$7 DIY Microwave Oven Repair? Let's Try This...

My attempt at DIY microwave oven repair. How I replaced the fuse in the microwave.
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[@gatorgotme]

Thanks for the "fail" video. One can learn a lot from trying and failing. Many if not most would never show any type of failure to the world, maybe mentioning that the fuse was already replaced. Most adults won't learn that lesson but some younger folk may. Thanks again!

[@fxm5715]

I had a microwave acting funny on me back in the mid 90s. It seemed to be working, but it couldn't get things very hot, just luke-warm. I did some calling around and finally talked to an older gent in Maine who told me, "Ah, sure, it's your stura belt. I'll send you what ya need with instructions." I had no idea what the stura was, or what kind of belt it needed but he sounded very confident and he only charged me three or four bucks for it. A week later small a rubber belt arrives in the mail with the installation instructions. I was misunderstanding him - it was the stirrer. As in, "the thing that stirs." There's a thing placed in the path of the microwave gun that looks like a spinning metal fan blade, but what it's actually doing is reflecting/disbursing the microwaves in lots of directions around the inside of the box to evenly distribute the energy. The old drive belt had broken. It was an easy, ten minute fix. The machine continued to work for many years after that simple repair. So, maybe it's your "stura."

[@gardenfork]

WOW did not read that on any site. How cool. Thx for the story about that.

[@artmanhal]

Wow!!! I'm glad I caught this comment. Great story! I'm an old guy who's "curious by nature", but doesn't know much about these things. I definitely am a "take it apart" kinda guy! 😂👍

[@ultratec66]

Should have just tested the fuse first before you bought another. And if it was bad, something made it go bad.

[@gardenfork]

yes, good point. I wanted to do a real-time vid about taking it apart and all, plus I made the mistake of believing the parts website. AND i could have bought the fuse at the hardware store! Lesson learned.

[@rhkennerly]

I wondered how it ran initially if the fuse is blown. Are there multiple fuses in the mw?

[@ultratec66]

@@rhkennerly The fuse may have been for the turntable, lights, keypad or whatever. One way to tell is to run the machine without the fuse and see. A wiring diagram, maybe a little know how, and a meter would help instead of just changing things

[@rhkennerly]

ultratec66 but that’s not the garden fork way ;->

[@ultratec66]

@@rhkennerly I hear ya... Good stuff either way :)

[@cmc7106]

I think it is great that you are trying to fix !! Your having fun working on it and that is all that matters!!

[@gardenfork]

Exactly Charlie, that's half of it. plus a good microwave is $$. And I can't stand throwing out something that can be fixed.

[@snowpony001]

I like the new intro! Looking forward to seeing you figure out the problem and getting it fixed, I know you will. When our last microwave quit working (keypad) we considered trying to repair it. I watched a few KZbin videos but the warnings about getting electrocuted ⚡️⚡️if you touched a certain part (possibly the capacitor you mentioned?) made us change our minds 😁. We bought a new one. Will be interested to see the procedure to discharge it if it comes to that in your fix. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@gardenfork]

I’ve learned how to discharge the capacitor so I’m ready for phase 2 of the repair. We’ll see how it goes. Thx!

[@marcdavis7823]

When a fuse blows on a Microwave, it severs the whole power, not just the heat. Check the interlock switches next as they are cheap. Disconnect the wires to them 1st so you can measure ohms across the switch & not the whole harness. If they check ok, then measure amperage across the high voltage wire to the magnatron from the transformer; should be about 13 amps. If there is amperage, then you have a problem with either the magnatron, diode, or capacitor.

[@gardenfork]

Exactly Mark, the repair website made it sound like the fuse controlled just the magnetron and capacitor, and Instead it controls the whole machine. Thx for your expert help!

[@loul7239]

I was thinking capacitor. A multimeter would tell that quick enough as well.

[@brendacrawford260]

Awwwww man , I was really hoping it would work! Love it when I can fix it , so satisfying 💪

[@DoItYourselfDIYAtHome]

Your videos encourage me to try to fix things and to keep going if the fix does not go to plan. Thank you.

[@garyarnold1456]

I fix micro ovens. When running and timer counts down, it could be a door switch. When running and there's a abnormal noise that indicates could be bad didoe/ rectifier or bad capacitor.

[@theweekendhomestead]

I don’t have anything to say about the microwave but my kids love the dogs - thanks

[@AndreQuirion]

Love the fact the video is 7 minutes and you got the fuse for 7$ :D Having said that, you can grab those for

[@gardenfork]

Yeah Andre, when I got the package in the mail, and saw it was a regular fuse, I realized I had dropped $14 ($7 plus shipping) on something I could buy around the corner at the same hardware store where I bought the security star bits!

