Microwave won't start at all

Symptoms

• Pressing start does nothing: no light, no hum, no display change
• Display may or may not be lit
• Door closes and latches normally
• Outlet may power other devices fine

Likely causes

• CommonDoor not fully latched or a door switch out of adjustmentThe microwave won't run at all if it doesn't sense the door is properly closed and locked.
• CommonBlown thermal or line fuseA fuse can blow to protect the unit after a fault, stopping all function.
• PossibleNo power reaching the outletA tripped breaker or dead outlet is an easy first thing to rule out.
• PossibleFailed control boardThe board can fail in a way that prevents the start command from doing anything.
• PossibleFaulty door switch assemblyMultiple switches must all register correctly, and one bad one can block all function.

What to do

1. Test the outlet with another device, like a phone charger, to confirm it has power.
2. Check your home's breaker panel for a tripped breaker feeding the kitchen or microwave outlet.
3. Open and firmly close the microwave door, listening for a clear click, then try start again.
4. Unplug the microwave for a minute and plug it back in to force a reset.
5. If none of this works, a blown fuse or failed door switch is likely, both of which require opening the case and should be left to a technician given the high-voltage capacitor inside.
6. Note whether the display lights up at all, since a completely dead display with confirmed power suggests a different fault than a lit display that just won't start.

Tools and parts

When to call a pro

If basic power and door checks don't solve it, call an appliance technician to test the door switches, fuse, and control board.

Safety