Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Price Match Guarantee
In-stock parts ship the same day
365-Day Return Policy
Price Match GuaranteeChoose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpAdmiral Microwave RepairAdmiral Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Admiral Microwave is sparking or arcing
Is your Admiral microwave sparking? Arcing, or making sparks and pops when running, stop using it and inspect the oven before operating it again. The most likely cause is a damaged, burned, or loose waveguide cover, also called a mica sheet, inside the oven cavity. Replace the cover if it is cracked, scorched, or will not stay in place. If the microwave sparks in the cabinet area rather than inside the cavity, a shorted door switch, including the primary, secondary, or monitor switch, may be responsible. Burn marks or damage on a door switch require testing and replacement. Sparking behind the waveguide cover can also indicate a damaged magnetron. A burned high-voltage diode can cause cabinet arcing as well. Less common causes include a burned shelf support or chipped interior paint that exposes metal. Any repair that requires removing the outer cabinet involves a high-voltage capacitor that can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. The capacitor must be properly discharged before interior work, so contact a qualified technician if you are not familiar with that procedure. Enter your Admiral microwave model number to find the exact replacement waveguide cover, door switch, magnetron, diode, shelf support, or touch-up paint for your appliance.
01 - Admiral Microwave Waveguide Cover
The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
02 - Admiral Microwave Door Switch
If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. One of the appliance's door switches could have shorted and is causing the sparking or arcing. You should inspect each door switch for burn marks or damage and test the components with a multimeter to determine if any the door switches are malfunctioning.
Top Solution
03 - Admiral Microwave Magnetron
If the microwave is sparking or arcing behind the waveguide cover in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's magnetron is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
Top Solution
04 - Admiral Microwave Diode
If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's diode is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. When the diode fails, it is often visibly burned out. Inspect the diode and if the diode is burned out, replace it. If inspecting the diode proves inconclusive, test it with a multimeter that uses a 9-volt battery or put a 9-volt battery in series with the diode. When the leads are reversed, the diode should only have continuity in one direction..
Top Solution
05 - Admiral Microwave Shelf Support
Some microwave ovens will have cooking shelf supports on the interior walls. Inspect the shelf supports for any burnt spots or damage. If there are any burnt or damaged spots, replace with new supports as needed.
Top Solution
06 - Admiral Microwave Touch-Up Paint
The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
Top Solution
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Admiral microwave sparking inside?
What should I check if my Admiral microwave sparks in the cabinet area?
Can a bad magnetron or diode cause an Admiral microwave to arc?
How do I safely inspect or repair an Admiral microwave that is sparking?
How do I find the correct Admiral microwave waveguide cover, diode, or door switch?
Shop by Admiral Microwave Parts
Shop by Popular Admiral Microwave Models
Our Story
Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.
About Repair Clinic
© 2026 RepairClinic.com