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HomeRepair HelpModern Maid Microwave RepairModern Maid Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Modern Maid Microwave is sparking or arcing
If your Modern Maid microwave is sparking or arcing, stop using it and unplug it before inspecting the oven. Microwave sparking inside the cavity is most often caused by a damaged, burned, or loose waveguide cover. Replace the cover if it is cracked, warped, or will not stay in place. If the microwave sparks in the cabinet area instead of the oven cavity, a shorted door switch may be responsible. Inspect the primary, secondary, and monitor switches for burn marks or damage, then test them with a multimeter. Arcing behind the waveguide cover can also indicate a damaged magnetron, while a visibly burned high-voltage diode can cause microwave sparks and pops. Less common causes include burned shelf supports or chipped interior paint that exposes metal. Sand damaged paint lightly and apply microwave oven touch-up paint made for the cavity. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet, including work on the magnetron or high-voltage diode, involves a high-voltage capacitor that can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. The capacitor must be properly discharged, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with that procedure. Enter your model number to find the exact Modern Maid replacement part for your microwave.
01 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 Modern Maid microwave sparking inside?
What should I check if my microwave is sparking and smells like burning?
Can I replace the waveguide cover on my Modern Maid microwave myself?
How do I test Modern Maid microwave door switches or the high-voltage diode?
How do I find the correct Modern Maid microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?
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