The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Microwave exhaust fan not working are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
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What Causes a Microwave to Spark and Arc?A defective door switch may not signal the control board that the door is closed, which can prevent the button that controls the exhaust fan 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.
To determine if the fan motor is defective, remove the fan motor from the microwave and try turning the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, replace the fan motor. If the fan blades do turn freely, use a multimeter to test the motor for incoming power and for continuity. If the motor has power but won’t run, replace it. If the motor does not have continuity, replace it.
The thermostat monitors the air temperature and turns on the fan when necessary. If the thermostat is defective, it won’t turn on the exhaust fan at all. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it.
A damaged or clogged grille can prevent the air from being properly exhausted when the exhaust fan is turned on. Confirm the grille is free of obstruction and, if the grille is visibly damaged, replace the component with a new one.
If the microwave exhaust fan is not working, the control module might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing the control module, first check the exhaust fan motor and wiring. If the exhaust fan motor is not getting power, the control module might be at fault and require replacement.
A defective micro switch may not signal the control board that the door is closed, which can prevent the button that controls the exhaust fan 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 switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.
The main control board might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing the control board, first check the exhaust fan motor and wiring. If the exhaust fan motor is not getting power, the main control board might be at fault.
If the exhaust fan indicator comes on when the fan button is pressed on the control panel, but you've determined that power is not reaching the fan motor, then it's likely the control board is defective and should be replaced.
A damaged or clogged vent grille can prevent the air from being properly exhausted when the exhaust fan is turned on. Confirm the vent grille is free of obstruction and, if the grille is visibly damaged, replace the component with a new one.
A damaged door assembly may be unable to properly engage the door switches when door is closed, which can prevent the button that controls the exhaust fan from functioning. Inspect the door hooks and other components on the door assembly to confirm all are in good condition and replace the door assembly if required.
To determine if the exhaust fan's drive motor is defective, remove the motor from the microwave and try turning the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, replace the motor. If the fan blades do turn freely, use a multimeter to test the motor for incoming power and for continuity. If the motor has power but won’t run, replace it. If the motor does not have continuity, replace it.
If the exhaust fan indicator doesn't come on when the fan touchpad button is pressed on the control panel, it's likely the touchpad and control panel assembly is malfunctioning and should be replaced.
If the exhaust fan indicator doesn't come on when the fan touchpad button is pressed, it's likely the touchpad is malfunctioning and should be replaced.
If the exhaust fan indicator doesn't come on when the fan button is pressed on the control panel, it's likely the control panel is malfunctioning and should be replaced.
