It overheats, shuts off mid-cook, or smells hot — thermostat
Documented failures
Door switch
Technician only
Stop. DIY once unplugged and once a multimeter confirms which switch failed. If reaching the switch bank means opening the inner cabinet shell rather than a simple access panel, stop and call a technician instead.
Try this first — it costs nothing. Wipe down the latch hooks and strike plate — food residue there stops the door seating fully and mimics a bad switch.
Check, in this order
Confirm the door closes firmly and the latch hooks aren't bent before blaming a switch.
Test each switch for continuity in and out of the door-closed position — most microwaves have two or three separate door switches and only one may have failed.
Listen for a click as the door closes; a switch that doesn't click is the one to replace first.
Before you open anything
Unplug it — do not work on the door switches with the cord connected.
These are the safety interlocks that stop the magnetron when the door opens; match the exact part, not just 'close enough.'
In your manual:the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.
Parts exist for this component and are deliberately not listed here: this is not a repair to attempt yourself.
Repair or replace? Repair first once the listed checks confirm this component. It is usually a contained repair; reconsider replacement only if multiple major faults or a disproportionate technician quote are present.General guidance for this component — no model-specific price maths behind it.
Thermostat
Technician only
Stop. STOP. Licensed technician only.
Check, in this order
Note whether it cuts out mid-cook or refuses to reach temperature at all — both point here but mean different things to a technician.
Before you open anything
Unplug it and leave it unplugged.
In your manual:the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.
Parts exist for this component and are deliberately not listed here: this is not a repair to attempt yourself.
Repair or replace? Repair first once the listed checks confirm this component. It is usually a contained repair; reconsider replacement only if multiple major faults or a disproportionate technician quote are present.General guidance for this component — no model-specific price maths behind it.