"Al" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a Sharp Carousel microwave, model R-305EW and
the timer/display has developed a problem: part of one of
the LCD-style numbers no longer lights up.

Is it costly to replace the display on this unit? Is it a
relatively easy job for a handyguy with average skills?


Tossed my 2-yr old Sharp R425E because of a bad display. The replacement
display costs more than what I paid for the whole oven!!

Unfortunately, Sharp (et al) have seen fit to make these displays a
permanent part of the CPU board -- that is, the flex trace ribbon is bonded
in such a way as to make repairs practically impossible. Even if you
_could_ replace only the LCD module, you can't BUY only the LCD module, you
have to buy the entire display/controller assembly.
The replacement cost of your display/CPU board is $118.12 from Tritronics.

Alternatively, if you're a gambler, you can ship your board off for repairs:

http://mem.tcon.net/users/5010/5491/pwbrepair.htm

Even if you're lucky enough that only a very simple repair is needed, at
$32.50 labor plus parts plus shipping... well, which option you choose
depends on how fond you are of your oven I guess.

I purchased that R425E because my old oven was a Montgomery Ward which was
built by Sharp. It lasted 15 years! I was hoping I'd have similar luck
with a new Sharp, but alas they've also decided to produce junk now.

So I thumbed my nose at Sharp and replaced it with an Amana (Maytag), which
is covered with a full 5-year warranty (factory standard, not "extended") on
the display/electronics. That's 4 more years than most manufacturers offer!
I hope this means it's designed to last at least twice as long as the Sharp
did.

Good luck,
Ray