If by any chance, your LG microwave is no longer heating, you might wonder what is wrong and how to fix it. Microwaves are convenient appliances that can save you time and energy but malfunction for various reasons.
This guide will explore common causes and solutions for LG microwaves, not heating issues. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on troubleshooting and repairing your LG microwave or when to call a professional technician for assistance.
Common Causes and Solutions for LG Microwave Not Heating
Several factors can affect the heating performance of your LG microwave. Some are easy to fix, while others require more technical skills and tools. Nevertheless, knowing some possible causes and solutions for LG microwave problems, such as not heating, is good.
Power supply issues
Your LG microwave needs consistent and sufficient power to work correctly. If the appliance has any power supply issues, such as a loose power cord, a faulty wall outlet, a tripped circuit breaker, or an improper wall outlet, the microwave won’t heat.
To fix this, It is imperative to verify whether the power cord has been firmly inserted into the electrical socket if the outlet is receiving power, if the circuit breaker is on, and if the wall outlet is compatible with the microwave’s voltage and wattage requirements. If you find any problem with the power supply, you need to fix it or call an electrician for help.
Child lock feature
Your LG microwave may have a child lock feature that prevents the microwave from operating unless deactivated. This safety feature prevents children from accidentally starting the microwave or changing the settings.
To deactivate the feature that prevents children from accessing it, press and hold the “Enter/Start” button for at least 4 seconds until you hear a beep and then see the “Lock” icon disappear from the display.
Demo mode
Your LG microwave may have a demo mode that allows you to test the features and functions of the microwave without actually heating the food.
This mode is usually used in stores or showrooms to demonstrate the microwave’s capabilities. To deactivate the demo mode, press and hold the “Clear/Stop” button for 3 seconds until you hear a beep and see the “Demo” icon disappear from the display.
Door or functionality errors
Your LG microwave may have a door or functionality error that prevents the microwave from heating. A faulty door switch, a damaged door seal, a broken door latch, a misaligned door hinge, or a defective control panel could cause this.
To fix this, you must reset your LG microwave by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. If the error continues to persist, in such an event, it is recommended to examine the door and control panel for any noticeable damage or indications of wear and tear. If you find any problem with the door or the control panel, you must replace the faulty part or call a technician for help.
Active timer instead of cooking function
Your LG microwave may have an active timer instead of a cooking function that prevents the microwave from heating.
This could be caused by accidentally pressing the “Timer” button instead of the “Cook” button or not selecting a cooking function after setting the timer. To fix this, you must cancel the timer by pressing the “Clear/Stop” button, selecting a cooking function, and pressing the “Enter/Start” button.
Door switch failure
Your LG microwave may have a door switch failure that prevents the microwave from heating. The door switch is a safety device that detects whether the door is closed or open and stops the microwave from operating if the door is open.
If the door switch is faulty, the microwave may not heat even if the door is closed. You need to unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels to fix this. Then, locate the door switches behind the control panel or along the door latch.
You must carefully remove the buttons by disconnecting the wires and testing them with a multimeter for continuity. If the controls are defective, you must replace them with new ones. Then, you need to reconnect the wires and the outer panels and plug the microwave back in. You need to test the microwave to see if it is heating correctly.
Burned microwave diode
Your LG microwave may have a burned microwave diode that prevents the microwave from heating. The microwave diode is a component that converts the alternating current (A.C.) power from the transformer to direct current (D.C.) power for the magnetron.
The magnetron is the part that generates the microwaves that heat the food. If the diode is burned, the magnetron will not receive enough power, and the microwave will not heat. You need to unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels to fix this.
Then, you need to locate the diode attached to the magnetron and the capacitor. You must carefully remove the diode by disconnecting the wires and testing it with a multimeter for resistance. You must replace the diode with a new one if it is defective. Then, you need to reconnect the wires and the outer panels and plug the microwave back in. You need to test the microwave to see if it is heating correctly.
