Troubleshooting a microwave oven will be tough, however one of the vital frequent issues is a defective magnetron. The magnetron is the part that generates the microwaves that prepare dinner your meals, so if it is not working correctly, your microwave will not be capable to warmth meals successfully. There are some things you are able to do to verify in case your microwave magnetron is working correctly, and we’ll stroll you thru them on this article.
First, you may want to collect a couple of instruments. You may want a multimeter, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Upon getting your instruments, you can begin the troubleshooting course of. First, unplug your microwave from the wall outlet. Then, take away the again panel of the microwave. Watch out to not contact any of {the electrical} elements contained in the microwave. Upon getting the again panel off, you can see the magnetron. The magnetron is a big, cylindrical part with a steel cap on one finish.
Subsequent, you may have to verify the continuity of the magnetron. To do that, set your multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, contact one probe of the multimeter to the steel cap of the magnetron and the opposite probe to the physique of the magnetron. If the multimeter reads 0 ohms, then the magnetron is working correctly. If the multimeter reads infinity, then the magnetron is defective and can must be changed. If you happen to’ve checked the continuity of the magnetron and it is working correctly, then the issue could also be with one other part within the microwave. You possibly can attempt changing the capacitor or the diode, but when that does not repair the issue, then you definately’ll have to name a professional equipment restore technician.
Determine the Magnetron Location
The magnetron is a important part of a microwave oven, producing the electromagnetic power that heats meals. To entry the magnetron, comply with these detailed steps:
Find the Entry Panel
Usually, microwave ovens have a detachable entry panel positioned both on the high, rear, or backside of the oven. Seek the advice of your equipment guide or search on-line to your particular mannequin to find out the situation of this panel.
Unplug the Oven
For security causes, unplug the microwave oven from {the electrical} outlet earlier than making an attempt any repairs. Permit the capacitors to discharge by ready a number of minutes earlier than continuing.
Take away the Entry Panel
Utilizing a Phillips head screwdriver, take away the screws securing the entry panel to the oven. As soon as the screws are eliminated, fastidiously carry the entry panel away from the microwave and set it apart.
Find the Magnetron
As soon as the entry panel is eliminated, you’ll have entry to the interior elements of the microwave oven. The magnetron is normally positioned on the backside of the oven cavity, in the direction of the again. It’s a cylindrical-shaped part with a big cap on one finish and a number of other steel fins radiating from its sides.
Security Precautions
1. Unplug the Microwave
- Earlier than starting any repairs or inspections, all the time disconnect the microwave from the facility supply.
2. Discharge the Excessive-Voltage Capacitor
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The magnetron capacitor shops excessive voltage, making it harmful to deal with. To soundly discharge the capacitor:
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- Use a Excessive-Voltage Probe: Join a high-voltage probe or an insulated screwdriver to the capacitor’s adverse terminal and floor it securely.
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- Bleed the Capacitor with a Resistor: Connect a high-value resistor (10kΩ or greater) throughout the capacitor terminals. Look ahead to a couple of minutes to permit the capacitor to discharge.
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- Put on Insulated Gloves: Make sure the gloves are rated for top voltage (1000V or greater).
Warning:** By no means contact the HV terminal or part straight.
3. Deal with the Magnetron with Care
- The magnetron is a fragile part and ought to be dealt with with care to keep away from injury. Use insulated instruments, and by no means pressure connections.
- Use a correct socket wrench to tighten the mounting bolts. Keep away from overtightening, as this could warp or injury the magnetron.
Making ready the Microwave
Earlier than performing any diagnostic exams, it is essential to make sure the security of each your self and the microwave oven. Comply with these steps fastidiously:
1. Unplug the Microwave
Find the facility wire linked to {the electrical} outlet and unplug it utterly.
2. Discharge the Capacitor
Contained in the microwave oven, there is a high-voltage capacitor that should be discharged earlier than dealing with any electrical elements. To do that, use a non-conductive device like a plastic screwdriver to brief the terminals collectively. Preserve one finish of the screwdriver on every terminal whereas sporting insulated gloves.
3. Take away the Outer Case
The outer case of the microwave sometimes consists of a steel body and plastic panels. Fastidiously take away the screws holding the outer case in place and gently carry it off. Be affected person and keep away from making use of extreme pressure that might injury the casing or its elements.
| Screw Location | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prime Panel | 4 |
| Facet Panels | 2 all sides |
| Backside Panel | 4 |
Finding the Magnetron
The magnetron is normally positioned on the high of the microwave, behind the waveguide cowl. To entry the magnetron, you will have to take away the outer casing of the microwave. Upon getting eliminated the outer casing, you will note the waveguide cowl. The waveguide cowl is normally held in place by a couple of screws. Take away the screws and carry off the waveguide cowl to reveal the magnetron.
The magnetron is a cylindrical-shaped part with a high-voltage capacitor hooked up to it. The capacitor is normally lined by a plastic or rubber boot. To check the magnetron, you will have to take away the capacitor boot and join a multimeter to the terminals of the capacitor.
