How to Replace the Turntable Motor on a BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Microwave

If your microwave is cooking food unevenly, leaving cold spots in the center of your dish, or you can hear a faint humming noise but the glass plate refuses to rotate, there is a strong chance your turntable motor has failed. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 turntable motor is a small but critical component responsible for rotating the glass tray during cooking cycles. Without it, microwave energy cannot distribute evenly throughout your food, leading to frustrating results and potentially undercooked meals.

Common symptoms of a failed turntable motor include:

• The glass turntable plate is completely stationary during operation
• A low humming or buzzing sound coming from beneath the turntable area
• Food heating unevenly, with hot edges and a cold center
• The roller ring moves slightly but the plate does not complete full rotations
• The motor shaft turns intermittently or only in one direction

The good news is that replacing the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 turntable motor is a straightforward repair that most homeowners can complete in under an hour with basic tools. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from safely preparing your workspace to testing the finished repair.

Safety Warning — Read Before You Begin

Working on a microwave requires special precautions that go beyond standard appliance repair. Microwaves contain a high-voltage capacitor that can store a lethal electrical charge of 2,000 volts or more — even after the unit has been unplugged from the wall. This charge can persist for hours or, in some cases, days.

Follow these safety steps without exception:

• Unplug the microwave immediately and do not rely solely on switching it off at the control panel.
• Allow at least 30 to 60 minutes after unplugging before opening any panel — even though the turntable motor repair in this guide does not require accessing the internal high-voltage components, it is a critical habit to establish.
• Do not touch any internal wiring, capacitors, or the magnetron at any point during this repair. The turntable motor is located on the underside of the unit and is accessible without entering the main cavity housing, but exercise caution regardless.
• Work on a clean, dry, non-conductive surface such as a wooden workbench or a rubber mat.
• If you are unsure about any step or notice burn marks, melted wiring, or unusual damage inside the unit, stop the repair and consult a certified appliance technician.

Tools and Parts Needed

Tools

• Phillips head screwdriver (#2 size recommended)
• Flat head screwdriver (for gently prying panel clips if needed)
• Needle-nose pliers (for disconnecting the wire harness connector)
• Multimeter (optional, for testing the old motor before replacement)
• Soft cloth or towel (to protect the microwave exterior during work)
• Container or magnetic tray (to hold screws and prevent loss)

Replacement Part

You will need a compatible replacement black + decker microwave turntable motor for the EM720CB7 model. The original motor operates at 3 watts, 2.5/3 RPM, and runs on 120V AC power. When sourcing your replacement part, look for the following:

• OEM Part Number: Check your existing motor for a label — common compatible part numbers for this model include motors in the TYJ50-8A7 family
• Purchase from authorized appliance parts retailers, the BLACK+DECKER parts portal, or reputable third-party suppliers such as PartSelect, RepairClinic, or Encompass Parts
• Confirm that the replacement motor uses a 2-wire connector and matching shaft coupling before ordering

Step-by-Step Turntable Motor Replacement

Step 1: Remove the Turntable Plate and Roller Ring

Begin with the microwave right-side up on your workbench. Open the door and lift the glass turntable plate straight up and out of the cavity. Set it aside on a soft towel to prevent cracking. Next, remove the plastic roller ring (also called the support ring or guide ring) that sits on the floor of the microwave cavity. It simply lifts out — no tools required. Inspect both pieces for damage and set them aside safely.

Step 2: Flip the Microwave and Remove the Bottom Panel

Carefully tip the microwave onto its front face, resting it on a folded towel to protect the door and control panel from scratches. The bottom panel will now be facing upward. Locate the screws securing the bottom cover — the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 typically uses between 6 and 8 Phillips head screws arranged around the perimeter of the panel. Remove all screws and place them in your magnetic tray. Gently lift the bottom cover panel away from the unit. In some units, the panel may have a plastic tab or lip that needs to be released with a flat-head screwdriver before it separates completely.

Step 3: Locate the Turntable Motor

With the bottom panel removed, you will see the internal base of the microwave. The turntable motor is a small component — typically white or black in color, roughly the size of a large matchbox — mounted near the center of the base plate. It connects directly to the shaft coupling that protrudes up through the floor of the cooking cavity. You will see a 2-wire connector (usually red and white, or black and white wires) leading away from the motor body to the main wiring harness.

