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Whirlpool Blower Motor Does Not Start on Its Own

In Whirlpool microwaves and ovens, a blower motor is used to remove odors from the inside of the microwave and to circulate air into the microwave to assist more even cooking. Should the blower motor fail to start on its own in your Whirlpool microwave or oven, the problem typically can be troubleshooted in a few basic steps.
  1. Blower Motor Failure

    • Blower motor failure can be difficult to identify on its own, but it is important to determine if the problems you observe are the result of blower motor failure or some other issue. If your Whirlpool oven is a convection model, you will notice inconsistent cooking times and cooking results in the foods you cook. Blower motor failure in a microwave will be much more difficult to diagnose, because the blower motor is not visible from the outside of the microwave. Cooking foods in the microwave also may yield inconsistent results, and you may notice an unusual buildup of vapors and food odors inside the microwave.

    Troubleshooting

    • Your ability to troubleshoot blower motor failure will depend largely on your ability to access the blower motor. Check the manufacturer's instructions for disassembling parts of the microwave or oven. Once you are able to see the blower motor, check that the electrical wiring is connected firmly to the motor and that the wires are not frayed or damaged. Check for any dirt or dust on the motor that may cause the motor to overheat. Replace any damaged wires and clean the motor with compressed air. Retest the motor after repairs to see if it is working normally.

    Replacement

    • Of course, in some cases, the blower motor for your Whirlpool oven or microwave will simply fail and it will be necessary to replace the motor with a new one. Contact Whirlpool regarding a replacement motor, making sure to match the part with the exact model of your microwave or oven to ensure compatibility. Once you have the replacement, simply install it in the oven or microwave according to the manufacturer's directions and test the microwave or oven to see if the replacement blower motor is working properly.

    Remarks on Replacement

    • Replacing a blower motor on an oven almost always will be more cost-efficient than replacing the Whirlpool oven altogether, given the high cost of ovens. However, for microwave ovens with bad blower motors, it often will be more cost-effective to purchase a new microwave rather than expending the money and considerable effort involved in replacing the motor and putting the microwave back together.