Faulty Microwave Capacitor Diagnosis and Replacement

BEFORE REPLACING THE CAPACITOR, ALWAYS SHORT IT WITH AN INSULATED SCREWDRIVER. THIS CAPACITOR IS CHARGED TO A HIGH VOLTAGE.
In this video, I show you how to diagnose and replace a faulty Microwave Capacitor. If you are wondering why the microwave fuse board blew up, it is because one of the interlock switches did not open. I also had a screwdriver stuck in the fuse holder so I would not blow my only fuse.

[@toddt6730]

I'm glad so many commentators are aware of the dangers involved in opening a microwave and the capacitor, it actually has a bleeder resistor built in, but they do fail and that's why, as many people have mentioned, that you should take two well insulated screwdrivers and short the contacts one at a time to the frame, then you can disconnect the capacitor, mostly at the shop we do these kind of repairs under warranty, not worth the labor otherwise, cheaper to buy a new one

[@raymonddaisy2538]

Well I’m glad I’m not the only one who is wondering why he didn’t discharge the capacitor before removing it, and from what I was told it isn’t suppose to be tested with a digital multi meter either

[@ajeyakumarsharma7378]

Thank you verymuch for engineering schematic diagram . No service person has shown rhis till date .

[@humble5190]

Dude! You are great at explaining the process but you should think about the safety of whoever is watching your instructional video. Not discharging the capacitor, standing on concrete in your bare feet with the electric cord from the microwave hanging from a water spigot could cause someone not familiar with the dangers of electricity to get seriously hurt or killed. I would recommend taking this video down and doing it over. It's very insightful. Thanks for the info.

[@UpgradingJeff]

The only thing that he should do is cut the video up and add the last part at the beginning as a disclaimer.

[@IAMElectric369]

I’ll go out on limb and say, if you don’t already know to do that, you have absolutely no business fooling with this stuff. If you get shocked, it’s either an accident of complacency or you didn’t research what you’re doing and needed a zap to remind you to do so. Or maybe it was one too many pulls from the green corn. Nevertheless, this kid knows his shit.

[@vanrijn1669]

You’re going to get someone hurt to put this on the internet and not show that the capacitor should always be shorted before going anywhere neat it. You poked your hand right onto that capacitor when you started. Your familiarity with these components isn’t what most people experience. Stay safe.

[@robstone5333]

Thank you for commenting. You may have saved a life. I was wondering if he had discharged it off camera, then failed to mention it.

[@Z-Ack]

Yea godamnit.. wish he woulda said something.. i took it out to test and miss kitty happened to want some lovin and now i got to figure out how to convince the mrs. that her cat ran away... poor little things stiffer than a mormon on his wedding night.. didnt even make a sound, like static electricity pop and god claimed her.. rip mrs fluffles... 13 years shes had that cat.. looks like no pussy for me for a while and here i was fixing the damn microwave so i could get some handyman tail... son of a bitch..

[@darrenashley126]

I just commented how that drives me mad when safety rules are missed. Good to see that I am not the only one to pick up on this, :)

[@sergeiglimisRV]

Agreed very irresponsible 💀😭

[@EgyptCanada]

Testing a microwave capacitor after removing from the appliance without discharging it, would damage the multi meter and hurt the technician.

[@luisvilleza2687]

Take care dude and keep safe whenever your dealing with any electrical or electronic device have a nice day

[@noelv1976]

Reading the comments: y'all the real heroes 🙏 as my instructor always says, "Safety first!"

[@serapozburun7752]

Is directly connecting both ends of the capacitor a correct way to discharge it? I honestly don't know but I presume it should somehow explode or at least show a nasty pop! It's written on the note that there is 5kV around the capacitor after all. That pop should be a nasty one.

[@ajeyakumarsharma7378]

You can insert a resistive load to discharge the capacitor . Simple term insert an incandescent bulbs 😊

[@edsmith3474]

Thank you very much, Tanner!! I was about to throw this away, and I came across your video. Fixed!! And I love the jingle!!

[@TannerTech]

Thanks! Glad your microwave is working now. It is crazy how often those microwave capacitors fail

[@asifrana5392]

Thank you nice video and info. please tell me that CAN WE REPLACE BAD MAGNETRON WITH GOOD ONE OF ANY MICROWAVE OVEN

[@whenifeellow]

how about putting the part about discharging the capacitor at the beginning of your video... Jeezus.

