Today it is difficult to imagine a family in which there is no microwave oven. But, like any technique, it sometimes fails. What to do if the microwave is buzzing and not warming? We will talk about this in detail in the article.
The most common causes are improper use. Before you eliminate them, first familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of the microwave.
Microwave device
Its main blocks are:
- cooking chamber;
- door with gasket;
- magnetron generator;
- voltage transformer;
- diode;
- capacitor;
- fan;
- backlight lamps;
- fan and pallet motors;
- pallet;
- electronic control unit.
Food is heated in the furnace due to powerful electromagnetic radiation. A metal case and a metallized mesh on the glass of the door protect the surrounding space and people from its effects.
As you can see, the microwave is a complex product created using high technology. Therefore, proper operation guarantees long-term, high-quality operation of the device and your safety.
Terms of use
Compliance with simple recommendations will help to avoid possible troubles and breakdowns during the operation of the device:
- Do not use metal utensils when heating food (use only one specified in the instructions, and closed containers for liquids and raw eggs).
- Load food into the chamber before turning on the oven.
- Always keep the inside of the chamber and the pan clean. Perform preventive maintenance periodically.
- Replace the machine parts in a timely manner if they have reached their due date.
- If a power outage occurs, use a stabilizer.
Fault detection
During operation, the microwave oven is usually slightly noisy. Why she began to make strange sounds - a strong hum, buzzing, creaking, squeaking or whistling, knocking, you can answer by finding out the cause of the breakdown.
Let's consider some of them:
- The rotary table motor wears out over time. He either stops immediately, or begins to produce unusual sounds.
- Noise when rotating the platform is sometimes emitted by the wheels of the stand. Especially if they slip on the contaminated surface of the camera.
- The fan motor may also fail in the same way (in some models the motor at the rotary table and the hood are common).
- An air mixer in the oven ensures even distribution of heat. Its motor is also subject to wear.
- The main part is the magnetron, generating microwave energy, which heats the products from the inside. In good condition, it works quietly. A faulty one, as a rule, makes especially unpleasant noises.
Fact! This is the most important detail, which only a professional master can change.
- The microwave ceases to heat when a high-voltage diode burns out. It is also better to entrust it to a replacement service center specialist.
- Significant noise can cause the capacitor to malfunction. If you will replace it yourself, be sure to discharge it before use.
- The reason for the lack of heating may be a fuse. This happens as a result of a short to magnetron, transformer or capacitor.
- The loud buzz of the transformer is evidence of overload in its winding due to a short circuit. Accompanied by this will be the smell of smoke.
Practice shows that mainly equipment failures occur due to improper operation.
A person with special training is able to cope with individual breakdowns himself. Only the necessary tools and instruments are needed, as well as the opportunity to purchase new parts. In this case, take into account the warranty period for the device. If it does not end, then, having opened the seals of the microwave, you will not be able to contact the service center for repair.
Repair Precautions
The internal structure of microwave ovens of all models and various manufacturers is almost the same.
Finding out for a prepared person is not difficult. Nevertheless, it will not be amiss to recall:
- Disconnect the microwave from the power supply before starting the test and discharge the capacitor.
- Do not turn on the appliance if the fan is not working.
- Do not start the magnetron with the door open and with damage to the chamber.
- Since the radiation of the magnetron is very high, do not try to check its operability in the removed state.
- Only install replacement parts with the same parameters as the blown ones.
- After the repair, carefully remove any unsuitable or replaced parts and debris inside the machine.
Remember that you can turn on the oven only with the loading of the camera. To test the operation, put glassware with water there.
You will need:
- instructions with the arrangement of blocks and units of the device;
- Phillips screwdriver
- pliers;
- rubber gloves (you can use bought in a pharmacy);
- multimeter.
Repair Steps
After making sure that the microwave does not work, unscrew the bolts on the casing from the side of the back wall. Carefully remove the housing.
First make sure that the fuse is working. This will show, after removing it, a thin wire inside. If it burns out, install a new one.
Also check the guard status of the electronics circuitry. To do this, open the container and inspect the filament. Put on new protection if necessary. In no case do not use the "bugs". Is it dangerous.
Now switch the multimeter from standby mode to “ringing”. We bring one probe to a contact, for example a diode, and the second touch the mass. The "punched" part will respond with a squeak. A working one will not show anything. Now disconnect and replace the diode with a similar one in parameters and check again.
We do the same with the capacitor, not forgetting to discharge and check it.
More difficult is the question with the magnetron. Its power is about 800 watts. It is he who generates the waves that give heat. Therefore, it is protected by a plate radiator and a thermal fuse. Determining its serviceability and the need for replacement is the work of a specialist from the workshop. You can only inspect the part for carbon deposits or obvious damage.
We hope that our tips will help home craftsmen if their stove buzzes, knocks, whistles or creaks or when the microwave does not work at all. Have a good repair!