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RCA Microwave light bulb not working

If your RCA microwave light is not working, the light bulb itself is the most likely cause, especially if the microwave operates normally but the cavity light is out. Replace the bulb before testing other parts, and use the correct RCA microwave light bulb replacement for your model. If your microwave uses a halogen lamp, test it for electrical continuity with a multimeter or install it in an identical socket. Next, inspect the light socket and wire harness for damage or loose connections. If those parts test good, the main control board may not be sending the correct voltage to the light socket and could need replacement. A defective door switch, including the primary or secondary switch, can also prevent the control from recognizing that the door is open or closed, keeping the microwave light from turning on. A faulty control board or micro switch is possible but less common. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific RCA microwave. If the repair requires opening the outer cabinet, remember that the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. It must be properly discharged before interior work, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures.

01 - RCA 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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02 - RCA 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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03 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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

06 - RCA 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

07 - RCA 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 RCA microwave light bulb not working?
How do I test an RCA microwave halogen lamp or light bulb?
Can a door switch cause my microwave light bulb not to work?
What should I check before replacing the RCA microwave control board?
How do I find the correct RCA microwave light bulb replacement?