How To Repair A Microwave Glass Tray That Won't Turn
- Rated as REALLY EASY
- 27 repair stories
- 3 step by step videos
Drive Motor
If the turntable on your microwave doesn’t rotate or is making a grinding noise, the problem may be with the drive motor. Most microwave ovens with a round glass tray use a motor driven coupler to turn the tray or a roller guide. The motor is typically located below the floor of the oven, and access will need to be through the bottom. The motor is normally held in place with a retaining screw and will have two wires attached to it as well. If the motor is making a grinding noise it will need to be replaced. If the motor doesn’t turn, you can check for voltage or continuity with a multi-meter. With the power disconnected and the bottom panel removed, locate the motor and unplug the wires to the motor. Measure for continuity at the motor terminals or at the wire harness that is still attached to the motor. If there is no continuity, the motor will need to be replaced. For voltage checks, you will need to plug the unit into a live outlet and therefore this check should only be performed by a qualified person.
Coupler
If the turntable on your microwave doesn’t rotate, the problem may be with the drive coupler. Most microwave ovens with a round glass tray use a motor driven coupler to turn the tray on a roller guide. Some models that use a rectangular tray will use a drive coupler that has an offset center roller to drive the tray guide from side to side. For either style, remove the tray and roller guide from the oven and then inspect the coupler. Most models will have a three sided coupler that will just pull off of the motor shaft. Some models may require that you remove the motor from the bottom before you can pull the coupler off of the motor. The coupler normally has a D shaped opening that fits tightly onto the motor shaft and if it is cracked or worn it will need to be replaced. If you have to remove the bottom cover, you will need to disconnect power from the appliance first.
Roller Guide
If the turntable on your microwave doesn’t rotate, the problem may be with the roller guide under the tray. Some microwave ovens with a round glass tray use a motor driven coupler to turn the roller guide that the tray rests on. The roller guide is used to support the tray and to engage the rotating coupler. Remove the tray and then inspect the roller guide. Check the hub to see if it engages the coupler securely and also the outer rollers for signs of cracks or damage. If there are signs of wear or damage, it should be replaced. If the roller guide appears to be normal, then check the coupler for damage.
More Repair Parts
Still not sure which part is broken? We can offer you custom troubleshooting help if you search with your model number.