Burned-out magnetron
Your LG microwave may have a burned-out magnetron that prevents the microwave from heating. The magnetron is the part that generates the microwaves that heat the food. If the magnetron is burned, the microwave will not produce microwaves or heat. You need to unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels to fix this.
Then, it would be best to locate the magnetron behind the control panel. You must carefully remove the magnetron by disconnecting the wires and testing it with a multimeter for resistance. You must replace the magnetron with a new one if it is defective. Then, you need to reconnect the wires and the outer panels and plug the microwave back in. You need to test the microwave to see if it is heating correctly.
Blown thermal fuse
Your LG microwave may have a blown thermal fuse that prevents the microwave from heating. The thermal fuse is a safeguard mechanism that protects the microwave from overheating or catching fire. In the event of a blown thermal fuse, the microwave will not receive any power and will not heat. You need to unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels to fix this.
Then, it would be best to locate the thermal fuse near the magnetron or the power cord. You must carefully remove the thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires and testing it with a multimeter for continuity. If the thermal fuse is defective, replace it with a new one. Then, you need to reconnect the wires and the outer panels and plug the microwave back in. You need to test the microwave to see if it is heating correctly.
Burned-out high-voltage capacitor
Your LG microwave may have a burned-out high-voltage capacitor that prevents the microwave from heating. The high-voltage capacitor is a component that stores and releases the electric charge for the magnetron. If the capacitor is burned out, the magnetron will not receive enough power, and the microwave will not heat.
You need to unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels to fix this. Then, it would be best to locate the capacitor near the diode and the transformer. You must carefully discharge the capacitor using a screwdriver and a wire to short the terminals.
Then, you need to remove the capacitor by disconnecting the cables and testing it with a multimeter for capacitance. You must replace the capacitor with a new one if it is defective. Then, you need to reconnect the wires and the outer panels and plug the microwave back in. You need to test the microwave to see if it is heating correctly.
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Your LG Microwave Not Heating
Now that you know some common causes and solutions for LG microwave, not heating issues, you may want to try to troubleshoot and repair your LG microwave yourself. However, before you do that, you must be aware of some necessary safety precautions you must always adhere to before proceeding.
- Always unplug the microwave before you start any repair work. This will prevent you from getting electrocuted or damaging the microwave further.
- Be sure to wear protective gloves and also eyewear when handling the microwave components. Some parts may have sharp edges or be hot or cold. You must also avoid touching the capacitor terminals, as they may still have a high voltage charge even after unplugging the microwave.
- Use the right tools and parts for the repair work. You will need a screwdriver, a multimeter, a wire cutter, a wire stripper, and a soldering iron for most of the repair work. You must also use the correct replacement parts compatible with your LG microwave model. You can find the model number on the label inside the microwave door or on the back of the microwave.
- Follow the instructions carefully and take notes or pictures of the process. You need to follow the steps correctly and pay attention to the details. You also need to keep track of the wires.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Fix LG Microwave Not Heating
It’s time for us to discuss the step-by-step instructions on fixing the microwave, not heating, for some common causes and solutions we discussed earlier. We will also provide some pictures and videos to help you visualize the process. However, please note that these instructions are for general guidance only and may not apply to your specific LG microwave model or situation. Therefore, we recommend you consult your LG microwave manual or contact LG customer service for more information and assistance.
How to Fix Power Supply Issues
Suppose your LG microwave is not heating due to power supply issues, such as a power cord that is not connected correctly. In that case, an improper wall outlet may result from a circuit breaker that has been tripped or a faulty wall outlet. And These are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Ensure the power cord is firmly and securely inserted into the electrical socket. You must replace it with a new one if it is loose or damaged.
- Verify if electricity is being supplied to the wall outlet. You can use a voltage tester or another appliance to test the outlet. If the outlet is non-functional, inspecting the circuit breaker or fuse box for any fuses that may have been tripped or blown is advisable. If you find any problem with the circuit breaker or the fuse box, you must reset or replace them accordingly.
