"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:J8Aef.15434$%t4.5289@trnddc07...
Al wrote:
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?



The display is probably fine, likely just needs the connections cleaned if
it uses one of the rubber contact strips, or the solder touched up. Read
the FAQ on microwave safety, then once you've done that this is most
likely something you can fix yourself.

Sadly, these are not that simple anymore. The display ribbon is glued/taped
to the controller board. There is no solder -- good contact depends on
pressure from the ribbon (it's bent in a "U" loop) and the tape pulling from
the opposing side of the board.
If you peel off the display cable to clean the contacts, GOOD LUCK getting
it realigned with the tightly-spaced traces and maintaining good contact.
Solder can't be substituted for the method used, as the heat will absolutely
destroy the business end of the display cable.
In my case, the display started missing a couple of segments, then a bunch
of them went soon afterward. All the discrete components on the controller
board tested ok. The controller IC still worked as far as the oven
functions were concered. The IC itself isn't replaceable (it's the "black
blob" type), so there are only two options: buy a new board set which costs
more than the oven or buy a new oven.
This is a blatant example of a product designed to ward off repairs and to
have a relatively short lifespan.