I have a model #565.68421 purchased in April 1998. Clock and timer work but it stopped working otherwise. Is it worth exploring repair? Any suggestions for trouble shooting?

If the microwave is more than 5 years old and cost less than $150.00 it is not worth fixing. Not familiar with your model.

We recommend you have the microwave evaluated by an authorized service center to help determine if it is cost effective to repair.

Authorized service centers can be located in the below link.

www.panasonic.com/repair

There are a couple of switches (more in some ovens) that are operated by the door latches to keep you from running the oven with the door open. I'd suspect the one called the secondary interlock isn't operating properly. It may have gotten knocked out out alignment or been damaged if the door was slammed, or simply have broken down. These switches are replaceable, but microwave oven repair should be left to professionals. Lethal voltages are exposed with the cover removed, and there's a possibility of excessive microwave leakage if the repairs aren't done properly. Be safe and let a pro give an estimate for the repair. It would be worth it to fix this oven.

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Hi and welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly.

The Repair Clinic has parts for your Montgomery Wards Microwave but, they are NOT listed on the website. Call them with your model number and they can look it up: Make sure to tell them it is a mechanical clock timer.

1-800-269-2609, 8 am to midnight ET, 7 days (Repair Clinic)

And...... if you can find a number on the actual timer assy other than the timer motor, there are still many of these mechanical timers out there deep in the parts supply shelves. I would bet your could still find this timer pretty close to home in a local Appliance repair shop.

Just a note on older appliance parts (+25 years) .... sometimes the cost of replacement parts is far more than the unit cost new.

Thanks for choosing FixYa.

Kelly

Check the door safety interlock switches.

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Sounds like something has shorted out-blown. Unless it is a very expensive model it won't be worth fixing and is not something you should attempt yourself anyway. If under guarantee then get it repaired via the guarantee arrangements. No harm in checking the plug is wired properly but as the light and timer are working it is very doubtful it is a connection problem. I think you need to buy a new microwave!

sounds like the heater busted.How many Watts does the microwave have?But anyway you can get it fixed by a handyman or a maytag repair man.But your better off buying a new one for around $60-$110.

Did it make a popping noise, like a .22 cal pistol? Probably one of the larger capacitors on the power supply blew up.

The first thing I would suggest is a hard reset. Unplug the unit for a minute or so. Then plug it back in, set the clock and try again.

If that doesn't work, leave it unplugged for maybe an hour. Then let us know if the hard reset does not fix it.

Otherwise, your controller or keypad may have moisture on it.

One of your door interlock switches is defective . I would suggest having it repaired by a qualified repair tech in your area.