- Check if the wall outlet matches the microwave’s voltage and wattage requirements. You can find the voltage and wattage information on the label inside the microwave door or on the back of the microwave. If the outlet is incompatible, you must use a different outlet or a power adapter that matches the microwave’s specifications.
How to Fix Child Lock Feature
If your LG microwave is not heating due to the child lock feature that prevents the microwave from operating unless it is deactivated, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Gently press and hold the “Enter/Start” button for 4 seconds until you are able to hear one beep and see the “Lock” icon disappear from the display. This will easily deactivate the child lock feature and usually allow you to use the microwave.
- If the child lock feature is activated again, you can repeat the same process to deactivate it. Alternatively, you can turn off the child lock feature by pressing and holding the “Enter/Start” button for not less than 10 seconds until you hear one or two beeps and see the “Lock” icon flash on display. This will prevent the child lock feature from being activated accidentally or by children.
How to Fix Demo Mode
If your LG microwave is not heating due to the demo mode that allows you to test the features and functions of the microwave without actually heating the food, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Press and hold the “Clear/Stop.” Hold the button for not less than 3 seconds, and wait until you are able to hear a beep to see the “Demo” icon disappear from the display. This will deactivate the demo mode and usually allow you to use the microwave.
- If the demo mode is activated again, you can repeat the same process to deactivate it. Alternatively, you can permanently turn off the demo mode by pressing and holding the “Clear/Stop” button for nothing less than 10 seconds until you hear a beep and see the “Demo” icon flash on the display. This will prevent the demo mode from being activated accidentally or by others.
How to Fix Door or Functionality Errors
If your LG microwave is not heating due to a door or functionality error that prevents the microwave from heating, such as a faulty door switch, a damaged door seal, a broken door latch, a misaligned door hinge, or a defective control panel, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Reset your LG microwave by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. This will clear any error codes or settings causing the problem.
- Before use, thoroughly examine both the door and control panel to identify any discernible signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, dents, holes, or loose parts that may affect the microwave’s performance. You can also use a flashlight to check the inside of the door and the microwave cavity for any debris or foreign objects that may be blocking the door or the sensors.
- If you find any problem with the door or the control panel, you must replace the faulty part or call a technician for help. You can find the replacement parts online or at a local appliance store. Contact LG customer service or visit their website for more information and assistance.
How to Fix Active Timer Instead of Cooking Function
If your LG microwave is not heating due to an active timer instead of a cooking function that prevents the microwave from heating, such as accidentally pressing the “Timer” button instead of the “Cook” button or not selecting a cooking function after setting the timer, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Cancel the timer by pressing the “Clear/Stop” button. This will stop the countdown and clear the display.
- Select a cooking function and press the “Enter/Start” button. You can choose from various cooking modes, such as “Cook Time,” “Power Level”, “Defrost”, “Reheat”, “Popcorn”, “Potato”, “Pizza”, “Fresh Vegetable”, “Frozen Vegetable,” “Rice”, “Soup,” “Beverage,” “Melt/Soften,” “Kids Meal,” or “Custom Set.” You can also adjust the cooking time and power level according to your preference.
- If the timer is activated again, you can repeat the same process to cancel it and select a cooking function. Alternatively, you can permanently turn off the timer function by pressing and holding the “Timer.” Press the button for 10 seconds; you shall hear a beep and see the “Timer” icon flash on the display. This will prevent the timer function from being activated accidentally or by others.
How to Fix Door Switch Failure
If your LG microwave is not heating due to a door switch failure that prevents the microwave from heating, such as a faulty door switch that does not detect whether the door is closed or open, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the meetings in place.
- Locate the door switches behind the control panel or along the door latch. Wires usually connect two or three switches to the microwave circuitry. You can use the wiring diagram in your LG microwave manual or online to identify the switches and their functions.
- Carefully remove the controls by disconnecting the wires. You may need to use a wire cutter or a wire stripper to cut or strip the wires. Make sure to label the wires or take a picture of the connections before removing them to reconnect them correctly later.
