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 Post subject: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 10:33 pm 
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Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:03 am
Posts: 5280
Location: Portland, OR
So, our Sharp microwave has quit heating things. The touchpad works, and the light and fan come on, but no heat. According to this terrific information site: http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/micfaq.htm that probably means that there's something wrong with the magnetron.

So I'll be taking it apart this weekend. Advice from the experienced welcome.

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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 7:30 am 
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Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:51 am
Posts: 663
Location: W. Montana
I just had mine repaired, same symptoms as yours; it was the magnetron.
The charge for the repair and the part was $300+. I could have gotten a new one for less but I really like the design and the pre-set buttons on the one I have (GE) and I'm used to it so I opted to keep it - it's the kind mounted over the range.


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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 11:08 am 
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Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:35 am
Posts: 2305
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Happened to my 20 year old Panasonic Genius - not the magnetron - it was a resistor. Unless you are experienced with diagnosing electronics, I think this is for a pro.


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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 5:46 pm 
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Wino,

I have some experience, actually. And I figure I have nothing to lose by trying it; worst case, I buy a new one which is what I'd do anyway.

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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 8:07 am 
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Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:53 pm
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My experience with this consists of Chris saying "I'm an engineer...I'm capable of ordering and installing the parts". We have a new microwave now. The parts were right, but unbeknownst to us, the microwave is designed to self destruct when you take it apart. The technician who came out when version 2 pulled the same thing said that they just replace the whole thing because of it.

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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2015 7:52 am 
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Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:43 am
Posts: 1426
We have an Amanna Radar Range Microwave that my brother bought from Consumers when he worked there 30 some years ago. It gets used everyday here at work and it still heats up food really well.


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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:50 am 
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Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:51 am
Posts: 663
Location: W. Montana
Fuzzy,
How's the m/w repair coming along?


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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:37 am 
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Location: Portland, OR
Linda,

Haven't started yet. On business near Seattle right now.

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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2015 4:40 pm 
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Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:10 pm
Posts: 1060
Location: PA
My one experience with microwave repair involved a blown fuse in the magnetron circuit.


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 Post subject: Re: Anyone fix a microwave?
PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2015 9:56 pm 
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Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:03 am
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Location: Portland, OR
Well, no good. Time to buy a new microwave.

I took apart the Sharp. However, I simply can't find anything wrong with it; All of the parts look perfect, and all of the circuits I tested -- including the main fuse, the light fuse and the temp fuse -- are all fine. The magnetron looks factory-perfect, and the photos I can find of dead magnetrons online seem to indicate that there should be something visibly wrong with it. Plus, the DMM thinks the magnetron is fine.

So, something isn't working in the microwave, but it's completely unclear what. The only things I haven't tested are the high-voltage capacator and the transformer, neither of which I have he equipment to test safely.

Given that I can replace the whole thing for $150, I think it's time to do so. Next time, I need to do a better job filing the warranty paperwork.

BTW, this web site is invaluable if you ever want to try to repair your own microwave: http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/micfaq.htm Thank you, Mr. Goldwasser.

BTW, does anyone know where I can dispose of a defunct microwave? There's a lot of steel and parts in this thing; it seems like a shame to just toss it in the trash.

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