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HomeRepair HelpMaytag Microwave RepairMaytag Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Maytag Microwave is sparking or arcing
When your Maytag microwave is sparking or arcing, stop using it until you find the cause. The most likely problem is a damaged or loose waveguide cover, also called a mica sheet. Replace the cover if it is burned, cracked, or will not stay in place. If the microwave sparks in the cabinet area instead of the oven cavity, inspect the door switches, including the primary, secondary, and monitor switches, for burn marks or damage, then test them with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron can cause microwave sparking behind the waveguide cover and may produce smoke or a burning smell. A burned high-voltage diode can cause similar cabinet arcing and should be tested or replaced if faulty. Also check interior shelf supports for burned spots and inspect the cavity for chipped paint exposing bare metal. Sand and touch up small damaged areas with microwave oven interior paint. Any repair requiring removal of the outer cabinet, including work on the magnetron or high-voltage diode, exposes a lethal high-voltage capacitor charge that remains after unplugging. Proper capacitor discharge is required, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your Maytag microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your appliance.
01 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 - Maytag 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 Maytag microwave sparking inside the oven cavity?
What should I do if my Maytag microwave is sparking and smells like burning?
Can I test the Maytag microwave door switch or diode with a multimeter?
Should I replace the magnetron if my Maytag microwave is sparking?
How do I find the correct Maytag microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?
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