How to replace a microwave oven's diode is a part of the Microwave Isn't heating?
microwaves don't break down completely as a result of a blown transformerSometimes your microwave can carry on the passive functions of lighting up, telling time, and even rotating the turntable inside without actually heating up your food.Something is interfering with your microwaves ability to use their power.
The function of each part can be tested with a multimeter.There are three parts of your microwave that deal with the high voltage side of things and connect to your inline fuse: the transformer, the Capacitor, and the Magnetron.The magnets that convert electricity from AC to DC can be tested.
Capacitors and diodes are the most common causes of microwave problems, and you want to be sure you are handling the electrical parts safely, so you can test each of the three components in the order that is most convenient to you.
If you don't have experience in APPLIANCE REPAIR, do not attempt it.Before working on an electrical project, be sure to un-PLUG MICROWAVE and DISCHARGE CAPACITOR.
The readers of yourvoltmeter should be inserted with a nine-volt battery.The battery can be used to test the voltage with the help of gator clips.In this case, a diode or rectifier should cause a drop in the voltage.The diode needs to be replaced if you read the same voltage as the battery.
The same procedure can be used to create a series circuit and confirm that there is an appropriate drop in voltage.It is a common cause of microwave and appliance malfunction.
It's a good idea to make sure the side on the ground is the cathode side.It is very important to connect the diode in the correct direction.The negative side of your rectifier will typically have a band around the nearest edge of the middle component in order to indicate which side it is on.The positive side won't have a band, but will have some that goes to the capacitor.There is a negative side and a positive side.Make sure you keep the sides straight.
If your transformer is working and you don't need to replace it, the next best thing to do is to test the high-voltage side.It can be difficult to test a transformer because the high-voltage side can break.Look for blackened pieces or signs of smoke.If the high-voltage winding to ground connection doesn't have a resistance of zero ohms, you've found your broken component.
When taking apart and replacing parts in an electrical appliance, it's always a good idea to use insulated tools and to keep the parts exactly as they were found.If you will be working near the microwave'sCapacitor, take the extra step of manually discharging it instead of waiting for the voltage to go down.If you would like to learn more about repairing your own microwave and major appliances, check out Appliance Express.