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Microwave keeps losing power

Recently, I've been having problems with my microwave. It's about 7-8 years old and is plugged into a grounded 3 prong outlet. The problem is that when I go to hit the start button, it cuts off and on very quickly (loses power). I can tell that's what happened because the clock resets. Other than that, it works fine.

When this problem happens, there doesn't seem to be any other electrical equipment running that would cause a problem. It's just typical stuff like a tv, refrigerator, and the heat. I suppose the heat cutting on and off could cause it but it's hard to tell. This doesn't happen often and usually happens when someone hits the start button. Sometimes it will happen several times in a row.

Does anyone have any ideas what could cause this problem?

Reply to
Mike S.
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I'm guessing but it sounds like the power supply is knackered. It may need a new storage capacitor.

Graham

Reply to
Eeyore

Sounds like you have a high resistance connection somewhere, I'd start by checking the fuse holder and door interlock switches. Something is probably arcing when the high load of the power transformer kicks in.

Reply to
James Sweet

On Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:13:51 -0800, Mike S. Has Frothed:

Plug it into a different outlet.

--
Pierre Salinger Memorial Hook, Line & Sinker, June 2004

COOSN-266-06-25794
Reply to
Meat Plow

I'd switch outlets first. Start current is high and if your house is wired with the push-in "fast and easy" receptacles they will often die under high current. The screw connections on receptacles make a much better connection for high current.

Next idea would be to take it apart and look inside. They use push on fast connects and those things can fail. Aside from obvious charred wire, check each one and pull them off (after unplugging the uW and discharging the cap - with an insulated screwdriver!). If one is a different color than the others it could indicate it is running hot with a poor connection.

Check the interlock system as well. It wouldn't seem like an interlock could cause the clock to reset but it can when rapidly pulsing the load.

Brown-out can cause it - but you'd see the lights on that circuit flicker when the uW starts.

Then it is on to the components - but more likely just a bad connection somewhere in the primary power circuits.

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Reply to
default

Get a qualified tech to repair it. I'd check the door switches first. Note that these will KILL you faster than anything else you might try to repair.

Reply to
Homer J Simpson

After 8 years it really is time to buy a new one. You have had your monies worth

Regards

Reply to
Terry

Ah, the throwaway society. Such a fine thing.

Graham

Reply to
Eeyore

I have a 20 year old one that works fine.

Reply to
Homer J Simpson

Of course, Sony doesn't make microwave ovens, f*****ad!!!

Reply to
Malissa Baldwin

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