[@robstone5333]

Right. Unbelievable.

[@thecontinentalmarine2294]

Thats the whole reason I clicked this video lol, great idea

[@stillwill1808]

Because just telling you about it at the beginning of the video doesn't really grab your attention in the same way as reaching way back in there and grabbing hold of a live cap you were not expecting. It'll lurn you reel gud.

[@kuldip2604]

Really nice video thank you. So i was hearing up my cup of milk for a minute and suddenly after 30 sec i smelled something was burning. So i tested again and it did not heat up anything. I opened the microwave and removed the fuse and put back the same one and it was heating up the milk now but the smell increased this time from the fuse plate. I dont know I just need to replace the fuse or capacitor could be gone too?

[@ChipGuy]

Barefoot outside with shorts and t-shirt. Must be in southTexas or Florida. Can't wait for the weather getting like this here in Germany as well. Won't happen before May, that's for sure. It's so dull an miserable at the moment. Stay safe with mains and HV, please!

[@wallychambe1587]

What is that black spot on the board after you got shocked??😁

[@scrubbymcgee2]

One of the handy parameters on the side of that cap is where is says "DANGER H.V." -- you should make note of that one.

[@M0UAW_IO83]

That capacitor can kill, the internal discharge resistor should not be trusted, always discharge the cap yourself before you attempt a repair.

[@ThePreyMantas]

Trust NOTHING, always error on the side of SAFETY...! Adolecents are so impetuous, we were there at some point and some need to burn (or fry) to learn. Did you notice at the end when he got bit, the huge burn mark # 7:54? He's having "fun". :)

[@zamyangzangpo3622]

How can we discharge the capacitor?

[@PRN-Life]

Perfect ! Ive got some microwave troubles and this seems to be the issue on my old machine from 1987 it just broke down . Buying and multimeter tomorrow and trying out what broken in the machine . Thanks for the tips and Tutorial ! Regards Paul Roger -North Sweden

[@TheZombieSaints]

Those microwave caps have got a nasty bite, hey :) great video as always mate .👍

[@robstone5333]

Your comment is contradictory. But then again, so is “ZombieSaint”

[@BruinHerr-bj7uk]

I’ve found the best way to fix a broken microwave in 3 steps: 1. Unplug broken unit. 2. Take it outside and throw it in the dumpster. 3. Buy a new one. I’ve found this to be the most cost effective approach.

[@Ziggerzzz]

Always short out the capacitor before doing anything .. Engineers have died that didn't do this first

[@AlexeyZubkov]

what about regular human being?

[@TheRebuilt1]

I was wondering the same thing, I know those capacitors store a lot of voltage even if bad. I was hoping this guy wasn't going to die during this post. Touching capacitors working on these electrical components barefoot.......

[@ThePreyMantas]

I'm surprise he doesn't smell like chicken...

[@chitibusu]

@@ThePreyMantas he was lucky...this time

[@warrenward3630]

Dying is underrated...

[@puddytat62]

Good testing with metering. My mw had some switches that needed replacing and now it works but the fans seems to not be working. Cannot be the fuse or capacitor. Never heard of a fan going bad. Maybe Mis wired

[@CamilleSkiff]

Can this repair be done while the microwave is installed over the counter? I have an LG model lmh223dst.

[@lfuller50]

I'm looking for a Sanyo Cap # 3116. It's a 1900v 0.97uF with a built in diode. Any suggestions for a replacement?

[@ZappninLLP]

Barefoot on concrete, working on a plugged in appliance.....are you trying out for a Darwin award?

[@ThePreyMantas]

He wants to smell like chicken....

[@robstone5333]

Surprised he wasn’t standing in a puddle of water.

[@douglasbattjes3991]

Great video with out the U knows,,,well done,,,have a GE that's not heating,,,is it usually the Capacitor? if so very inexpensive fix. The issue is it's a built in unit,,with a frame. I'll see what I can figure out,,,any tips let me know.

[@NTSRFR4]

What caused that big black burn spot under the where the fuse is? It wasn't there before you shocked yourself.