[@AndreQuirion]

@@gardenfork It's a shame it didn't fix the microwave, I'm on my 3rd fuse and mine's still going strong. From the sound of your microwave, it looks like it's powering properly, but somehow the transformer isn't firing the "waves" :|. Maybe you could swap the transformer, but those kind of repair get to a point where it's not economically viable. Cheap household goods really brought the repair market down :(

[@rgruenhaus]

My microwave is similar. It does have power, but the magnetron is not powering on. The buttons and timer work fine, but I'm not hearing the magnetron being turned on. It was manufactured in 1998, but new ones are $250. I bought a diode and hope that when i get inside i see one and it is burned out so the diode replacement might once again power the Magnetron. My screws are all phillips.

[@rgruenhaus]

Did you say which parts online you went to?

[@davelick6178]

Hi Eric, I had the same problem and I replaced the Magnetron gun and the problem was resolved. It would be a great clip for you to perform. I did so I am sure you can do it.

[@gardenfork]

I think that’s the next step. Thx!

[@jamesgoacher2433]

One or two of the comments below apply for me also. Really secure "Special" screws come in a range of different designs and the tool to remove them will NOT be available at your Hardware Store. Glad to see you reassembled the covers before trying it. Microwaves are dangerous. The cover acts something like a Faraday Cage, Looking forward to the rest of the "Repair" :-)

[@gardenfork]

Good Info James, thx for that I did some tests with a multimeter and I think a part that starts with a D is bad. Part arrived yesterday. I’d like a faraday cage around my house, if you know what I mean 😉

[@catemuegge8251]

Okay! Throw away that microwave for tea. Buy any electric glass kettle at Walmart for around 20 something. It heats water so fast you wonder why didn't I think this in the first place! And still wanna see what your wife looks like.

[@gardenfork]

My British friends have a electric kettle and a snuggie thing for it! The camera operator has no desire to be on the internet, can't really blame her ;) thx! eric

[@GaryBoyd02]

@@gardenfork I have seen her many times but I really enjoy her comments the best! She has some zingers for you sometimes makes me howl.

[@rhkennerly]

Cate Muegge yeah, my wife loves her kettle. I think it’s much more efficient than running hot water down from the tank.

[@gardenfork]

She keeps me grounded!

[@Pyridox]

I agree with one of the other folks below, a multi-meter (DMM - Digital Muti-Meter) helps for checking continuity (checking the fuse) and voltages. Amazon & Harbor Freight have some nice affordable models.

[@gardenfork]

Good tip Pete. I have one but I believed the website’s answer instead of doing my own work. I’ll make another vid on this.

[@chrisdonovan8795]

Add a flux capacitor, and your food can travel through time.

[@gardenfork]

YES!

[@lechatbotte.]

I love the new introduction gestalt I was taught that was a gut feeling

[@gardenfork]

Yeah! working on improving the show, thx!

[@dennisneuhaus2607]

#1 - if it runs it is getting power. therefore simple deduction would indicate it is not a power issue, hence it is not a fuse issue. it must be a heating element issue or something which supports the heating element. may be a sensor or electronic brain issue.

[@sowmyamohan5992]

Love taking things apart!! 😅 Sounds like me... its the putting back together that is the problem!! But yay to local hardware stores, you DO get everything there!!!

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

A multimeter would have helped checked the fuse. Check door switches?

[@gardenfork]

stay tuned for Part 2 Jason! -eric.

[@rachelsamuels8399]

It's time to take it to an appliance repair clinic. NYC has them all over the city. You'll get to interact with others who may be able to suggest it. Also, it'd be nice to see what ideas you pick up while you're at one. I have been watching you for 8 years since you taught me how to build a pizza oven, which worked awesomely thank you. I have never had enough money to subscribe, but love your videos. So, Eric hello from Greensboro, NC. Wishing you, your wife, and fuzzy buddies much success in fixing the microwave soon.

[@gardenfork]

Thx! It’s free to subscribe on KZbin!!

[@Cragfire]

As the tech guy I am, I'm looking at that transformer, capacitor, and timing circuit for salvage... The crazy things that could be made.. Mmmmm... :D

[@gardenfork]

Yeah Craig you can make a spot welder out of it. King Of Random did a vid about that 😀

[@aminwilliams6280]

Hi my name is Amin I am 73 like you I love to fix my own things, so if the microwave doesn’t heat up it is one of three things, the capacitor needs to be changed, the diode on the capacitor needs to be changed or the high voltage fuse next to the capacitor it has a white cover inside is a fuse that will be blown, then you good to go

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

Can you not run a continuity of of the fuse⁉️

[@tariqmushtaq627]

You saved my seven dollars 💵 big thanks

[@kylelan3886]

Hi there, would you have interest in reviewing microphone? I would like to work with you but didn't find your contact email.

[@CleanSlateFarm]

I like the new intro!

[@monilaila1853]

My start button not working what do I do now?

[@locovassau]

Ty shared

[@rustlebruxz0013]

There is VERY HIGH voltage in a microwave ... be very careful; just because it isn't plugged in doesn't mean it is gone. First I would have discharged that high voltage capacitor, just to be sure. Second, when you pulled the suspect fuse you could have done a simple continuity test to see if it was blown. You could have done that before ordering the new, unneeded one.

