I have a Kenmore Elite over range Microwave. It has recently started taking twice s long to heat items. Is this a common problem and if so what is the fix and the cost to fix?

Convector element has failed.
Time for a repair.

Owner Manual
Manual Kenmore Elite Microwave hood combo 72186013010

Barbara, Google the model number with "manual" to locate (if you do not have it) the book.

Or, contact the customer service for this unit--I am sure with the recent time change they are getting a lot of calls.

This a common issue and caused by one of three things, magnetron, "heats food" cracked high voltage diode, and a shorted high voltage capacitor.

Hello, please use the chart to determine which stove you have. You will have to look at the model number. The first 3 numbers will be the series on the chart. In most cases an F1 error would require replacement of the electronic control. This part is commonly refered to as an EOC or ERC. However this type of repair is usually reserved for repair specialists.

KENMORE Range/Stove/Oven Fault Codes – 362 Series (General Electric)
F1 = Stuck Touch Pad Key - Replace Electronic Range Control (ERC).

KENMORE - 911 Series (General Electric/Roper)
F0-F1-FF = Failed transistor in Electronic Range Control (ERC).

KENMORE Range/Stove/Oven Fault Codes- 665 Series (Whirlpool)
F1-E0 EPROM Error - Electronic Range Control (ERC).
F1-E1 EPROM Error - Electronic Range Control (ERC).
F1-E2 U/L ERC Errors - Electronic Range Control (ERC).
F1-E3 Fuel Type Fail

Kill power 30 seconds-Cancel-Start/Enter-5 seconds-Should see “E” for electric-
“9” for gas-If code changes again-replace Electronic Range Control (ERC).

KENMORE - 790 Series Electronic Oven Control (Frigidaire)
F1 = Shorted Touch Pad = Electronic Range Control (EOC) Internal check sum error.
Runaway Temp = Replace Electronic Oven Control (EOC).

Kill power 30 seconds - if error returns - replace Electronic Oven Control (EOC).

Thanks

I would be sure to check the microwave's outlet under a load.

One good way is to use a toaster or hair dryer for about a minute to see if they run at full power and run without their heating elements dimming.

If the power at the outlet is steady, I would suggest 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 fails to heat properly, I would say you have a failing magnetron, and it would just be a coincidence that the failure began after the new wiring was installed.

If you need to order the magnetron, Sears sells it for $73.13, but you can get it for $41.84 here.

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

if it is fuse then there should be no lights or display at all. if there is, then it is not a fuse. it could be the magnetron.
the fuse is located inside the microwave. you have to bring it down and open the cover.

i hope i was able to help

pls rate me..

tnx ,
drcool

This is most likely a failing magnetron.

If it's less than 5 years old, Sears/Kenmore should cover the part, but you would still have to pay for a service call.

If you or someone you know decide to work on it, we have *critical* safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

This is the second time I have requested assitance on this site with no response. The beginning of this thread dates back two months. Why would I ever want to pay for support when it is so poor at this level?