Amana Microwave: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana microwave powering on but not heating food? This common issue may occur despite the lights, turntable, and fan running. Basic checks like ensuring the correct settings and verifying the power supply have been conducted, yet nothing warms up. Understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana official guide recommends checking control lock, demo mode, and basic power/connectivity before deeper troubleshooting.

Possible Causes

Faulty magnetron

How to Identify: Microwave runs (lights/fan/turntable, but no heat; may hear buzzing, humming, or burning smell during operation.

Part: Magnetron

Blown thermal or cavity fuse/thermostat

How to Identify: Microwave will not heat and may not start; continuity tests show open circuits across thermal safety devices.

Part: Thermal fuse/thermostat

Power supply problems (settings/control lock/demo mode or outlet/fuse issues)

How to Identify: Incorrect power level, control lock or demo mode enabled; no heating despite apparent operation; outlet not providing power.

Part: Control settings or power supply

DIY Solutions

Check control settings and modes

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Ensure proper power level is selected (not low or demo mode).
  2. Disable any control lock or demo modes according to manual instructions (control panel sequence).
⚠️ Safety First: No internal access required.

Verify power supply and outlet

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Another small appliance or outlet tester
  1. Unplug microwave and plug into a different known-good outlet.
  2. Test outlet with another appliance to ensure it supplies power.
  3. Check circuit breaker or fuses in home panel for tripped circuits.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected when moving or plugging unit.

Professional Repairs

Replace magnetron

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Replace high-voltage diode

Estimated Cost: $60 - $120

Replace door switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $40 - $100

Replace thermal fuse/thermostat

Estimated Cost: $30 - $80

When to Call a Professional

Evidence of internal part failure such as buzzing without heat, burning smell, visible internal damage, failed continuity tests on high-voltage components
Failure after checking settings and power, indicating internal fault

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodically clean interior and door seals: Foreign debris preventing door from sealing properly affecting door switch engagement
    Frequency: monthly
  • Avoid frequent operation when empty: Reduces stress on magnetron and internal components
    Frequency: as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Microwave not heating?
Common causes include a faulty magnetron, blown thermal fuse, or power supply issues.
How do I fix Amana Microwave not heating myself?
Check control settings, ensure power levels are correct, and verify the outlet works by testing another appliance.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repair costs range from $30 for a thermal fuse to $300 for a magnetron replacement.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, or if you're uncomfortable with electrical repairs, it's time to call a pro.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Burnt components behind metal plate (1 mentions)
  • Malfunctioning magnetron (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. OTR Microwaves - gotta replace mine, looking for advice
  2. Need Help Replacing Microwave that's Connected to Oven

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