Generally the reason that it functions correctly but does not heat is that
the poitn that 110v is sent to the 2K+ transformer to power the magnetron
(RF transmitter) has blown. Two types are generally used, either a relay or
a triac (semiconductor form of a relay). Trace the primary wires back to
where they meet the next component and you'll run into either a relay or a
triac. Either is cheap to change (if they are the fault) at an appliance
parts supplier. I generally make sure it's a gate/relay problem by first
hooking to the primary wired with a voltmeter (in ACV range of course) and
see if when it kicks in that there is 110 there or not. If not it's likely
the relay/triac, or may even be the board that supplies either triac gate
power or relay pulldown power. If 110 is present on the primary then you
likely have a dead magnetron. They are replaceable too but dependant on the
model they might make the unit obsolete by cost.
If the relay or triac have no trigger power then check for burnt resistors
first in the board's traces back from the relay or triac trigger point.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org
[mailto:owner-classiccmp@classiccmp.org]On Behalf Of Mike Ford
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 12:16 PM
To: classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org
Subject: Microwave oven collectors?
My 17 year old "microprocessor controlled" microwave oven stopped making
food hot the other night. Everything still appears and sounds about the
same, just food stays cold, and when it first happened there was a bit of
the smell of the gates of capacitor heaven being open. Should I take a
swing at fixing it, or yield to the cheap new inverter technology?
Victim is a Panasonic Dimension 3 microwave/convection oven (top of the
line those many moons ago). Location is SoCal.