Microwave interior light is on and fan runs, but there is a burning smell or smoke from vents
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
SAFETY: Turn off and unplug the microwave immediately if you smell burning plastic or see smoke. Do not continue using until the cause is identified.
- Step 1 – Cavity cleaning:
- Once cooled, clean the interior thoroughly, including under the turntable and around the door seal.
- Remove any charred food or grease.
- Step 2 – Grill element:
- On first use of grill, some smoke is normal as protective coatings burn off; this should stop after a few minutes.
- Step 3 – Internal inspection (for DIYers):
- Remove the cabinet and inspect wiring and components for melted insulation or burn marks.
If any internal components show signs of burning, have the SilverCrest microwave inspected and repaired by a technician before further use.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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