Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

Jenn Air Microwave is sparking or arcing

Is your Jenn Air microwave sparking or arcing? Stop using it and inspect where the sparks occur. A damaged or loose waveguide cover is the most likely cause, especially when the microwave waveguide cover is sparking inside the oven cavity. Replace the cover if it is burned, cracked, or will not stay in place. If the microwave sparks when running in the cabinet area, inspect the door switch for burn marks or damage, then test the primary, secondary, and monitor switches with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron or burned high-voltage diode can also cause microwave arcing, smoke, or a burning smell, particularly behind the waveguide cover. Less common causes include a burned shelf support or chipped interior paint that exposes metal. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet involves a high-voltage capacitor that stores a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. The capacitor must be properly discharged before interior work, and repairs involving the magnetron, high-voltage diode, or other high-voltage components may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with safe discharge procedures. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Jenn Air microwave.

01 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 - Jenn Air 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 Jenn Air microwave sparking inside?
What causes a Jenn Air microwave to spark in the cabinet area?
Can a damaged magnetron cause my microwave to arc?
Is it safe to keep using a Jenn Air microwave that smells like burning or keeps sparking?
How do I find the correct Jenn Air microwave waveguide cover or diode?

Shop by Jenn Air Microwave Parts