My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair? I know there's a break even
spot where the repairs cost more than a new one. She is giving us the old
unit, and I'd like to see if I can get it fixed.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
Read up and prepare.
Learn how to care for a friend.
http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

On Nov 16, 7:29*pm, "Steve B" wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. *The microwave died, and the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. *I find that hard to
believe. *The unit is not that old. *Are there things in a microwave that go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair? *I know there's a break even
spot where the repairs cost more than a new one. *She is giving us the old
unit, and I'd like to see if I can get it fixed.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
Read up and prepare.
Learn how to care for a friend.http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

How about some further info, like make, model, age, what does and does
not work, etc. You've been on this group enough to know what we need
to know. Also, have you been to this google group to pose your
question? sci.electronics.repair. Without knowing more you cannot
get any serious advice.

In article ,
"Steve B" wrote:

Are there things in a microwave that go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair?

No. It can be fixed. I remember a woman friend, many years ago, taking
her (magnetic tape) answering machine in for repair. The shop owner
called her a few days later to decla "It can't be fixed. The problem
is in the circuitry."

Steve B wrote:

My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair?

In a microwave-only oven, yes, because repair is more expensive than a
whole oven, but in a convection-microwave, I think only a broken oven
cavity (has anybody taken a sledge hammer to it recently?) or a bad
high voltage transformer can make repair uneconomical. BTW if this
is a table top model, L-G makes one for GE and also for Sears, the
differences being price and one having a touch panel while the other
having regular buttons.

A microwave oven consists of a fan-cooled magnatron powered by a high
voltage doubler (capacitor, diode), connected to a high voltage
transformer, connected to some control circuitry (simple relay or
inverter) and the 120VAC. There's probably also a high temperature
cutoff for the magnatron. Magnatrons cost as little as $30, the high
voltage capacitor and diode maybe $20-30 for both, and my parents have
a 30-year-old convection/microwave oven that's been fixed 3-4 times by
replacing those components plus the hi-temp cutoff. Also ovens with
touch panels may wear out their buttons or develop cracked solder
joints from flexing too much. If your oven buzzed briefly just before
quitting, there's a good chance the diode shorted.

www.repairFAQ.org has lots of repair information, including safety
information. Microwave ovens can electrocute (kill) you even when
unplugged, because of that big capacitor, whose built-in bleeder
resistor sometimes cracks and doesn't bleed down the 2,000 volts.

"hr(bob) " wrote in message
...
On Nov 16, 7:29 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair? I know there's a break even
spot where the repairs cost more than a new one. She is giving us the old
unit, and I'd like to see if I can get it fixed.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
Read up and prepare.
Learn how to care for a friend.http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

How about some further info, like make, model, age, what does and does
not work, etc. You've been on this group enough to know what we need
to know. Also, have you been to this google group to pose your
question? sci.electronics.repair. Without knowing more you cannot
get any serious advice.

reply: Yes, I know that, but the unit is 200 miles away right now. I was
just asking about the concept of whether or not a microwave can be so dead
that it cannot be repaired, no matter the cost. Of course if it is cost
prohibitive, then that's a deal breaker. I have heard of mw's that couldn't
be fixed. Maybe sealed parts. Out of production. Whatever. I had one
that my property manager said was toast, so we put it in storage and put
another in the vacation rental. The next manager saw it, and asked about
it, checked it out, and changed a fuse, and it came back to life.

I may be going to Vegas Thursday, if not, not until after Thanksgiving, WHEN
I'M GOING TO GET ALL THE PERTINENT INFORMATION on it.

Steve

"larry moe 'n curly" wrote in message
...


Steve B wrote:

My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and
the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard
to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that
go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair?

In a microwave-only oven, yes, because repair is more expensive than a
whole oven, but in a convection-microwave, I think only a broken oven
cavity (has anybody taken a sledge hammer to it recently?) or a bad
high voltage transformer can make repair uneconomical. BTW if this
is a table top model, L-G makes one for GE and also for Sears, the
differences being price and one having a touch panel while the other
having regular buttons.

