Do you understand the various features and functions surrounding your whirlpool microwave? What about the codes? Should it concern you, or can you afford to ignore it?
What Does SPD2 Mean On Whirlpool Microwave?
SPD2 on Whirlpool microwave stands for ‘Fan High.’ On the other hand, SPD1 means ‘Low and Off.’
A fan in a microwave oven performs numerous functions. First of all, it will blow hot air through the cooking chamber, removing the steam that usually prevents condensation. Secondly, it extends a hot magnetron’s lifespan by blowing cool air over the component.
A fan could use cold air to control the temperature of a high voltage transformer. If your microwave hangs over a stove, an underside fan will remove grease particles from the frying pans underneath.
Some models use fans to remove moisture, heat, and any odors that may corrupt your food during the cooking process. As you can see, fans play a significant role in the operations of a microwave.
The microwaves you find over cooktops work in tandem with a ventilation system. From what Hunker has seen, some manufacturers connect the ventilation system to an exterior vent. In contrast, others use a mechanism that recirculates the air within the room that contains the microwave.
Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Systems that work in tandem with an external vent use a fan to pull air into an outer duct that leads to the exterior.
Microwaves that recirculate the air have a filter. Some use a charcoal filter that prevents pollutants from flowing back into the kitchen. But the filters cannot block heat or moisture. If your ventilation system uses aluminum filters, they will probably trap grease.
Manufacturers provide documentation that explains the purpose of their fan and the alerts associated with its operations. If you have an ordinary microwave, the kind that doesn’t rely on complex ventilation, expect the fan to prevent overheating.
Like many kitchen appliances, microwaves have electronic components that can overheat. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay close attention to the heat a microwave generates.
The devices have thermostats. They will activate the fan once the microwave starts overheating. Some fans will display ‘SPD1’ and ‘SPD2’ when they need the user to select high or low fan speed.
You can eliminate the messages by either resetting the microwave or selecting a fan speed that suits your situation. Many consumers have never tampered with the fan speed.
According to Frigidaire, their microwaves will automatically activate the fan once the appliance starts to overheat. This is true for the majority of modern microwaves.
Based on what Panasonic has said, it looks like a microwave can overheat if you use it for long periods, especially if the device has poor ventilation. You can adjust the fan speed, but you can’t turn it off if the appliance is still too hot.
You don’t want to use a microwave whose fan has stopped working. You should also fight the urge to tamper with the device. The layperson doesn’t have the technical prowess needed to fix a microwave fan.
Additionally, these machines are dangerous. They can cause serious harm if you touch the wrong component. Call a technician. This solution applies to consumers whose microwaves can only work when the fan is at a certain speed.
Do I Need To Fix The Microwave Showing SPD2?
You don’t have to fix it. The appliance will respond to overheating by raising the fan speed. If the temperature continues to rise, expect the automatic shut-off to switch the heating elements off.
You can’t do anything about a microwave that keeps activating the high fan speed because of overheating. You have to consult a technician. A technician has the tools and experience to scrutinize a malfunctioning microwave.
It is perfectly normal for microwaves to feel hot when you touch them. They are still safe, and the heat you feel will eventually fade.
But if the heat persists, you have a defective component, probably a dead magnetron.
Look for heat sources in the vicinity. For instance, a microwave can overheat because you placed it next to a stove. You could also interfere with the device’s operations by blocking the ventilation and trapping the heat inside.
Keep an eye on the temperature. If you cook a food item at the highest temperatures for long periods, the microwave may suffer, especially if the appliance is worn out.
Ultimately, whether you have thin insulation or your machine is faulty, don’t tamper with a microwave that has a high fan speed without consulting a technician.
What Should I Do If Whirlpool Microwave Fan Won’t Turn Off?
Don’t ignore a Whirlpool microwave fan that won’t turn off. Some fans refuse to turn off for innocuous reasons. But in other cases, the microwave has malfunctioned. These are some potential causes of this phenomenon:
1). Thermostat Setting
The thermostat controls the fan. Therefore, if you program the device poorly, it may activate the fan every time you use the microwave because it thinks that every temperature is too high.
Check the preset temperature. It can have a drastic impact on the operations of the fan.
2). Normal Functions
The vent fan of an over-the-range microwave will activate whenever you use the cook function. But that is only true for specific models. This is why the manual is so important. If you read it, the manual will tell you whether or not a running fan is normal.
3). Overheating
The fan is supposed to protect the electronic components from overheating. Therefore, if it won’t turn off, you have to consider the possibility that the microwave is overeating.
Even though the fan is annoying because of how loud it can get, it is actually keeping you safe. Don’t be so quick to disable it. Find out why the appliance is overheating.
4). Overuse
Have you overtaxed the microwave? If you overuse the appliance, it will overheat, and the fan will remain on for longer periods.
How Do You Turn off The Whirlpool Microwave Fan?
- Go to ‘Control Setup.’ Some appliances have ‘Options.’ This will take you to the settings.
- Look for ‘Vent Fan’ in the menu.
- Once you find ‘Vent Fan,’ select the ‘Enter/Start’ option.
- Choose ‘Off’ and then ‘Enter/Start.’
This is enough to deactivate the automatic fan. But if the fan is still on the high-speed mode and won’t turn off, I suggest you unplug the machine from the wall outlet.
This will give you an opportunity to check the thermostat. Make sure the preset temperature is accurate. But this is the furthest you can go. Don’t tamper with the actual thermostat.
Wait for the technician to troubleshoot the device. In the meantime, you can check the ventilation. A blocked ventilation system can cause overheating.
If you think you overused the microwave, give the machine rest. Leave it alone until it cools down.
If you have a warranty, use it to get a new microwave. Faulty microwaves are dangerous. If a technician tells you that the microwave is beyond repair, buy a replacement. Microwaves are not what they used to be. These days, a decent model will only cost you a few dollars.
What If Whirlpool Microwave Fan Turned On/Off By Itself?
Microwaves have a thermostat that monitors the temperature. If the temperature rises beyond a specific threshold, the thermostat will activate the fan as a way of lowering the temperature. If the temperature falls below a specific threshold, the thermostat will deactivate the fan.
You don’t have to fix it. The fan is supposed to turn on and off depending on the temperature.
What If Whirlpool Microwave Fan Stuck on Speed 2?
If the fan is truly stuck, you have a problem with the main circuit board. You should also check the blower motor.
Is the microwave stuck on speed two, or is your appliance overheating? The fan speed will depend on the temperature.
How To Fix It?
Hire a technician to troubleshoot the device. If you have a bad control board or fan, they can replace these components.
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