Hi there, and welcome to PressToCook.com, your go-to source for everything related to kitchen appliances and food safety. In this post, we’ll show you how to fix a common problem with Whirlpool microwaves: the fan won’t turn off. If you’ve ever experienced this annoying issue, you know how frustrating it can be to have a loud fan running constantly, even when the microwave is not in use. But don’t worry, we have some easy solutions for you to try.
Why won’t your Whirlpool microwave fan turn off? The fan may stay on to cool down the microwave after prolonged use, or it may be triggered by a faulty thermostat, switch, control board, or triac. To fix it, you can try reducing the room temperature, letting the microwave cool off, resetting the microwave, or replacing the faulty part.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these possible causes and solutions.
Why does the fan stay on?
The fan on your Whirlpool microwave is designed to protect the microwave from overheating. It does this by venting out the hot air that builds up inside the microwave during operation. The fan may also come on automatically when you use the cooktop below the microwave, as the heat from the stove can affect the microwave’s controls.
The fan is controlled by a thermostat that monitors the temperature of the microwave. When the thermostat detects that the microwave is too hot, it will turn on the fan and keep it on until the temperature drops below a certain level. This is normal and necessary for the safety and performance of your microwave.
However, sometimes the fan may not turn off even when the microwave is cool enough. This can happen for several reasons, such as:
- The microwave has been used for too long and needs more time to cool down.
- The ambient temperature in the kitchen is too high and affects the thermostat.
- The thermostat is malfunctioning and sending false signals to the fan.
- The switch that turns on and off the fan is broken and stuck in the on position.
- The control board that regulates the fan is faulty and not responding to commands.
- The triac that controls the power supply to the fan is defective and allowing current to flow continuously.
How to fix a Whirlpool microwave fan that won’t turn off
Depending on the cause of the problem, you may be able to fix it yourself or you may need to call a professional technician. Here are some steps you can try before calling for service:
1. Reduce the room ambient temperature
If it’s a hot day and you’re cooking a lot of food, the ambient temperature in your kitchen may be too high for your microwave. This can cause the thermostat to activate the fan more frequently and keep it on longer. To lower the room temperature, you can try:
- Opening a window or turning on an exhaust fan
- Turning off or lowering the heat from other appliances
- Moving your microwave away from direct sunlight or heat sources
2. Let the microwave cool off
If you’ve been using your microwave a lot that day, it may have just gotten too hot and needs more time to cool down. The fan may stay on for up to an hour after you stop using the microwave. To speed up the cooling process, you can try:
- Opening the microwave door
- Unplugging the microwave for a few minutes
- Placing a damp cloth over the vent
3. Reset the microwave
Sometimes, a simple reset can fix minor glitches with your microwave’s settings or functions. To reset your Whirlpool microwave, you can try:
- Pressing and holding the Cancel/Off button for 3 seconds
- Flipping the circuit breaker that powers your microwave off and on
- Plugging your microwave into a different outlet
4. Replace the faulty part
If none of these steps work, you may have a faulty part that needs to be replaced. Depending on which part is causing the problem, you may be able to do it yourself or you may need professional help. Here are some common parts that may need replacing:
- Thermostat: The thermostat is a small device that senses the temperature of your microwave and sends signals to the fan. If it’s defective, it may not sense the correct temperature or send incorrect signals. You can test it with a multimeter to see if it has continuity at room temperature. If not, you need to replace it.
- Switch: The switch is a mechanical device that turns on and off the fan when you press a button or knob. If it’s broken, it may not respond to your commands or get stuck in one position. You can test it with a multimeter to see if it has continuity when pressed or released. If not, you need to replace it.
- Control board: The control board is an electronic device that regulates all of your microwave’s functions, including the fan. If it’s faulty, it may not receive or send signals correctly or at all. You can test it by checking for signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or corrosion. If you see any, you need to replace it.
- Triac: The triac is a semiconductor device that controls the power supply to the fan. If it’s defective, it may allow current to flow continuously to the fan, even when it’s not needed. You can test it by checking for signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or corrosion. If you see any, you need to replace it.
Replacing these parts may require some soldering, wiring, or disassembling skills. If you’re not comfortable or confident doing it yourself, you should call a qualified technician to do it for you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Whirlpool microwave fans that won’t turn off:
Q: How do I know if my microwave is overheating?
A: Some signs that your microwave is overheating are:
- The microwave feels hot to the touch
- The microwave smells like burning or smoke
- The microwave makes loud or unusual noises
- The microwave shuts off or displays an error code
Q: How do I prevent my microwave from overheating?
A: Some tips to prevent your microwave from overheating are:
- Use your microwave according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Don’t use your microwave for longer than necessary
- Don’t cover the vents or block the airflow
- Clean your microwave regularly and remove any grease or debris
- Don’t place metal or foil items in your microwave
Q: How long should a Whirlpool microwave fan last?
A: The lifespan of a Whirlpool microwave fan depends on several factors, such as how often you use it, how well you maintain it, and how good the quality of the part is. Generally, a Whirlpool microwave fan should last for at least 5 years, but it may last longer or shorter depending on these factors.
Conclusion
We hope this post has helped you understand why your Whirlpool microwave fan won’t turn off and how to fix it. If you follow our steps and tips, you should be able to solve this problem easily and enjoy your microwave again. However, if you still have trouble with your fan or any other part of your microwave, you should contact Whirlpool customer service or a professional technician for assistance.
Thank you for reading this post and stay tuned for more helpful articles on kitchen appliances and food safety from PressToCook.com!
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