Microwave Turntable Not Turning: 5 Easy Fixes

A microwave turntable not turning is a frustrating problem because it causes uneven heating of food, requiring you to rotate dishes manually during cooking to avoid cold spots. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes for this issue, and in this article, we list five that are most likely to work.

Keep reading to get your turntable turning again, and microwave meals back on track.

Easy Fix 1: Position the Turntable Correctly

One of the most common causes is a turntable or roller ring not positioned correctly inside the microwave. It is also one of the easiest issues to fix. If this is the cause, you may hear an unusual noise when you run the microwave, such as a thumping sound.

To fix this, take out the turntable and roller ring, and give them a quick check-over to ensure they’re not damaged or dirty. Then, place them back inside the microwave, ensuring the turntable is the right way up and sitting securely on the support hub, while the roller ring is properly positioned beneath it.

Easy Fix 2: Remove Any Obstructions

Microwaves are often used daily, so you’re bound to have the odd splatter or spill occur. If the microwave gets excessively dirty, it may prevent the turntable from spinning properly.

However, the most likely scenario would be that a large piece of food debris, such as a stray vegetable, a small utensil like a teaspoon, or a piece of food packaging has been left inside the microwave and is now obstructing the turntable.

This issue can be resolved by removing the turntable and roller ring, giving them a clean, checking inside the microwave for obstructions, removing any you find, and then putting the turntable and roller ring back in, ensuring they are positioned correctly.

Easy Fix 3: Turn On the Turntable Function

On some microwave models, you can turn the turntable on and off. This feature allows you to heat large or rectangular dishes that may bump against the microwave walls if the turntable moves.

You can find out if your microwave has this feature and how to turn it on and off by reading the owner’s manual. Typically, it involves pressing a button labeled “Turntable,” “Tray,” or “Rotation” on the control panel—a super-easy fix!

Easy Fix 4: Replace the Turntable or Roller Ring

If the turntable or roller ring is damaged, it may need replacing to get the turntable spinning again. Microwave turntables are typically made of glass, so it’s not uncommon for them to chip or break, which may result in them no longer properly connecting with the turntable support hub beneath.

Likewise, over time the roller ring may become warped or cracked, or the wheels or bearings on the roller ring can become stuck, preventing the turntable from spinning.

Replacing a damaged or broken turntable or roller ring is an easy job and relatively inexpensive. You can find replacement parts by searching for your microwave model number along with “turntable” on Amazon, eBay, appliance parts retailers, or at your local Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Easy Fix 5: Replace the Drive Coupler

The coupler, also called the drive coupler, is a small plastic piece that sits on top of the support hub. The support hub is the fixed part that connects to the motor, whereas the coupler is a removable part that connects the support hub to the turntable.

If the coupler is not attached properly or is worn, cracked, or damaged, the turntable may not spin. A quick inspection will reveal if there are any issues with the drive coupler. Again, replacing a faulty coupler is a simple and inexpensive task. You can easily find a replacement coupler online or in-store.

Still Not Fixed? It Could Be the Turntable Motor

We’ve gone over the five easiest fixes for a turntable not turning that require virtually no effort. However, if they haven’t resolved the issue, you likely have a faulty turntable motor, which is a slightly more complex issue to repair. But don’t worry—while it’s a bit more challenging, it is doable if you have some basic DIY skills and tools.

Just remember, disassembling and fixing a microwave can be dangerous since internal components, such as the high-voltage capacitor, can hold a lethal charge even when the appliance is unplugged. Be sure to learn how to discharge a capacitor safely before attempting any repairs, or leave the job to a professional if you don’t feel comfortable.

The typical steps to safely discharge the capacitor are:

1. Unplug the microwave or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the outer cover panels of your microwave.
3. While wearing rubber gloves, use an insulated-handled screwdriver or pliers to bridge the capacitor’s terminals for a few seconds, allowing it to short and discharge any stored energy.

How To Fix a Faulty Turntable Motor

If the motor responsible for spinning the turntable is faulty, the turntable will no longer spin. To determine if this is the case, you will need to test the component with a multimeter and replace it if it is defective.

While the process may vary slightly between different microwave models, here are the general steps to test and replace the turntable motor:

1. Disconnect power from the microwave.
2. Remove the turntable and roller ring from inside the microwave.
3. Remove the microwave’s outer panel. It’s likely screwed in place.
4. Discharge the high-voltage capacitor.
5. Flip the microwave over and remove the bottom panel to access the turntable motor.
6. Disconnect the motor’s wire connections.
7. Use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If the motor shows no continuity or an open circuit, it is faulty and needs replacing.
8. Unscrew and remove the old motor from its mounting.
9. Install the new motor, securing it with screws and reconnecting the wires.