Microwave oven question


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Old 08-20-17, 07:02 PM
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Microwave oven question

Our microwave seems to have broken. We can't hear the fan turning when it comes on like we used to. Does anyone know if this is a simple or challenging fix? What are the most likely causes (dead fan motor, failed logic board)?

https://www.facebook.com/ThadsChucks...0618480970280/

TIA,
Thad
 
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Old 08-20-17, 07:43 PM
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Always make sure there is something in the microwave when it's running. Even just a mug of water is fine.

Can we assume the unit is heating normally ?
Some of the fans can be challenging to get to.
Post the model number of the unit so I can look it up.
 
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Old 08-20-17, 08:15 PM
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Here's an image that shows the model number. I don’t know if it still heats. I was kinda afraid to test it for fear of ruining it further.

GH7208XRY - 1
 
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Last edited by HawaiiThad; 08-20-17 at 08:18 PM. Reason: Added model number in the text
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Old 08-20-17, 08:57 PM
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Test the heating function. Put a heat safe cup or mug of water in there for 2 minutes. See if it gets hot. I'd imagine it won't.

There is a blower inside for the microwave section. I doubt just the blower is bad. We'll know after the heat test.

Whirlpool Microwave Hood Combo - gh7208xry1 | Sears Parts Direct
 
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Old 08-20-17, 09:38 PM
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I heated a bowl of water for two minutes and it got warm!
 
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Old 08-21-17, 12:22 AM
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Hmmm..... then it appears just the microwave blower is bad.

If you click on the link I left you'll see parts breakdown diagrams. Click on "interior and air flow parts" pictorial part 1 is the microwave blower. Pretty pricey. It also not an easy job to replace.
 
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Old 09-06-17, 01:01 PM
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I’ve pulled the microwave down from above the range. Any tips or suggestions on how to go about replacing the blower?
 
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Old 09-06-17, 01:18 PM
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The first place to start is to remove the large cover over the entire unit.

In the link I left..... there are exploded views that will make disassembly a little easier.
 
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Old 09-06-17, 01:58 PM
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Ok, I did some disassembly. I took the bottom light/fan assembly off then removed the microwave outer housing following some instructions I found in a YouTube video. Now I’m staring at the guts of my microwave. See attached pic. My questions are:

How do I test it to find out which part is really bad?

Is it okay to run the microwave with the cover off like it is now?

Thanks for any advice!!
 
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Old 09-06-17, 02:01 PM
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PJmax, I cannot express to you how much I appreciate your quick and helpful replies!! I believe that I can do repairs like this around my house but sometimes I just need a little assistance, guidance, and motivation. :-)
 
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Old 09-10-17, 07:42 PM
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Hi. I’m still looking for some help, if anyone is available.
 
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Old 09-12-17, 11:07 PM
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Microwave oven question

Newbie question. My microwave isn’t working properly and I’ve started trying to troubleshoot the issue. I’ve removed the outer metal cabinet housing but nothing else. Is it safe to operate the microwave with this cover removed? My SO is concerned that we are going to be exposed to microwaves.
 
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Old 09-13-17, 05:34 AM
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She's right. Why do they put that cover with the special film on it?
Are you a qualified technician?
 
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Old 09-13-17, 09:46 AM
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The more immediate threat would be the 2000 volt transformer secondary and the near 5kV magnetron supply voltage. At plenty high currents to be instantly fatal.
 
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Old 09-13-17, 10:10 AM
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Sorry to have missed this thread. Your two threads have been merged.

Yes.... you can run the microwave with the cover off. There is minimal to no danger of any radiation. The microwave oven works on short intense radio waves.

Like TC mentioned.... the danger is the high voltage. When the unit is operating and for quite a while after it's unplugged. So..... don't touch anything inside when running.
 
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Old 09-13-17, 10:21 AM
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The blower in question should be the one I labeled. You can run the microwave to VISUALLY see if that blower is turning. If it's not. You will need to unplug the unit and allow it time to discharge. I would wait ten minutes then short out the leads on the silver HV capacitor.

