When your E-Wave over-the-range microwave exhaust fan is not working, start with the door switch, which may fail to signal the control board that the door is closed. Test the primary, secondary, or monitor door switch for continuity and replace any switch that fails. Next, check the exhaust fan motor. The fan blades should turn freely by hand; if they do not, the motor may be seized. If the blades turn freely, test the motor for incoming power and continuity. A defective thermostat can also prevent the over-the-range microwave fan from starting, so test it for continuity as well. Check the grille for grease, debris, or damage that could restrict airflow. If the exhaust fan motor has no incoming power, the control module may be defective, although this is less common. A faulty micro switch can cause the same symptom as a bad door switch. Enter your E-Wave microwave model number to find the exact replacement part. Any repair that requires removing the outer cabinet must be handled carefully because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even when unplugged. Proper capacitor discharge is required, and a qualified technician should perform the repair if you are unfamiliar with that procedure.
01 - E-Wave Microwave Door Switch
A defective door switch may not signal the control board that the door is closed, which can prevent the button that controls the exhaust fan from functioning. To determine if any of the door switches are defective, use a multimeter to test each of the switches for continuity. If any of the door switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.
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To determine if the fan motor is defective, remove the fan motor from the microwave and try turning the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, replace the fan motor. If the fan blades do turn freely, use a multimeter to test the motor for incoming power and for continuity. If the motor has power but won’t run, replace it. If the motor does not have continuity, replace it.
The thermostat monitors the air temperature and turns on the fan when necessary. If the thermostat is defective, it won’t turn on the exhaust fan at all. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it.
A damaged or clogged grille can prevent the air from being properly exhausted when the exhaust fan is turned on. Confirm the grille is free of obstruction and, if the grille is visibly damaged, replace the component with a new one.
If the microwave exhaust fan is not working, the control module might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing the control module, first check the exhaust fan motor and wiring. If the exhaust fan motor is not getting power, the control module might be at fault and require replacement.
A defective micro switch may not signal the control board that the door is closed, which can prevent the button that controls the exhaust fan from functioning. To determine if any of the micro switches are defective, use a multimeter to test each of the switches for continuity. If any of the switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.