It's aggravating when you're trying to prepare a meal in a hurry and the microwave turntable doesn't work. If your microwave is old, it could be due to worn or old parts. However, sometimes, even a new microwave will stop turning. Here are some things you can do to fix the problem.

Wash Sticky Food Off The Turntable And Ring

There might be crumbs or sticky food underneath the plate or in the groove where the ring sits. Remove the glass turntable and ring so you can wash them in warm soapy water. Use a damp sponge to clean the inside base of the microwave to get rid of crumbs and residue. Once the parts are clean and dry, replace them and see if the turntable turns. Place a cup with water in the microwave for the test since you don't want to run the microwave with nothing in it.

Make Sure The Turntable And Ring Are Seated Properly

The turntable needs to be inserted properly so it can turn. If you have it upside down, the lip of the plate will drag against the bottom of the microwave and slow down or stop movement. First, make sure the wheels of the ring are seated in the groove properly. Then, adjust the plate to make sure it seats securely. If the plate wobbles, it isn't installed correctly.

Check For Worn Or Broken Parts

When washing the ring, check the condition of the plastic and the wheels. If they are cracked or damaged, you'll need to buy a replacement ring so the table will turn properly. The turntable may rest on a bushing or other part that turns the tray. If it is cracked or damaged in some way, it should be replaced. A broken drive motor will affect the turntable too. When the motor is wearing down, you may notice the tray turning erratically. It may also make loud or unusual noises. The drive motor is what powers the turntable. It is located in the base of the microwave. Working on the internal parts of a microwave can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. It's best to take the microwave to an appliance repair shop to have the drive motor inspected and replaced if needed.

Also, be sure to check the settings on your microwave to make sure you haven't accidentally turned the turntable off. If you have an older model, there may not be controls for the turntable, but newer models often do, and the tray won't turn if you've pressed the off button. Check with a company like Capital City Appliance for more information.