[@wallychambe1587]

I noticed that also!🤩🤩

[@josepeixoto3384]

*GREAT VIDEO* Now i'm gonna fix my microwave,stopped heating yesterday; I'll put 2 insulated screwdrivers(or one if it fits) across that capacitor...anyway...

[@eemann007]

I have a 2006 Sunbeam Chinese made microwave with a repeatedly blown fuse. The Capaciyor is a 2000V model and all the replacements via Amazon are 2100V models. What happens if I replace the 2000V model with a 2100V model?

[@standtall7646]

Sooooo..., why did the circuit board get burnt? Was that from your shock? That's a lot of volts to do that burn. Thx

[@KerryLynch-ku9lb]

Amps (flow) burns, Not Volts (potential)

[@TheDellypower]

Is doesn't matter which end of the Capacitor the diode and the magnetron are plugged into as long as they are plugged into the same end and the Transformer in the other end, correct?

[@KerryLynch-ku9lb]

correct since it is not a dual capacity capacitor

[@tshepogabanakgosi744]

Hi,,my microwave burn the fuse that comes from the capacitor so it doesn't heat the food could be the cause for it?

[@wonderwond]

mine has a very odd issue, when its been working a while and lets' say either loses power in the house or comes unplugged for a hour or so, then comes on, none of the button work, they just beep, cant cook nothing, it has to have constant power for about an hour then the buttons start working again, kinda like a capacitor having to build up power first or something else, i dont know alot about them?

[@TechTed1]

the capacitor is just a high resistance dummy load resistor for the magnetron the diode (high frequency generator) the capacitor determin if magnetron is raised the current and it blow the fuse if you use a bigger current fuse or directly connected fuse if the main outlet is raised the voltage the voltage in secondary will also rised and burn your capacitor and magnetron

[@edgeGabe]

Onto my 5 fuse retry. My high voltage fuse blew when it died. Replaced that, found the top fuse was dead, replaced that, then blew the top fuse again. Was lower A thought that was it bought the right 10A fuse blew again. Tried again to confirm (double check everything is in place). Time to invest in a multimeter.

[@wallychambe1587]

I have one that I think the thermal sensor is bad or the fan quit. I put it on reheat and just as it is finishing up the display goes out and then a couple of min later it comes back and says PF like it has had a power failure??

[@Brent700]

If the diode has continuity does that mean it's still good...fuse is good ,and capacitor doesn't have continuity.... So it's good also.. thanks

[@looneytunes3620]

I found this to be very informative, yes I see a lot of people on here quick to criticize you but it showed more info then most others I looked up, thanks for taking to time to do this video.

[@1959Berre]

When it comes to safety the remarks are not to be neglected. High voltage is lethal.

[@19Edurne]

@@1959Berre The problem here is not what is shown, but rather, what isn't.

[@clintrichardsonclintfromny203]

Did your microwave start getting louder and making a humming vibrating noise before the capacitor went? Mine is doing this. I suspect the magnetron is starting to go in mine.

[@johnlinn9297]

What were the original symptoms? Not heating? Lights and control panel dark?Mine seemed to be working but sounded loud and wasn't heating. Additional short attempts to heat - like 15 seconds at a time weren't working.....then I heard a pop, then all lights went out. Suggestions?

[@UpgradingJeff]

@TannerTech This is a great video. I have a question. Would you know which part is not working if my microwave turns on but is not heating anything? How would I know which part to replace and where to locate the part. The microwave manufacture date was 2002.

[@UpgradingJeff]

@TannerTech Fyi my model is RVM1435BD001

[@edwardmissouri2216]

I don't doubt that you know how to repair this microwave, but you need to re-do this video for safety reasons. People not familiar with the danger of capacitors could be seriously injured or killed because they didn't discharge the capacitor. Don't ever assume it has bled off.

[@jonichin4661]

And you should know, people who are not familiar with HV capasitor would not have courage to try to repair a microwave.....😂😂

[@rscelectrical7091]

​@@jonichin4661 : Really ?, Seems you know very little about the stupidity of the human race .

[@raphael9205]

At the end of the video he discharged it

[@andrewx7806]

Excellent video Tanner. Most Excellent. I had purchased a new capacitor for my microwave but I had hooked up the wiring backwards. You showed the correct way to plug in the leads. Thanks. It’s working fine now. Question: Why do you have so many capacitors?

