How can I tell if the magnetron that was removed from my microwave is really bad?

Hey David... sorry to say

There's a $14 fuse between cooking & your magnetron (could be other things (but in my opinion... magnetrons sound right for your symptoms)

I checked for your magnetron
and got MFR Number 461967847321 - not AVAILABLE.

(there is one $74 on eBay (very bottom, below)).


I LOOKED at your oven and it is a really nice one...

So I think I'd be hitting all the on-line parts houses
to see if you can locate one...

Jenn Air jmc2430 built in does not run

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-magnetron-461967847321-ap5987313.html


461967847321 NEW MAGNETRON WHIRLPOOL KITCHENAID MICROWAVE NON OEM WITH...

If magnetron is bad out of the box, I would take it back to where ever you bought it and get a replacement. Magnetron being bad is usually due to a severe jolt, as in dropped box, so what else may go prematurely, why risk it, get another microwave.
www.FREE-PPV.com

A bad inverter is usually the cause of this code...try to unplug the unit and then plug it back in... if that don't work then you will need to have it checked...


The F9 code can sometimes by caused by a power surge or glitch through the electrical lines.
You can sometimes clear this fault by completely unplugging the microwave for 1 minute.
Plug it back in and see if the fault code returns.
If it does, then you have an internal component failure that will need to be serviced by a technician.
Microwaves must be serviced by technicians due to the inherent dangers involved in repairing these appliances.
Internal capacitors can retain a lethal electrical charge even though the unit is completely unplugged.
A microwave radiation leakage test must be performed on the unit following any internal component repair.

It does not ALWAYS indicate a inverter control board problem however in other brands/models.
LG's service manual (for an example) suggests the f-9 code could be due to line voltage, magnetron, inverter module, "Relay2", or a loose connection between door/magnetron/control pcb.
Other indications might help narrow down these choices before having to pull out your multimeter and crack open the microwave case.
For example, if the microwave works, but heats slowly, then the troubleshooting manual narrows your choices down to magnetron or line voltage problems, and pretty much rules out the other possibilities.

Basic Microwave Oven Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

The F9 error code indicates a failed inverter. If resetting the unit does not help you will need to have the inverter & harness checked.


http://media.fotki.com/1_p,wbgdfgsrsttwqwbxgtqsskgwtqkq,vi/kgdfkfrkkxkfdtftrfb/1/1303472/5961857/image45625img-or.jpg

This can sometimes by caused by a power surge or glitch through the electrical lines.
You can sometimes clear this fault by completely unplugging the microwave for 1 minute.
Plug it back in and see if the fault code returns.
If it does, then you have an internal component failure that will need to be serviced by a technician.
Microwaves must be serviced by technicians due to the inherent dangers involved in repairing these appliances.
Internal capacitors can retain a lethal electrical charge even though the unit is completely unplugged.
A microwave radiation leakage test must be performed on the unit following any internal component repair.

It does not ALWAYS indicate a inverter control board problem however in other brands/models.
LG's service manual (for an example) suggests the f-9 code could be due to line voltage, magnetron, inverter module, "Relay2", or a loose connection between door/magnetron/control pcb.
Other indications might help narrow down these choices before having to pull out your multimeter and crack open the microwave case.
For example, if the microwave works, but heats slowly, then the troubleshooting manual narrows your choices down to magnetron or line voltage problems, and pretty much rules out the other possibilities.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.

The F9 error code indicates a failed inverter. If resetting the unit does not help you will need to have the inverter & harness checked.


http://media.fotki.com/1_p,wbgdfgsrsttwqwbxgtqsskgwtqkq,vi/kgdfkfrkkxkfdtftrfb/1/1303472/5961857/image45625img-or.jpg

This can sometimes by caused by a power surge or glitch through the electrical lines.
You can sometimes clear this fault by completely unplugging the microwave for 1 minute.
Plug it back in and see if the fault code returns.
If it does, then you have an internal component failure that will need to be serviced by a technician.
Microwaves must be serviced by technicians due to the inherent dangers involved in repairing these appliances.
Internal capacitors can retain a lethal electrical charge even though the unit is completely unplugged.
A microwave radiation leakage test must be performed on the unit following any internal component repair.

It does not ALWAYS indicate a inverter control board problem however in other brands/models.
LG's service manual (for an example) suggests the f-9 code could be due to line voltage, magnetron, inverter module, "Relay2", or a loose connection between door/magnetron/control pcb.
Other indications might help narrow down these choices before having to pull out your multimeter and crack open the microwave case.
For example, if the microwave works, but heats slowly, then the troubleshooting manual narrows your choices down to magnetron or line voltage problems, and pretty much rules out the other possibilities.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.

If you hear an unusual buzzing noise, the magnetron (the component that actually generates the microwaves) or other electronic module may be broken. This is not easily fixed; contact a service technician.

If there is no noise at all the fuse may need to be replaced.

UNPLUG YOUR MICROWAVE BEFORE WORKING ON IT...

Read the owners manual to locate the fuse, remove it and take it to a parts supply store. Let the technicians test the fuse for you. If ti is bad, they can give you a new fuse to install. If it is not the fuse, they can recommend a reputable repairman to service your microwave.

the unit that creates the microwaves called the "magnetron" has gone bad, or the circuits powering the magnetron have gone bad. there really isnt a cheap way to fix it, and not a undangerous way to fix it yourself. if your really like the microwave and dont want to part with it, you can try finding a repair shop that will fix microwaves, but they will probably tell you it would be cheaper to buy a new one. sorry

the unit inside the microwave that heats called the "magnetron" has gone bad or the circuits that power the magnetron have failed. if its under warranty still, send it back to the manufacturer. if not you can call some repair shops and see how much it would be to service it, but its most likely going to be cheaper to purchace a new microwave since they are relatively cheap these days. there really is no way to fix yourself unfortunately, unless you are a technician. its bad that they dont make things like microwaves last longer, they use the cheapest parts possible and they dont last long, maybe a few years and they are no good. hope this helps, good luck to you

March 2012 - GE does not support customers

I have GE microwave with a failed Magnetron. It is emitting large sparks. Upon removing the magnetron I found that the sparks left residue where they are leaking from the cylindrical shaped piece on the end of the Magnetron.

The Magnetron is under warranty.

BUT

GE WILL NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY AND SEND A MAGNETRON.
GE HAS SENT OUT HUNDREDS OF MAGNETRONS TO CUSTOMERS - SEARCH ONLINE TO SEE THIS IS TRUE.

I called GE PARTS, GE support and GE consumer relations department. They changed their policy two weeks ago and require a service technician to replace the part.

THE COST IS $220 FOR THE REPAIR TECHNICIAN.

Since I already removed the part the service technician would have to put in 3 screws and plug in the cable...FOR $220...I PAID $229 FOR THE MICROWAVE NEW!!!!

DO NOT BUY GE.
DO NOT BUY GENERAL ELECTRIC.

GE DOES NOT SUPPORT IT'S WARRANTIES UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY THE SAME AMOUNT THAT YOU PAID FOR THE PRODUCT!!


Further research:

GE Microwaves can spontaneously turn on and start a fire - see Consumer Reports web page here:
http://www.consumerreports.org/content/cro/en/consumer-reports-magazine-march-2012/kitchen-fire-safety.html

Further evidence GE retroactively changing their warranties:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/ge-california-c197693.html

Run it with the exhaust fan on high,if this helps, the unit is over heating and has a bad cooling fan,Magnetron or Magnetron thermostat.