Why Your Microwave Turns On When Door Opens (Explained!)

Microwaves can do all sorts of things when they are not functioning correctly.

This includes sparking, refusing the turn on, or making buzzing noises that can be unsettling. While all of these can happen, there is another issue that will leave you perplexed.

This includes a situation where your microwave turns on when the door opens.

If a microwave turns on when the door opens, it is likely due to the circuit breaker not functioning properly. The best course of action is to reset the circuit breaker and retry the door. It might also become important to unplug the microwave to replace the internal component.

Each situation will vary when it comes to the microwave and how it functions. It’s best to take your time and assess what the root cause is for your particular appliance.

This article will take a look at what to do if your microwave turns on when the door opens.

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Tips To Consider When Your Microwave Turns On When The Door Opens

1. Unplug the Microwave

The first thing you are going to do is unplug the microwave.

There is likely a power-related issue that is causing the microwave to keep running whether the door is open, semi-closed, or closed.

When this is the case, you have to get to the root of the problem. This is commonly going to be associated with the power that is coming into the microwave. This is why you want to cut that problem before looking for a long-term solution.

Unplug the microwave and ensure there is no electrical component that is still holding electricity. In most cases, you can just wait for a few minutes and the microwave will be good to go.

Unplugging the microwave is a good starting point as it will reset the electrical cycle that is pouring through the appliance.

There are times when this is all you are going to need to fix a microwave that keeping heating when the door is open.

microwave turns on when door opens

2. Reset the Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker is often found wherever the fuse box is for the house.

You will want to walk over to this part of the house, switch it off, and then a few minutes later turn it on again.

As mentioned before, the goal is to reset the electrical stream that is coming into the microwave. When there is something off in this regard, it is common for the appliance to start malfunctioning. This is a simple tip that will go a long way in helping with this type of problem.

3. Retest the Door

You will also want to test the door itself.

There is usually an internal mechanism that allows the sensor to know when the door is closed. This is also why the light turns on when the door is opened.

You will want to test the door to see if this is the problem. If the light is not working whether you close or open the door then that might be the issue.

You will have to replace that internal mechanism and/or test it to see how bad the problem is. Letting it continue is always a problem and that is something you are going to want to avoid.

microwave turns on when door opens

4. Replace Internal Component

The internal component is something you are going to want to take the opportunity to think about because that might be the troublemaker.

There is an internal component that is going to activate when the electricity comes through. If there is any type of breakage in this regard, it might cause the microwave to go haywire.

In some cases, the microwave will stop working or overheat.

On the other hand, there are times when the microwave will continue to run even when the door is open. This can be challenging to handle but by replacing the part, you will be good to go.

Final Thoughts

These are the best tips on what to do if a microwave turns on when the door opens.

If a microwave turns on when the door opens, it is likely due to the electrical current streaming through the appliance. It is smart to unplug the microwave, reset the circuit breaker at home, and then try the microwave again. This will get rid of the issue unless the internal component is fried or damaged.

It is best to take your time with this process and make sure to test the appliance when this problem arises.

Don’t keep using the appliance hoping it will get better as that can lead to the microwave burning out.

Read More On Kitchens:

  1. Using Parchment Paper In A Microwave
  2. Solution for Installing Microwave In A Cabinet
  3. Tips For Using Microwave Without Functioning Light
  4. Strategy For Drying Clothes In Microwave
  5. How Much Electricity Is Used By Microwave