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Repair guides and troubleshooting information for microwave ovens.

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Why isn't my IFb Microwave Oven Heating Inside cooking?

My Owen is not heating actully not working and cooking

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All features on the microwave work, time, display panel ect but the heater element does not work. What is my next step?

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@Tom Gilmore

What is the make and model number of the microwave oven?

Microwave ovens don't have a heater element unless they are a combined convection/microwave oven that is.

They have a magnetron that produces microwave energy which radiates and passes through the food to heat it up.

See the Most Helpful Answer below as to what may be the problem

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Most Helpful Answer

Diode

The high voltage diode converts the A/C power output of the transformer to D/C, doubling the voltage to nearly 5,000 volts. This high voltage powers the magnetron which emits the energy that cooks the food. If the diode burns out, a lower A/C voltage reaches the magnetron, which is not sufficient to power the magnetron. When the diode fails it is often visibly burned out. If it appears to be good, it can be tested with a volt-Ohm meter capable of testing diodes. High voltage diodes frequently fail and are one of the most common points of failure in a microwave oven. A regular meter with a diode checker will not work to check these diodes. You have to use a meter with a 9 volt battery or put a 9 volt battery in series with the diode to check it.

Door Switch

If the microwave does not heat, one of the door switches might be defective. Microwave ovens normally have three door switches, if any of them fail the microwave does not turn on and does not heat. Check the switches for continuity with an Ohm meter.

Magnetron

If the microwave oven doesn't heat the magnetron tube might have burned out. The magnetron uses high voltage, high current DC power to generate the microwave frequency that cooks the food. If the microwave oven is turned on when it is empty this can cause the magnetron to burn out. Once it is burned out it has to be replaced, it's not repairable.

High Voltage Capacitor

If the microwave doesn't heat the high voltage capacitor might be defective. The high voltage capacitor works with the high voltage diode to convert the output of the transformer to DC voltage and to double the output voltage. If the capacitor is burned out the entire high voltage circuit stops working properly. The high voltage capacitor can be checked with a special VOM meter which has a capacitance testing capability. Be aware that the high voltage capacitor can retain a charge of more than 3,000 volts and can injure or kill a person if not handled properly. Only trained technicians should perform this type of testing.

High Voltage Transformer

If the microwave does not heat, the high voltage transformer might be burned out. Microwave ovens produce a very high voltage in order to power the magnetron antenna, which emits the energy that cooks the food. When a high voltage transformer fails it will usually arch and have a burning smell.

Thermal Fuse

If the microwave doesn't heat the thermal fuse may have blown. It can be tested for continuity.

Thermoprotector

If the microwave doesn't heat the thermoprotector may have tripped. This is a safety device to prevent the microwave from overheating. It can be tested for continuity to see if it's blown.

Main Control Board

If the microwave doesn't heat the main control board may be defective. This is not common. When a microwave doesn't heat the problem is usually a faulty door switch or within the high voltage circuit; either the high voltage capacitor, diode, transformer or magnetron.

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Yes, the problem lies with the door switch the spring of which may be loose.   If you can rectify the problem, the microwave oven would start heating the food.  Spring is located inside the micro door which pulls the locking system of the door to switch on the connector.

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There may be many reasons for this. But the most important and generally found reason is the door of the microwave oven is not closed properly, means that the spring attached with the door may be jammed or loosely working. When the microwave door is closed the spring inside the door pulls the door hooks properly to give sensors in the door to start micro oven. It may be possible that one of the springs or both the springs are not working properly. Inform your technician to check door of the micro oven properly.

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Hanry will be eternally grateful.
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