Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

Caloric Microwave is loud or noisy

When a Caloric microwave is making a loud noise, start by checking the fan motor. Worn fan motor bearings commonly cause rumbling or squealing while the microwave runs, and the motor should be replaced if it is noisy. A microwave making loud noise can also have a damaged magnetron, especially when the sound is high-pitched, buzzing, or growling instead of a normal low hum. Test the high-voltage diode before replacing the magnetron, since a failing diode can make the magnetron noisy and may show visible burn damage. Next, check the exhaust fan motor by turning its blades by hand, testing for incoming power, and checking continuity. If the noise occurs as the glass tray turns, worn rollers in the glass tray support can be responsible. A grinding sound from inside the oven may also point to a worn stirrer motor. Repairs involving the magnetron or high-voltage diode, and any repair requiring the outer cabinet to be opened, are hazardous because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge after unplugging. Proper capacitor discharge is required, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your model number to find the exact Caloric replacement part for your microwave.

01 - Caloric Microwave Fan Motor

The fan motor bearings can wear out causing a rumbling or squealing noise. If the fan motor is making noise when its running it will need to be replaced.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution

02 - Caloric Microwave Magnetron

The magnetron uses high voltage, high current DC power to generate the microwave frequency that cooks the food. Under normal circumstances, the magnetron emits a low hum. However, if the magnetron is damaged or nearly burned out, it may begin emitting high-pitched sounds or growling noises. If the magnetron is noisy, this indicates that the magnetron is nearing the end of its life or might be defective. A defective high-voltage diode can also cause the magnetron to be loud. Before replacing the magnetron, first test the high voltage diode. If the diode is not defective, replace the magnetron. (Warning: The microwave oven c...an store a lethal amount of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the high running voltage and the potential for electric shock, it is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the magnetron.)
Top Solution

03 - Caloric Microwave Diode

The diode converts the AC power output of the transformer to DC, doubling the voltage to nearly 5,000 volts. This high voltage powers the magnetron to heat the food. A failing diode can be responsible for a noisy magnetron. 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.
Top Solution

04 - Caloric 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

05 - Caloric Microwave Glass Tray Support

The microwave glass tray support is the component that sits under the glass turntable tray to support the tray as it rotates. Over time, the small rollers on the support can wear out and start making a noise as the tray turns. If you've determined the glass tray support is the source of the noise, the part should be replaced with a new one.
Highly Likely

06 - Caloric Microwave Stirrer Motor

The stirrer is a metal blade which slowly rotates inside in the microwave. As the stirrer turns, it deflects the microwave energy randomly throughout the microwave. As the stirrer motor wears down, it begins to make grinding noises. To determine if the stirrer motor is worn out, check to see if voltage is getting to the motor. If the motor has the proper voltage, but is noisy or won’t turn, replace it. (Note: Proper voltage can be determined by reading the label on the motor. Because the stirrer motor is a geared motor, the shaft will not spin freely.)
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Caloric microwave making a loud or noisy sound?
How do I test a noisy microwave fan motor or exhaust fan motor?
Why is my microwave making a grinding noise when the turntable spins?
Is a loud buzzing microwave dangerous, and could the magnetron or diode be bad?
How do I find the correct Caloric microwave fan motor, diode, or other replacement part?

Shop by Caloric Microwave Parts