A microwave oven consists of a fan-cooled magnatron powered by a high
voltage doubler (capacitor, diode), connected to a high voltage
transformer, connected to some control circuitry (simple relay or
inverter) and the 120VAC. There's probably also a high temperature
cutoff for the magnatron. Magnatrons cost as little as $30, the high
voltage capacitor and diode maybe $20-30 for both, and my parents have
a 30-year-old convection/microwave oven that's been fixed 3-4 times by
replacing those components plus the hi-temp cutoff. Also ovens with
touch panels may wear out their buttons or develop cracked solder
joints from flexing too much. If your oven buzzed briefly just before
quitting, there's a good chance the diode shorted.

www.repairFAQ.org has lots of repair information, including safety
information. Microwave ovens can electrocute (kill) you even when
unplugged, because of that big capacitor, whose built-in bleeder
resistor sometimes cracks and doesn't bleed down the 2,000 volts.

reply: here's the deal. I asked my wife, since she has actually looked at
the unit, and I have paid it no attention at all while at my daughter's
house. It's a microwave over a regular oven, all in one face plate. I
would have never bought it, but they are getting a whole new one, and are
giving us this one on hopes we can fixit, as I am known for fixing things in
the family, and everything that goes to the landfill usually goes through my
house first, and I've revived a lot of stuff. I may see it this week, or
after Thanksgiving, and get some more detailed info.

But thanks for the boost that it may be repairable.

Steve

Steve B wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair? I know there's a break even
spot where the repairs cost more than a new one. She is giving us the old
unit, and I'd like to see if I can get it fixed.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
Read up and prepare.
Learn how to care for a friend.
http://cabgbypasssurgery.com


There is no such thing as 'can't'.

--
LSMFT

Simple job, assist the assistant of the physicist.

Steve B wrote:
"hr(bob) " wrote in message
...
On Nov 16, 7:29 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard to
....

that it cannot be repaired, no matter the cost. Of course if it is cost
prohibitive, then that's a deal breaker. I have heard of mw's that couldn't
be fixed. Maybe sealed parts. Out of production. Whatever. I had one
that my property manager said was toast, so we put it in storage and put
another in the vacation rental. The next manager saw it, and asked about
it, checked it out, and changed a fuse, and it came back to life.

I may be going to Vegas Thursday, if not, not until after Thanksgiving, WHEN
I'M GOING TO GET ALL THE PERTINENT INFORMATION on it.
....

Wasn't aware anybody had made the combinations for quite a long
time--we've got one (GE) but it's 30 yr old. The magnetron for it was
still available last I looked a year or so ago. They're not cheap but
I've been tempted to order one for a spare as would hate to give up the
feature as there's no room for a countertop unit.

The problem could be in the interlock; there's a solenoid in the door
lock system that is _NOT_ available w/ no suggested replacement; one
would have to find something to cobble up in it's place if that were it.
I can imagine that would be in the "nonrepairable" category for a
standard-duty repairman.

--

On 11/16/2010 10:04 PM, Steve B wrote:

snip

reply: Yes, I know that, but the unit is 200 miles away right now. I was
just asking about the concept of whether or not a microwave can be so dead
that it cannot be repaired, no matter the cost. Of course if it is cost
prohibitive, then that's a deal breaker. I have heard of mw's that couldn't
be fixed. Maybe sealed parts. Out of production. Whatever. I had one
that my property manager said was toast, so we put it in storage and put
another in the vacation rental. The next manager saw it, and asked about
it, checked it out, and changed a fuse, and it came back to life.

I may be going to Vegas Thursday, if not, not until after Thanksgiving, WHEN
I'M GOING TO GET ALL THE PERTINENT INFORMATION on it.

I've got a combo unit. Got it brand new from craigslist from someone who
had it in their newly built home but wanted a double oven instead.

I've had to replace the microwave door, which of course cost more than a
whole new microwave would cost (around $100). I can only imagine if the
control panel were bad.

I'm sure with enough money the microwave section could be fixed. It's
really just a microwave bolted to an oven, though the microwave works
off of 220V like the oven, and the control pad for the oven is up on the
microwave. I got such a thing because it fit into the space we had (used
to have a double oven), but it's not something I liked doing.

Since it runs on 220V, probably the magnetron and fan are different than
the parts you'll find in most cheap microwaves.