[@justingillette8287]

A capacitor can’t take 2kvac and convert it to dc and ramp the voltage up to 4kvdc. That is just not a thing. A capacitor is neither a rectifier or an amplifier. You can use it as a filter to block high frequencies in ac but you will not get dc out of it no matter the spec

[@troy3456789]

True facts. It passes AC (with a shift by 90°) and blocks DC current flow.

[@aa-ron1596]

Hi, my microwave does not power off but it does work, it makes a buzzing noise and will eventually trip the breaker. I am replacing the megnatron, do you think this is the issue?

[@yeyolara6259]

You didn’t test the replacement capacitor before installing it ?????

[@troy3456789]

Yeah, that seemed odd to me too. See the needle move showing what looks like current flow, then slowly go back to infinity resistance. I prefer analog meters with needles for capacitor testing.

[@seckinseckin3919]

they say discharge the cap before repair but one end of capacitor already connects to chasis through diode.. what is the point ?

[@rockgelio10]

He does say about discharging the capacitor at the end of the video!

Maytag MMV4205AA Built in literally smoked 1/2 of transformer... not sure why ..but since there is no transformer to buy to replace (2005 micro) came close on Ebay but did not match the: 6170W 1D00C on trans.........

[@nld-bl5ct]

Radio Shack Meter...wow, you had that for a while!!

[@foamaxmore]

... unless you want a real powerful punch in the chest or hands you must always short out a HV,... especially Microwave capacitor before taking and Multimter readings,... it will surely fry it!!! !Same goes for TV and computer monitor caps....Stay safe!

[@henryswan1374]

Usually discharging the cap is unneeded because it has an internal resistor to discharge after use

[@ThePreyMantas]

@@henryswan1374 NEVER ASSume ANYTHING is the golden rule to safety.....

[@trankt54155]

I worry for you. The way you handle electrical components-especially the capacitor-tells me that I would not be surprised with you ended up dead with electrical shocks. Slow down, exercise some safety and have some respect for your safety.

[@rickjondo1343]

Yup. Fool thinks he's building a microwave out of fn Lego. Stupid

[@johntrimble3101]

its his gig, heck think thats bad i ride a motorbike, , ,in houston, , , ,an im 63, , , ,now thaT IS GENUINE STUPIDITY RIGHT THERE. ?/??

[@jimmitchell8357]

@@johntrimble3101 uhh.. what?

[@carlchilders2154]

@@johntrimble3101 I'm 64 with a honda sportbike. Nothing stupid if you ride with common sense.

[@arianad1157]

@@rickjondo1343 don't be rude good god

[@tonic.1871]

a bit fast but very clear and educational!

[@randybelluardo4920]

DEATH is a clear education! This guy said NOTHING about making sure to discharge the High Voltage Capacitor. You don't get a second chance with all the safety issues you ignore.

[@papanono2463]

Transformer making noise when I plug it in. Unless I open door. Also trips breaker. Checked door switches. Look good. Any suggestions?

[@rickynaidoo2921]

Hi. If you got a spare transformer you can try it to see if works, this will tell you if the problem will be solved.

[@seckinseckin3919]

1,1.05,1.07,1.10,1.20 microfarad.. all are compatible caps.. no problem to replace with these values..

[@T2D.SteveArcs]

The chassis is ground its just the positive is grounded so like you said the magnetron receives -5000v reference to ground.....

[@IndonesiaGreat]

What would be happened if we replace the capacitor with the higher value ųF? E.g 1,3 ųF, would that be better or worse functioning?

[@IndonesiaGreat]

@Gary Johnston Okay, thanks..

[@rickynaidoo2921]

Hi. From my experience it still works.

[@amadoujallow429]

Why you did test the capacitor you replaced

[@ryk1265]

Why not use a multimeter that has capacitance test feature to make it more accurate? I see this one has 1.10 microfarads.

[@darrenashley126]

Always always always discharge your capacitor first. Drives me mad when I see a safety rule missed out. I see it said in the description but not done on the video/

[@dvonpache]

Wouldn't that cap show some continuity since it has an integrated bleeder resistor? The symbol clearly connects the two terminals.

[@arifryo6823]

The bleeder resistor is 10 M ohms, hope it helps.

[@jakebozz7677]

Nice job, as always, Tanner!

