20 Most Recent Magic Chef MCD1311ST Microwave Oven - Page 5 Questions & Answers

your not going to like me for this answer,,,its inside your microwave the sparking is coming from???
well when they do this its normaly down to one thing
its the damp getting into the works of the microwave and very soon there is going to be a "big pop" or a "bang" and that will be the end of this microwave,,,
it must be getting a bit long in the tooth by now to start this,,so take my hint and start saving your money up for a new unit,,,oh,,by the way,,,,they realy do go with a bang and heeps of smoke at times????
but on the other hand it could just go with a wimper!

The owner's manual (online here) does not address it, so it is not intended to be changed by the user.

You would have to unplug the unit, remove the outer case, and located the bulb, usually on the right side in or near the air duct in front of the magnetron.

You can take the bad bulb to a grocery store, home center, or big box store to match it up.

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hello,

what you need to no is that the problem can be from three place 1) from the connection 2) from the element 3)and from the power supply

solution to problem one, unscrew your wave and then trace the wire down to the element were is connected to,to see if there is any form of disconnection if there is you can do the fixing by setting up the wire back to it position but if there is no form of disconnection .

then this mean that your wave element is weak it will need a replacement

while the last of it is the power supply box make sure that is in it best position
if all these can be put in there position your wave will work out fine again
please rate this

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That would be the waveguide cover.

If it gets food particles or grease on it, it will spark.

The cover and the metal behind it should be cleaned with a mild, non-ammonia cleaner.

If the waveguide cover gets damaged, it will have to be replaced, since it provides critical protection for the magnetron.
You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

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check the hi-voltage capacitor and h.v. diode for being open(no continuity)infinity on multi-meter scale,then if these check then it could also be the magnetron tube gone faulty or a broken wire in the hi voltage section of the unit(careful around the H.V. capacitor as it can hold a 2,000 + volt charge even after its unplugged from the wall outlet)

If there's no obvious removable cover over the bulb (and the owner's manual doesn't address it) some disassembly may be required.

Always unplug a microwave before removing or installing any bulbs.

The screws you need to remove should be pretty obvious, but a special driver (such as a T20H type or GTXH20-100) may be needed.

Be sure to put all the screws back in the right holes, since some may be special grounding screws.

Bulbs can be had in most grocery stores, hardware stores, home improvement centers, and big box or department stores.

Many models use halogen lamps. You must not touch the new one with your bare skin, as the oils will shorten the bulb life.

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IF YOU ARE A TECHNICIAN THEN OPEN THE OVEN REMOCE TWO WIRES FROM MAGNATRON CONNECT A AC VOLT METER TO THOSE WIRES, PUT THE OVEN ON SET THE TIME FOR 1 MIN AND PRESS START IF 3 TO 5 VOLTS COMES THEN MAGNATRON IS GONE REPLACE IT.IF VOLTAGE IS NOT PRESENT THEN LOOK FOR DIODES AND CAPACITER.

Here is a web site that you can go to and look at the complete parts list it's free they have a 800 number as well If your in the U.S. or Canada.
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/modelsearch.aspx?model=MCD1311ST
let me know if this helps this has a split screen and a side screen on the left side it gives the different parts groups and then a picture of the parts and description on the bottom screen and a look at how it's put together on the top screen with the parts numbered.

The most likely cause of overheating is the magnetron tube, which generates the microwaves. As it ages (or simply due to early failure) its power falls, it works harder and gets too hot, and a safety thermostat attached to it shuts the oven down. Then, as you've noticed, the oven comes back on when the thermostat resets.

It's possible the thermostat itself is bad and opening too early, but this is seldom the case. The magnetron can be replaced, but it's generally not worth the cost of repair. It's an expensive part, and with labor charges you'll spend close to what a new oven costs. (This is why I'm not in the service business any more. Can't make money fixing cheap appliances!)

If you want to keep this oven, take it to a shop for a diagnosis and estimate. Then let price be your guide. I don't recommend trying to fix this yourself. Even though it's not a difficult repair, there are lethal voltages under the cover and microwave leakage can result from improper repair. Leave the service to professionals.

Hope this helps you decide what to do. Thanks for using Fixya!

There should be a small access plate on the side or back (depending on the model) that is held on with a screw or two. Let me know if you have any more trouble with this.

It or any other counter top microwave can be placed into a "cubby hole" type of installation, as long as there is enough space on all sides of the unit for ventilation, as specified in the owner's manual.

(Yours is here)

Plus, there must be an opening for air flow.

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Sometimes there is a separate fuse for the magnatron circuit. Sometimes the fuse is the culprut, and sometimes it is the control board. Usually when magnatrons fail, they smoke or go bang or both.
I would look for a blown fuse first, and then look for a factory authorised service center.

Best of luck.

The first thing I would suggest is a hard reset. Unplug the unit for a minute or so. Then plug it back in, set the clock and try again.

If it still doesn't work, then your membrane keypad is failing.

On some models, you peel the old membrane off and apply a new one.

If you (or someone you know) might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved. It's here.

On some models, you have to buy a new control panel frame with a new keypad already attached.

In this case, you unplug the keypad (as per the photo below) and move the circuit board into your frame. That is a simple do-it-yourself job.

You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

I'd recommend that your bookmark this link to your favorites.



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the circuitry has probably gone bad, try plugging it into a different electrical outlet, but if that doesnt work, its probably dead. and it will be cheaper for you to replace than have serviced, unless its still under a warranty

Than half of a C more than likely stands for Capacitor. If the large Capacitor has faile the magnetron will not produce RF and your Microwave will not heat but the light and fan may still work. (There are variations on intenral circuits) There are usually 3 things that cause a no heat symptom then there are visible signs of power on your unit.
1. The capacitor
2. Chassis Diode
3. Magnetron
and in very rare cases
4. The control panel
5. Door interlock Micro-switch

From what you described on an 1100 Watt unit I would get it repaired. If they tell you the Magnetron is bad you might want to re-think repair as it will be at least 50% of the total unit replacement cost.

Inside the machine is a fuse that is expressly for the magnetron tube. You may or may not have special screws that hold the cover on, but usually they are the tamper - proof kind, you Can buy the tool that removes them. The fuse will be a small (1/4"x1 1/4") AGC type and will be white ceramic with a metal cap at each end, this too, you can buy. After replacing the fuse, make sure that you put the cover back on before testing the ' nuke '. The special tool ( if you have to buy one) and the fuse will cost far less to purchase than a new unit. If the unit still doesn't heat, then the problem will most definitely be in the mag circuit. To replace the entire unit would be my best advice, to repair it costs more than just money, you also have to hassle with the repair people and lose out on time not having your 'nuke'

Hi,

You are running the risk of damaging the Magnatron by doing this.

Check the packets you are using, you will have to reduce your power output.

This is because microwaves act by being absorbed by water. There is very little in popcorn and in fat. Once this has been evaporated, the microwave energy builds up (as it is still being produced - but not absorbed), and ends up cooking the magnatron itself.

I have seen countless posts on here after cooking popcorn!

More fun on the hob anyway - and cheaper to buy in bulk!

check control circuit, and related spares.

Bulbs can be had locally in most grocery stores, hardware stores, home improvement centers, and big box or department stores.

Just take the old one with you.

Since the owner's manual doesn't cover it, you'll have to remove the outer wrapper.

See these files:
http://wwww.microwavedisplay.com/safety.txt
http://wwww.microwavedisplay.com/disassembly.txt

Most bulbs can be matched up at hardware stores, home improvement centers, and places like Wal-Mart or even large grocery stores.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.