The microwave plays an essential role in the kitchen. It needs to remain in good condition and be ready for usage.
However, with electrical appliances, there are always possible issues. Microwave light bulbs serve as an indicator for various functions.
These light bulbs can stop operating at any time; hence it’s essential to know what causes this.
Microwave lights generally have a lifespan of 1000 to 2000 hours. This duration usually hinges on the wattage and engineering, meaning the lower the wattage, the longer the bulb’s lifespan. Typically, the wattage falls around 25 to 40 watts. However, these figures are just estimates; individual bulbs can last longer or half of this lifespan.
Below, you’ll gain insight into why microwave light bulbs behave strangely and how they go faulty. At the end of this article, you’ll also learn how to replace such faulty light bulbs.
Microwave lights naturally turn on when the microwave comes on and turns off when the microwave goes off. If yours isn’t turning off, then something might be wrong.
However, before proceeding, you should understand the functions of the different light systems on the microwave. Your microwave likely has two distinct light bulbs.
The first light bulb sits inside the microwave. This light turns on automatically when the microwave is in use. The second light bulb finds itself under the microwave.
A switch controls the second light, meaning you can choose when to turn it on or off.
With that understood, these are the reasons why microwave lights won’t go off.
Faulty Door Latch
The light might stay on if the microwave’s door latch is defective. You should note that the inside light comes on when the microwave is on, and each time the door opens.
These two instances will turn on the light in some microwaves—a closed microwave door with the light on means a faulty latch or sensor issues.
The microwave might feel the door is ajar even when closed. You can solve this issue by cleaning the latch and freeing it from food particles.
After cleaning it, try closing the door. If the situation repeats, there might be a problem with the internal parts of the microwave.
Damage In the Control Panel
The control panel is responsible for receiving input from several locations of the machine. The board uses this input to produce suitable signals.
You can consult the microwave’s manual to find the position of the control panel. Most times, the board is behind the microwave’s keypad.
You’ll need a screwdriver to loosen the keypad’s screws. After undoing the screws, pull off the keypad and observe the panel.
If you see any odd component, you might have just found the cause of the issue. Another possible issue is signal transmission.
The inside light might get wrong signals from the control panel, which then keeps the light glowing. You’ll need to take the microwave for repair so they can fix the light.
What Do You Do If Your Microwave Light Bulb Is Not Illuminating?
You can get a new bulb if your microwave light bulb is not illuminating. However, knowing why the light isn’t coming on is essential.
The following reasons are why a microwave’s light bulb doesn’t illuminate.
Burnt Light Bulb
This reason is common for light bulbs that aren’t illuminating. It’s possible that the bulb received a surge of electric current and burnt.
You’ll need to replace your light bulb if this is the case.
Issues With the Control Panel
Your microwave’s light bulb can stop working if there’s a problem with the control panel. The control panel might not be sending voltage to the bulb.
This break in communication will prevent the bulb from glowing. You can test the control panel by using a multimeter.
This way, you’ll be sure if the issue is from the panel and not the bulb itself. If the panel is faulty, you’ll need a new one.
Damaged Light Socket
This reason is another possible culprit. The socket of your light bulb can easily go faulty and prevent the bulb from coming on.
The socket facilitates a connection between the bulb and the electric current. A contact might be faulty, preventing the required voltage from going into the bulb.
You can find out by testing the socket with a multimeter. Gain access to the bulb by removing the light bulb to test the socket.
The PowerPoint has no issue if the multimeter reads a current of about 230 volts. The socket is bad if there are lesser voltage readings or no electric current readings.
You’ll need a new socket so your bulb can light up.
Why Does My Microwave Light Keep Flickering?
As a heat-based appliance, the microwave pulls so much electrical current. Low electricity supply can be why the light keeps fluctuating, but there can be other issues.
The following reasons are why the microwave’s light bulb keeps flickering.
Reasons
Solution
Overwhelmed circuit
Dedicate a circuit for your microwave.
Low electricity supply
Get an alternative power supply.
Bad light bulb
Replace the light bulb.
Overwhelmed Circuit
Your microwave’s light bulb will flicker if connected to an overwhelmed circuit. An overwhelmed circuit has too many appliances connected to it.
With many appliances drawing current, the light bulb displays the strain on the microwave by flickering. Also, a broken circuit breaker can cause the light to flicker.
You can fix this issue by having a circuit dedicated to your microwave. If you don’t have the budget, consider turning off other appliances when using the microwave.
Low Electricity Supply
Your microwave might be affected if you stay in a neighborhood with high power demand.
Such neighborhoods might experience a low supply of electricity which causes the microwave’s light to flicker.
In this situation, the microwave isn’t getting enough electricity to operate.
The lack of power causes the bulb to dim since they’re struggling with the current. In this case, you can help your microwave perform optimally by procuring another power source.
Bad Light Bulb
Flickering lights might be a case of broken bulbs. The bulb might be too old and is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Old light bulbs have fragile filaments, which can cause flickering. You can try replacing the light bulb and see if it stops flickering.
Can You Replace a Microwave Light Bulb Yourself?
You can replace a microwave light bulb yourself. Make sure you know the exact model of the bulb so you can buy a replacement.
After confirming the type of bulb, get a screwdriver and rubber gloves. These two items are necessary for the work.
There are different microwave designs; therefore, we’ll look at two instances of replacing the light bulb.
The Microwave’s Interior
Some microwave appliances have bulbs within the microwave component. The following process explains how to replace the bulb.
Unplug the microwave and unscrew the bolts on the bulb’s case.
Free it before removing the bulb’s case if there’s a clamp.
Pull out the bulb and fix the new one.
Fix the bulb case in place and tighten the screws. Plug in the appliance and check the light.
The Microwave’s Rear
For another microwave, you must go through the back before replacing the bulb.
Unplug the microwave and turn it around.
Use the screwdriver to unscrew the mounting bolts at the microwave’s panel edges.
Carefully remove the cabinet case from the sides and top and keep it aside.
Locate the bulb case and unscrew the bolts.
Set the case away and remove the old bulb.
Fix the new bulb and screw the cover back.
Cautiously fix the cabinet casing back into the appliance and secure the screws.
Plug in the appliance and check if the bulb is working.
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