[@robstone5333]

If you think that was a nice job, you’re either delusional or getting a share of his KZbin revenue. This video could get someone killed. I pray it’s not you. Take care and watch videos on capacitor discharge.

[@jakebozz7677]

@@robstone5333 Rob, you must be new to this channel. Tanner will confirm that I am always on his case about being safe when dealing with high voltage. I also presume that you didn't watch the video to the end (7:30 on) where Tanner directly addressed safety issues like unplugging the microwave and discharging the capacitor. Your comment that I'm on Tanner's "payroll" was unwarranted and unnecessary to get your concern across. Have a good day, Sir.

[@robstone5333]

@@jakebozz7677 you’re right. That part of my comment was out of bounds and I hope you will accept my apology. But I firmly believe matters of such import should be stated at the very beginning and repeated throughout. And FWIW, just retired as a master electrician after almost 40 years of service. I’ve seen seasoned professionals suffer horrible injuries and would not wish that on anyone. Take care. Hope you also have a good day.

[@memorablelifestyle9255]

You had me at the intro brother 😂

[@harukoyama9515]

U forgot to show drain the capacitor before touch the microwave after open it. May I ask why there is a resistor inside the microwave AC capacitor? Can AC capacitor used to store DC current? Or they are not compatible?

[@arifryo6823]

The resistor is used to discharge the cap slowly. For safety .

[@rickynaidoo2921]

Safety is first. Always discharge the capacitor.

[@azadsree]

Hello on my microwave 5kv 800ma fuse, if replace with 5kv 900ma is ok?

[@TannerTech]

That should work

[@dinosaurcomplaints2359]

It was a totally shocking experience!

[@SkyWire88]

He probably should have marked the bad cap immediately with a big "X" so he wouldn't mistakenly re-install the bad cap. Especially because he had an identical cap in his pile of used caps. Just sayin' .

[@AlienRestoMod]

Good job Tanner. That is a lot of capacitors, where did all those microwaves?

[@TannerTech]

+Alien RestoMod People leave them on the side of the road on trash day all the time. I just pick them up and gather them for parts.

[@breesdad50]

Hi Marco, you wouldn't believe what people throw out on the streets in USA

[@micahnoirot26]

I have a question for you. My over rang microwave oven doesn't blow any fuses and I dont see anything burnt. Light works and exhaust fan, it also runs and heats great but only for about a day? Then it starts dimming the lights and kinda pulsing. Outlet is good! I'm trying to decide is the machine worth fixing if so.. what the issue. Thank you!

[@KerryLynch-ku9lb]

sounds like transformer starting to go bad

[@troy3456789]

@05:03 why don't you test the replacement capacitor to show what a good capacitor looks like with your meter?

[@glennphelps9300]

I agree. Most of this video is a hack job.

[@Somanathan-hj7ge]

Very good 👍

[@iamdrambuie]

Why didnt you test the capacitor as a capacitor and not as a resistor?

[@barryburke5782]

My GE Profile Microwave worked for about 5-7 seconds then shut off. Further exam revealed burning/sparking in HV Inverter/Transformer. Digital continuity checked OK for all door switches, primary thermostat, shut off fuse, etc. Replaced Transformer with new part. Everything worked fine except 'No Microwave Heating'. Next, replaced Magnetron and Relay Switch on the circuit board. Everything worked fine except 'No Microwave Heating'. Magnetron humming seems normal! Cleaned mica wave board inside of unit, no sparking here. Can anyone advise what the problem may be. Again, everything worked fine including settings for time, power levels, clock, etc. when started up except 'No Microwave Heating'. Last resort before dropping out to the curb for the landfill! Any ideas greatly appreciated! HELP! Show less Reply

[@TannerTech]

Is it an inverter microwave? Or an old fashion transformer one?

[@vicudobre9415]

Any additional jobs 4 capacitor

[@Galivantin]

Thank you, I learned a ton by your video.

[@robstone5333]

Please watch additional videos. Seriously. Especially on capacitor discharge. You’ve learned just enough to get you killed.

[@nonothebot]

Great job, very good explanations.

[@tripjet999]

No, danger, Will Robinson, DANGER!

[@sweetcaroline7576]

Thanks, good info.

[@annemariemiguel2541]

Hey tanner, I saw you in the new make magazine with your rolling back pack. Good job!

