The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Microwave is sparking or arcing 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.
Oven/Microwave Combo Turntable Not Turning? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Turns On By Itself? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Sparking/Arcing? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Shuts Off After A Few Seconds? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Oven Won't Turn On? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Oven Won't Turn Off? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Oven Won't Bake Evenly? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Oven Temperature Not Accurate? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Oven Not Heating? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Not Working? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Microwave Won't Heat? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Loud/Noisy? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Light Bulb Not Working? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Door Won't Open? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Display Not Working? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Buttons Not Working? Oven/Microwave Combo Troubleshooting
Oven/Microwave Combo Broiler Not Working? Oven/Microwave Combo TroubleshootingThe waveguide cover might be damaged and shorting out. Try removing the waveguide cover and see if the problem resolves. If the waveguide cover is burnt or will not stay in place, replace it.
If the microwave is sparking or arcing behind the waveguide cover in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's magnetron is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
Shelf Support
The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, touch them up with microwave oven paint.
The paint on one of the rack supports might be chipped. Inspect the rack supports for any spots where the paint has chipped. If there are any damaged spots, repaint them with microwave-safe paint. If the rack support is burnt, replace it.
