Sharp Microwave Error Code EE44

EE44 indicates that the control board has detected the exhaust motor is locked, meaning it is not spinning as expected during operation. The microwave shuts down to protect itself from overheating when airflow through the unit is interrupted. The fault points to the exhaust fan motor, its wiring, or the control board that monitors it.

No. The EE44 code means the exhaust fan is not functioning, which removes the airflow needed to cool the magnetron and other internal components. Continuing to operate the microwave in this condition risks overheating damage to expensive components and could create a fire hazard. The unit should remain unplugged until the fault is diagnosed and corrected.

Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. A replacement exhaust motor typically runs in the range of $25 to $80 for the part, while a new control board can range from $60 to $150 or more. Adding professional labor, total repair costs generally fall between $100 and $250 depending on the technician and the specific model. For older or lower-cost units, comparing the repair estimate against replacement cost is worth considering.

Some causes are DIY-accessible, such as clearing debris from the fan blade or reseating a loose wiring connector after unplugging the unit. However, replacing the exhaust motor or control board involves working inside a microwave, which contains a high-voltage capacitor that can retain a dangerous charge even after unplugging. If you are not experienced with discharging capacitors safely, a qualified technician should handle the repair.

Unplugging the microwave for a minute and restoring power may temporarily clear the display, but the code will return as soon as the control board detects the motor is still not running correctly. A reset does not fix the underlying mechanical or electrical fault. The motor, wiring, and connections need to be inspected and repaired before the error will stay cleared.