We have a Whirlpool microwave oven over the stove. All of the
sudden it emits a loud hum when you turn it on. It also doesn't
cook when you turn it on. Now, this hum is quite a bit louder
than the ordinary hum you hear when it is on. What could be the
problem?

I await your expert responses.

Thanks,
Tom

fan Motor?


"Thomas Minter" wrote in message
...
We have a Whirlpool microwave oven over the stove. All of the
sudden it emits a loud hum when you turn it on. It also doesn't
cook when you turn it on. Now, this hum is quite a bit louder
than the ordinary hum you hear when it is on. What could be the
problem?

I await your expert responses.

Thanks,
Tom

Thomas Minter wrote:
We have a Whirlpool microwave oven over the stove. All of the
sudden it emits a loud hum when you turn it on. It also doesn't
cook when you turn it on. Now, this hum is quite a bit louder
than the ordinary hum you hear when it is on. What could be the
problem?

I await your expert responses.


Hi Tom:

I'm not an expert but have had that happen before, and it meant that
the magnetron was shot. With modern advances in technology, replacing
a magnetron costs only a little more than buying a new microwave....

The over-the-oven microwaves have come down a good bit in price over
the last year or so, it seems. Lowes has a Whirlpool for under $200:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...XSB&lpage=none

Hope this helps -- Terry

wrote:
Thomas Minter wrote:
We have a Whirlpool microwave oven over the stove. All of the
sudden it emits a loud hum when you turn it on. It also doesn't
cook when you turn it on. Now, this hum is quite a bit louder
than the ordinary hum you hear when it is on. What could be the
problem?

I await your expert responses.


Hi Tom:

I'm not an expert but have had that happen before, and it meant that
the magnetron was shot. With modern advances in technology, replacing
a magnetron costs only a little more than buying a new microwave....

The over-the-oven microwaves have come down a good bit in price over
the last year or so, it seems. Lowes has a Whirlpool for under $200:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...XSB&lpage=none

Hope this helps -- Terry

.................................................. ..........................................
..
Here is another reply by another Terry!!!!!
..
I could guess at a number of causes; all related to the possible
breakdown of certain very high voltage electronic parts (HV diode,
capacitor etc.) and /or the magnetron itself.
..
However unless you are very competent electronics technician DO NOT
attempt to work on it yourself.
..
Microwave ovens are essentially a microwave radio frequency transmitter
of at least several hundred watts, in a metal box. They also involve DC
voltages of the order of 5000 volts and potential exposure to microwave
radiation when the cover is disturbed.

Both can be dangerous to lethal!

The proper reattachment of the covers to prevent radiation takes care;
and the proper operation of the door safety switches is also very
important. Technicians also know how to test for 'leakage' around the
door and vents of the unit.
..
New ones are so cheap these days that it is not normally worth the
hourly cost of a North American technician's labour to repair them. I
have found that even a used magnetron (not always the problem by the
way) to be anywhere from $30 to $50. You can buy a brand new unit with
a certain amount of warranty for little more!
..
My advice is "Be very, very careful"!

Hope this helps