Oven not heating

Microwave Repair
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1

My GE microwave oven is not heating and when in the cabinet enclosure was making a loud humming noise. However the front panel seems to be functional. I’ve measured the continuity of my diode both ways and it measures ~5 ohms. I guess it is shorted out? Can the diode breakdown without losing other components, e.g. magnetron, capacitor, transformer? I have not tested the transformer but have measured the resistance of both the capacitor and magnetron and they seem to respond in the way I’ve read on some other website. Thanks for any help!

2

Thanks Gene. It’s on order.

Steve

3

Org, there really are’nt any less expensive options. Your HV side is coming on, so transformer is good, cap is good magnetron is bad. Hopefully you did not ruin the good diode, cause alot of times, a bad magnetron will take the diode out with it. Hope this helps

4

Steve,

The magnetron could be bad even if it shows correct resistance.

Your decision whether to fix the microwave or just buy a new one should be based on condition of the unit and price for a new microwave.

Gene.

5

Good job, now the neon light test is a test we use to 1. see if it is heating without using water, and 2. it can tell us hot and cold spots in the oven cavity, but has nothing to do with a leak check. Really the only time a leak check is necessary is if you remove or replace the door. I really don’t know about a down and dirty way of checking for leaks other than using a m/w leak checker, or you could just stand in front of it for 10 minutes then turn out the lights and see if you glow :slight_smile: I’m sure your fine. I have never done a leak check after changing the mag tube, as there is no reason to.

6

Steve,

We’re glad you were able to fix it. Do not worry about leakage. It’s not going to happen unless the door is completely broken.

Gene.

7

The agitater does not move or spin but the motor is running. How do i take it apart to replace or fix it?

8

Hi Susan

This video should help you out, it is very good. Note you do not need to remove the pump, just tie it off to the left (otherwise there is a real watery mess)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLPGs2UMUJc

Good luck