A perfectly functioning microwave should make low, unobtrusive sounds when operating. Like other household appliances, your microwave is affected by wear and tear and may make louder sounds than it used to.
In our guide, we will answer why your Samsung microwave is buzzing. We’ll also help you understand when the buzzing noises should be a concern and when they can be ignored.
Why is my Samsung microwave buzzing?
Your Samsung microwave makes low buzzing noises because the magnetron or the fan is operating. It is normal and shouldn’t cause concern.
However, loud, obtrusive buzzing is usually a sign of component failure. You must replace the faulty component to stop the noise.
Magnetron
A cavity magnetron generates wavelength radio waves or microwave energy for your microwave. In the metal cavity, your food absorbs these waves and causes its water molecules to vibrate.
The buzzing noises from your microwave are often caused by a magnetron during normal operations. It doesn’t always indicate the presence of issues.
However, if the buzzing is louder than usual, you can opt to investigate and test for continuity. Make sure to discharge the high-voltage capacitor at least overnight before touching any internal components.
Cooling Fan
Your Samsung microwave has a built-in cooling fan, which keeps the internal components from overheating. It operates when you use different functions, such as Bake, Broil, or Clean.
Over time, dirt can build up around the fan blades and prevent them from rotating properly. It can also dislodge and hit other components inside your microwave when it rotates.
Whether it’s dirt build-up or a dislodged fan, the buzzing noise can be a sign of a malfunctioning fan.
You won’t necessarily have to replace it. Sometimes, it just needs a bit of cleaning or realigning to resolve the issue.
How loud should a normal microwave be?
Most microwaves have decibel levels of around 55 to 59. For context, a normal conversation is usually at 55 to 65 decibels, which means your microwave is quieter.
Normal microwave sounds should be unobtrusive. If it’s making unusually loud noises, one of its components is probably malfunctioning.
How do I stop my microwave from making loud buzzing noise?
To stop your microwave from making loud, obtrusive buzzing noises, inspect the magnetron and fan motor. Either of the two could be malfunctioning, which calls for a replacement.
If a component in the microwave is failing, replace it immediately to resolve the loud buzzing noises and other issues.
Fixing a microwave can be tricky because of its high-voltage capacitor. It can hold charge even after you unplug the microwave.
Before tinkering with your microwave’s internal components, you must discharge the capacitor at least overnight.
What you’ll need:
- 2W resistor rated for 20,000 ohms
- Insulated pliers
- Insulated screwdriver
- Insulated gloves
Follow these steps to discharge a microwave capacitor.
- Step 1: Unplug your microwave and unmount it from the cabinet.
- Step 2: Use insulated pliers to disconnect the capacitor.
- Step 3: Use an insulated screwdriver to disassemble the capacitor.
- Step 4: Get your 2W resistor and touch each probe to a terminal on the capacitor.
- Step 5: Let the capacitor discharge at least overnight.
After discharging your capacitor, you can begin working on your microwave’s internal components. Below, we will give you step-by-step instructions so you can safely and confidently troubleshoot the issue.
| Causes | Solutions |
| Malfunctioning Magnetron | Unplug your microwave. Carefully detach the mounting screws on the cabinet and hold the microwave up with your free hand. Remove your microwave and place it on a solid surface. Then, unmount the screws on the top cover. Lay the microwave on its back to remove the bottom panel. After, keep the microwave upright and take off the top cover. Locate the capacitor and discharge it again. Disconnect the old magnetron and pull it out of the microwave. Unmount the thermal protector on the old magnetron and install it on the new component. Connect the wires to the new magnetron and secure its mounting screw. Reinstall the top and bottom panels. Plug your microwave in and test if it still makes loud buzzing noises. |
| Faulty Cooling Fan | Unplug your microwave. Support the microwave with one hand and remove the mounting screws on the cabinet with the other. Tilt the microwave towards you and lift it up to release it. After pulling it out of the cabinet, set it on a solid surface. Unmount the screws on the top cover. Then, lay your microwave on its back to remove the back panel. Keep the microwave upright and remove the top cover. Locate the capacitor and discharge it again. Rotate the fan blade with your hand. Check if it is jammed or dislodged. Vacuum any dirt and clear any obstructions. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry out the old fan blade. Install it properly if it is misaligned. If it needs replacement, take out the old fan blade and insert the new component into the shaft. Check if the power cord is in its bracket. Then, reinstall the top and bottom covers of your microwave. Plug your microwave in. Turn it on and check if the buzzing is gone. |
Malfunctioning Magnetron
If a magnetron malfunctions, your Samsung microwave stops heating (samsung microwave not heating). It may start buzzing loudly and emit a burning smell.
Solution: Before replacing your microwave’s magnetron, perform a continuity test. This will tell you if the component requires replacement.
