Last updated: 2026-05-01

🛠️ Can you fix this?

DIY confidence 0%

Easy — Most homeowners

📡

Microwave Sparking Inside

Arcing or sparks visible inside the microwave cavity

50%

50% chance this is caused by:

Damaged waveguide cover or metal debris inside

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Fix it this weekend. Most parts ship same-day on Amazon.

A service call costs $150-300. This repair takes about 5-10 minutes and the part runs $8. Order the part tonight, fix it Saturday morning.

🔧 The Exact Part You Need

Waveguide Cover

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Total parts cost: $8. Same-day shipping available on most items.

🔍

Find the Right Part for Your Microwave

Parts vary by model. Search with your model number for the best match.

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Tip: Add your model number (e.g. "GE GSS25GSH") for more precise results.

🔥 Parts for Microwaves move fast on Amazon — especially common failure parts like these.

🔨 Tools You'll Need

Multi-Bit Screwdriver

$22

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Easy · 5-10 minutes

Parts: $8 vs $$100-500 to replace

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Unplug the microwave

Look inside the cavity for any metal fragments or food debris

Check the waveguide cover (small mica sheet on the right wall)

If it's burned, charred, or has holes, replace it

Peel off the old cover and stick the new one in place

Test with a cup of water

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Don't put this off.

A Microwave that's failing can cause water damage, electrical issues, or food spoilage — each costing 10x what the replacement part costs. The fix is straightforward. The part is cheap. The risk of waiting isn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a microwave that's sparking inside?

The part costs about $8. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $158.

How long does this microwave repair take?

This repair is rated "easy" and typically takes 5-10 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.

What if this isn't the problem?

Our diagnosis is 50% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "arcing or sparks visible inside the microwave cavity" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.

Should I just replace my microwave instead?

A new microwave costs $100-500. If yours is well under 7-10 years old, a $8 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.

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