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Goldstar Microwave is sparking or arcing

If your Goldstar microwave is sparking inside, sparking when running, or arcing in the cabinet, stop using it and inspect where the sparks occur. A damaged or loose waveguide cover is the most likely cause, especially when arcing appears behind the cover in the oven cavity. If the sparks occur in the cabinet area instead, a burned or shorted door switch is a common cause. Next, inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage if arcing is behind the waveguide cover, then check the high-voltage diode, which may show visible burning or test faulty with a multimeter. Burned shelf supports and chipped interior paint can also expose metal and cause microwave sparking. Replace damaged parts, and repair chipped areas with microwave oven touch-up paint. 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, and repairs involving the magnetron, high-voltage diode, or other high-voltage components may require a qualified technician. Enter your Goldstar microwave model number to find the exact replacement waveguide cover, door switch, magnetron, diode, or support for your specific appliance.

01 - Goldstar 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.
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02 - Goldstar 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.
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03 - Goldstar 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.
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04 - Goldstar 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..
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05 - Goldstar 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.
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06 - Goldstar 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Goldstar microwave sparking inside?
Is a microwave sparking or arcing dangerous?
What should I check if my microwave sparks when the door is closed?
Could the magnetron or diode be causing microwave arcing?
How do I find the correct Goldstar microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?

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