My 3 year old unit stopped working - the repairman said teh magnetron was bad and the motor that rotates the tray was bad too (strange coincidence?)
Anyway, Whirlpool will give me teh Magnetron free and 50% off a motor so its only $35 - but the labor (including the $69 service call I allready paid for) will be close to $300! Well, a brand new unit at Lowe's is less than that.
So, I was thinking if they would send me the parts, is this something I could do myself? Or, at least find someone who can do it for less than $300? I will never buy whirlpool again, BTW!
Sure, take a look on amazon, here: Amazon com whirlpool magnetron for microwave. I hope this was helpful. Cheers
If you or a friend decide to look into it, we have critical information on safety, disassembly and door switches at our site, linked here on Fixya: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk
You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts (if needed) by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383
Also, Whirlpool models have a handy mini-manual inside behind the control panel keypad that is very useful.
If Whirlpool will actually send you the magnetron and motor (not to the servicer on your behalf) then you're really in luck. I'd be very surprised.
Had EXACT same symptoms on this model: Here is my solution-
***UNPLUG UNIT***
Take off the front vent (screws on top).
Take off the control panel (1 srew at top, then lift up and out). There are 3 switches that are activated by the door latches. The top switch has heavier wires going to it.(BTW There is a wiring diagram and troubleshooting packet in the bottom of the control panel) The top switch was faulty, which allowed everything to operate except the turntable and magnetron, and NO, they wouldn't coincidentally fail at the same exact time. YOU HAVE A BAD SWITCH. (Jerseyhelp, SOUNDS LIKE TECH EITHER MISSED THE BAD SWITCH OR IS TRYING TO RIP YOU OFF) You can order one at http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=266300 for about $10 (I followed link from THIS site, this is NOT my site)
You can also obtain this type of switch locally. Push back on the plastic tab holding the switch and it will swing up and out. Use needle nose pliers to pull on the connectors to remove the wires, NOT the wires themselves. I had a similar switch on hand that was rated at lower AMPS, so I put it in the bottom switch position (runs less current on that part of circuit) and moved the bottom switch to the top position. The middle switch is wired opposite the other 2, you cannot use it in the top or bottom position! stay out of the top cover and you will be relatively safe
as long as you keep the unit unplugged while working on it.
Hope this saves you a service call or purchase of a new unit. BTW my unit ran 7 years before failing. The switch had just gotten hot and eventually wore out, wouldn't even click when depressed. To ensure you get good contact on the replacement switch, crimp the connectors a bit with your pliers before installing on the switch. A loose connector will cause overheating (of the wire harness, not your popcorn) and poor operation
THE_JD
Hi, I read your article/reply on fixYa regarding a whirlpool magnetron issue. It was very helpful, although, my turntable does work, just no heat. Do you think it is something I can fix myself? Micro only 2 yrs old :( Thanks, Heather
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THE_JD is exactly right!
My microwave went out, no turntable and no magnetron operation.
I had already torn the microwave apart, looking for blown fuses, AND checking the switches, etc. I was just about to call a repairman to get an estimate on a new magnetron when I found this article.
After reading this I re-checked the switch with my Ohm-meter and there lay the problem.
I opened the switch and filed down the connectors and bent them over a little, and voila! Problem solved. Cost=$0. That switch wears out because it has higer voltage electricity going through the connectors and the arcing wears the connectors down.
Thanks!
I was just wondering if any of you heard a band when the switch went out?
If you hear a bang and the breaker tripped then you may need a capacitor, a microwave fuse, and possibly a magnetron. Make sure to look for wires that may have arced to the frame and or thermal cutoffs that may be no good while the case is open. I am a handyman and can repair such things with free parts salvaged out of disposed microwaves and cheap labour.
I live in Canada though :)
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thanks !
Thanks for discussing this issue. I looked up the cost of the magnatron AP3846818 and it is $91.94 and the motor is AP3846818 for $44.84. Both parts were not in supply and installation at home by a technician could run the bill up significantly.
Ouch!!!!!!!! Will price counter top and use this one as a cabinet for storage.
Les
I have a new Over Range Whirlpool microwave Model MH1160XSQ-0 that is 24 months old with less than 24 hours of usage (I travel ALOT). Everything works as usual except the food stays cold. The troubleshooting guide is pointing to the magnetron not working. I see the part can be ordered, however I am wondering if diagrams are available and is this like a plug and go part replacement something I can do? I would be interested to know how many problems similar to mine exist. I just think it's quite odd the microwave has been used so little and this part goes out? Thaxs.
I have 1.2 kenmore stain less steel that makes a buzz sound and doesnt heat up the food. could this be switch??
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