When I press the start button it smells like it is burning

if smells like something then something is burning stop using answer about can it be fixed is unknown till diagnosed

We recommend you have the microwave evaluated by an authorized service center.

Authorized service centers can be located in the below link.

www.panasonic.com/repair

check inside after removing power... look for melted plastic or burn spot inside.. bad fuse or wire connector.. replace as needed

I would never advise someone to use a microwave or any other electrical product should it smell of burning.

It is hard to tell what is burning, take it to the repair shop

Is the smell ionized (the outside smell of a cold winter morning air) or more of an electronic component burning??? if it's more of an ionized smell it could be normal, (if the smell is strong) it could be a leaking high voltage cable (electric arching) bad insulator, if it's more of an electronic component burning smell, it could be a overheating component, in both cases you should have it checked by a professional technician...

Cheers!

hi,smell is probably the magetron,arcing...is the inside of the microwave,any burnt marks....hv diode an magetron might be bad...possible shorted hv diode....

Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with your Microwave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5508031-microwave_oven_basic_troubleshooting

heatman101

WARNING: Microwave ovens are the most dangerous consumer appliance to service due to up to 5,000 V at high current inside. Even with the power off, there is a HV capacitor that can produce a lethal kick. This capacitor must be discharged before touching anything in the microwave generator circuitry. DON'T remove the cover yourself unless you fully undertand the SAFETY issues involved in working inside a microwave oven. A microwave oven is possibly THE MOST DANGEROUS common consumer product to service. About the only "easy" fix would be a blown fuse, if it keeps blowing, don't go any further unless you know what you are doing. Your likely options are a blown high voltage cap, diode, or the magnetron. Good luck(but luck has nothing to do with it ;] )