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Microwave Fan Not Working

Microwave fan not working. Microwave fan stopping is not uncommon and we’re here to tell you that. While your microwave exhaust fan might be running on any given day, it could very well fail to do so one day.

The best way to troubleshoot this situation is by first checking for possible obstructions, such as lint or dust in the vent.

If everything turns out to be clear and ready for use, then the most recommended course of action would be to check whether the fan blade rubs against the cowling or a wired tether.

Microwave Fan Not Working

microwave fan not working 2022 guide

We will discuss here the reasons for not Viking oven not getting hot enough and microwave fan not working.

Grease Filter

If the exhaust fan on your microwave isn’t operating, it could be due to grease blocking the filter.

The grease filter keeps oil and fat from food from clogging the exhaust system.

While it’s easy to forget about the filter over time, or even assume it’s rarely used, grease buildup can slowly but steadily clog things up until you can’t use your microwave without first cleaning out the brush.

Charcoal Filter

If your microwave exhaust fan has stopped working, it is probably because the charcoal filter needs to be replaced.

This type of charcoal filter is used in over-the-range microwaves and helps to absorb smells and pollutants from heating food. Pollutants will build up over time, causing the filter to need replacement.

Damper Assembly

If your microwave’s exhaust fan isn’t working, the damper assembly may be to blame. The damper is a flap made of metal or plastic in over-the-range microwaves that block hot air from escaping when the microwave is off and opens when the exhaust fan turns on.

Dampers are generally spring-loaded or rely on gravity to stay open when cooling air passes through them.

When a damper malfunctions, it can cause an over-the-range microwave to appear to be running with the door open because hot air goes out through the ducts instead of the fan or vents.

Fan Motor

microwave fan motor issue

The exhaust fan in your microwave is not operating as efficiently as it should be because the fan motor needs to be replaced and/or concerns could arise with ventilation within the unit.

This part is typically a component of over-the-range microwaves and helps purge air through a venting system, ensuring you do not build up a dangerous amount of humidity inside the appliance that is potentially flammable.

FAQs

Is a microwave fan required?

When putting a ventilation fan into your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave, there is no requirement that it be vented to the outdoors. But there are options.

In fact, all OTR microwave ovens can be set up with multiple ventilation configurations, including ones where the air is either recirculated through a vent hood or instead blown out of a different vent opening so it doesn’t get directed back into the room.

What happens if the fan capacitor fails?

When the capacitor is bad, the fan still gets power, but because a broken start coil prevents it from producing enough torque to start moving on its own, you need to give it a push to get the process started.

If you do that and the fan keeps running after you’ve stopped pushing it, listen for a humming sound that means the fan is getting power, but something is keeping it from turning freely.

Conclusion

Hopefully, by the time you’ve reached the bottom of this article, the dangers related to working with microwave exhaust fans will become painfully obvious. You should be grateful that we’ve taken the time out of our time to read this article and hope that your learning experience has been a fun one!

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