- Test the switches with a multimeter for continuity. To measure the resistance of each button, adjust the multimeter to its minimum setting and make contact with the probes on the terminals of each switch. The button should show continuity when the door is closed and no continuity when the door is open. If the button shows the opposite or no change, the controller is defective and needs to be replaced.
- Replace the faulty switch with a new one. You can find the replacement switch online or at a local appliance store. Use the correct button that matches your LG microwave model and function. Contact LG customer service or visit their website for more information and assistance.
- Reconnect the wires and the outer panels. You need to follow the reverse order of the steps you took to remove them. Ensuring that the cables are firmly and accurately connected and the panels are precisely aligned and firmly fastened are crucial aspects that must be considered.
- Plug the microwave back in and test it to see if it is heating correctly. If the microwave is still not heating, you may have another problem that needs to be fixed.
How to Fix Burned Microwave Diode
If your LG microwave is not heating due to a burned microwave diode that prevents the microwave from heating, such as a faulty diode that does not convert the alternating current (A.C.) power from the transformer to direct current (D.C.) power for the magnetron, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the meetings in place.
- Locate the diode attached to the magnetron and the capacitor. The diode is a small cylindrical device that has two wires connected to it. The magnetron is the part that generates the microwaves that heat the food. The capacitor is a large cylindrical device that stores and releases the electric charge for the magnetron. You can use the wiring diagram in your LG microwave manual or online to identify the diode and its connections.
- Carefully remove the diode by disconnecting the wires. You may need to use a wire cutter or a wire stripper to cut or strip the wires. Make sure to label the wires or take a picture of the connections before removing them to reconnect them correctly later.
- Test the diode with a multimeter for resistance. To measure the resistance of the diode, adjust the multimeter to its maximum resistance setting and apply the probes to the diode’s terminals. The diode should show a low resistance in one direction and a high resistance in the other. If the diode offers no or the same opposition in both directions, the diode is defective and needs to be replaced.
- Replace the faulty diode with a new one. You can find the replacement diode online or at a local appliance store. Use the correct diode that matches your LG microwave model and function. Contact LG customer service or visit their website for more information and assistance.
- Reconnect the wires and the outer panels. You need to follow the reverse order of the steps you took to remove them. Ensuring optimal performance requires the secure and accurate connection of wires to be confirmed, as well as the proper alignment and tight fastening of the panels.
- Plug the microwave back in and test it to see if it is heating correctly. If the microwave is still not heating, you may have another problem that needs to be fixed.
How to Fix Burned-Out Magnetron
If your LG microwave is not heating due to a burned-out magnetron that prevents the microwave from heating, such as a faulty magnetron that does not generate the microwaves that heat the food, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the meetings in place.
- Locate the magnetron behind the control panel. The magnetron is the part that generates the microwaves that heat the food. It is a large cylindrical device with two wires and a cooling fan attached. You can use the wiring diagram in your LG microwave manual or online to identify the magnetron and its connections.
- Carefully remove the magnetron by disconnecting the wires. You may need to use a wire cutter or a wire stripper to cut or strip the wires. Make sure to label the wires or take a picture of the connections before removing them to reconnect them correctly later.
- Test the magnetron with a multimeter for resistance. Adjust the multimeter to its minimum resistance setting, then place the probes onto the terminals of the magnetron. The magnetron should show a low resistance of less than 1 ohm. If the magnetron offers a high or no resistance, the magnetron is defective and needs to be replaced.
- Replace the faulty magnetron with a new one. You can find the replacement magnetron online or at a local appliance store. Use the correct magnetron that matches your LG microwave model and function. Contact LG customer service or visit their website for more information and assistance.
- Reconnect the wires and the outer panels. You need to follow the reverse order of the steps you took to remove them. Verifying that the cables are correctly and securely connected and that the panels are firmly aligned and tightly fastened is essential.
- Plug the microwave back in and test it to see if it is heating correctly. If the microwave is still not heating, you may have another problem that needs to be fixed.
