If your Crosley microwave is sparking inside, sparking when running, or making popping sounds, stop using it until you identify the cause. The most likely problem is a damaged, burned, or loose waveguide cover, which can cause arcing in the oven cavity and should be replaced. If the microwave sparks in the cabinet area, a shorted door switch, including the primary, secondary, or monitor switch, may be responsible. A damaged magnetron or high-voltage diode can also cause arcing, smoke, or a burning smell. Inspect the diode for visible burn marks and have it tested properly. Less common causes include burned shelf supports or chipped interior paint that exposes metal and creates a path for sparks. Enter your Crosley microwave model number to find the exact waveguide cover, door switch, magnetron, diode, shelf support, or microwave touch-up paint for your appliance. Any repair requiring the outer cabinet to be removed 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 capacitor discharge procedures.
01 - Crosley 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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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.
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.
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..
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.
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.