Electrolux Microwave Repair

When your Electrolux microwave acts up, you don't always need to call for service right away.

We've worked on these units for years and can walk you through fixing the most common problems – sometimes on your own.

These microwaves are solidly built but have their quirks just like any appliance.

Keep in mind that internal component failures in microwaves such as replacing fuses or installing a new magnetron are best left to appliance repair technicians because internal high-voltage capacitors inside the cabinet retain a lethal electrical charge even when the microwave power cord is unplugged.

Microwave Won't Power On

Dead microwaves cause instant kitchen frustration.

• First check your circuit breaker. Sounds obvious, but I can't tell you how many service calls end with just flipping a breaker back on. Electrolux microwaves draw significant power, especially the over-the-range models like the EI30BM6CPS.

• Next, check the outlet by plugging in something else. If the electrical outlet is completely dead, you’ll likely need to have an electrician repair the outlet.

• Door switches cause plenty of "no power" problems. Electrolux designs their microwaves with multiple safety switches that prevent operation if the door isn't perfectly closed. Sometimes crumbs or debris get caught in the door latch area. Clean this area carefully and check that the door closes with a solid click.

• Thermal fuses blow when microwaves overheat. If your microwave recently ran for an extended period or had its vents blocked, a thermal fuse might have blown. Don’t attempt to replace a thermal fuse on your own. Schedule microwave repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to replace the fuse.

• Main control boards fail sometimes. If nothing happens when you plug in the microwave - no lights, no beeps, no fan noise - the control board might be dead. Replacing the control board is another repair that requires a service technician.

Microwave Runs But Won't Heat

When the light comes on and the turntable spins but your food stays cold, you're looking at one of several possible failures.

• The magnetron is the most likely culprit. This component generates the actual microwaves that heat your food. When it fails, the microwave runs normally otherwise but produces no heat. Testing a magnetron requires a technician due to high voltage in that circuit. Schedule appliance repair when you suspect that the magnetron is bad.

• The high voltage diode is another common failure point. This component works with the magnetron to produce microwaves. A failed diode acts like a magnetron failure - everything runs but no heat happens. Testing and repair also requires technician.

• The high voltage capacitor stores electrical charge for the magnetron. When it fails, heating becomes intermittent or stops completely. This is definitely not a component that you want to access and test on your own. Set up microwave service when you suspect that the high-voltage capacitor is bad.

• Door switches sometimes fail in a way that allows the microwave to run but not produce heat. Electrolux microwaves have multiple switches - monitor switches for safety and primary switches for operation. A partially failed switch might still allow the light and turntable to work while preventing the heating circuit from activating.

Sparking Inside the Microwave

Sparking inside an Electrolux microwave scares most owners, and rightly so.

• First, check for any metal objects, including small bits of aluminum foil that might have gotten left inside. Metal twist-ties from bread bags are common culprits.

• Damaged waveguide covers cause sparking. The waveguide is a small cover, usually mica, that protects the opening where microwaves enter the cooking cavity. In Electrolux models, it's typically a rectangular piece on the right side or top of the interior. If it's damaged or has food buildup, replace it. Operating without this cover will damage your microwave.

• Damaged rack supports create sparking points. If your Electrolux has removable cooking racks, check the metal supports where they connect to the cavity walls. Chipped or damaged coating on these points causes arcing. Sometimes you can repair small damage with microwave-safe touch-up paint, but significant damage means component replacement.

• The turntable support might be cracked or have damaged coating. Examine it closely for any metal showing through the plastic or ceramic coating. The metal drive coupling underneath can also cause sparking if it's bent or damaged.

• Magnetron failure sometimes causes internal arcing or sparking. If you've eliminated all other possibilities, the magnetron might be breaking down internally. This requires professional service or complete replacement of the microwave, as magnetron replacement costs nearly as much as a new unit in many cases.

Turntable Not Spinning

Turntable problems seem minor but affect cooking quality.

• The drive motor underneath the cooking floor powers the turntable. If it hums but doesn't turn, it's likely seized and needs replacement. Access usually means removing the bottom panel of the microwave.

• Coupling problems are more common than motor failures. The plastic drive coupling connects the motor to the turntable support. Look underneath the glass tray for a small plastic piece that fits into the turntable motor. It breaks easily if the turntable gets overloaded or jammed. Replacements are inexpensive and easy to install.

• Turntable guides get dirty and stick. Remove the glass tray and the support underneath, then clean the center spindle and surrounding area thoroughly. Built-up food residue creates friction that prevents smooth rotation.

• Sometimes the turntable motor gets disconnected electronically. This requires opening the case and checking the wire connections to the motor. Usually a simple connector that's worked loose during vibration.

Control Panel Not Responding

Unresponsive buttons frustrate everyone.

• First, check to see if the child lock feature was activated accidentally? Many Electrolux models lock when you hold certain button combinations. Check your user manual for the unlock sequence, typically holding the Cancel button for 3 seconds.

