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(469) 638-3215Microwave not heating, sparking, or the vent fan stopped working? ALAS Appliance Repair fixes over-the-range, built-in, drawer and combination microwaves across Richardson, from Main Street and the US 75 corridor to Richardson Heights, Canyon Creek and Cottonwood Heights.
Business Profile

In many Richardson kitchens built between the 1950s and the 1970s, the original range hood was later swapped for an over-the-range microwave during a remodel. That arrangement works well, but the microwave then doubles as the range vent, and in some older homes it simply recirculates air back into the kitchen. A clogged grease filter, a failing vent fan or a worn door switch are the usual complaints, and cleaning or replacing the filters regularly makes a noticeable difference.
When a microwave spins and hums but leaves food cold, the magnetron, diode or high-voltage capacitor has usually failed. Because the capacitor can stay charged even with the power disconnected, only a technician should take the outer case off. New custom homes in the Reservation and remodeled kitchens in Canyon Creek may have built-in or drawer microwaves, which add drawer motors and sensors to the list of parts that wear. Mention the style of unit, whether over-the-range, built-in or drawer, when you book.
Our Plano-based technicians cover Richardson from Main Street and the US 75, Belt Line, Campbell and Arapaho corridors to Richardson Heights, Canyon Creek, Cottonwood Heights, the Reservation, Duck Creek and Prairie Creek.
Common microwave problems
The microwave problems we see most often, and the parts a technician checks first for each one.
| Symptom | Common causes a technician checks | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Runs but won’t heat | Failed magnetron, high-voltage diode or capacitor, faulty door switch, failed transformer or thermal cutoff | Heat one cup of water for one minute. If it is still cold, stop using the microwave and schedule a diagnosis.Possible causes a technician checks: Failed magnetron, high-voltage diode or capacitor, faulty door switch, failed transformer or thermal cutoff Schedule a diagnosis |
| Sparking or arcing inside | Burned or greasy waveguide cover, metal or foil, food buildup, chipped interior paint, damaged stirrer | Remove any metal and wipe the interior. If sparks continue, stop using it.Possible causes a technician checks: Burned or greasy waveguide cover, metal or foil, food buildup, chipped interior paint, damaged stirrer Schedule a diagnosis |
| Microwave won’t start or is dead | Blown fuse, failed door switch, control lock on, failed control board, tripped breaker | Check the breaker and make sure the control or child lock is off.Possible causes a technician checks: Blown fuse, failed door switch, control lock on, failed control board, tripped breaker Schedule a diagnosis |
| Turntable won’t turn | Worn turntable motor, broken coupler, misaligned roller ring or glass tray | Reseat the glass tray and roller ring so they sit flat on the coupler.Possible causes a technician checks: Worn turntable motor, broken coupler, misaligned roller ring or glass tray Schedule a diagnosis |
Our main microwave repair page explains common problems, repair-or-replace decisions and how a repair visit works, in more detail.
Urgent repair
A microwave holds high voltage even after it is unplugged. If you see sparks, smoke or flames, or it keeps running with nothing pressed, follow these steps and call us. After-hours emergency service is available for an added fee in Richardson.
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Yes. ALAS repairs microwaves for Richardson homes and rental properties, including Downtown Richardson and Main Street, Richardson Heights, Canyon Creek, Cottonwood Heights, the Reservation, Duck Creek, Prairie Creek, the CityLine area and the homes near Breckinridge Park.
We serve Richardson ZIP codes 75080, 75081 and 75082, across the whole city. Enter your ZIP code on this page to confirm service at your address.
A loud fan on an over-the-range unit usually comes from grease on the fan blades, a failing fan motor or a loose mounting. In older homes, the unit may also be pushing air into a short or partly blocked duct. Clean the grease filters first. If the noise continues, the fan motor or its bearings may need to be replaced.
It depends on the part and the fit. Built-in models in remodeled Canyon Creek kitchens are often fitted with a trim kit, and a new unit may not match the existing opening. Door switches, touchpads and turntable motors are usually worth replacing. If the magnetron or control board fails on an older unit, we check part availability before recommending a repair.
Yes. We serve the neighborhoods around UT Dallas, whose main campus sits at 800 West Campbell Road, including Canyon Creek between the campus and Central Expressway. Traffic near the campus can be heavy when classes change, so a nearby cross street in your booking makes the trip easier to plan.
Where we work in Richardson
ALAS provides microwave repair across Richardson, including Downtown Richardson and Main Street, Richardson Heights, Canyon Creek, Cottonwood Heights, the Reservation, Duck Creek, Prairie Creek, the CityLine area and the homes near Breckinridge Park, covering ZIP codes 75080, 75081 and 75082. Check your ZIP code to confirm service at your address.
Richardson service directory
Our local team handles every appliance and piece of commercial equipment below. See everything ALAS does in Richardson.