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Microwave light not working
Common reasons your microwave light not working
The most common reasons your microwave light is not working are a bad light bulb, malfunctioning electronic control board or a broken switch.
56% of the time it's the Light Bulb
32% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
6% of the time it's the Switch
6% of the time it's the Something else
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Common microwave repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these microwave parts may fix your problem.
Light Bulb Replacement
A burnt-out light bulb can be easily fixed in some microwaves, but some models require a service technician to replace an internal cavity light because the repair can expose you to dangerous electrical components such as the high-voltage capacitor that retains a lethal electrical charge even when the power cord is unplugged. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual for your microwave to replace a light bulb in your microwave. If the repair isn't covered in your owner's manual, then you'll likely need to have a service technician replace the light bulb.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When a microwave's electronic control board malfunctions, it can result in various failures, such as a lack of power or heating, or it might prevent the microwave from turning off. This occurs because the board acts as the central control hub for the microwave, overseeing crucial components such as the magnetron (which heats food), cooling fans, lights, turn-table motor, cooking times, power level settings, and the display. When the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication among many different components. A faulty board might also produce a chattering or clicking noise or emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to determine if replacement is necessary.
Switch Replacement
If a switch in a microwave is broken, it can cause various issues, mainly affecting the power to the microwave's components. Microwaves are equipped with several internal thermal switches and interlock switches to ensure your safety if components inside the microwave stop working. Door interlock switches, for example, prevent the microwave from running when the door is open to prevent exposure to harmful radiation. Additionally, many microwaves have a magnetron thermal switch that activates if it detects high current or temperature in the magnetron area of the microwave cavity. Another thermal switch monitors the cooking cavity's temperature and activates if it becomes too high. If any of these switches fail, the microwave won't start, and its lights, fans, and display won't work. Because microwaves contain high-voltage transformers and capacitors that can hold dangerous electricity even when unplugged, it's important to have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the microwave and perform any necessary repairs.
Why is microwave light not working?
A burnt-out light bulb is the number one cause of a microwave light not working. When the cooktop or interior light isn’t working in your microwave, check the owner’s manual for directions to replace it.
Replacing the cooktop light in an over-the-range microwave
Follow this procedure to replace the cooktop light in most over-the-range microwaves:
- Unplug the microwave power cord.
- Remove the bulb cover screw, and open the bulb cover.
- Remove the bulb.
- Replace the bulb, close the bulb cover, and secure it with a screw.
- Plug the microwave power cord back in to restore electrical power.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the cooktop light in common microwaves:
If you need to have service technician replace the cooktop light in your over-the-range microwave, schedule microwave maintenance service. We’ll send a technician to your home to replace the bulb and to maintain and clean the microwave so it stays in top shape.
Replacing the cavity light in a microwave
The image above shows an example of instructions in a microwave owner’s manual showing how to replace the internal cavity light in a microwave.
Follow the steps described in the owner’s manual for your microwave model if the manual recommends replacing that light on your own.
If replacing that light isn’t covered in the owner’s manual, schedule service to have a service technician replace the cavity light bulb.
What to expect when you experience a microwave light not working issue
How to fix the light not working problem
Fixing most issues where the light isn't working typically requires replacing the light bulb, electronic control board, or switch. However, because there are numerous potential causes, conducting a thorough diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential for understanding the extent of the repair needed.
Sears Home Services advice for a microwave light that is not working
If the microwave light isn't working, there could be various reasons behind it. To prevent replacing unnecessary parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the problem. Our technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing all types of microwave failures.
What to expect for a microwave light not working diagnosis
Identifying issues with modern appliances without the right knowledge and training can be hard. If you don't use proper diagnostic techniques, trying to fix your microwave problem might mean just guessing and changing parts. Appliances, especially those made in the last 10 years, have become really advanced, with lots of electronic parts that are tricky to test. Doing your own repairs on the latest appliance models is getting tougher.
What our customers say about us
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Michael C offered an excellent service
5 stars!!! Michael was quick and knowledgeable! Very accommodating and professional
Andreina G, Naples, FL
microwave
Mark really went over the microwave trying to fix it, this was his second time here for the same problem. August till ? till we get it replaced. we appreciate him for his knowledge of his job. thank you Mark
H M, Cadiz, OH
Customer
Mr. David is very polite and intelligent gentlemen. He came to replace a part on my microwave and he checked the microwave to make sure it was working properly. Mr. David gave me a courtesy call that he will be arriving in 15mins. He arrived on time for the appointment and took care of his job duties. Thanks Mr. David for all the hard work you do at Sears. Keep up all the good work.
Pamela W, Baltimore, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Microwave Resources
Discover the top causes of microwave malfunctions in 2025 with Sears Home Services.
Find out how magnetrons work in microwave ovens to cook food.
Learn how a convection microwave oven works and how to maintain it.
Is it worth repairing a microwave? Find out the pros and cons of repairing your microwave at Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.
A microwave sensor is a technologically advanced feature in modern microwave ovens that measures vapor (steam) emitted by the food, adjusting the cooking time and power levels automatically for optimal results.
A microwave waveguide cover is a small, often mica or plastic piece inside the microwave that covers the opening where microwaves enter the cooking chamber, protecting the microwave's internal components from food splatter and ensuring efficient distribution of the microwaves.
A microwave magnetron is a component in microwave ovens that generates the microwaves used to cook food.