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Microwave door not closing
Common reasons your microwave door not closing
The most common reasons your microwave door is not closing are a bent door hinge, broken switch or an inoperative power supply board.
56% of the time it's the Door Hinge
13% of the time it's the Switch
7% of the time it's the Power Supply Board
24% of the time it's the Something else
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Common microwave repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these microwave parts may fix your problem.
Door Hinge Replacement
If a microwave door hinge becomes bent or breaks, the door may not close correctly, and the microwave probably won't start. Using the microwave with a bent or damaged door hinge is unsafe because radiation might leak through the door if it isn't properly closed or aligned. It's important to have a Sears Home Services professional inspect and repair the microwave whenever a door hinge or the door itself is damaged. After the repair, the technician will need to check for radiation leakage.
Switch Replacement
If a switch in a microwave is broken, it can cause various problems, mainly affecting the power to the microwave's components. Microwaves are equipped with several internal thermal switches and interlock switches to ensure your safety if components inside the microwave stop working. Door interlock switches prevent the microwave from running when the door is open to prevent exposure to harmful radiation. Many microwaves also have a magnetron thermal switch that trips if it detects high current or temperature in the magnetron area of the microwave cavity. Another thermal switch monitors the cooking cavity's temperature and trips if it becomes too high. If any of these switches fail, the microwave won't start, and its lights, fans, and display will not work. Because microwaves contain high-voltage transformers and capacitors that can hold dangerous electricity even when unplugged, it's important to have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the microwave and perform any necessary repairs.
Power Supply Board Replacement
If the power supply board isn't working, the microwave won't turn on. You'll notice that it won't heat up, the door might not close properly, and the lights, fans, and control panel won't function. This happens because the power supply in a microwave connects the electricity from your home to the microwave's internal components. A faulty power supply might also not protect the microwave from power surges, which could damage electronic parts like the main control board. If your microwave isn't turning on, it's best to have a Sears Home Services professional check it out and replace the power supply board if needed.
Why is my microwave door not closing?
Microwave doors often have spring-activated plastic door strike hooks on the microwave door that insert into catches next to the door opening. Interlock switches inside those door catches detect when the door is fully closed.
The door interlock switches prevent the microwave from starting and running if the switches don’t detect that the door is fully shut.
The door strike hooks or the tension spring can break and the door won’t shut properly so the switches won’t allow the microwave to start and run.
Problems with the microwave door hinges can also prevent the door from closing properly.
Why a service technician should repair microwave door problems
When microwave door closing problems occur, you should have a service technician repair the door.
The microwave door has essential shielding to prevent injury and health problems when you use the microwave.
The tech will need to use a survey meter to check for radiation leakage from the microwave after completing the door repair. The technician will also verify that the door interlock switches are working properly.
Repairing door hinges often involves removing the outer microwave cabinet cover which can expose you to dangerous high-voltage components such as capacitors that retain a lethal electrical charge even when the microwave is unplugged from its electrical outlet.
Don’t risk your health and safety by attempting microwave door repairs or any other internal repairs on the microwave yourself.
Schedule microwave repair service when your door or other parts of the microwave need to be fixed.
What to expect when you experience a microwave door not closing issue
How to fix a microwave door not closing problem
Fixing most issues with doors not closing typically requires replacing the door hinge, switch, or power supply. However, because there are numerous potential causes, conducting a thorough diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential for understanding the extent of the repair needed.
Sears Home Services solutions for a microwave door that is not closing
If the microwave door isn't closing, there could be various reasons why. To prevent replacing parts that aren't necessary, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to find out what's causing the problem. Our technicians have a lot of experience in figuring out all sorts of issues with microwaves.
What to watch for with a microwave door not closing diagnosis
Identifying issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right knowledge and training. Trying to fix a microwave problem without using proper diagnostic techniques often leads to replacing parts without certainty. Appliances, particularly those developed in the last decade, have become highly sophisticated, with electronic components that are tricky to assess. As a result, DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming more complicated.
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Michael C offered an excellent service
5 stars!!! Michael was quick and knowledgeable! Very accommodating and professional
Andreina G, Naples, FL
microwave
Mark really went over the microwave trying to fix it, this was his second time here for the same problem. August till ? till we get it replaced. we appreciate him for his knowledge of his job. thank you Mark
H M, Cadiz, OH
Customer
Mr. David is very polite and intelligent gentlemen. He came to replace a part on my microwave and he checked the microwave to make sure it was working properly. Mr. David gave me a courtesy call that he will be arriving in 15mins. He arrived on time for the appointment and took care of his job duties. Thanks Mr. David for all the hard work you do at Sears. Keep up all the good work.
Pamela W, Baltimore, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Microwave Resources
Discover the top causes of microwave malfunctions in 2025 with Sears Home Services.
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Is it worth repairing a microwave? Find out the pros and cons of repairing your microwave at Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.
A microwave sensor is a technologically advanced feature in modern microwave ovens that measures vapor (steam) emitted by the food, adjusting the cooking time and power levels automatically for optimal results.
A microwave waveguide cover is a small, often mica or plastic piece inside the microwave that covers the opening where microwaves enter the cooking chamber, protecting the microwave's internal components from food splatter and ensuring efficient distribution of the microwaves.
A microwave magnetron is a component in microwave ovens that generates the microwaves used to cook food.