How to Replace a Microwave Magnatron

If your microwave oven has recently stopped heating food properly, you might need to check the microwave magnetron. In most cases, the problem can be found there. You might think that it is hard to replace a magnatron and that you need to give it to the manufacturer service to fix and replace this; however, it is not as difficult as you might think. Moreover, if your microwave is past the warranty period, having it repaired by the manufacturer’s service department can cost you as much as purchasing a new microwave oven. The good news is that you replace the magnatron yourself, in just a few easy steps.

Step 1 – Preparation

The first thing you need to do is take precaution measures. Never work on any electrical device when it plugged in. You might think that this is needless to say, but you would be surprised at the number of people who have been electrocuted while repairing a device that was still plugged in. Therefore, your first step would be to unplug the oven and wear protective gloves. Next you need to remove the screws from the cover and the interface panel of the oven. When you remove the screws you will be able to remove the side panels of the oven as well, revealing its wires. Next, disconnect the wires connected to the magnatron and main core of the oven.

Step 2 – Discharge the Capacitor

One of the most important things to do during this process is to discharge the capacitor. Usually it takes 30 seconds for the capacitor to be discharged once it is off, but in any case you can use a voltmeter to check if there is any electricity.

Step 3 – Removing Screws and Panels of the Magnatron

The magnatron part is compact, safe in screwed panels. Remove the outer screws and panels of the magnatron and check if it is connected to the transformer. In some cases you might need to remove the transformer in order to replace the magnatron of the oven.

Step 4 – Remove the Magnatron

Once the magnatron is completely free you can remove it. Take the new magnatron and screw it to the place from where you just removed the old one. The new magnatron must be identical to the previous one, as installing an incorrect magnatron can cause electric overcharge and the oven could burn down. When you screw the magnatron back you need to fix the wires, placing them the way they were before. Take pictures of the wiring before removing the old magnatron so you can be sure you are correctly placing the wires after installing the new magnatron.

Step 5 – Place all Components Back

If you have removed the transformer, now it’s time to place it back and screw it to its position. Replace the diode between the transformer and the chassis if needed. Do the same with all side and top panels; reinstall all covers and protectors by reversing the steps that were previously mentioned.