Step 4: Disconnect the Wire Harness

Using your needle-nose pliers or your fingers, gently squeeze the plastic locking tab on the wire connector and pull it straight away from the motor terminal. Do not yank or twist the wires — pull only on the connector housing itself. If the connector feels stiff, rock it gently side to side while maintaining steady outward pressure. Once disconnected, move the wire harness out of the work area so it does not interfere.

Step 5: Remove the Motor Mounting Screws

The turntable motor is secured to the base plate with 2 to 3 small Phillips head screws. Remove each screw and add them to your parts tray — these are small and easy to lose. Once the screws are out, the motor can be lifted directly away from the mounting bracket. Note the orientation of the motor before removal, particularly the direction the wiring exits the body. Taking a quick photo with your phone at this stage is always a good practice.

Step 6: Install the New Motor

Position the new black + decker microwave turntable motor into the mounting bracket in the same orientation as the original. Align the screw holes carefully and hand-tighten the mounting screws before applying full torque with your screwdriver. Do not overtighten — the motor housing is plastic and the threads can strip easily. Once the motor is secure, route the wire harness back to the connector terminal and press the connector firmly onto the motor until you feel or hear it click into place.

Step 7: Reassemble the Microwave

Align the bottom panel back onto the unit and press it flat. Reinsert all screws in the same positions from which they were removed and tighten them evenly. Flip the microwave carefully back to its upright position. Replace the roller ring inside the cooking cavity, ensuring it sits flat on the cavity floor. Set the glass turntable plate back onto the roller ring, aligning the center hub of the plate with the motor shaft coupling below.

Testing After Replacement

Before loading the microwave with food, perform a controlled test to confirm the motor is functioning correctly.

1. Place a microwave-safe cup filled with water on the turntable plate.
2. Plug the microwave back into the wall outlet.
3. Set a 1-minute cook cycle at full power and close the door.
4. Watch through the door window — the glass plate should begin rotating smoothly and consistently within the first few seconds of operation.
5. Listen for any grinding, clicking, or unusual noise from beneath the plate.
6. After the cycle completes, check the water — it should be heated evenly.

If the plate rotates smoothly and quietly, the repair is complete and successful. If the plate still does not turn, double-check that the wire harness connector is fully seated on the motor and that the shaft coupling is properly engaged with the motor shaft below the cavity floor.

When to Replace vs. Repair — Cost Comparison

Before committing to this repair, it is worth considering whether replacement or full-unit repair makes more financial sense for your situation.

A replacement turntable motor for this model typically costs between $8 and $20, making it one of the most cost-effective microwave repairs available. Combined with the time investment of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, this is almost always the right financial decision when the microwave is otherwise in good working order.

However, consider replacing the entire unit if:

• Your microwave is more than 8 to 10 years old and has other performance issues
• You have already repaired the magnetron, door switches, or control board previously
• The cost of a professional technician visit exceeds 50% of the cost of a new equivalent unit
• The unit has visible burn damage, arcing marks inside the cavity, or a damaged door seal

For a microwave in the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 price range — typically $60 to $90 new — a $15 motor replacement represents an excellent value repair that can extend the appliance’s useful life by several additional years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my BLACK+DECKER microwave turntable not spinning?

The most common cause is a failed turntable motor, which is the component directly responsible for rotating the glass plate. However, before replacing the motor, rule out these simpler causes: the glass plate or roller ring may be improperly seated and physically obstructing rotation, food debris may be jamming the roller ring track, or the shaft coupling (the plastic piece connecting the motor to the plate) may be cracked or broken. If none of those simpler fixes resolve the issue, the turntable motor itself has likely burned out and needs to be replaced following the steps outlined in this guide.

Can I use my microwave without a working turntable motor?

Technically the microwave will still heat food, but doing so is not recommended. Without rotation, microwave energy creates hot and cold spots throughout your food, making it difficult to heat meals evenly and safely. For reheating purposes in a pinch, you can manually stop and rotate your dish every 30 seconds, but replacing the motor as soon as possible is the proper long-term solution.

How long does a replacement turntable motor typically last?

A quality replacement motor in normal household use can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Motor lifespan is affected by usage frequency, voltage fluctuations, and whether the microwave is operated empty (which should always be avoided, as it stresses all internal components including the motor).