What do you call the three pronged plastic "thing" the plate sits on inside the microwave? It started on fire and I need to order a new one for a Sharp microwave model # R1420B

You can order parts from the manufacturer.
Silvercrest SMW 800 A1 Operating Instructions Manual

Hi there micro
There are things that the microwave does not like. One of them is aluminium or metal for that matter.
You can buy plastic hoods or just cover the plate with plastic film not forgetting to pierce the film in several places in order to let the steam escape.
all the best
Kolbrun

Hi, one of the most common reasons why the turntable won't rotate is that the microwave isn't clean. The turntable guide and carousel can get sticky, preventing the turntable from properly moving. If you have built-on food particles or liquids, fill a bowl with 2 or 3 cups of water and 1 tsp. of liquid detergent and lemon. Run the microwave for about 3 minutes. Clean the microwave with a cloth, including the base of the turntable, guide, carousel grooves and microwave base. Your microwave turntable won't rotate if the grooves on the base of the turntable do not sit right on the carousel. Also, check the position of the turntable guide. Place the guide directly under the turntable. Remove the turntable, and then reposition it into the carousel grooves.
Motor The carousel motor is located beneath the base plate of the microwave. If the carousel isn't turning at all, check the motor. Disconnect the microwave from the power source, and remove the turntable, guide and base plate. Try turning the motor to see if it's just stuck. If it doesn't turn freely after a few seconds, examine the motor to see if it's burned out or corroded. Use an ohmmeter to see if the motor has continuity. If not, you must replace the motor.
Bushings The drive bushings are plastic components that sit underneath the cooking plate. Remove the plate, and examine the bushings. Use a magnifying glass if necessary to see if any debris is caught in the plastic. Clean the bushings, and reinsert the plate. Turn the microwave on to see if it rotates. If the bushings are extremely worn or if some of the plastic is broken off, you need to replace it, which is a complicated repair for consumers. Contact a service technician for assistance.

Replacement of the turntable motor should be carried out by a qualified appliance repair service.

YOUR SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT!

Attempt this only if you are competent.

But here is a basic method if you are mechanically minded and have electrical safety knowledge.

I am assuming the plastic coupler is not split or broken and causing the problem.

The motor assembly is fixed to the base of the oven usually with two screws and access is obtained usually by removing the inspection plate directly beneath the motor. It is usually a plug in synchronous motor that revolves at a few revs per minute but the plastic cogs in the motors gear box fail and the motor assembly must be replaced. They are fairly inexpensive and obtainable usually from a domestic appliance repair shop.
If you feel confident, disconnect it from the mains power, remove anything in the cavity and turn it upside down if it is a tabletop model, a little more complicated if it is built in!
Remove the inspection plate, sometimes it must be cut out with sharp cutters, and disconnect the motor. Remove the motor and go and get a new one. Fit the new motor and fit the inspection cover back on the base by turning it to fit and using an extra screw fix it then put the microwave back in its position. Plug it back in, with the turntable and plate. Put a cup of water on the plate inside of the oven and heat for 20 seconds to check the plate goes round.
Hope this helps.

Hi, It could be one of three things.

The first and easiest to check is the coupling. Pull the plate off and under it, in the center of the oven is a small plastic piece that drives the plate. This coupling will pull straight up. Look to see if it split down the stem, if it is broken that needs replaced. If it is okay then we have one of two issues, both requiring you to disassemble the microwave and take meter readings. Do you have the ability and access to a good ohmmeter?

HI there,

Here's HOW;

1. Remove the face plate above the door.
2. There were 2 bolts in which you will need a screw driver to loosen it
3. This bolts go all the way to the back of the microwave.
4. You still need to remove the one - three screws that's above of the cabinet. You may have to jar it loose if it still stuck.

Hope this helps.

Let me know for further instructions.

may be due to over heating in the thing

Do Not Use The Microwave. If You Need Parts Try Finding A Part Number And Use Ge To Order Parts. Click Here To Order Parts

This is the the stirrer cover, and it provides important protection for the magnetron and must be replaced.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

You don't say which make/model microwave you have, but on every model I have ever seen the thing that sits behind the plastic cover is the magnetron - the bit that actually generates the microwaves.

Unless the microwave was a fairly top-end model, you might well be cheaper to just buy a new one.

Hope this helps,

Matt