Troubleshooting - Microwave power, fan or motor problems.
If you are encountering a problem with your Microwaves power, fan or motor refer to the troubleshooting list of questions below before calling for service, as most problems can easily be remedied by following these simple solutions.
Power requirements do vary by model. Always refer to your models Operating for specific Power, Installation and Grounding Instructions.
No Power
- Ensure the AC power cord is fully inserted into the wall AC receptacle, unplug and plug back in.
- Do not connect to an extension cord. Plug the power cord plug directly to a working dedicated 3 pronged power receptacle.
- Check your Circuit Breakers to ensure none are tripped or your Fuse box for any possible blown fuse. If a fuse is blown replace it with a fuse of equal amperage.
- There may be a problem with the AC outlet. Test the AC plug by plugging another appliance into the outlet to check if it is working.
- The oven may be in stand-by mode. Some ovens require you to open the door to activate.
- Make sure to connect to a DEDICATED OUTLET (the electrical line is not to be shared by any other outlet or electrical appliances).
Demo Video of 3 common No Power check points
The Microwave oven keeps tripping the circuit breaker.
The circuit breaker tripping is likely caused either by the microwave oven being on a shared circuit with other appliances (the unit should be on a 15A circuit by itself) OR the circuit breaker is older and has become more sensitive (should be replaced).
Power requirements do vary by Microwave models. Always refer to your models Operating Manual for specific Power requirements.
Always
- The oven must be operated on a SEPARATE CIRCUIT. No other appliance should share the circuit with the microwave oven. If it does, the branch circuit fuse may blow or the circuit breaker may trip.
- The oven must be plugged into a 15 AMP or 20 AMP, 120 VOLT, 60 Hz Grounded Outlet. (Check your models requirements in the OI manual or on the microwave).
- The VOLTAGE used must be the same as specified on this microwave oven (120 V, 60 Hz). Using a higher voltage is dangerous and may result in a fire or oven damage. Using a lower voltage will cause slow cooking. Panasonic is NOT responsible for any damages resulting from the use of the oven with any voltage other than specified.
- Microwave must be plugged into a 3-prong outlet. Where a standard 2-prong outlet is encountered, it is the responsibility and obligation of the consumer to have it replaced with a properly grounded three-prong outlet. Consult with a qualified electrician to have outlet replaced with a 20A, 120 Volt, 60 Hz outlet grounded in accordance with CEC and local regulations.
- The appliance must be grounded. See the instructions below for grounding information.
Grounding Instructions
- In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by providing an escape wire for the electric current. This appliance is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug.
- The plug must be plugged into an grounded three-prong outlet that is properly installed and grounded.
- Do Not remove ground prong.
- Do Not use an adapter.
- If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a three-wire extension cord that has a three blade grounding plug, and a three-slot receptacle that will accept the plug on the appliance. The marked rating of the extension cord should be equal to, or greater than, the electrical rating of the appliance.
If the microwave oven is installed properly and you are still experiencing power failure your unit may require service.
Stop use of the Microwave oven.
Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or Refer to the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.
Sparks in Oven while operating.
Arcing or Sparking can occur in your microwave oven for several reasons. The following are suggestions to prevent sparking.
- Do not use metal containers or dishes with metallic trim during Microwave or Combination cooking.
- Do not use metal twist ties during Microwave or Combination cooking, Arcing (sparking) may occur.
- When using foil, skewers, racks or utensils made of metal in the oven during Microwave or Combination cooking, please allow at least 2.5 cm (1") of space between the metal material and interior oven walls. If arcing occurs, please remove the metal material (skewers, etc.) and/or transfer the food to a nonmetallic container.
- Do not use metallic ware for cooking except where noted in the cooking guide. (Ceramic ware trimmed in gold or silver powder)
- Do not use paper towels or cloths which contain a synthetic fiber woven into them, such as nylon. The synthetic fiber may cause the towel or cloth to spark and ignite. Use paper towels with caution.
Output Power is Low
- The microwave may be receiving a low AC input voltage. Use the microwave oven at adequate line voltage.
- The food temperature was too cold when cooking began. Cook the food for a longer period of time.
Loud buzzing noise can be heard.
Plug microwave into another direct dedicated line outlet to confirm if buzzing remains. If it remains this indicates a problem with the microwave oven operation.
Stop use of the Microwave oven.
Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.
Fan Motor does not turn on.
For models with a fan, if the fan is not working this indicates a problem with the microwave oven operation.
