Your Microwave’s Light Is Not Working
Your microwave won't be very convenient and practical to use with a non-functioning light. Here we explain to you the possible causes of this issue and how to resolve it.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:
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The bulb has failed
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There is a bad contact in the light socket
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The door latch system is damaged
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The main circuit board (PCB) is faulty
WARNING
We recommend adopting a very cautious and safety-conscious approach if you need to take your microwave apart at any point.
Microwave ovens produce powerful electrical discharges that can potentially be fatal.
Never test and use a multimeter on the appliance with it still plugged into the mains. The voltages on either the magnetron, transformer or capacitor may be too high for the multimeter to cope with.
Even when unplugged, the capacitor inside the microwave oven can still produce power electrical discharges.
We therefore recommend you leave the appliance to discharge for at least one day before taking it apart.
When you first open the microwave up, make sure you short circuit the capacitor using a pair of electrically insulated pliers (with the appliance unplugged from the mains of course).
We also recommend wearing a pair of electrically insulated gloves to ensure you are able to work in complete safety.
Carrying out repairs on a microwave oven requires a very careful and safety conscious approach. SOS Accessoire cannot be held responsible for any accidents that may occur.
The bulb has failed
The bulb serves to illuminate the microwave's interior cavity. Microwave oven bulbs can sometimes stop lighting up with age. You can replace the bulb yourself. Some microwaves have a small cover-plate on the casing, held in place by a screw. This makes accessing the bulb quite easy. If your microwave is not fitted with a cover-plate of this kind, however, you will need to open up the casing to get access to it. Make sure you carefully follow the safety advice provided above when carrying out this operation. Once you've removed the outer casing, you will need to unscrew the bulb. Note: some microwaves have their own specific fittings/bulbs. Refer to your microwave's user manual if in doubt.
There is a bad contact in the light socket
The light socket brings the bulb into contact with the electric current. Sockets can sometimes be affected by bad contacts, preventing the electricity from reaching the bulb. You can check the socket yourself using a multimeter. Before carrying out this operation, however, first ensure you've carefully read the safety advice provided at the beginning of this troubleshooting guide. Once you've done this, check that there's definitely a current of 230 volts present at the socket. If the bulb is new but still won't light up, you will very likely need to replace the socket.
The door latch system is damaged
Microwave door latches are fitted with several small switches. If any of these components is faulty, the light will fail to come on. You can check the door latch mechanism yourself using a multimeter. Before carrying out this operation, however, ensure you have carefully read the safety advice provided at the beginning of this troubleshooting guide. You will need to carry out the test with the door both open and closed. Each switch should have continuity in one of its two positions.
The main circuit board (PCB) is faulty
The main circuit board manages all your microwave's functions (cooking, turntable motor, light, etc.). If everything else detailed above has been checked, it could that be that the circuit board that needs replacing. You can do this yourself, as long as you carefully adhere to the safety instructions provided above. Alternately, you can call on the services of a manufacturer-approved engineer.