Microwave conking out?

**Chris T** · 13-08-2007, 11:10

Twice in the last week, our microwave has flickered and died whilst cooking. However it is the internal light and the cooking operation that stutters and then cuts out; the complete machine itself doesn't shut down and the clock remains on and showing the correct time. It is possible to re-start cooking immediately although it will cut out again fairly quickly.

It did this a few days ago while heating baked beans and (more annoyingly) last night whilst cooking a chicken on a combination programme.

It's a Panasonic, 1000W combination with oven and grill, a little more than two years old, and until now an excellent and reliable piece of kit.

Does anyone have any knowledge of microwaves or ideas about what might be going wrong with it, and whether it's economical to try to repair?

altis · 13-08-2007, 11:51

Difficult to tell w/o opening it up. I'd stab a guess at the relay / triac that the controller uses to switch the oven on and off. It could just be a connection somewhere which should be quite easy to spot. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure the component that's failed will cost no more than a few pence. Your problem is deciding which one! Can you find a repair man locally?

2 years - pah! Our Phillips has lasted probably 25 years now and the only thing I've had to do is replace some disintegrated foam rubber - touch wood!

**Chris T** · 13-08-2007, 11:59

The reason I bought a Panasonic is because my mum's 15-year-old Panny is still going strong. I reckoned it would be a safe bet for longevity.

I checked on the Panasonic website and the nearest approved repairer is across the other side of Glasgow from me. I'm tempted to just go and buy a new oven but at £200 a pop, I have to think seriously about repair, so long as it's not going to cost a fortune just to call someone out.

Guess I can email them and ask!

altis · 13-08-2007, 12:03

'Approved repairer' sounds expensive. You could ask in your local TV/electrics shop if they know anyone who does repairs. I can't see many Scotsmen spending money unwillingly so there must be someone.

**Chris T** · 13-08-2007, 12:11

Indeed ....

I checked Yell.com but the only place near-ish to me that is listed under 'Microwave repairs and spares' is the same company that's listed by Panasonic as their approved agent. There is an alternative company out near Falkirk but that's a fair trek.

I think I'll send an email, and upload a quick video of the thing misbehaving, to see if I can interest them in doing a repair without charging me a fortune.

punky · 13-08-2007, 12:15

In all honesty, with the price of repairs, it might make more sense buying a new one. At least you get a new warantee with it.

**Stuart C** · 13-08-2007, 13:20

As long as it doesn't do what my Panny did.. Not quite sure what happened, as noone was in our kitchen at the time, but it was cooking a baked potatoe and the glass door shattered.

greencreeper · 13-08-2007, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

The reason I bought a Panasonic is because my mum's 15-year-old Panny is still going strong. I reckoned it would be a safe bet for longevity.

Same here! Had it long enough for my dad to work out how to use it

The lightbulb has gone but otherwise it works fine. I guess they really don't make things like they used to

**David F** · 13-08-2007, 23:03

Are the vents clear? could be overheating cut out

Chicken · 13-08-2007, 23:37

If your going to open the back - be VERY CAREFUL of the high voltage capacitor (its a big metal can with thick wires connecting from the transformer to it). It will hold a LETHAL charge for days - 5000V with enough current to kick-start an elephant.

KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY!

It's likely to be either a fault with the power relay to the magnetron, or the door interlock switches - diagnosis of which would be if they are intermittent to the extent of only going wrong twice in two weeks

homealone · 13-08-2007, 23:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicken

If your going to open the back - be VERY CAREFUL of the high voltage capacitor (its a big metal can with thick wires connecting from the transformer to it). It will hold a LETHAL charge for days - 5000V with enough current to kick-start an elephant.

KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY!

It's likely to be either a fault with the power relay to the magnetron, or the door interlock switches - diagnosis of which would be if they are intermittent to the extent of only going wrong twice in two weeks

exactly - buy a new one, do not mess with 'non user serviceable parts' - in my opinion

**Chris T** · 14-08-2007, 00:05

I have no intention of opening the back.

Interesting what you say about the door interlocks - it is intermittent to the extent that sometimes it will go for five minutes then conk, sometimes 25 minutes, sometimes not at all.

If it's the door, what chance of an easy fix? A new one of similar spec is £200.

homealone · 14-08-2007, 00:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

I have no intention of opening the back.

Interesting what you say about the door interlocks - it is intermittent to the extent that sometimes it will go for five minutes then conk, sometimes 25 minutes, sometimes not at all.

If it's the door, what chance of an easy fix? A new one of similar spec is £200.

get a 30 quid one, to get by - think of the poor children & Mrs T - don't you owe them 'something'