Disconnect the blower motor wires and check with an ohmmeter for continuity,
 
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Old 09-13-17, 01:36 PM
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PJ, thanks for setting us straight.
 
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Old 09-13-17, 11:54 PM
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Thanks for the info. I will try in the morning. But I feel like I’m missing something. The parts diagram linked several posts back lists the black part below the blower in my photo as the high voltage capacitor (part number 6 in their "Interior" diagram). But it has some small wires attached to it, not big thick ones like I’d expect and like I’ve seen in several 'how-to' videos I’ve watched. Also, you mentioned a silver high-voltage capaticot and this is black.
 
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Old 09-14-17, 12:22 AM
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You are correct. In this unit the HV cap is that black plastic device right in the way of the blower.

This microwave uses an inverter so the cap is smaller.
 
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Old 09-14-17, 03:27 PM
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Well, I managed to test the unit, wait, discharge the capacitor, and remove the blower without blowing up myself or anything else.

There seems to be discontinuity in the blower motor so now I’m off to find a replacement part.

Thanks!
 
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Old 09-14-17, 09:25 PM
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Just checking..... did you touch the meter leads together before checking the motor and did that register a short ?

Just confirming the meter was set correctly.

Some bargains to be found.... search for # 8206075
 
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Old 09-14-17, 09:58 PM
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Yep. I sure did! And I found the part and ordered one. Should be in next week.
 
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Old 09-14-17, 09:59 PM
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Awesome...... let me know when it's done.
I'll send a guy over to help you re-install it.
 
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Old 09-19-17, 08:54 PM
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Well, unfortunately, replacing that part didn’t fix it. I think it’s time to call in a pro. :-(
 
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Old 09-19-17, 09:55 PM
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So the old meter did have continuity and there was no power to run the blower.
 
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Old 09-20-17, 10:15 AM
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When I put the voltmeter leads on the old motor there was no response from the meter. It was as if the motor was an open circuit. The display just showed “1” and there was no beeping tone. I tests it several times.

When I did the same thing with he new motor the meter responded. It didn’t beep but there was a response on the display. I don’t recall what the numbers were.

I’m wondering if the new motor is good or not. I bought it on eBay. Is there an easy way to test the blower motor alone? What if I disconnected it from the microwave and connected a 9-volt battery to the motor’s leads? Or would that fry the new motor? or I suppose I could try sticking the voltmeter’s leads on the motor connector and running the microwave for a few seconds to see what response I get there.
 
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Old 09-20-17, 10:33 PM
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Most of those motors are 120VAC so a 9v battery should not show any motion.

If your meter has a tone when you short the leads it is in a continuity mode. Since the new motor showed activity.... it sounds ok. You can post the model or a pic of your meter for more help.

Yes.... you can check those motor leads but remember the high voltage and stay clear of it.
 
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Old 10-06-17, 01:44 PM
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It turns out the second motor is electrically fine but has mechanical issues! It doesn’t spin close to true and presses against the housing. That's why it didn’t turn. I have ordered a second replacement motor.
 
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Old 10-06-17, 01:56 PM
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Sounds like your getting closer to a resolution. Good luck.
 
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Old 10-23-17, 01:47 AM
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Thanks! I got the second replacement part a couple of weeks ago and it installed without issue. The microwave is back above the range and has worked fine since. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and jinx myself so I won’t say anything further although my disposal died the very next day.

I managed to replace that without too much trouble. We did have one issue, though. My wife reported that the disposal was not coming on at all a day after I made the replacement. It turned out to be a bad wall recepticle. Same issue we've had with the microwave before (although unrelated to this repair). Both wall outlets have now been replaced and everything seems to be working fine (no jinx!!!). Replacing the wall outlet behind the sink was a PITA but I managed to get it done.

What will break next? ;-)

Thanks for all the assistance!
 
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Old 10-23-17, 09:59 PM
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Well done. Good job! Thanks for the return feedback.
 
 

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