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Admiral Microwave turns on by itself

An Admiral over-the-range microwave turning on by itself may have a failing main control board, especially if the touchpad is working properly. First, determine whether only the vent fan is running. During stovetop cooking, a vent fan thermostat can turn the fan on automatically to cool the microwave, then shut it off once the unit cools. If the microwave starts a cooking cycle or the microwave turns on when the door opens, a faulty interlock switch is a likely cause. A damaged or misaligned switch holder can also prevent the door switches from engaging correctly. Less commonly, circuits in the touchpad and control panel, or the touchpad itself, may intermittently contact and activate the microwave. These checks may require removing the control panel or outer cabinet. Unplug the microwave first, and remember that the high-voltage capacitor stores a lethal charge even after power is disconnected. It must be properly discharged before interior work, so this repair may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your Admiral microwave model number to find the exact main control board, interlock switch, switch holder, touchpad, or control panel for your specific appliance.

01 - Admiral Microwave Main Control Board

First, make sure that the touchpad is working properly. If the touchpad is working properly, the main control board is likely at fault. If the control board is defective, replace it.
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Top Solution

02 - Microwave cooling down during stovetop cooking

Most over-the-range microwaves have a vent fan thermostat that will turn the vent fan on automatically to keep the microwave from overheating. The fan will shut off after the microwave cools back down.
Highly Likely

03 - Admiral Microwave Interlock Switch

A microwave that turns on by itself can be caused by a malfunctioning interlock switch. You can use a multimeter to test the interlock switches to determine if they are functioning appropriately and replace if necessary.
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Common

04 - Admiral Microwave Switch Holder

The microwave switch holder is the component that houses the door switches behind the control panel. If the switch holder is damaged or misaligned, the switches may not be properly engaged which could cause the microwave to turn on by itself. You will need to uninstall the control panel and inspect the switch holder to confirm it is in good condition and secured properly. Replace the switch holder with a new one if necessary.
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Common

05 - Admiral Microwave Touchpad and Control Panel

It’s possible that the touchpad and control panel button circuits are coming into contact with each other intermittently which could cause the microwave to turn on by itself. If this happens, the touchpad and control panel will need to be replaced.
Shop all Admiral Microwave Touchpad and Control Panel Parts
Less Common

06 - Admiral Microwave Touchpad

It’s possible that the touchpad button circuits are coming into contact with each other intermittently which could cause the microwave to turn on by itself. If this happens, the touchpad will need to be replaced.
Shop all Admiral Microwave Touchpad Parts
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Admiral over-the-range microwave turn on by itself?
How do I test an Admiral microwave interlock switch or door switch?
Could the touchpad or control board make my microwave turn on by itself?
How do I find the correct Admiral microwave part for this problem?
What should I do before opening an Admiral microwave that turns on by itself?

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