Testing the magnetron - GE Microwave Ovens

Hi
Testing magnetron is easy. However caution must be taken when doing the measurement in resistance. If less than 1 ohm than it is still good otherwise it is bad. Btw not all the time magnetron goes bad but it could be power diode or power capacitor too or sometimes it is a simple bad door switch therefore needs to check all conditions as you have access. Provided link below on how to test magnetron for future reference.
http://www.microtechfactoryservice.com/mag_test.html

Hello there,

When your microwave oven starts to zap, then eventually does not heat up, it means there is a problem inside the unit of the microwave. There are some parts to check inside the microwave before you can tell the exact component that is faulty and to know if replacement will do the job for you.

The three (3) main parts to be tested are the power diode, the high voltage capacitor and the magnetron.

But since all other components are working like the fan, light and clock, then it is most likely the magnetron. Here is how to test and replace the magnetron of your microwave.
HOW TO TEST THE MAGNETRON
Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitor.
There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:
TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron's terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.
TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.
Magnetron replacement
Have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own.

Hope this helped.

Elect_Comp

Hello there,

When your microwave oven starts to zap, then eventually does not heat up, it means there is a problem inside the unit of the microwave. There are some parts to check inside the microwave before you can tell the exact component that is faulty and to know if replacement will do the job for you.

The three (3) main parts to be tested are the power diode, the high voltage capacitor and the magnetron.

But since all other components are working like the fan, light and clock, then it is most likely the magnetron. Here is how to test and replace the magnetron of your microwave.
HOW TO TEST THE MAGNETRON
Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitor.
There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:
TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron's terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.
TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.
Magnetron replacement
Have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own.

Hope this helped.

Elect_Comp

Hello there,

When your microwave oven starts to zap, then eventually does not heat up, it means there is a problem inside the unit of the microwave. There are some parts to check inside the microwave before you can tell the exact component that is faulty and to know if replacement will do the job for you.

The three (3) main parts to be tested are the power diode, the high voltage capacitor and the magnetron.

But since all other components are working like the fan, light and clock, then it is most likely the magnetron. Here is how to test and replace the magnetron of your microwave.
HOW TO TEST THE MAGNETRON
Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitor.
There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:
TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron's terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.
TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.
Magnetron replacement
Have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own.

Hope this helped.
Elect_Comp

Hi,

the fault is from the magnetron of the microwave. The magnetron is gradually becoming defective, that's why you are hearing the buzzing sound. As a matter of fact, the magnetron is the one making that noise. Sooner or later, the microwave won't heat any longer when the case of the microwave gets worse.

First, you need to test the magnetron.

Testing a magnetron:

NOTE: Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitor. To learn how to discharge a capacitor, click here: http://www.fixya.com/support/r7088317-discharge_microwave_ovens_capacitor


There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:


TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.


TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.


If you cannot perform the above task yourself, ask a family or friend that has the ability to assist you or have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own.


Regards.

Hello,

the fault is from the magnetron of the microwave. The magnetron is gradually becoming defective, that's why you are hearing the buzzing sound. As a matter of fact, the magnetron is the one making that noise. Sooner or later, the microwave won't heat any longer when the case of the microwave gets worse.

First, you need to test the magnetron.

Testing a magnetron:

NOTE: Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitor. To learn how to discharge a capacitor, click here: http://www.fixya.com/support/r7088317-discharge_microwave_ovens_capacitor


There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:


TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.


TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.


If you cannot perform the above task yourself, ask a family or friend that has the ability to assist you or have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own.


Regards.

Hello,

the fault is from the magnetron of the microwave. The magnetron is gradually becoming defective, that's why you are hearing the buzzing sound. As a matter of fact, the magnetron is the one making that noise. Sooner or later, the microwave won't heat any longer when the case of the microwave gets worse.

First, you need to test the magnetron.

Testing a magnetron:

NOTE: Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitor. To learn how to discharge a capacitor, click here: http://www.fixya.com/support/r7088317-discharge_microwave_ovens_capacitor


There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:


TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.


TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.


If you cannot perform the above task yourself, ask a family or friend that has the ability to assist you or have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own.


Best wishes

Hello there,

You are right that the problem is from the magnetron, it is defective and need to be tested and replaced. Since you have a multitester, you will be needing a ohm meter, here are the steps to testing and replacing the magnetron.

To test the magnetron, please follow these steps,

NOTE: Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitors.

There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:

TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron's terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.

TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.

To replace the magnetron

Have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own

Hope this was helpful you.

All the best

Elect_Comp

HI, there are two issues here. the Magnetron tube and the noise filter has failed.

Just to make sure of the Magnetron failure, expose the device and, check the Magnetron temp fuse located near the device. this fuse will show no continuity when tested if faulty. if it testes out ok, replace the magnetron.

If it is working but not heating, then test the high voltage capacitor,the rectifier diode.or the magnetron. If all this are fine, test the control board.

The diodeand capacitors can be tested. The capacitor must be allowed discharge before testing, or you risk to get electrocuted, evenif power is off.Capacitors can get discharged by shorting their two contacts.
Before replacing the magnetron test also the control board.
Replace the magnetron if the checks and all of the high voltage component tests are good, but the unit still does not heat.



All locations, and description of this parts can be located using the diagram here: Counter top.

Parts must be tested to find out what is wrong.

Remember that microwaves are potentially dangerous devices if not repaired properly, the job must be done by a competent person.
A microwave energy leakage test must always be performed when the oven is serviced for any reason.

Regarding parts, contact the seller here to purchase parts.

You can also order from MicrowaveSvc , they also provide parts.