Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

RCA Microwave exhaust fan not working

When your RCA microwave exhaust fan is not working, start with the door switch, which may not signal the control board that the door is closed. Test each 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 the motor has incoming power but will not run, or lacks continuity, replace the motor. A defective thermostat can also prevent the fan from starting, so test it for continuity. Inspect the grille for grease, debris, or visible damage that could block airflow. If the motor is not receiving power, the control module may be faulty, although it is less common than the motor or wiring. A micro switch can cause the same door-signal problem and should also be tested. Enter your RCA microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your appliance. Any repair requiring removal of the outer cabinet must be handled carefully because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. Proper capacitor discharge is required before interior work, and a qualified technician should perform the repair if you are not familiar with that procedure.

01 - RCA 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution

02 - RCA Microwave Exhaust Fan Motor

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.
Top Solution

03 - RCA Microwave Thermostat

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.
Top Solution

04 - RCA Microwave Grille

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.
Highly Likely

05 - RCA Microwave Control Module

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.
Common

06 - RCA Microwave Micro Switch

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.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my RCA microwave exhaust fan not working?
How do I test an RCA microwave exhaust fan motor?
Can a door switch cause an RCA microwave fan not to work?
How do I know whether the RCA microwave thermostat or grille is causing the vent not to work?
How do I find the correct RCA microwave exhaust fan part?