[@shamielsolomons-cf1kw]

Mus it be the same model cpacitor

[@mjl603]

Thank you!

[@jabbarsk1089]

Well explained sir Than q

[@jozkie]

IMPORTANT!! DISCHARGE CAPACITOR FIRST FOR SAFETY!!

[@babaolowo35]

Thanks 👍

[@jesusgirl3451]

everyone here seems to be well versed on this issue. I ordered a new capacitor to replace the old one the new one had different specs but didn't realize it the new one was 1.05 uf vs. the old one was 0.91 uf when I turned on the microwave with a coffee mug to test heating after replacement, after about 30 secons or so I smelled rubber smell stoped the microwave but still not heat, anyone can tell me if the difference in uF is the issue or is it something else completely! Much appreciated

[@NikolaEngineering]

The capacitor value isn't critical. Make sure the voltage is high enough and that the capacitor is designed for this purpose

[@jaishetty8586]

how important is the capacitor value? I have a replacement capacitor that reads half its rated value. would that work ? the original one reads 1.0 mfd. the aftermarket one reads 0.6 mfd. but labelled as 1 mfd.

[@allananderson5840]

reads 0.6 mfd. but labelled as 1 mfd.... Like "reads" with a capacitance meter? Shouldn't read low. I'd look for another.

[@1959Berre]

A capacitance test is only one of the tests to be done. Caps may be leaky or show a dead short on hight voltage, but show no problem on low voltage. Whithout the proper tester it is impossible to tell its condition.

[@allananderson5840]

@@1959Berre I just discarded a microwave that was blowing fuses intermittently. Cap good on LCR meter (DE-5000) but I wondered if it might be arcing over somehow. I thought that would only happen once and destroy it. Diode ok too (at 30v). Need a variable 1kv supply.

[@luclafor]

Yes, to avoid injuries, you have to discharge the capacitor first. You can do that by touching both ends of the capacitor terminal simultaneously with a pair of insulated long (needle) nose pliers, but be very careful not to touch the metal portion of the pliers though. Here's how to do it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXbIpWuJgNiFmZY And see what could happen to you if you skip that step: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2rcp4iYjMqnjq8

[@omerhomerski1602]

thanks, God bless

[@luclafor]

@@omerhomerski1602 - My pleasure, sir

[@allfordogs4421]

This is the only video saying no continuity is good in capacitor

[@DasdeutschesBand]

It even says "DANGER H.V." on it.

[@thecongo8505]

Always discharged the capacitor ... capacitor may hold thousands of volts ... not discharging it could be dangerous

[@franciskissipe2960]

Thanks alot i just fixed mine

[@cliffright1142]

Congratulations, you’ve done everything wrong regarding potential shock. Trying to help people that don’t know the potential for danger is reckless at best and just plain stupid at worst.

[@scottfurlong5475]

Can't you discharge the capacitor with the volt meter and thus verify?

[@1959Berre]

The internal resistance of the voltmeter is at least 10M up to 50M. That would not put a decent load on the capacitor in order to discharge it in a reasonable time. Besides, most common DVM do not like 2000V or more.

[@BenjaminEsposti]

Be careful, you should set the current limit on the power supply otherwise you will fry the diode.

[@TannerTech]

+Benjamin Esposti I had it set for two amps, thanks though!

[@jimmynguyen7300]

Hi please help, the moment I close or open the microwave door the fuse blows

[@bobodyuknow]

That aint a voltage doubler circuit. The diode is half wave rectification as the magnatron runs off HVDC

[@thobui9]

Safely first ! Unplug power cord from AC outlet.Discharge capacitor pls . You can do the job easily but viewer CAN’T . Please mention in your video with warning safety .

[@Tech_481]

Nice video I look up to you

[@dk.650]

Capacitor Discharge. If someone follows your video and they are shocked you may be in for a shocking surprise.

[@phonotical]

you bridged the fuse holder with a screwdriver, safety first!!! so. what caused the capacitor to fail

[@TannerTech]

+phonotical Not sure, I guess those things just happen. Perhaps a power surge could have created a voltage spike exceeding the limit of the cap.

[@1959Berre]

@@TannerTech A voltage spike will not kill it. Poor quality caps have a limited life span.

[@stevegrubbs866]

Mine sparks in the middle on the bottom