Instructions On How To Use This Information To Diagnose and Repair Microwave Ovens

1. After reading the safety precautions , find the brand and model number, or the number closest to the model you are repairing.
2. Find the symptom(s) that most closely match the symptom(s) being displayed by the oven you are repairing.
3. Follow the specific troubleshooting and/or repair instructions to complete the repair. Click on highlighted text for a detailed explanation of that procedure.
4. Since this database is constantly being updated and appended, if you don't find what your looking for, try again at a later time.
5. Click here    if you would like to be notified by e-mail when this page is updated.

Important Safety Information

Disclaimer: The author assumes no liability for any incidental, consequential or other liability from the use of this information. All risks and damages, incidental or otherwise, arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein are entirely the responsibility of the user. Although careful precaution has been taken in the preparation of this material, we assume no responsibility for omissions or errors.

© 1996-2005 J. Carlton Gallawa
All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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MICROWAVE OVEN REPAIR CASE HISTORY DATABASE (CONT'D)

GE

GE

Model: J EM23K 003

Symptom: No power to control panel

Problem: Ruptured foil trace at "CON 2" possibly due to power surge

Solution: Repair foil trace

GE

Model: J ET92 001

Symptom: Works fine then goes "dead"

Problem: Cracked and/or burned solder connections of printed circuit board.

Solution: Remove control board and inspect the solder joints for deterioration. This tends to occur where the "JF" harness connector is mounted to the circuit board. Clean, reinforce and re-solder as necessary.

GE

Model: J VM140H 002

Symptom: Heats intermittently

Problem: "Cold" solder joint on printed circuit board.

Solution: Inspect the foil-side of printed circuit board for cracked, burned, or deteriorated solder joints. Specifically, check the pins where the "main relay" mounts to the circuit board, as well as the harness connector mounting pins. Repair the connections by cleaning, reinforcing, and re-soldering as necessary.

GE

Model: J VM140H 002

Symptom: Heating intermittently

Problem: Cracked solder joint at "Power Relay" and Q1

Solution: Repair the cracked solder joints by reinforcing and re-soldering as necessary.

GE

Model: J VM46 003

Symptom: Electrical burning smell and smoke coming from inside the oven during cook, soon afterward the oven goes dead.

Problem: Shorted high voltage transformer is causing the line fuse to blow

Test: High Voltage Transformer Test

Solution: Replace the high voltage transformer (GE part # Wb27X5096) and install a new 15 amp fuse

Submitted by David Hinton, DBH Appliance Repair, Dyer, Indiana, U.S.

GE

Model: JE1540WN001

Symptom: Found oven dead after lightning storm

Problem: Foil trace on printed circuit board burned from transient voltage spike

Solution: Repair foil trace , and replace varistor, price:$3.00 - $4.00

GE

Model: R VM120 001

Symptom: Everything works but it does not heat.

Problem: Solder joints on power control board are cracked and/or burned.

Solution: Inspect solder connections on power control board for deterioration. This usually occurs where the harness connector is mounted to the circuit board. Reinforce and re-solder as necessary. Also check all other solder joints.

GOLDSTAR

Model: ER-4010

Symptom: Weak or no heat

Problem: Magnetron filament connectors have loosened and, due to resistive heat, the terminal connections have deteriorated and burned loose.

Solution: Repair defective terminals as follows:Either (1) Clean the burned/pitted terminals, and replace the slip-on connectors, making sure they fit tightly on the terminals; or (2) Cut away burned wire and connector(s). Clean terminals to prepare for soldering. Solder filament leads directly to magnetron. Be careful not to apply soldering heat any longer than necessary.

HITACHI

Model: MR-8040S

Symptom: No heat

Problem: Defective triac

Test: Triac Test Procedure

Solution: Replace triac (BCR30GM) Hitachi Part # MR-7220

HOTPOINT

Model: R VM120 001

Symptom: Everything works but it does not heat.

Problem: Solder joints on power control board are cracked and/or burned.

Solution: Inspect solder connections on power control board for deterioration. This usually occurs where the harness connector is mounted to the circuit board. reinforce and re-solder as necessary. Also check all other solder joints.

HOTPOINT

Model: RVM120 001

Symptom: No heat

Problem: Cracked and/or burned solder joints on power control board.

Solution: Re-solder and reinforce solder joints on the power control board main wiring-harness plug (CON).

JCPENNEY

Model: 5910-00-30, 5910-00-31, 5910-00-40

Symptom: Press "start," the oven operates briefly (anywhere from less than a second to several seconds, or more), then it erratically shuts down (resets, or "kicks off").

Problem: Defective control panel.

Solution: Rebuild control panel by replacing the following components

1. Rectifier W02 (ECG5304) located in the center at the top of board (there are 3 similar rectifiers across top of board)
2. Capacitor C3, 1000 mfd @ 25V
3. IC14, 7812 regulator (ECG966)
4. IC12, 7912 regulator (ECG967)

Note: This repair corrects 90% of PCB problems of the 5910 series. If problems persist, the circuit board must be replaced:part # 1003-3843, price:about $90.00

JCPENNEY

Model: 5910-00-12

Symptom: Tried to use and it wouldn't work

Problem: Weakened fuse clips in the fuse receptacle causing fuse to melt due to resistive heat. This is usually indicated by a bead of solder leaching out from either endcap , and/or evidence of overheating (or burned, pitted spot) at the endcap, fuse clip, or terminal connection

Solution: Replace 15 amp fuse (about $1.00) and receptacle (about $2.00).

Additional Inf: Generic fuse holders are available at appliance and electronic part suppliers

Parts Suppliers and Manufacturer Contacts You can contact these parts suppliers and microwave oven equipment manufacturers directly for replacement parts, product literature, dealer locations, technical assistance, etc. Please e-mail additions or corrections to: j.gallawa@cox.net Glossary of Electronic and Microwave Oven Related Terms  Submit your own repair tip j.gallawa@cox.net