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  • Microwave on the fritz

    last night, our microwave (kitchenaid) decided to freak out. It was in the middle of defrosting some chicken and it made a loud sound....almost like a pop....then it shut off completely. At first I thought the microwave had torn an ACL and I feared the worst.

    After a brief timeout, the electronic display started showing all these strange, Matrix-like characters scrolling across the front. Then a minute or two later, the micro turned back on....the lights work, the tray rotates, etc. We all gave the microwave an brief, sportsmanlike ovation and went back to our business.

    The only problem now is that the microwave doesn't heat anything. Something is clearly wrong.

    I tried cleaning the front of the microwave with glass cleaner. That didn't help. I also lifted up the glass tray and looked underneath it, but couldn't really ascertain much from doing that. There is no "fix the microwave" fuse in the fuse box. Also, this doesn't seem to be the type of situation that calls for a tape measure or my cool laser level. I have basically depleted my microwave-repair-skills arsenal.

    Any advice?
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  • #2
    Time to buy a new microwave

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    • #3
      That doesn't sound like something that can easily be fixed. You could take it to a repair shop and ask for an estimate. My guess is that you will need to buy a new one.
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      • #4
        Check the solenoid first. My old man always said you should make sure you check the solenoids.
        PLesa excuse the tpyos.

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        • #5
          I had a microwave do a similar death while defrosting a frozen bowl of leftovers, which probably weighed 2 or 3 lbs. I guess those things are only designed to cook small portions.

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          • #6
            we are having a repair guy come out to check it out and fix it. He said over the phone that he thinks it is the something or other tube (not fallopian tube, I am positive of that).

            The problem with buying the appliances through the home builder is that they sell models that are not readily available at the store, the measurements always seem to be a bit screwy, and replacing them is a hassle. Not sure how easy it will be to replace this microwave and pop in a new one because it comes with a trim kit (not as sexy as it sounds...boo) that makes the microwave and oven look like one large stainless steel monster of love. If we don't get the exact same micro, then we have some unmatched set of appliances and my wife is unhappy and my OCD starts kicking into overdrive.
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            • #7
              Fritz on the microwave


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              • #8
                Spaceghost, you are correct. he said it was the "mag tube."

                The house call and estimate is free, fortunately. let's see what he will charge to fix, though. His hourly bill rate for labor will likely put him at the same pay scale as most partners around the office.
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                • #9
                  You'd best get your kids to a doctor quick to make sure there is no radiation poisoning. I'd hate for any of your grandkids to be born with 3 eyes, no genitalia and a club foot.
                  "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy; its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill


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                  • #10
                    Update: appliance guy came by, confirmed that it was the mag tube, counseled my wife to not defrost chicken for 10-12 minutes at a time, and then provided a quote that i thought was really reasonable.

                    Replacement mag tube: $80 (new in box, not a refurb)
                    Labor: $50

                    Also, one year full replacement warranty on the part.

                    I thought this was a really good deal. He did say that because of the economy, the days of high margin repairs have gone by the wayside (at least for now). Everyone is scrambling to make money on volume, not margin, so if you need home repairs, this is a good time to get them done.

                    He is going to pick up the part and try to come back this evening. If not, then tomorrow morning.

                    I didn't realize how often we use our microwave. It is annoying to warm certain things on the stove.
                    Fitter. Happier. More Productive.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by TripletDaddy View Post
                      Update: appliance guy came by, confirmed that it was the mag tube, counseled my wife to not defrost chicken for 10-12 minutes at a time, and then provided a quote that i thought was really reasonable.

                      Replacement mag tube: $80 (new in box, not a refurb)
                      Labor: $50

                      Also, one year full replacement warranty on the part.

                      I thought this was a really good deal. He did say that because of the economy, the days of high margin repairs have gone by the wayside (at least for now). Everyone is scrambling to make money on volume, not margin, so if you need home repairs, this is a good time to get them done.

                      He is going to pick up the part and try to come back this evening. If not, then tomorrow morning.

                      I didn't realize how often we use our microwave. It is annoying to warm certain things on the stove.

                      Phew! Glad to hear everything worked out well, DDD!

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by TripletDaddy View Post
                        last night, our microwave (kitchenaid) decided to freak out. It was in the middle of defrosting some chicken and it made a loud sound....almost like a pop....then it shut off completely. At first I thought the microwave had torn an ACL and I feared the worst.

                        After a brief timeout, the electronic display started showing all these strange, Matrix-like characters scrolling across the front. Then a minute or two later, the micro turned back on....the lights work, the tray rotates, etc. We all gave the microwave an brief, sportsmanlike ovation and went back to our business.

                        The only problem now is that the microwave doesn't heat anything. Something is clearly wrong.

                        I tried cleaning the front of the microwave with glass cleaner. That didn't help. I also lifted up the glass tray and looked underneath it, but couldn't really ascertain much from doing that. There is no "fix the microwave" fuse in the fuse box. Also, this doesn't seem to be the type of situation that calls for a tape measure or my cool laser level. I have basically depleted my microwave-repair-skills arsenal.

                        Any advice?
                        You seem to have recurring issues with microwaves everywhere. I wonder why?
                        When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him.

                        --Jonathan Swift

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by SeattleUte View Post
                          You seem to have recurring issues with microwaves everywhere. I wonder why?
                          His mag tube doesn't work.
                          PLesa excuse the tpyos.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by YOhio View Post
                            Phew! Glad to hear everything worked out well, DDD!
                            He's not out of the woods yet! I'll wait until DDD updates the thread after the actual repair rather than foolishly counting the eggs before they hatch (like some people around here).
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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by SeattleUte View Post
                              You seem to have recurring issues with microwaves everywhere. I wonder why?
                              Have I mentioned prior microwave issues?

                              Originally posted by Lost_Student View Post
                              He's not out of the woods yet! I'll wait until DDD updates the thread after the actual repair rather than foolishly counting the eggs before they hatch (like some people around here).
                              Mid-morning and no word yet from the microwave repair guy.
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