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Bummer. I hate when that happens. 😖 Have a Super 🏈 Sunday. Best wishes Bob.

[@gardenfork]

Yeah Bob, I didn’t realize how I use the microwave! Enjoy your day, Eric.

[@martinblouin3639]

you should get an induction kettle it works great

[@gardenfork]

Yes! I’ll look that, thx Martin.

[@jamiemajor3785]

Change setting to cook power high. The fuse was a great start.

[@Calphool222]

If the keypad works, but you don't hear the hum of the magnetron and transformer, then that fuse isn't the problem. That fuse cuts the power for the entire thing, so nothing would work if it were what was bad. It's very likely a door switch or a relay/triac that has failed given the symptoms (no humming, keypad counting down). The keypad circuit *thinks* it's running the microwave as normal, so the part of the keypad that controls whether the high voltage circuit comes online is either a relay or a triac. *Sometimes*, due to poor design, the door switches are the culprit because even though the keypad *should* act like the door is open and refuse to start, some poorly designed microwaves will actually behave like they've started if only one door switch has failed but the other is working. If neither the triac / relay seems to be the cause, then the next most likely culprit is the diode on the capacitor, or the capacitor itself. Finally, suspect the magnetron or transformer. Magnetrons don't *typically* die in the first few years however, so if the microwave is relatively new, it most likely isn't the magnetron.

[@dalejohnson3523]

The fuse you replaced is the main line fuse. Nothing would work if it were open. ..no lights, keyboard or anything. You could have a bad magnetron or defective power supply for the magnetron.

[@docclabo6350]

That was a good try using only a $7 part. You're right; you had to try it. I'll bet it is the magnetron, though.

[@thefaeryman]

I fixed my microwave 20+ years ago by cutting off the cord and using it as a bread box Microwaving even water destroys anything healthy about it. How long does it really take to boil water on the stove? Then my kids learned how to cook on the stove with real food

[@garyarnold1456]

I used to fix these. If it's a fuse nothing will work. The timer counted down. That tells me it's probably the board.

[@espnmk]

same ge microwave at goodwill for ten bucks

[@oddopops1327]

😊

[@Davebaker364]

If it was the fuse the microwave would not turn on! That it turns on it’s something else, and if it was me, I’d go buy another one! But that’s me!

[@gardenfork]

Yes David I realized that afterwards. I thought the fuse I ordered might be a separate fuse just for the magnetron. Thx!

[@jcortes3930]

I'd check the flux capacitor

[@gardenfork]

exactly! i'm working on follow up vid to this one. thx!

[@Fed2thewolves]

Its the magnatron. No doubt.

[@gardenfork]

Good to know, I’ll check that next. Thx!

[@chrisdonovan8795]

I'm probably just set in my ways, but I prefer the grow, cook, fix intro. Keep it simple?

[@gardenfork]

The old intro never answered why a new viewer should stick around. So I’m trying to answer that. Good to hear your feedback Chris, thx for that.

[@kd1s]

Should have changed out the capacitor. Those are known to fail. Plus I believe there's a voltage regulator in there and an MOV. But you have to understand your time is valuable and as such it might be easier to just get a new one.

[@gardenfork]

I did some more testing and I ordered another part, this is my Don Chiote windmll... i'll post an update video to see if i can still fix this boat anchor!

[@ultratec66]

@@gardenfork So your ordering more parts not even knowing if the ones your changing are bad? Sheesh.. And capacitors aren't known for going bad, like anything else, they can go bad. And you can test them before you buy and change them so you know if they are bad first. And the capacitor is probably (maybe) for the turn table motor, and that works..

[@gardenfork]

I did some multimeter tests and I believe I have found the broken part. I’ll make s follow up vid and show my testing. Thx for all the info. Eric.

[@gardenfork]

BTW I believe one of the capacitor wires goes to the magnetron, I’ll show it in the next vid. Thx!

[@kd1s]

@@gardenfork Oh great.

[@NormanMcGregor]

Its Broken. lol

[@pawliemorph3941]

when i worked on turbochef commercial oven/microwave units the main loop to check was the capacitor, the magnetron, and the transformer. First, thoroughly clean the inside to make sure there is no metal shavings that could destroy the magnetron by arcing. Most of the ones I worked on had 2 "power" loops so I could disable one and check the other to narrow it down. There were also diodes and other things but usually it was the capacitor, magnetron or transformer. It's been a while but there are ways of checking each of those with a multimeter. There were several wire terminals on the transformer to check i.e. t1, t2, t3 if it was still good (reading across 2 specific points listed in the service manual). It's probably too expensive to replace the transformer and magnetron where it would be easier to buy a new unit but residential units may be cheaper? Check the capacitor and see if it is bulging that would indicate it is no good. You can check the microfares uF on the capacitor to see if it is good. Like you said, most people throw them out and get a new one for $50. That is funny that yours had security torx screws.

[@ElevatorWasher5000]

Nice because you could die from this! Microwaves are risky.

[@grittyshaker]

Great vid but I prefer the old intro

[@TJTexas09]

I liked old intro too