Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

Tappan Microwave not working

If your Tappan microwave is not working, stopped working, or has power but is not turning on, start with the line fuse, the most likely cause. A blown line fuse prevents the microwave from starting, but the underlying electrical problem must also be corrected or the replacement fuse may blow. Next, inspect the switch holder behind the control panel. If it is damaged or misaligned, the door switches may not engage when the door closes. A defective main control board can also stop the microwave, although it is less common and should be considered only after testing the other components. Check the thermostat and thermal fuse for continuity because either can open when the microwave overheats, then verify that the wall outlet has power and that the circuit breaker or home fuse has not tripped. Before checking the Tappan microwave fuse location, replacing a fuse, or opening the outer cabinet, unplug the unit and understand that its high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after unplugging. Proper capacitor discharge is required, so interior repairs may require a qualified technician. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Tappan microwave.

01 - Tappan 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.)
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution

02 - Tappan 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.
Top Solution

03 - Tappan 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.)
Top Solution

04 - Tappan 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.
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 - Tappan 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.)
Common

07 - Tappan 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.)
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Tappan microwave not working but has power?
How do I know if the Tappan microwave fuse is bad, and how do I replace it?
Could a Tappan microwave door switch or switch holder keep it from working?
Why did my Tappan microwave stop working after overheating?
How do I find the correct Tappan microwave replacement part?