Checking the Magnetron Resistance
To verify the resistance of the magnetron, set your multimeter to the ohms setting. Join the constructive lead of the multimeter to at least one terminal of the capacitor and the adverse lead of the multimeter to the opposite terminal of the capacitor. The resistance of the magnetron ought to be between 0.2 and 0.5 ohms. If the resistance just isn’t inside this vary, the magnetron is defective and can must be changed.
| Magnetron Resistance | Standing |
|---|---|
| 0.2 – 0.5 ohms | Good |
| Lower than 0.2 ohms | Brief circuit |
| Larger than 0.5 ohms | Open circuit |
Visible Inspection
Checking the magnetron visually is a fast and simple option to see whether it is broken. Here is what to search for:
- Cracks or dents: These would possibly point out that the magnetron has been broken by affect.
- Scorching or discoloration: This is perhaps an indication that the magnetron has been overheating.
- Rust or corrosion: This is perhaps an indication of water injury.
- Free or broken connections: These would possibly forestall the magnetron from working appropriately.
- Damaged or lacking insulation: This would possibly expose the magnetron to moisture or electrical hazards.
If you happen to discover any of those issues throughout your visible inspection, it is best to interchange the magnetron.
Desk: Visible Inspection Guidelines
| Part | What to search for |
|---|---|
| Exterior | Cracks, dents, scorching, discoloration, rust, or corrosion |
| Connections | Free or broken connections |
| Insulation | Damaged or lacking insulation |
Continuity Take a look at
The continuity check checks for a whole circuit within the magnetron. It does this by measuring {the electrical} resistance between two factors on the magnetron. If the resistance may be very low (near zero), then the circuit is full and the magnetron is functioning correctly. Nevertheless, if the resistance may be very excessive (near infinity), then the circuit is damaged and the magnetron just isn’t functioning correctly.
Step 1: Collect Your Supplies
You have to a multimeter and a microwave magnetron for this check.
Step 2: Set Up Your Multimeter
Set your multimeter to the continuity setting. That is normally indicated by an emblem that appears like a diode or a speaker.
Step 3: Disconnect the Magnetron
Unplug the microwave from the facility outlet. Take away the magnetron from the microwave.
Step 4: Determine the Magnetron Terminals
There are normally two terminals on a magnetron. One terminal is linked to {the electrical} provide and the opposite terminal is linked to the microwave cavity. The terminals could also be labeled or they could be marked with completely different colours.
Step 5: Contact the Multimeter Probes to the Magnetron Terminals
Contact one multimeter probe to every of the magnetron terminals. If the multimeter beeps, then the circuit is full and the magnetron is functioning correctly. If the multimeter doesn’t beep, then the circuit is damaged and the magnetron just isn’t functioning correctly.
Step 6: Troubleshooting
If the continuity check fails, then you will have to troubleshoot the magnetron. Listed below are some potential causes of a failed continuity check:
| Doable Trigger | Answer |
|---|---|
| Damaged wire | Change the wire. |
| Free connection | Tighten the connection. |
| Burned out magnetron | Change the magnetron. |
Resistance Take a look at
The resistance check is an easy option to verify if the magnetron is working correctly. To carry out the resistance check, you will have a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and join the results in the 2 terminals on the magnetron. The resistance ought to be between 0.5 and a pair of ohms. If the resistance is considerably greater or decrease than this, then the magnetron is probably going defective and ought to be changed.
Listed below are the steps on the right way to carry out the resistance check:
1. Flip off the microwave and unplug it from the facility outlet.
2. Take away the outer cowl of the microwave.
3. Find the magnetron. It’s normally a big, cylindrical part positioned in the back of the oven.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the magnetron.
5. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
6. Join the leads of the multimeter to the 2 terminals on the magnetron.
7. Examine the resistance studying. The resistance ought to be between 0.5 and a pair of ohms.
8. If the resistance is considerably greater or decrease than this, then the magnetron is probably going defective and ought to be changed.
| Resistance Studying | Magnetron Standing |
|---|---|
| 0.5 – 2 ohms | Good |
| Beneath 0.5 ohms | Brief circuit |
| Above 2 ohms | Open circuit |
Voltage Take a look at
The voltage check is a vital step in checking the microwave magnetron. It entails testing the voltage output from the magnetron to the wave information. The voltage ought to be between 3,000 and 4,000 volts. To carry out the voltage check, comply with these steps:
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Disconnect the facility to the microwave.
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Take away the outer casing of the microwave.
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Find the magnetron and the wave information.
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Disconnect the wave information from the magnetron.
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Join a voltmeter to the wave information.
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Activate the facility to the microwave.
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Observe the voltmeter studying.
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If the voltage studying is between 3,000 and 4,000 volts, the magnetron is functioning correctly. If the voltage studying is beneath or above this vary, the magnetron is defective and must be changed.
Troubleshooting a Defective Magnetron
1. Examine for Seen Injury
Examine the magnetron for any indicators of bodily injury, resembling burn marks or cracks. If you happen to discover any injury, the magnetron must be changed.
2. Take a look at the Continuity of the Filaments
Utilizing a multimeter, verify the continuity of the 2 filaments within the magnetron. If both filament is damaged, the magnetron is not going to work correctly.
