How to Fix a JennAir Microwave Turntable That’s Not Rotating

So, your JennAir microwave’s turntable has stopped rotating and you’re wondering why. Could it be a blocked turntable, a damaged motor, or something else entirely? This article will explore the common causes and solutions to help you get your JennAir microwave up and running again.

From simple checks to more complex repairs, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. Keep reading to learn how to fix a JennAir microwave’s turntable that isn’t rotating.

Warning: Some microwave repairs can be dangerous and are best handled by a professional. The high-voltage capacitor inside the microwave can hold a lethal charge even when the appliance is unplugged.

Why your JennAir microwave’s turntable isn’t spinning and how to fix it

Below we’ve listed the most common causes of the turntable in a JennAir microwave that’s stopped rotating, along with the steps to fix them.

1. The turntable is blocked or not positioned correctly

If the turntable is obstructed, such as by a piece of food or grime buildup, it will fail to spin. Likewise, if the turntable isn’t positioned right on the roller ring, it won’t spin.

You can fix these simple issues by following these steps:

1. Remove the turntable and roller ring from the microwave.
2. Inspect the microwave’s cavity, turntable, and roller ring for food debris, obstructions, or grime build-up. During the check, if you notice that any of these components are damaged, they’ll need replacing.
3. Clean these components with a cloth, sponge, or soft brush, and warm soapy water.
4. Allow everything you’ve cleaned to dry.
5. Place the roller ring and turntable back inside the microwave’s cavity, ensuring they are positioned correctly.

2. The turntable function is turned off

Some JennAir microwave models have a feature that allows you to turn the turntable rotation function on or off. This feature is designed to help when microwaving multiple plates placed side by side, or when using plates larger than the turntable.

You can turn the turntable function back on by doing either of these:

• Find and press the “Turntable” button on the control panel.
• Navigate to the “Tools” menu on the control panel and press the “Turntable” key.

3. The turntable motor is faulty

The turntable motor, also called the drive motor, is the component that rotates the turntable. If it fails, the turntable simply will not turn. You can test the turntable motor by using a multimeter to check for continuity. However, this will require you to remove some panels from your appliance.

Here’s how to test and replace the turntable motor:

1. Unplug your appliance.
2. Remove the turntable and roller ring.
3. Turn the microwave over so you can access its bottom panel. Or if you have an over-the-range model, you may be able to access the bottom panel without removing it from its bracket.
4. Remove the bottom panel by unthreading the screws securing it.
5. Disconnect the wires from the turntable motor.
6. Press the probes of a multimeter against the terminals of the motor. You should get a reading of 20 to 30 ohms if the motor is working.
7. If the motor is faulty, take it out by removing the screws securing it and disconnecting the wires.
8. Install a new turntable motor by screwing it into place and connecting the wires.
9. Put the bottom panel back on and plug the microwave back in.

4. The turntable coupler is damaged

The turntable coupler, also called the drive coupler, is a small plastic component that sits directly on the turntable motor shaft and connects the turntable motor to the turntable.

If damaged, it may cause the turntable to turn erratically or not at all. Here are the steps to check and replace the turntable coupler:

1. Unplug the microwave.
2. Remove the turntable and roller ring.
3. Remove the turntable coupler by lifting it straight up off the turntable motor shaft using your fingers. On some models, there may be a single screw securing it that you need to remove first.
4. Inspect the turntable coupler for damage or grime buildup.
5. If dirty but undamaged, clean it with warm soapy water, dry it, and reinstall it in the microwave.
6. If damaged, buy a new one and install it in the microwave.
7. Put the turntable and roller ring back inside and plug the microwave back in.

5. The touchpad or control panel is faulty

While this is a less common cause, it’s possible that the touchpad or control panel is faulty, meaning that when you press the ‘Turntable’ button, it doesn’t turn on.

Even if it’s only the “Turntable button” that isn’t working, you’ll need to replace the entire touchpad to fix this problem. Here are the steps to do that:

1. Unplug your JennAir microwave.
2. Remove the microwave’s outer casing by removing its screws and lifting it off.
3. You may now be able to lift the control panel directly out of the microwave, or you may need to remove some screws first.
4. Take a photo of how all the wires connect to the control panel or touchpad.
5. Disconnect the wires to remove the control panel or touchpad completely.
6. Replace the control panel or touchpad with a new one.

Consider hiring a professional

If you haven’t been able to get your JennAir microwave rotating again after following these steps, we highly recommend that you contact a professional to assess your appliance.

At this point, it’s likely that the issue lies with the main electronic control board, often described as the microwave’s brain. This is a very complex and technical component to diagnose, especially if there are no visible signs of damage, such as burn marks. It’s also difficult to replace, so its repair is best left to a professional.