If the one I have breaks then there are plenty for sale on craigslist.
Used ones sell for $200-300.

"dpb" wrote in message
...
Steve B wrote:
"hr(bob) " wrote in message
...
On Nov 16, 7:29 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and
the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard
to
...

that it cannot be repaired, no matter the cost. Of course if it is cost
prohibitive, then that's a deal breaker. I have heard of mw's that
couldn't be fixed. Maybe sealed parts. Out of production. Whatever. I
had one that my property manager said was toast, so we put it in storage
and put another in the vacation rental. The next manager saw it, and
asked about it, checked it out, and changed a fuse, and it came back to
life.

I may be going to Vegas Thursday, if not, not until after Thanksgiving,
WHEN I'M GOING TO GET ALL THE PERTINENT INFORMATION on it.
...

Wasn't aware anybody had made the combinations for quite a long
time--we've got one (GE) but it's 30 yr old. The magnetron for it was
still available last I looked a year or so ago. They're not cheap but
I've been tempted to order one for a spare as would hate to give up the
feature as there's no room for a countertop unit.

The problem could be in the interlock; there's a solenoid in the door lock
system that is _NOT_ available w/ no suggested replacement; one would have
to find something to cobble up in it's place if that were it. I can
imagine that would be in the "nonrepairable" category for a standard-duty
repairman.

Speaking of such ............ I called a repairman in Las Vegas for a built
in oven. He came, charged $75, which he would gladly take off the bill if I
had him do the work. The motherboard was shot, and it would be $650 to fix.
I pulled out the unit, and got the tekkie sheets taped to the pouch on the
side of the unit. Pulled the plug and reinserted, wrote down the error
code, and found out it was the Interlock. Went to a local shop, bought one
for $32, and fixed it. Called the company and asked for a refund. No way,
Jose. So, I told them I'd be calling the local news channel that loves
these stories. No, NO, don't do that, we'll have that refund right over
there this afternoon when one of our guys has an appointment in that area.
Check was in the mailbox before sunset. That's the scenario I'm afraid of,
and I live in a very little town, so there's a good chance of finding an
honest repairman here, but there's probably not a lot of them. We have a
lot of social contacts, so will probably be able to find one once we get the
unit up here.

"LSMFT" wrote in message
...
Steve B wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and
the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard
to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that
go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair? I know there's a break even
spot where the repairs cost more than a new one. She is giving us the
old
unit, and I'd like to see if I can get it fixed.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
Read up and prepare.
Learn how to care for a friend.
http://cabgbypasssurgery.com


There is no such thing as 'can't'.

--
LSMFT

That's kind of what I figured. Even a car gets a new life with a new
engine, you just have to decide if you want to spend $2,000 on a $300 car.
But then, I've seen $300 cars with $5,000 stereos in them, so it's a
personal matter. We're getting this for free, so if it costs to get it
fixed, we can spend a chunk and still come in under the price for new. MY
SIL, who fancies himself as a repair person is probably going to be ****ed
if I get it fixed for $30 or so. But even if it is $300, my story is $30,
and I'm sticking to it. Or a $2 fuse would even be better.

Steve

SMS wrote:
....

I've got a combo unit. Got it brand new from craigslist from someone who
had it in their newly built home but wanted a double oven instead.

I've had to replace the microwave door, ...

That's not what I'm envisioning; if it's new perhaps it is what OP has,
though. The unit here includes the microwave in the bake oven cavity,
not two separate units. The oven is size of conventional range oven;
there's just no storage under the oven as in others as that's taken up
w/ the magnetron, etc., that's free space in standard free-standing range.

--

On 11/17/2010 11:53 AM, Steve B wrote:
wrote in message
...
Steve B wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and
the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard
to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that
go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair? I know there's a break even
spot where the repairs cost more than a new one. She is giving us the
old
unit, and I'd like to see if I can get it fixed.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
Read up and prepare.
Learn how to care for a friend.
http://cabgbypasssurgery.com


There is no such thing as 'can't'.

