How to Troubleshoot and Repair the Magnetron
Cavity magnetron
The cavity magnetron is a high-powered vacuum tube that generates microwaves using the interaction of a stream of electrons with a magnetic field while moving past a series of open metal cavities (cavity resonators). Bunches of electrons passing by the openings to the cavitie…
Full Answer
What can I do if my magnetron connector is damaged?
Use light-grade sandpaper – do not use steel wool. If there is evidence of poor terminal connections (i.e., discoloured, burned, pitted connectors), repair or replace the slip-on connectors on the filament leads If possible, perform an RF leakage check around the magnetron
Can you replace a magnetron in a microwave?
For more information about microwave magnetrons: How to replace a microwave magnetron. Find the official OEM replacement magnetron that fits your microwave. CAUTION: Your microwave oven is capable of giving you a serious electrical shock, even when it is unplugged.
How do I test a magnetron?
TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale.
What are some magnetron replacement considerations?
When the magnetron must be replaced, here are some Magnetron Replacement Considerations Be sure to transfer any add-on parts, such as an air duct or thermal fuse or cutouts Examine the rim of the opening where the magnetron dome is to be inserted into the waveguide. Smooth out any irregularities, such as dents, pits, and burns.
Can you repair magnetron?
Given that a replacement magnetron can cost anywhere from $100-250, not even considering labor if it's done by a professional repair tech (which is strongly recommended), it's an expensive repair, and considering that bigger microwave repairs can be dangerous if the unit isn't properly discharged, you'll often spend as ...
What causes magnetron failure?
What Causes A Magnetron To Overheat? The most common cause of an overheating magnetron is when too much energy is reflected back into the device. This can happen when you run your microwave empty (something you should never do), or if the turntable has been removed.
Is a magnetron worth replacing?
No matter how new your microwave or if there's only one problem, if the magnetron is out then you might as well replace the entire appliance. The magnetron is the heart of a microwave that actually makes the micro-waves. Replacing it is about equal to the cost of buying a whole new microwave, sometimes even greater.
Can a microwave magnetron be replaced?
Replacing a microwave magnetron costs $100 to $200. This includes a part price of $50 to $100 and $50 to $100 for labor. A magnetron is the primary component that produces heat for the appliance. This part creates microwave energy.
How do I know if my magnetron is working?
Look at the multimeter's screen and take note of the reading. If the resistance stays below 1 ohm, then the electric filament inside the magnetron functions properly. If you get a higher reading or if the screen reads "OL", then the magnetron is faulty and should be replaced.
How long should a magnetron last?
Although the average life of a magnetron tube is 22 years, a number of factors can cause that number to diminish and for the microwave oven to lose power more quickly.
How do you test a magnetron?
0:001:20How to Test a Magnetron (MIcrowave) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow what you'll want to do now is touch an end to of the plug. And then the casing in differentMoreNow what you'll want to do now is touch an end to of the plug. And then the casing in different areas. And so if it makes a noise that's a problem if it's silent that's good you want the noise.
What causes microwave to stop heating?
0:054:04Top Reasons Microwave Is Not Heating - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the diode is burned out the magnetron will not receive enough voltage to operate. When a diodeMoreIf the diode is burned out the magnetron will not receive enough voltage to operate. When a diode fails. It will often appear visibly damaged.
Can I fix my microwave myself?
All can be tested and replaced to fix a non heating oven. Watch the video. A standard microwave oven is actually a simple device comprising of a transformer, diode, capacitor, a fuse and the magnetron valve. All can be tested and replaced to fix a non heating oven.
Is it cheaper to repair a microwave or buy a new one?
The cost to install a new microwave ranges from $110 to $190, plus $100 to $700 for the appliance. Consider a replacement if you have a basic model that can cost as little as $60. High-end microwave models can run from $500 to $1,000, so repairing these devices is often cheaper than replacing them.
Is it worth fixing a microwave that won't heat?
If your microwave is relatively new and the repair costs less than replacing it, the fix is worth it. But are microwaves worth repairing if something major is broken? Probably not. Consider getting a replacement appliance for about $100, which should work for 7 to 10 years.
How do you test a magnetron thermal fuse?
1:003:23How To Test An Oven Thermal Fuse For Continuity - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace one of each of the meters probes on each of the fuse that's wire terminal. If the fuse is goodMorePlace one of each of the meters probes on each of the fuse that's wire terminal. If the fuse is good you'll hear an audible beeping noise and if the fuse is bad the meter will not make any noise.
How do you test a magnetron?
0:001:20How to Test a Magnetron (MIcrowave) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow what you'll want to do now is touch an end to of the plug. And then the casing in differentMoreNow what you'll want to do now is touch an end to of the plug. And then the casing in different areas. And so if it makes a noise that's a problem if it's silent that's good you want the noise.
What causes your microwave to stop heating?
Heating Element is Burned Out A microwave that doesn't heat may also have a broken magnetron. The magnetron is responsible for heat production within the appliance, and a malfunctioning magnetron could blow a fuse, ultimately causing other functions of the microwave to fail.
What causes a microwave to quit heating?
If your microwave oven doesn't heat, you may have a problem with the magnetron. This component is part of the high voltage circuit and provides the microwaves that generate the heat. If the magnetron is defective, the unit may blow a fuse, or you may still have all other functions operating normally.
Is it cheaper to repair a microwave or buy a new one?
The cost to install a new microwave ranges from $110 to $190, plus $100 to $700 for the appliance. Consider a replacement if you have a basic model that can cost as little as $60. High-end microwave models can run from $500 to $1,000, so repairing these devices is often cheaper than replacing them.
How to Troubleshoot and Repair the Magnetron
To troubleshoot the magnetron, you’ll need an ohmmeter or multimeter (sometimes called a Multi – Meter).
What to Do Next
If you’ve determined you need to replace your magnetron, you have two options: buy a replacement and follow the simple replacement guide- or replace the microwave altogether. A new magnetron isn’t cheap- it could run you anywhere from $100-250- more often than not equal to or greater than the cost of a new microwave.
Jed Smith
I'm a musician and recording engineer and live in Queens. I have a cat. Her name is Elsa. I love to write about consumer tech and musical instruments.
How to test a magnetron?
TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron's terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance ...
Can a microwave shock you?
CAUTION: Your microwave oven is capable of giving you a serious electrical shock, even when it is unplugged. We strongly suggest you seek the assistance of an appliance repair technician when conducting any microwave oven repair.
Why does my magnet crack?
Cracked Magnet (s) This is caused by the magnetron over heating, some instances this is because of reflected microwave energy. Symptoms: Weak or no heat, magnetron gets extremely hot (overheats), intermittent arcing or “snapping” sound. Solution: Replace the magnetron and check why the magnetron has overheated.
Can magnetron fail?
The magnetron can fail in several ways, many of which produce obvious visual symptoms that can be seen and require no testing with a meter. Components in a magnetron. When the magnetron must be replaced, here are some Magnetron Replacement Considerations.
