h4><b>How to inspect and test the board:<\/b><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visually check the board for burnt or bulging components or signs of physical damage. Replace it if anything looks abnormal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a schematic diagram, use a multimeter to ohm out any low-voltage control circuits for open\/shorted traces.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attempt to power on the microwave while watching for obvious faults like smoke, bad smells, or failure of low voltage circuits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a last resort, you can temporarily swap in a new known good board to confirm that the old board is faulty.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-replace-a-microwave-turntable-coupler-with-video\/\"><b>Read More: How to replace a microwave turntable coupler<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>More information<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanks for reading! We hope this information helped you determine why your microwave is turning on by itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources and our DIY blog at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/\"> <b>AppliancePartsPros.com<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in 2-3 business days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019re here to help! You can reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website, and watch thousands of free video tutorials on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@appliancepartspros\/videos\"> <b>our YouTube channel<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure to follow us on<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/appliancepartspros\"> <b>Facebook<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/applpartspros\"> <b>Twitter<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/appliancepartspros?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==\"> <b>Instagram<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='av-social-sharing-box  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  '><div class='av-share-box'><h5 class='av-share-link-description av-no-toc '>Share this entry<\/h5><ul 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You can also find safety tips for microwave repair and troubleshooting the control board and touchpad.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":4386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[84,495,105,8],"tags":[63,951,844,678,269,666,107,109,949,64,950,676,61,670,390,716],"class_list":["post-4381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-appliance-repair","category-guides","category-microwave","category-troubleshooting","tag-appliance-repair","tag-control-board","tag-control-board-issues","tag-diy-appliance-repair","tag-diy-repair","tag-diy-troubleshooting","tag-microwave","tag-microwave-safety","tag-microwave-troubleshooting","tag-oven-repair","tag-touchpad-repair","tag-troubleshoot","tag-troubleshooting","tag-troubleshooting-appliances","tag-troubleshooting-guide","tag-troubleshooting-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Microwave turning on by itself: A troubleshooting guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the causes and solutions for a microwave that turns on by itself with this guide. 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