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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Microwave RepairKenmore Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Kenmore Microwave is sparking or arcing
If your Kenmore microwave is sparking or arcing, stop using it and unplug it, especially if you see smoke or smell burning. The most likely cause is a damaged or loose waveguide cover. Inspect the cover for burn marks, cracks, or missing fasteners, and replace it if it will not stay in place. If the microwave is sparking in the cabinet area rather than the oven cavity, inspect the door switches for burn marks or damage, then test the primary, secondary, and monitor switches with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron or high-voltage diode can also cause arcing behind the waveguide cover in the cavity. Check for visible damage, but repairs involving the magnetron or high-voltage diode require proper capacitor discharge. Also inspect interior shelf supports for burned spots and check the cavity walls for chipped paint that exposes metal. Replace damaged supports or apply microwave-safe touch-up paint after preparing the area. Opening the outer cabinet is hazardous because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. Discharge it properly before interior work, or hire a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your Kenmore model number to find the exact replacement part for your microwave.
01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 Kenmore microwave sparking inside?
Can a damaged waveguide cover cause microwave arcing?
What should I do if my Kenmore microwave sparks and smells burnt?
How do I test a Kenmore microwave door switch or diode after it starts sparking?
How do I find the correct Kenmore microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?
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