How to Replace a Microwave Turntable Motor

As a result of problems with your microwave turntable, you want to know how to replace a microwave turntable motor. Even the best microwaves need maintenance sometimes, so read on to learn more about the turntable motor. Before attempting to repair anything for yourself, you should consider whether you feel comfortable fixing it yourself, especially if it’s better handled by a repairman, such as a control panel issue. If you have other problems with your microwave, check out our article on a microwave making a crackling noise when it’s not in use.

Replacing a Microwave Turntable Motor

The process for replacing the motor for your turntable seems more complicated than it is. First, you unplug the device and then unscrew the connections to the microwave, preventing electrocution at a high voltage. You then remove the wire harness and remove a couple of screws before reaching the motor. When you detach parts, make sure you do not drop them into the microwave or lose them somewhere else. These screws and wires will be small. If your issue remains after completing this process, read about how a microwave fan turns on when the door opens.

• Tools Needed:
  • Appropriately sized screwdriver
  • Replacement Motor
  • Protective hand coverings (Optional)

1. Unplug your microwave. As with any other electronic device that plugs in, you unplug the microwave before doing anything else. This step remains essential in every process since you could shock yourself at the voltage level of the product if you do not unplug your appliance.
2. If you have a countertop model, you need to remove the glass tray from inside the microwave. The turntable should simply lift out of place. By doing so, you ensure that you will not break the glass while you work on the microwave. Never attempt to move the microwave with the microwave plate inside.
3. Tilt the microwave onto its side if you have a countertop model. You need to access the microwave from the bottom when you replace the motor. Don’t flip it over completely since you can easily access the desired compartment with it on its side, and you don’t want to loosen any wires in the control panel.
4. Remove the screws from the bottom panel. These screws hold the panel in place, but you must remove the panel to access the motor compartment. Be careful not to drop the screws inside the device if you have it on its side when you do so. They will be difficult to remove otherwise.
5. Disconnect the wire harness from the motor. If you aren’t familiar with the terminology, this piece contains the wires that connect to the motor, which should be pretty obvious. Again, make sure the microwave has no power supply before reaching this step.
6. Remove the mounting screw or screws. These hold the motor in place, so you should see them while you look at the motor. There may be one screw or two of these screws to keep your motor in place. Do not try to remove the motor without detaching these screws.
7. Rotate the motor clockwise to detach it. Clockwise may seem counterintuitive because of the tendency to tighten by turning clockwise. However, you should not try to turn it counterclockwise because this may damage the parts.
8. Insert the shaft of the new motor into the drive coupling. This step connects the new motor to the microwave. Be careful to insert it properly and not force it.
9. Retrace your steps. To complete the process, you will need to do what you just did in reverse order. So, you will need to rotate the new motor counterclockwise before inserting the drive coupling and replacing the screws. Then, you should reconnect the wires and reattach the bottom cover. At this time, you lay your microwave flat again. Enjoy your new motor!

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