Amana
Cavity Arcing / Waveguide Contamination
Microwave produces sparks or arcing inside the cavity during cooking.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Metal object or foil in cavity, Damaged or burned waveguide cover, Food or grease buildup on cavity walls, Exposed metal on rack supports or paint chips
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Press Cancel and open the door immediately if you see sparks. Unplug the microwave before cleaning or inspection.
- Remove metal objects: Ensure no metal utensils, twist ties, or foil are in the cavity unless specifically allowed by the manual.
- Clean cavity: Thoroughly clean the interior with mild detergent and water, paying special attention to areas where arcing occurred.
- Inspect waveguide cover: Check the mica or plastic waveguide cover (usually on a side wall) for burns, cracks, or holes. Replace if damaged.
- Touch-up paint: If interior paint is chipped down to bare metal, use microwave-safe cavity touch-up paint to cover exposed metal after cleaning and drying.
- Do not use if arcing continues: Persistent arcing may indicate deeper damage to the waveguide or magnetron and requires professional service.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Waveguide Cover
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