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Whirlpool Microwave light bulb not working

Is your Whirlpool microwave light bulb not working? Start with the light bulb itself, since a burned-out bulb is the most likely cause. Replace the bulb before testing other parts, and use the correct bulb for your model. If your microwave uses a halogen lamp, test it with a multimeter for continuity or install it in an identical socket. A damaged light socket or wire harness can also prevent the bulb from turning on. If the bulb, socket, and wiring are good, the main control board may not be sending the correct voltage to the light socket. A defective door switch, primary or secondary door switch, or micro switch can also fail to signal the control board when the door opens or closes, preventing the microwave light from working or its light button from responding. A control board failure is less common, but it should be tested before replacement. Enter your model number to find the exact Whirlpool microwave light bulb, halogen lamp, socket, switch, or control board for your appliance. If repair requires removing the outer cabinet, remember that the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after unplugging. Proper capacitor discharge is required, and unfamiliar technicians should use a qualified professional.

01 - Whirlpool Microwave Halogen Lamp

To determine if a halogen lamp has failed, you can use a multimeter to test it for electrical continuity, or install the lamp into an identical socket to test it.
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Top Solution

02 - Whirlpool Microwave Light Bulb

The light bulb itself might be burned out. Replace the light bulb before replacing any of the parts associated with the light bulb
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Top Solution

03 - Whirlpool Microwave Main Control Board

Before replacing the control, check the light bulbs, sockets, and wiring. If these parts seem to be working properly, test the control board with a multimeter to determine if it sending the correct voltage to the light bulb socket. If the control board is not sending enough voltage to the light bulb socket, replace the control board.
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Highly Likely

04 - Whirlpool Microwave Door Switch

A defective door switch may not signal the control board that the door is open or closed which may prevent the microwave light from turning on or prevent the button that controls the light from functioning. To determine if any of the door switches are defective, use a multimeter to test each of the switches for continuity. If any of the door switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.
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Highly Likely

05 - Whirlpool Microwave Micro Switch

A defective micro switch may not signal the control board that the door is open or closed which may prevent the microwave light from turning on or prevent the button that controls the light from functioning. To determine if any of the micro switches are defective, use a multimeter to test each of the switches for continuity. If any of the micro switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.
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Common

06 - Whirlpool Microwave Control Board

A microwave light bulb not working could be caused by a defective control board, although this is rarely the case. Before replacing the control board, check the light bulbs, sockets, and wiring. If these parts seem to be working properly, test the control board with a multimeter to determine if it sending the correct voltage to the light bulb socket. If the control board is not sending enough voltage to the light bulb socket, replace the control board.
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Common

07 - Whirlpool Microwave Power Supply Board

A microwave light bulb not working could be caused by a defective power supply board, although this is rarely the case. Before replacing the board, check the light bulbs, sockets, and wiring. If these parts seem to be working properly, test the power supply board with a multimeter to determine if it sending the correct voltage to the light bulb socket. If the board is not sending enough voltage to the light bulb socket, replace the board.
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Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool microwave light not working?
How do I test a Whirlpool microwave light bulb or halogen lamp?
Can a Whirlpool microwave door switch cause the light bulb not to work?
What should I check if the Whirlpool microwave light socket and bulb are good?
How do I find the correct Whirlpool microwave light bulb replacement?