Microwave beeps and will not start; display shows E1 immediately after pressing START.

Safety first: Unplug the microwave. High-voltage components inside can retain a dangerous charge even when unplugged. Do not touch the capacitor or magnetron area unless you are trained and have discharged the capacitor properly.

Step-by-step checks:

• Inspect the door: Open and close the door several times. Check that the door sits evenly, the latch hooks are not cracked, and the door closes firmly without wobble.
• Check for obvious damage: Look at the door latch openings on the cabinet front. If plastic is broken or bent, the switches may not be actuated correctly.
• Access the door switches: Remove the outer cabinet (usually screws on the back and sides). Carefully slide the cover back and up. The door switches are mounted on a plastic or metal bracket near the door latch.
• Test each switch: Label the wires, then remove them from the switches. Using a multimeter set to continuity, check that:
  • Primary and secondary interlock switches show continuity (closed) when the door is fully closed and open when the door is open.
  • The monitor switch (if present) operates opposite to the primary (open when door closed, closed when door open).
• Replace faulty parts: If any switch does not change state correctly, replace it with an OEM Magic Chef-compatible door switch of the same rating. If the bracket is cracked or loose, replace the door switch mounting bracket as well.
• Reassemble and test: Reinstall the cabinet, plug in the microwave, and test with a cup of water. Confirm the E1 code is cleared and the unit heats normally.

When to stop: If the code persists after replacing switches, the control board may be misreading the interlock circuit. At that point, professional diagnosis is recommended.