Greg S Springfield , VA November 30, 2015 Appliance: Model KITCHENAID KHMS155LSS1 MICROWAVE HOOD COMBINATION Loud hum/buzz & no heat Replacing a magnetron in my particular 9-year-old microwave (a microwave/hood combination) was not a simple “plug & play” operation. That is why I am placing this in the slightly difficult area. First, it takes 2 people to remove the microwave from the top of the stove. Next the main outer panel need to be removed. After that, 2 sheet metal panels need to be removed in order to expose the high voltage components for testing. Always discharge the high voltage capacitor first before doing anything in the high voltage area. In my case, after testing with an ohmmeter, the magnetron was clearly shorted from the filaments to the metal case – that caused the HV transformer to buzz very loud. The HV capacitor was good, as was the diode and HV transformer. I replaced the diode anyway. Note that a standard ohmmeter in a typical DVM will show a good high voltage diode as open on both sides. It takes 9 volts or more to confirm a good or bad HV diode. A 9 volt battery works fine for testing. To gain access to the magnetron mounting screws, a plastic air baffle inside needs to be removed. After removing the 4 Torx screws, the magnetron can only be removed by tilting it back toward the oven cavity – no other way will work in my case. It is a tight area. After replacing the magnetron and diode, the oven now works great. It seems to heat things up faster than before. Read More... 88 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 1-2 hours Tools: Pliers, Screwdrivers, Socket Set
Jeff S Hope , IN July 11, 2016 Microwave not working; would not heat Replaced Magnetron and diode. Fixed problem and microwave workso again. Very time consuming because of microwave/oven built-in combo. Not easy to get to parts that needed to be replaced. Still cheaper to repair than to replace. Read More... 45 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 2+ hours Tools: Nut Drivers, Pliers, Screwdrivers, Socket Set
William K Atlanta , GA May 19, 2014 Appliance: Whirlpool 27"Built-In Electric Wall Oven RMC275PDQ4 Loud hum burnt odor and not heating Tested all of the HV components and the only one that failed was the Magnetron. Indicated a short from the terminals to ground. Replaced the Magnetron and all is good. Read More... 44 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 30-60 minutes Tools: Pliers, Screwdrivers
Eric H Tonawanda , NY October 30, 2015 My microwave was working at half power I ordered a new magnetron and a new capacitor and after they arrived I set to work. I took plenty of pictures with my phone to remind me how the components came apart but it was pretty straight forward. Once the new parts were in and everything was reassembled the microwave worked good as new. The repair was less than a third the cost of replacement and no special tools are required. Just be careful to discharge the capacitor. This website is a great resource. Read More... 17 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 30-60 minutes Tools: Screwdrivers, Socket Set, Wrench Set
Mark B Parker , CO November 11, 2018 Appliance: Model KJMS145J Loud noise no heat Replaced both the magnetron and diode. Very happy you had the part as this model is 15 years old but not ready for the pasture just yet Read More... 6 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 1-2 hours Tools: Pliers, Screwdrivers, Socket Set