• Moisture affects touchpads over time. Steam from cooking gradually seeps behind the control panel and corrodes the connections. Sometimes you can fix this by completely powering down the microwave for 10-15 minutes, which allows the moisture to dry out temporarily.

• Ribbon cable connections loosen, especially in over-the-range models that experience vibration from the range below. These flat cables connect the touchpad to the control board. You’ll need to have a service technician access the ribbon cable and check this issue.

• Membrane switches wear out eventually. The flexible circuit behind the buttons fails after thousands of presses. Unfortunately, most Electrolux models require replacing the entire control panel assembly rather than just the membrane pad.

• Control board problems sometimes cause specific button failures. If a pattern emerges - like all the number buttons work but the function buttons don't - that points to a control board issue rather than the touchpad itself.

Noisy Operation

New noises from your microwave usually indicate developing problems.

• Loud humming or buzzing often comes from the magnetron. As they age, magnetrons sometimes make more noise before failing completely. If the noise increases when heating but not during regular operation (fan only), that's a strong indication the magnetron is failing.

• Cooling fan bearings wear out and create rattling or scraping sounds. The fan runs whenever the microwave operates, cooling the electronics. When its bearings fail, you'll hear the noise consistently during operation. Have a service technician fix this type of problem.

• Turntable motors make grinding noises when their bearings dry out or wear down. This noise happens only when the turntable rotates and sounds different from cooling fan problems. The grinding typically comes from underneath the cooking floor.

• Loose parts vibrate during operation. Screws backing out or mounting brackets loosening happens especially with over-the-range models due to constant cooking vibration below. Remove the outer case and inspect for any loose hardware or components. Sometimes simply tightening everything solves the noise.

• Exhaust fans in over-the-range models often collect grease and debris, causing unbalanced operation and noise. These fans need regular cleaning. Remove the grease filters underneath and vacuum any accessible areas. Sometimes removing the microwave from its mounting bracket is necessary for proper cleaning.

Display Problems

• Dim or flickering displays usually indicate power supply problems. Display issues alone, with everything else working normally, point to the display board rather than the main control board. Some Electrolux models have separate power feeds just for the display circuitry.

• Completely dead displays with a working microwave suggest either a failed display board or a broken connection between the display and main control board. Have a technician check the ribbon cables first before replacing components.

• Partial displays - where some segments light up but others don't - typically mean the display board is failing. Individual segments burn out over time, especially if the microwave gets heavy use. Replacement displays must match your exact model number.

• Erratic displays that show random numbers or characters indicate control board problems. Sometimes this happens after power surges or lightning strikes. A full reset might help - unplug the microwave for several minutes, then restore power.

Error Codes Understanding

Electrolux microwaves display specific error codes to help troubleshoot problems. The codes vary somewhat by model, but some common ones include:

• Error F7 indicates a shorted touchpad button. Something is making continuous contact with one of the buttons, either physically stuck or an internal short in the membrane. Try cleaning around the buttons first.

• Error F3 relates to temperature sensor failures, common in models with convection features. The sensor monitors cooking temperature and prevents overheating. A technician will need to resolve this type of internal component failure.

• Error F2 usually means a stuck relay on the control board. Relays are switching components that control power to various microwave functions. When they stick in one position, the error appears. Control board replacement is typically needed.

• The dreaded F1 code points to major control system failures requiring professional service in most cases. This fundamental error means the processor can't properly execute its programming.

Cooking Performance Issues

Uneven cooking frustrates many Electrolux owners.

• First, check that the turntable rotates freely and consistently. Intermittent rotation causes obvious cold spots in food.

• Magnetron weakening happens gradually. As the magnetron ages, it produces less power than specified. This causes longer cooking times and uneven results. A simple test: boil exactly one cup of cold water. It should take about 2.5 minutes to reach boiling in a fully functional 1000-watt microwave. Significantly longer times suggest reduced power.

• Sensor cooking features depend on humidity sensors that detect steam from cooking food. When these sensors get dirty or fail, automatic cooking functions work poorly. The humidity sensor is usually located on the side wall or ceiling of the cooking cavity, appearing as a small vent or protrusion.

When to Call for Service

Many Electrolux microwave repairs go beyond DIY territory. Anything involving the high voltage components - magnetron, capacitor, transformer - carries risk if you're not experienced. These components can hold lethal charges even after unplugging.

Control board replacements sometimes need specialized reprogramming after installation. Newer Electrolux models with advanced features may require service technician initialization procedures that need manufacturer equipment.

Cabinet damage affecting door alignment or sealing requires professional assessment. Microwave doors must seal perfectly to prevent radiation leakage. Even minor misalignments can create potential safety issues.

We repair Electrolux microwaves regularly and have the specialized tools and safety equipment necessary for complex repairs.

Count on Sears Home Services as your go-to resource for Electrolux microwave repairs.