How to Fix Blown Thermal Fuse
If your LG microwave is not heating due to a blown thermal fuse that prevents the microwave from heating, such as a faulty thermal fuse that protects the microwave from overheating or catching fire, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the meetings in place.
- Locate the thermal fuse near the magnetron or the power cord. A small cylindrical device equipped with two connected wires is known as the thermal fuse. It is usually wrapped in a metal casing or a plastic cover. You can use the wiring diagram in your LG microwave manual or online to identify the thermal fuse and its connections.
- Carefully remove the thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires. You may need to use a wire cutter or a wire stripper to cut or strip the wires. Make sure to label the wires or take a picture of the connections before removing them to reconnect them correctly later.
- Use a multimeter to test the functionality of the thermal fuse. To test the thermal fuse, adjust the multimeter to its lowest resistance setting and apply the probes to the terminals. The thermal fuse should show continuity when the microwave is off and no continuity when the microwave is on. If the thermal fuse shows no continuity or the opposite, the thermal fuse is defective and needs to be replaced.
- Replace the faulty thermal fuse with a new one. You can find the replacement thermal fuse online or at a local appliance store. Use the correct thermal fuse that matches your LG microwave model and function. Contact LG customer service or visit their website for more information and assistance.
- Reconnect the wires and the outer panels. You need to follow the reverse order of the steps you took to remove them. It is imperative to ensure that the cables are firmly and accurately connected and the panels are aligned and firmly screwed in place.
- Plug the microwave back in and test it to see if it is heating correctly. If the microwave is still not heating, you may have another problem that needs to be fixed.
How to Fix Burned-Out High Voltage Capacitor
If your LG microwave is not heating due to a burned-out high-voltage capacitor that prevents the microwave from heating, such as a faulty capacitor that does not store and release the electric charge for the magnetron, here are the steps that you need to follow to fix it:
- Unplug the microwave and remove the outer panels. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the meetings in place.
- Locate the capacitor near the diode and the transformer. The capacitor is a large cylindrical device with two terminals and a plastic cover. You can use the wiring diagram in your LG microwave manual or online to identify the capacitor and its connections.
- Carefully discharge the capacitor using a screwdriver and a wire to shorten the terminals. This will release the electric charge stored in the capacitor and prevent you from getting shocked. You may hear a loud pop or see a spark when you do this. Be careful not to touch the terminals, the metal parts of the screwdriver, or the wire.
- Remove the capacitor by disconnecting the wires. You may need to use a wire cutter or a wire stripper to cut or strip the wires. Make sure to label the wires or take a picture of the connections before removing them to reconnect them correctly later.
- Test the capacitor with a multimeter for capacitance. Adjust the multimeter to the capacitance setting, then carefully place the probes on the terminals of the capacitor. The capacitor should show a capacitance value that matches the label on the capacitor or the specifications in your LG microwave manual or online. If the capacitor shows no capacitance or a different capacitance, the capacitor is defective and needs to be replaced.
- Replace the faulty capacitor with a new one. You can find the replacement capacitor online or at a local appliance store. Use the correct capacitor that matches your LG microwave model and function. Contact LG customer service or visit their website for more information and assistance.
- Reconnect the wires and the outer panels. You need to follow the reverse order of the steps you took to remove them. Ensuring that the cables are firmly and accurately connected, adequately aligning, and tightly securing the panels are essential steps to be taken.
- Plug the microwave back in and test it to see if it is heating correctly. If the microwave is still not heating, you may have another problem that needs to be fixed.
Conclusion
I believe what i have shared here today will assisted in your comprehension of typical triggers and remedies for LG microwave issues, not heating issues. We also hope you have learned how to troubleshoot and repair your LG microwave yourself or when to call a professional technician for assistance. By following the steps and tips we have provided, you should be able to fix your LG microwave without a heating problem and enjoy your microwave meals again.
This is for general guidance only and may not apply to your specific LG microwave model or situation. Therefore, we recommend you consult your LG microwave manual or contact LG customer service for more information and assistance. You can also visit the LG website for more resources and support.