How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6023790 / WPW10687786 Diode

I replaced the magnetron and diode. I don't know if the diode was bad, but since the majority of the work was taking the case apart, I figured it was easier to do it at the same time as the magnetron. The replacement magnetron I received was dented at the emitter end, but seems to work fine. It was a bit intimidating to work on a microwave with all the warning stickers on the cabinet, but the replacement went smoothly - the biggest difficulty was determining how to remove the panels of the case (it is a combination oven/microwave oven) without disassembling the entire unit. 

Tested the High Voltage Capacitor which showing no capacitance and no resistance. Replaced it together with the diode and the line fuse no longer blew and the microwave is back in service. 

Put in new magnetron and diode. fixed problem. 

I measured the resistance between the two connectors on the magnetron: should be close to zero ohms and it was. I measured between the same connectors and the metal case: should be mega ohms, it was 15k ohms. That is a bad, partly shorted unit. I also checked the resistance of the thermal cut off, which should be zero but was 10 ohms so I replaced. The HV diode is checked with a 9 V battery (YouTube checking microwave HV diode) and it too was bad. Make sure to take pictures as you disassemble the unit as I had a few leftover screws. Unit is working great now. 

I love the videos produced by your organization. They may not cover the exact appliance, however, they provide insight into safety and concepts in approaching the job. Disassembly, removing, and replacing the magnetron, capacitor, diode, and light bulb, which took about 3 hrs from start to finish resulted in a working microwave with light. The rep that answer questions and checked my parts prior to ordering was a confidence builder. I never attempted a job like this before. Yet, with safety tips and the objective clear there was every reason to try. Disassembly was confusing due to the number of sheet metal screws and hidden screws. Staying organized was key. The removal and replacement are easy steps. I just needed to keep safety at the forefront of the process. 

Replaced Magnetron and Diode. The Diode was still good, but while in there it seemed like a good investment to replace it. 

I electrically tested the magnetron, diode and capacitor and determined both magnetron and diode were defective. Ordered replacement parts late on Friday (unfortunately Monday was Memorial Day) and order wasn't processed until Tues. Regardless, I received parts a little after noon on Thursday in upstate NY. Installed parts on Friday and microwave has a new lease on life. Job well done by AppliancePartsPros!! Repair was complicated a bit as the KitchenAid microwave doubles as a convection oven and is mounted in a double convection oven stack. 

Replaced the magnetron, diode, and a light bulb. 

Pretty straight forward with reasonable access on right side facing unit. Was not prepared for how much unit weighed. Taking the oven door off helped greatly. Maybe two hours with parts on hand. 

I figured this was probably the magnetron -- And a little reading on line reinforced that. Ordered replacement magnetron and diode, as well as door torsion springs on a separate order (might as well get it all done while the box is open). While there are a lot of pieces to remove and screws to keep track of, the repair was simple and didn't take long. Just be sure you discharge your capacitor so you don't light your head on fire.