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HomeRepair HelpAdmiral Microwave RepairAdmiral Microwave not working Repair

Admiral Microwave not working

If your Admiral microwave is not working, first check whether the outlet has power by plugging in another appliance, then check the home circuit breaker or fuse. If the outlet works but the microwave is not turning on, the most likely cause is a blown line fuse. Test the fuse for continuity and replace it only after identifying what caused it to fail, or the new fuse may blow again. Next, inspect the switch holder behind the control panel. If it is damaged or misaligned, the door switches may not actuate when the door closes, leaving the microwave not working but with power. A defective main control board is possible but less common, so test the more likely components first. An open thermostat or thermal fuse can also stop the microwave if it overheated. Enter your Admiral microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your appliance. Any repair that requires removing the outer cabinet, including work on the line fuse, control board, thermostat, or thermal fuse, is hazardous because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after unplugging. Proper capacitor discharge is required, and a qualified technician should handle the repair if you are not familiar with that procedure.

01 - Admiral Microwave Line Fuse

If too much current passes through the microwave circuitry, the line fuse will blow. If the line fuse blows, the microwave won’t start. To determine if the line fuse is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. In addition, you should investigate and resolve the problem that caused the fuse to blow. If you don’t resolve the underlying issue, the new fuse will blow too. (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, i...t is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the line fuse.)
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02 - Admiral Microwave Switch Holder

The microwave switch holder is the component that houses the door switches behind the control panel. If the switch holder is damaged or misaligned, one of more switches may not be actuated when the microwave door is closed, resulting in the microwave not working. You will need to uninstall the control panel and inspect the switch holder to confirm it is in good condition and secured properly. Replace the switch holder with a new one if necessary.
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03 - Admiral Microwave Main Control Board

The main control board might be defective. However, this is rarely the case. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—check all of the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly,replace the main control board. (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 components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the main control board.)
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04 - Admiral Microwave Thermostat

If the microwave overheats, the thermostat trips to cut off voltage to the microwave. If the thermostat is shorted open, it may not allow voltage to reach the high voltage components. To determine if the thermostat is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for electrical continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, and it cannot be reset, replace it.
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Highly Likely

05 - Incoming Power Problem

The electrical outlet may not be getting power. To determine if the outlet is getting power, try plugging something else into the outlet. If the outlet is not getting power, check the home circuit breakers or fuses.
Highly Likely

06 - Admiral Microwave Diode

The diode converts the A/C power output of the transformer to D/C, doubling the voltage to nearly 5,000 volts. This high voltage powers the magnetron to heat the food. If the diode burns out, the magnetron won’t receive enough voltage to operate, preventing the microwave from working. When the diode fails, it is often visibly burned out. Inspect the diode and if the diode is burned out, replace it. If inspecting the diode proves inconclusive, test it with a multimeter that uses a 9-volt battery or put a 9-volt battery in series with the diode. When the leads are reversed, the diode should only have continuity in one direct...ion. (Warning: The microwave oven can store a lethal amount of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the high running voltage and the potential for electric shock, it is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the diode.)
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Common

07 - Admiral Microwave Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse cuts off power to the microwave if the microwave overheats. To determine if the thermal fuse has blown, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. The thermal fuse cannot be reset—if the fuse is blown, it must be replaced. (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 components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the thermal fuse.)
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Admiral microwave not working but has power?
How do I test or replace an Admiral microwave fuse?
Why won't my Admiral microwave turn on when I close the door?
Should I replace the Admiral microwave main control board if the microwave stopped working?
How do I find the correct Admiral microwave replacement part?