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How to Replace a Microwave Turntable Motor

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Updated February 12, 2023

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Difficulty None

Steps 9

Time Required

Sections

Things to Know

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. For instance, if you don’t know how to replace an above-the-range microwave, it’s better handled by a repairman. 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 or how to replace a microwave door.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you have trouble with your microwave turntable, consider replacing your turntable motor.
You will need a replacement motor and an appropriately sized screwdriver, and the size will depend on the model.
To remove the motor, turn it clockwise, and turn the new motor counterclockwise to install it.

Replacing a Microwave Turntable Motor

The process of 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.

Insider Tip

Always make sure to unplug your device before starting any microwave repair.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!

Warning

Forcing the motor into the drive coupling could damage the microwave or motor, so try not to force the connection.

F.A.Q.S

Why won’t the microwave turntable turn?

The most likely reason the microwave turntable sits still is if the motor no longer works or the drive coupling or glass tray support is broken.

Can you use the microwave without the glass microwave plate?

If your microwave has a spinning turntable, you will need to turn the food manually occasionally when you use it without the plate. As a result, you may want to keep the glass plate in the microwave. Some brands state you cannot microwave without the glass turntable. In rare cases, the problem results from control panel issues, but you should not try to fix these yourself.

Can a microwave turntable be repaired?

The turntable can be repaired, just as most parts of the microwave can be. However, you should not attempt to fix the glass yourself as this poses a risk of harm. Avoid cooking food on your broken product in the meantime.

STAT: Turntable microwaves have a glass tray that sits on a plastic support ring, which rotates constantly during any cooking selection, including models with convection cooking. (source)

REFERENCES:

Christen da Costa

Grew up back East, got sick of the cold and headed West. Since I was small I have been pushing buttons – both electronic and human. With an insatiable need for tech I thought “why not start a blog focusing on technology, and use my dislikes and likes to post on gadgets.”