Put a stop to this frustrating problem
When microwaves won’t turn off, the culprit is likely the control panel or the door switch.
It can cost between $20 and $300 to fix a microwave that won’t turn off.
If you’re not comfortable handling electrical components, hiring a pro is best.
Have you noticed that your microwave won't turn off, even after the timer finishes? Whether it's the fan, light, or even the whole appliance, a microwave that refuses to power down can be frustrating and even a bit worrying. There are a few key reasons why this happens, and we’re going to dive into the most common problems and how to handle them.
From faulty door switches to malfunctioning control boards, here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix these issues—or decide when it’s time to call in a professional.
One frustrating problem you may encounter is when your microwave keeps running unless the door is opened. Even when the timer has run out or the "stop" button is pressed, the microwave continues to operate. If this sounds like your situation, the issue likely stems from a faulty control board.
The control board is the brain of the microwave: It manages the functions and operations. When it’s damaged or faulty, the microwave might fail to receive the command to stop cooking. This means that the only way to shut off the microwave is to open the door, which triggers a safety mechanism to stop the appliance.
If you suspect the control board is the culprit, you can attempt to repair it yourself if you're comfortable with electrical components. Start by unplugging your microwave and removing the control panel. Once you've accessed the control board, inspect it for signs of damage, such as burnt or damaged circuits.
In some cases, the board can be repaired, but it often needs to be replaced entirely. The cost to replace a microwave control board typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on your microwave model and where you source the parts. If you're not comfortable performing this task yourself, hiring a professional is always an option, but that will increase the cost to repair your microwave.
If your microwave starts running when you open the door, or it continues to run even with the door wide open, then the problem is likely tied to the door switch. This switch acts as a sensor, signaling to the microwave when the door is open or closed. If the switch is damaged or worn out, it might send the wrong signals to the microwave, causing it to run even when the door is open.
To fix a faulty door switch, start by unplugging the microwave and accessing the switch, which is usually located near the latch mechanism. Using a multimeter, you can test the door switch to see if it’s functioning correctly. If the switch is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.
The cost to replace a microwave door switch is relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20 to $50 for the part.
If your microwave’s fan keeps running long after you’ve stopped cooking, there could be a few reasons for this. The most common issues are related to overuse of the microwave, a faulty thermostat, clogged filters, or a problem with the control board. A kitchen with poor ventilation or high heat could also cause the fan to run excessively, as the microwave is trying to cool itself down.
To diagnose the issue, start by cleaning or replacing any clogged filters, as blocked airflow can cause the fan to stay on. If the fan still won’t turn off, you’ll need to test the thermostat or control board, as these components could be triggering the fan unnecessarily.
The cost to repair a microwave fan issue can range from $75 to $200, depending on the specific cause and whether parts need to be replaced.
If the microwave light stays on even after you’ve finished using the appliance, the problem is likely tied to the control panel, door switch, or bulb socket. In some cases, stuck buttons or a malfunctioning relay could also be responsible for keeping the light on.
To fix this issue, check the door switch and the control panel for signs of malfunction. If everything looks fine, test the bulb socket for power and ensure the light relay isn’t stuck. You might need to replace a damaged part, which can cost between $10 and $50.
While modern types of microwaves come equipped with safety features, an appliance that won’t turn off can still pose some risks. Electrical issues can lead to overheating, which could damage internal components or even start a fire. Additionally, faulty microwaves can expose you to electrical hazards when attempting to repair them.
If you're not confident in your ability to troubleshoot the problem or you feel uncomfortable handling electrical components, it’s best to contact a local microwave pro. A qualified technician will ensure the job is done safely and correctly, helping you avoid potential hazards and get back to convenient cooking.
Phil understood the style I wanted and suggested options for materials (unlike the standard kitchen folks who kept pushing the same cabinets everyone buys). He stepped through all the decisions about the details with me, using his computer program to show the differences between the choices....
Baker Group RemodelingVery well repaired quickly!
Mission Mechanical Heating & Air ConditioningThe service and quality was great. Doug went above and beyond and made other small repairs needed while he was on the job. Very trustworthy and friendly!
HOME REMEDIESThey were on time. Did a thorough job everything was very clean. They did a the whole house INCLUDING APPLIANCES. Price was very reasonable.
Brazilian Cleaning Solutions LLCI was called back immediately when I contacted this provider on Angie's list. Robert called ahead and arrived when he said he would. After looking over the appliance, explained what he thought the problems might be and worked on them. He fixed the problem at the bottom of the freezer that...
Central Ohio Appliance RepairRod was great. He repaired the dry wall in my utility closet so well you can't even tell there were holes there! I would highly recommend them.
It was pretty clear to me that the problem would turn out to be that the motor was burned out and would cost a few hundred dollars to replace. Ready for that, I called Affordable Appliance Service. He asked some questions about the machine, eliminated various possibilities, had me turn...
I originally contacted Craftsman Service Company to get a quote on building and installing custom cabinets in my kitchen based on the reviews on Angie's List. Bill Shepherd, the owner of the company, came to my home one evening-- which I appreciated, because I did not have to take any time...
Craftsmen Service Co / 1 StopThe service was very through and appeared to be very good. He did some things that repair people had never done before and patched leaks.
All work done in one day. Very pleased with workmanship; they advised us of other items that might need repairs soon; some of which we already were aware of, some not.
Muth & Company RoofingFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Microwave replacements are relatively affordable compared to other appliances. Use this guide to learn how much they cost based on factors like type and labor.
Discover the average ice maker repair cost, key price factors, and tips to save. Learn how to budget for your ice maker repair and when to repair or replace.
Get expert insights on dishwasher repair cost, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save money on repairs.
A washer that leaks water may have a faulty door seal, gaskets, hoses, pumps, or other parts. Keep reading to find out why your washing machine is leaking water.
Is your washing machine not draining? This is often an easy problem to fix. Keep reading to learn how to drain a washing machine.
Washing machine not spinning? Don’t panic—just because it appears to be broken doesn’t mean you can’t get your washer running again. Read on to learn how.
