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HomeRepair HelpMicrowave RepairMicrowave producing a burning smell Repair
Microwave producing a burning smell
When your microwave smells like burning, stop using it and check the oven cavity for spilled or baked-on food first. Food debris can continue cooking and create a microwave burning smell, burning plastic smell, or burnt odor, especially when spills are not cleaned after use. If the cavity is clean, inspect the waveguide cover, also called a mica sheet, for burn marks, arcing, cracks, or damage. A damaged cover is the most likely failed part and should be replaced if it will not stay in place. Next, inspect the microwave power supply board for burn marks or a shorted component. A defective high-voltage capacitor or capacitor can overheat and cause a burning smell, followed by a damaged thermostat. Any diagnosis that requires opening the outer cabinet involves serious risk because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. It must be properly discharged before interior work, and repairs involving the capacitor should be handled by a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your model number to find the exact waveguide cover, power supply board, capacitor, or thermostat for your microwave.
01 - Microwave Waveguide Cover
The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
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02 - Microwave Power Supply Board
If you've confirmed the oven cavity has been cleaned of all food debris and the waveguide cover is in good condition, a defective power supply board could be one of the components producing a burning smell. You should inspect the board for any burn marks or a shorted component and replace if necessary.
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03 - Microwave High Voltage Capacitor
The high voltage capacitor works with the high voltage diode to convert the output of the transformer to DC voltage and to double the output voltage. A defective capacitor may overheat and produce a burning smell. Inspect the capacitor for visible damage or burn marks and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely
04 - Microwave Capacitor
The capacitor works with the high voltage diode to convert the output of the transformer to DC voltage and to double the output voltage. A defective capacitor may overheat and produce a burning smell. Inspect the capacitor for visible damage or burn marks and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely
05 - Microwave Thermostat
If you've confirmed the oven cavity has been cleaned of all food debris and the waveguide cover is in good condition, a defective thermostat could be one of the components producing a burning smell. You should inspect the component for any burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely
06 - Interior Cavity not Clean
Food that is left on the interior of the microwave can continue to cook each time the microwave is used, resulting in a burning smell. Always cover food when cooking to avoid splatter and wipe up any spills after use.
Highly Likely
07 - Microwave Door Switch
Most microwaves have three or four door switches. When the microwave door closes, the door switches actuate in sequence to ensure that the door is closed properly. If the door switch has burnt contacts or the terminal connections are loose it will produce a burning smell. Inspect the door switches. if the switch smells burnt or has burnt connectors replace the door switch. (Caution: The microwave oven can store thousands of volts of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the potential for electric shock, it is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic compone...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my microwave smell like burning when it runs?
Could a microwave waveguide cover cause a burning plastic smell?
What parts can cause a microwave burning smell after the cavity is clean?
Can a high-voltage capacitor cause my microwave to smell like burning?
How do I find the correct replacement waveguide cover or other microwave part?