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Maytag Microwave turns on by itself

When your Maytag over-the-range microwave is turning on by itself, first determine whether only the vent fan is running. During stovetop cooking, the vent fan thermostat can turn the fan on automatically to prevent overheating, then shut it off after the microwave cools. If the microwave starts cooking or the touchpad is not responding correctly, the main control board is the most likely cause and may need replacement. A faulty interlock switch can also make the microwave turn on by itself. Test the interlock switches with a multimeter and replace a defective switch. Next, inspect the switch holder behind the control panel. If it is damaged or misaligned, the door switches may not engage correctly. Intermittent contact between circuits in the touchpad and control panel, or within the touchpad itself, can also cause this problem. Replace the Maytag touchpad and control panel or touchpad as needed. Opening the outer cabinet exposes a high-voltage capacitor that can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. Properly discharge the capacitor before interior work, or hire a qualified technician if you are not familiar with that procedure. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Maytag microwave.

01 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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.
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Less Common

06 - Maytag 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.
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Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag microwave turning on by itself?
Why does my over-the-range Maytag microwave fan turn on by itself?
How do I test the door switches on a Maytag microwave that turns on by itself?
Can a Maytag microwave touchpad or control panel make the microwave turn on by itself?
How do I find the correct Maytag microwave part for this problem?

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