3. Take a look at the Diode
The diode within the magnetron prevents high-voltage electrical energy from flowing again into the transformer. Utilizing a multimeter, verify the diode for continuity in each instructions. If the diode is defective, the magnetron is not going to work correctly.
4. Take a look at the Excessive-Voltage Transformer
Utilizing a high-voltage probe, verify the output voltage of the transformer. The voltage ought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 volts. If the voltage is just too low or too excessive, the transformer could also be defective.
5. Take a look at the Capacitor
The capacitor within the magnetron shops power and releases it to the diode and transformer. Utilizing a capacitor tester or a multimeter, verify the capacitance of the capacitor. If the capacitance is just too low or too excessive, the capacitor could also be defective.
6. Examine the Waveguide
The waveguide is a steel tube that carries the microwaves from the magnetron to the cooking chamber. Examine the waveguide for any injury or obstructions. If the waveguide is broken, the microwaves won’t be able to succeed in the cooking chamber.
7. Examine the Door Interlock Change
The door interlock change prevents the microwave from working when the door is open. Utilizing a multimeter, verify the continuity of the change. If the change is defective, the microwave is not going to function.
8. Reset the Microwave
Typically, a defective magnetron will be mounted by merely resetting the microwave. Unplug the microwave and anticipate a couple of minutes. Plug the microwave again in and attempt to function it usually.
9. Change the Magnetron
If the entire above exams have failed, the magnetron is probably going defective and must be changed. Changing a magnetron is a posh job that ought to solely be carried out by a professional technician.
Symptom Doable Trigger Microwave doesn’t warmth meals Defective magnetron, defective diode, defective capacitor, defective waveguide, defective door interlock change Microwave sparks or arcs Defective magnetron, defective waveguide Microwave makes a buzzing noise Defective transformer Indicators of a Defective Magnetron
In case your microwave just isn’t heating meals evenly or in any respect, it could possibly be an indication that the magnetron is defective. Different indicators of a defective magnetron embody:
- Arcing or sparking contained in the microwave
- A buzzing or buzzing noise
- The microwave door not closing correctly
Security Precautions
Earlier than you start working in your microwave, you’ll want to unplug it from the facility outlet. Additionally, put on security glasses and gloves to guard your self from any potential hazards.
Alternative
To interchange the magnetron, you will have to:
- Take away the outer casing of the microwave
- Find the magnetron and disconnect the wires
- Take away the mounting bolts and take out the magnetron
- Set up the brand new magnetron and reconnect the wires
- Change the mounting bolts and put again the outer casing
Reassembly
Upon getting changed the magnetron, you will have to reassemble the microwave. To do that, you will have to:
- Change the outer casing
- Join the facility wire
- Take a look at the microwave to ensure it’s working correctly
Troubleshooting
In case you are having hassle changing the magnetron, listed here are some troubleshooting suggestions:
- Be sure that the facility is disconnected from the microwave
- Examine the connections between the magnetron and the wires
- Be sure that the mounting bolts are tightened correctly
Extra Suggestions
Listed below are some extra suggestions for changing the magnetron in your microwave:
- Use a brand new magnetron that’s the similar kind and mannequin as the unique
- Comply with the directions fastidiously and don’t skip any steps
- In case you are not comfy changing the magnetron your self, contact a professional equipment restore technician
How To Examine Microwave Magnetron
The magnetron is a vital part of a microwave oven, accountable for producing the microwaves that warmth meals. A defective magnetron can result in poor heating efficiency and even full failure of the oven.
Checking the magnetron is a comparatively easy course of, utilizing a multimeter to measure resistance and continuity. Listed below are the steps to verify a microwave magnetron:
- Unplug the microwave oven from the facility outlet.
- Find the magnetron, normally located behind the cooking chamber.
- Disconnect the wires linked to the magnetron.
- Set the multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). Join one probe to the terminal marked “anode” or “A” on the magnetron, and the opposite probe to the terminal marked “filament” or “F”. The resistance ought to be between 1 and 5 ohms.
- Change the multimeter to continuity mode. Join one probe to the terminal marked “anode” or “A” and the opposite probe to the steel physique of the magnetron. There ought to be no continuity, indicating that the magnetron just isn’t shorted to floor.
If the magnetron fails any of those exams, it seemingly must be changed. It is essential to have a professional technician substitute the magnetron to make sure security and correct operation.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Examine Microwave Magnetron
How do I do know if my microwave magnetron is working?
You possibly can verify the magnetron utilizing a multimeter to measure resistance and continuity as described within the information above. If the magnetron is working correctly, it should present the proper resistance and continuity readings.
What are the indicators of a nasty microwave magnetron?
Indicators of a defective magnetron embody poor heating efficiency, uneven cooking, or full failure of the oven to warmth meals. Moreover, the magnetron could make a buzzing or buzzing noise throughout operation.
Is it harmful to interchange a microwave magnetron?
Changing a microwave magnetron will be harmful as a result of excessive voltage concerned. It is important to have a professional technician carry out the substitute to make sure security and correct operation.