If it has continuity, the magnetron is functioning properly and doesn’t need to be replaced. Thus, you can proceed to the next possible cause of the buzzing noise—the cooling fan.
If it doesn’t have continuity, you must replace the faulty component.
To test the magnetron, follow these steps carefully:
- Step 1: Unplug your microwave, or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Step 2: Remove the screws on the microwave cabinet. Support the microwave with your free hand while you’re unmounting it from the cabinet.
- Step 3: Carefully tilt the microwave towards you and lift it to remove it.
- Step 4: Pull the microwave out of the cabinet and place it on a solid surface.
- Step 5: Unmount the screws on your microwave’s top cover.
- Step 6: Carefully lay your microwave on its back and remove the mounting screws on the bottom panel.
- Step 7: Open the bottom panel. Disconnect the wire harness and the wires from the twist retainer.
- Step 8: Remove the top cover of your microwave and set it aside.
- Step 9: Locate the capacitor and discharge it again. Wait for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
- Step 10: Disconnect the wire from the magnetron and remove it from the bracket.
- Step 11: Take your multimeter and turn the dial to the continuity test mode.
- Step 12: Connect the multimeter probes to the magnetron terminals. If it has continuity, you’ll hear a beep and see two to three ohms of resistance between those terminals.
A bad magnetron will not beep after this specific test. It has no continuity and must be replaced immediately.
- Step 13: Touch one probe to the magnetron case and the other to a terminal to test for a short. A beeping sound indicates a short, which means your magnetron needs a replacement.
If a magnetron shows no continuity, it must be replaced immediately to resolve the heating problems and loud buzzing noises.
To replace a faulty magnetron, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug your microwave, or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Step 2: Remove the mounting screws on the microwave cabinet while supporting it with your free hand.
- Step 3: Tilt the microwave forward and carefully lift it up to free it from the support brackets.
- Step 4: Pull the microwave out of the cabinet and place it on a solid surface.
- Step 5: Unmount the screws on the top cover.
- Step 6: Carefully lay your microwave on its back and remove the screws on the bottom panel.
- Step 7: Open the bottom panel and disconnect the wires to release it. Then, set it aside.
- Step 8: Keep your microwave upright and open the top cover.
- Step 9: Let the capacitor discharge for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
- Step 10: Remove the thermal protector from the old magnetron and install it on the new magnetron.
- Step 11: Connect the wires to the new magnetron and secure it with a mounting screw.
- Step 12: Check if the power cord is secure in its bracket.
- Step 13: Reinstall the microwave cover and the bottom panel.
- Step 14: Plug your microwave in and turn it on. Check if it still makes loud buzzing noises.
Faulty Cooling Fan
A faulty cooling fan doesn’t always require replacement. If it is dislodged or dirty, you can clear the obstructions and realign the fan to stop it from buzzing.
However, if you see visible signs of damage like burns and charring, you must replace the faulty component.
Solution: To troubleshoot a Samsung microwave cooling fan, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug your microwave, or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Step 2: Hold the microwave up with one hand and remove the mounting screws on the cabinet.
- Step 3: Gently pull the microwave forward and lift it up to release it from the support brackets.
- Step 4: Pull it out of its cabinet and place it on a solid surface.
- Step 5: Unmount the screws on the top microwave cover.
- Step 6: Lay your microwave on its back and remove the screws on the bottom panel. Then, open the panel and set it aside.
- Step 7: Keep your microwave upright and open its top cover.
- Step 8: Discharge the capacitor again for your safety.
- Step 9: Locate the fan blade and inspect it for any signs of damage. Check if it’s misaligned or dislodged.
- Step 10: Rotate the blade with your hand. Check for dirt and other visible obstructions.
- Step 11: Carefully vacuum any dirt build-up around the blades.
- Step 12: If the fan got dislodged, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off and reinstall it properly.
- Step 13: Pull out a fan with visible signs of damage.
- Step 14: Install a new cooling fan blade in the shaft.
- Step 15: Make sure the power cord is in its bracket.
- Step 16: Reinstall your microwave cover and the bottom panel.
- Step 17: Plug your microwave in. Turn it on and check if the buzzing has stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
A microwave produces a subtle buzzing noise as part of its normal operations. Thus, it’s safe to use a buzzing microwave.
However, loud and obtrusive noises can be a sign of component failure. You must look for the underlying cause and troubleshoot it if necessary to extend your microwave’s lifespan.
Symptoms of a bad magnetron in a microwave can include loud buzzing noises, poor heating performance, and a burning smell.
If you notice any of these symptoms, unplug your microwave immediately and inspect the magnetron for signs of damage. You can troubleshoot the issue or request service.