Stop use of the Microwave oven.
Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or Refer to the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.
.Fan turns on when door is open.
Troubleshooting
- Unplug the Microwave and plug back in.
- Test the Microwave in a different, dedicated outlet.
- Make sure that the MWO is not in Demo mode. Refer to "What is Demo Mode".
Not all models have demo mode. If your model does not have Demo mode continue to step 4. - Add the recommended silicone grease GC Electronics White Lithium Grease (Manufacture P/N
19-2302) onto the bottom of door hook chambers as shown below to ease the door released
keys.
If you deactivated demo mode, Lubricated door latch and your microwave oven continues to operate the fan motor when the door is opened, your unit requires service.
Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or Refer to the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.
.Note
- All Panasonic Microwave Oven's incorporate numerous safety features that ensure the magnetron will not work if the door is opened. The unit will not produce any microwave energy.
Fan turns on when not in use.
For models with a fan, if the fan is operating when not is use this indicates a problem with the microwave oven operation.
Stop use of the Microwave oven. Unplug the Microwave.
Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or Refer to the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.
Turntable rotates when door is open.
Troubleshooting
- Unplug the Microwave and plug back in.
- Test the Microwave in a different, dedicated outlet.
- Make sure that the MWO is not in Demo mode. Refer to "What is Demo Mode".
Not all models have demo mode. If your model does not have Demo mode continue to step 4. - The door may not be closing properly, add the recommended silicone grease GC Electronics White Lithium Grease
(Manufacture P/N
19-2302) onto the bottom of door hook chambers as shown below to ease the door released
keys.
If you deactivated demo mode, Lubricated door latch and your microwave oven continues to operate the fan motor when the door is opened, your unit requires service.
Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.
Note
- All Panasonic Microwave Oven's incorporate numerous safety features that ensure the magnetron will not work if the door is opened. The unit will not produce any microwave energy.
Fan continues when cooking is complete.
After using the oven repeatedly, or for an extended period of time, the cooling fan may continue to operate to cool the electric components, even while / after the door has been opened.
As the temperature of the microwave cavity has increased, it is normal for the cooling fan motor to automatically operate to cool the electronics parts.
The fan may operate for an additional 1 to 3 minutes after the cooking cycle is complete and during this time, it is ok to open the door to retrieve the items cooked.
This function varies by model, items cooked and the length of usage but it is recommended to keep the oven plugged in until the Fan Motor completely stops operating.
Older Convection MWO may run for a longer period between 2 - 15 minutes.
Refer to your models Operating Manual for specific procedure.
Stops operating after a few seconds or when the start button is pressed.
- Ensure the AC power cord is fully inserted into the wall AC receptacle, unplug and plug back in.
- Do not connect to an extension cord. Plug the power cord plug directly to a working dedicated 3 pronged power receptacle.
- Check your Circuit Breakers to ensure none are tripped or your Fuse box for any possible blown fuse. If a fuse is blown replace it with a fuse of equal amperage.
- Make sure to connect to a DEDICATED OUTLET (the electrical line is not to be shared by any other outlet or electrical appliances).
- The door may not be closing properly, add the recommended silicone grease GC Electronics White Lithium Grease
(Manufacture P/N
19-2302) onto the bottom of door hook chambers as shown below to ease the door released
keys.
If you have checked the power connections, Lubricated door latch and your microwave oven continues to stop operation after a few seconds your unit requires service. Refer to the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.
Power but will not start Cooking
Check the following
- The oven door is completely closed, make sure it is closed securely.
- The [Start] button or [Start] dial was not pressed after programming; press the [Start] button or [Start] dial.
- Another program is already entered into the oven; press the [Stop/Reset] button to cancel the previous program and enter new program.
- The program entered is not correct; press [Stop/Reset] then program again according to the operating instructions.
- [Stop/Reset] button has been pressed accidentally. Program again.
Continues to operate when door is opened.
All Panasonic Microwave Oven's incorporate numerous safety features that ensure the magnetron will not
work if the door is opened. The unit will not produce any microwave energy. If the light, fan and/or turntable continue to operate check if the microwave oven is in demo mode.
See What is Demo
Mode.
The door may not be closing properly. Lubricate the door latch as recommended in
The door or door button is
stuck/sticks when trying to open.
If you deactivated demo mode, Lubricated door latch and your microwave oven continues to operate when door is open your unit requires service. Refer to the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or refer to the warranty information on service select "Support Links" then "Warranty Information" for Microwave Oven.