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Whirlpool microwave not turning on
Common reasons your Whirlpool microwave is not turning on
The most common reasons your Whirlpool microwave is not turning on are a bad thermostat, malfunctioning electronic control board or an inoperative power supply board.
46% of the time it's the Thermostat
31% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
11% of the time it's the Power Supply Board
12% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool microwave
Thermostat Replacement
A bad thermostat in a microwave will cause a variety of issues, mainly with power to the components of the microwave. Microwaves have several internal thermostats that protect you from harm when components inside the microwave fail. Many microwaves have a magnetron thermostat that trips when it detects high current going to the magnetron or high temperature in that area of the microwave cavity. Another thermostat monitors the temperature of the cooking cavity and trips when high temperatures occur. If any of these thermostats trip, the microwave won’t start, lights and fans will be inoperative and the display will be blank. Because microwaves contain a high-voltage transformer and high-voltage capacitors that retain a lethal amount of electricity even with the microwave unplugged, a Sears Home Services professional should examine the microwave and perform the repair.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
If a microwave electronic control board is malfunctioning, it can lead to various failures in the microwave, including a lack of power or heating, or it could prevent the microwave from turning off. This is because the board serves as the brain of the microwave, controlling crucial components such as magnetron the heats food, cooling fans, lights, the turn-table motor, cooking times and power level settings and the display. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise or emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Power Supply Board Replacement
If the power supply board is inoperative, the microwave will not power up. The microwave will not heat, the door may not latch properly, and the lights, fans and control panel won’t come on. This is because the power supply in a microwave connects the incoming power from your home’s electrical supply to the components inside the microwave. A defective power supply may also fail to protect the microwave from power surges, potentially causing damage to electronic components like the main control board. If your microwave is not powering up, have a Sears Home Services professional inspect it and replace the power supply board if necessary.
Why is my Whirlpool microwave not turning on?
Power supply problems, a bad thermostat, blown fuse, faulty door switch or defective electronic control board are common issues that can prevent your Whirlpool microwave from turning on.
Check for electrical power
Open the microwave door and see if the cavity light turns on. If not, make sure that the power cord is firmly plugged into the electrical outlet.
If you find the power cord fully plugged in, check the electrical outlet.
- Unplug the microwave power cord.
- Plug a nightlight or small appliance into the outlet to check for electrical power.
If the outlet is dead, reset the house circuit breaker for the outlet.
If the outlet is still dead after resetting the circuit breaker, have an electrician fix the electrical outlet.
Reset the electronic control board
If the microwave has power, reset the electronic control board which may fix the control panel problem.
- Unplug the microwave power cord for 2 minutes.
- Plug the power cord back in to restore power to the microwave.
The electronic control board will reboot and reset and the control panel may begin working again.
If not, you’ll likely need to have the microwave serviced by a technician.
Don’t attempt to repair the microwave on your own. As shown in the image below, DIY repairs on microwaves are extremely dangerous.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool microwave not turning on issue
How is the not turning on problem fixed?
Correcting most not turning on problems usually involves replacing the thermostat, electronic control board or power supply. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a microwave that is not turning on
When the microwave is not turning on it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of microwave failures.
What to look out for with a microwave not turning on diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your microwave problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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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
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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.
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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.