Sharp Microwave

[llfish]

Our microwave stopped heating today. Light and clock work. It makes a crazy loud noise when it runs but does not heat the food up. No metal has been run through it.

Any cheap fix or buy a new one.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Sharp Microwave

It's conceivable that the high voltage diode has shorted. Otherwise shorted magnetron or shorted transformer. The diode is a cheap fix but otherwise "It's dead, Jim."

WARNING! There is a large HV capacitor in there which will take your life if you don't ensure it's properly discharged. Check out repairfaq.org for details if you want to get into servicing it.

 

[Pony]

Re: Sharp Microwave

IMHO, most small appliances now are so cheap that fixing them is almost useless. Sad but True. (Even though stuff is cheaper, it would be nice to have it be durable) Unless it is an over the range model. Then I would attempt to fix it, or at the very least take it in and get it fixed.(Since it probably matches some other kitchen appliances.) Depending on where you bought it from and how old it is, they can service it. Problem is that will take a few weeks. So if it were up to me I'd just buy a new one,mainly because of the time needed to fix it. There are a lot of nice ones for less than $100.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Sharp Microwave

My rule of thumb is if it costs less to buy one used, it's not worth repairing. The HV diode is < 10 USD so if it's just that it's probably worth fixing. And don't forget the side benefit of keeping it out of a landfill.

 

[llfish]

Re: Sharp Microwave

Thanks for the information. Already replaced it.