--
LSMFT

That's kind of what I figured. Even a car gets a new life with a new
engine, you just have to decide if you want to spend $2,000 on a $300 car.
But then, I've seen $300 cars with $5,000 stereos in them, so it's a
personal matter. We're getting this for free, so if it costs to get it
fixed, we can spend a chunk and still come in under the price for new. MY
SIL, who fancies himself as a repair person is probably going to be ****ed
if I get it fixed for $30 or so. But even if it is $300, my story is $30,
and I'm sticking to it. Or a $2 fuse would even be better.

Steve



When I used to live in the apartments, I routinely found very shiny
'dead' micros, some still with the protective plastic film on them,
beside the dumpsters. Most came back to life with a field-strip and
reassembly, after replacing popped fuse or a burned-up push-on
connector, or de-gunking the microswitch on the door safety interlock.
Gave some to relatives, sold a couple at garage sales, Goodwilled the rest.

--
aem sends...

On 11/17/2010 5:47 PM, aemeijers wrote:
On 11/17/2010 11:53 AM, Steve B wrote:
wrote in message
...
Steve B wrote:
My DIL has a bake oven with a combo microwave. The microwave died, and
the
repair guy said that the microwave couldn't be fixed. I find that hard
to
believe. The unit is not that old. Are there things in a microwave that
go
out that one just absolutely cannot repair? I know there's a break even
spot where the repairs cost more than a new one. She is giving us the
old
unit, and I'd like to see if I can get it fixed.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
Read up and prepare.
Learn how to care for a friend.
http://cabgbypasssurgery.com


There is no such thing as 'can't'.

--
LSMFT

That's kind of what I figured. Even a car gets a new life with a new
engine, you just have to decide if you want to spend $2,000 on a $300
car.
But then, I've seen $300 cars with $5,000 stereos in them, so it's a
personal matter. We're getting this for free, so if it costs to get it
fixed, we can spend a chunk and still come in under the price for new. MY
SIL, who fancies himself as a repair person is probably going to be
****ed
if I get it fixed for $30 or so. But even if it is $300, my story is $30,
and I'm sticking to it. Or a $2 fuse would even be better.

Steve



When I used to live in the apartments, I routinely found very shiny
'dead' micros, some still with the protective plastic film on them,
beside the dumpsters. Most came back to life with a field-strip and
reassembly, after replacing popped fuse or a burned-up push-on
connector, or de-gunking the microswitch on the door safety interlock.
Gave some to relatives, sold a couple at garage sales, Goodwilled the rest.


I found a brand new small microwave oven next to a dumpster outside a
place I was working. Not a scratch on it and the glass turntable and
owners manual were inside. It works fine, I think someone was moving
and decided the new items I found were worth less than the space in
their vehicle.

TDD

Steve B wrote:
"dpb" wrote in message
....

The problem could be in the interlock; there's a solenoid in the door lock
system that is _NOT_ available w/ no suggested replacement; one would have
to find something to cobble up in it's place if that were it. I can
imagine that would be in the "nonrepairable" category for a standard-duty
repairman.

Speaking of such ............ ...

Actually, on reflection, the microwave oven lock is mechanical only; the
solenoid is only for the clean cycle--it prevents unlocking until the
oven has cooled. So, the idea of it being an unavailable part wouldn't
be the problem of why the microwave was deemed unrepairable...

--

"dpb" wrote in message
...
Steve B wrote:
"dpb" wrote in message
...

The problem could be in the interlock; there's a solenoid in the door
lock system that is _NOT_ available w/ no suggested replacement; one
would have to find something to cobble up in it's place if that were it.
I can imagine that would be in the "nonrepairable" category for a
standard-duty repairman.

Speaking of such ............ ...

Actually, on reflection, the microwave oven lock is mechanical only; the
solenoid is only for the clean cycle--it prevents unlocking until the oven
has cooled. So, the idea of it being an unavailable part wouldn't be the
problem of why the microwave was deemed unrepairable...

Well, I'll have the exact number and model of the unit in a couple of weeks.
For now, I'm just wondering about the statements sometimes that a microwave
is "unfixable." Maybe it actually is, but my experience is that sometimes
people have a can't do it attitude, and they're dead in the water before
they cast off. Others see it as a challenge, and say, "I can fix anything."

Steve