But the diagnosis doesn't make sense either if what they mean is the
high voltage transformer.

The only likely failure of the HV transformer would result in a very high
current and probably a blown fuse. This would be due to shorted turns in
the primary or HV winding.

The original service guy tested the line current and said it was only drawing
4 A. That sounds like the input current to an unloaded HV transformer
4 A is consistent with the (partially saturating - normal) HV
transformer when not loaded. So, most likely cause is a bad filament
connection to the magnetron or a bad magnetron. The HV capacitor normally
fails shorted, as does the HV diode, though if it exploded, it would be
open.

And, the *ONLY* excuse to charge $400 for a transformer is that they simply
do not want to fix it! Go on eBay and you can probably pick one up for $10.

--- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/
Repair | Main Table of Contents: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/
+Lasers | Sam's Laser FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersam.htm
| Mirror Sites: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_mirror.html

Important: Anything sent to the email address in the message header above is
ignored unless my full name is included in the subject line. Or, you can
contact me via the Feedback Form in the FAQs.

"sofie" writes:

bones:
6 years later..... facing a $400 repair bill.... it is time to trash it.
(He's dead, Jim)
New, full feature Microwave ovens can be purchased for much less than the
proposed repair bill.... unless you are looking for some peculiar feature
or size that only is found on the high priced units .
Keep it simple and you can probably get a new one for a couple hundred
dollars or so... (Canadian)
--
Best Regards,
Daniel Sofie
Electronics Supply & Repair
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



"bones" wrote in message
...
After two weeks in the Sears repair shop, they finally looked at my
microwave and they told me that I need a new transformer. Going by my
earlier postings regarding the problems and the replies that I received,
do
you think that this sounds like a good diagnosis? It will cost me $400
Canadian. I bought the microwave in '99 for $600 Can. If it is an
accurate
diagnosis do you think it would be worth to fix it at this price?

Thanks
Jeff


"Sam Goldwasser" wrote in message
...
"bones" writes:

I had to send in the microwave because I didn't really know what I was
doing. The repair guy tested it with a meter plugged into wall while
microwave was plugged into it. He said it was drawing 4 amps so he
said
it
was probably a diode or capacitor. Since you suggested this does the 4
amp
senerio sound correct?

Possibly but less likely than a bad connection to the magnetron
filament..

HV diodes and capacitors usually fail shorted, which would draw more
current.

I have a "Figidaire Gallery" over the range microwave. I turned it
on
to
reheat food and I heard a click. The microwave still ran but it did
not
heat the food.

At this point, the appliance turns on but it does not kick in to
heat
anything up (tried every option and still the same). Any ideas on
what
it
might be?

Thanks



I've fixed a couple that had cracked solder connections at the power
relay
on the control board, could also be a bad diode or capacitor in the
HV
circuit but usually that blows the oven fuse.

*Read the repair FAQ BEFORE* you think about opening this thing up,
microwaves are relatively simple to work on but they can be lethal if
you
don't know what you're doing.