My Oster microwave will start and cook for about 1 second and then E-1 displays and microwave stops. What does this mean and how can I fix it?

Unsure from your question which model microwave oven it is.

Example of a free manual:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/302833/Oster-Omw1199.html?page=8

Oster OMW1199 Owner Manual Microwave Cooking Grill Combination 1...

magnatron may be messed up

Possibly the fuse / breaker is tripped, usually all outlets in one room share same breaker. Check breakers (or fuses) or try outlet in differnt room. If the outlet has power, (plugin a lamp to check) and the microwave still does not work, take it back to store for replacement or refund.

Step 1:

Door Switch

If the microwave runs for a few seconds and then shuts off, a door switch might have failed intermittently. Check each of the door switches for any signs of overheating, arcing, or burning. Also check each of them for continuity. Replace any of the switches that is visibly damaged or that only has continuity intermittently

Step 2:

Main Control Board

If the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops there may be a short circuit in the main control board. Check other components first, these boards are often misdiagnosed.

Touchpad and Control Panel

If the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the touchpad and control panel might be defective. There are several other components that can cause this problem, be sure to check any other components before replacing this board.

Touchpad

If the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the touchpad might be at fault. This is not common. Generally speaking, if the microwave display is working and some of the buttons respond correctly but some don't, the problem is with the touchpad.

High Voltage Transformer

If the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the high voltage transformer might have an intermittent short. This is not common. Check other components related to the microwave symptom first.

Thermostat

If the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the thermostat might be defective. Watch our video on testing thermostat

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Step 6:

use the DVOM tester and fix it. God bless you

This link is for FREE online Oster Microwave Oven Manuals

http://kitchen.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/oster/oster_microwave_oven_product_list.html

I hope you find your model there. Best of Luck. I love the Cook function button on my microwave - probably similar to mine. This link explains some of the functions of microwaves in general
http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/kitchen/guides/more-from-your-microwave/simple-guide-to-microwave-functions/ Hope it helps...

You didn't mention your brand or model number, but I'll assume it's a Panasonic since you posted this under a Panasonic category.

See if this describes what's happening:

• Put in time, push start and unit runs for 2 seconds, relay clicks, unit goes off. Cook time on display goes off and clock time comes back. Bad upper interlock switch and charred connector

If so, see http://207.234.249.73/mwd/safety.txt , http://207.234.249.73/mwd/disassembly.txt and http://207.234.249.73/mwd/doorsw.txt

Otherwise, if the digital programmer circuit / controller does not get a feedback signal from the inverter for a period of 3 seconds, the controller will stop the cook cycle.

If it stops after 7 seconds, it has a problem with the inverter.

If it stops at 16 seconds and is a sensor model, it probably has a defective humidity sensor.

If it stops after 22 seconds, that means the controller has detected a problem, usually a problem with the inverter, controller, magnetron, or a bad connection from one or the other.

Display codes H95, H97, H98 or H99 mean that there's a problem with your inverter, magnetron, or digital programming circuit.

That may be a loose connection in the wiring between the inverter, magnetron, and/or control board, or maybe one of those components has failed.

Due to the lethal voltages used and produced in inverters, I do not recommend that an inexperienced person work on these.

You can find an authorized Panasonic servicer here.

In Canada, you can find an authorized Panasonic servicer here.

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

The owner's manual is here. On page 10 we find:

COOKING IN ONE STAGE
1. Press the POWER button; the Microwave and High
Cook indicators will light and “PL 10” will light in the
display.
2. Press the POWER button different times to set the
desired power; the display will show the percentage
you chose. If selecting power level 70%-10%, the
Low Cook indicator will light instead of the High
Cook indicator.
3. Press number keys to set the desired cooking time.
OPERATION(CONTINUED)
4. Press the START/+30SEC. button to start cooking;
the Microwave and one of the Cook indicators will
blink and the display will countdown the remaining
cooking time in minutes and seconds. It will beep
five times when cooking is completed.

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

first, get your money back or get a replacement for no charge. now, unplug the oven for 15 minutes and try again. if no-go, then some device is faulty that only a tech can find

Sabotaged??? What could they mean by that?? It could be a bad control panel or connection, but I would say you have a bad magnetron, the magnetron is mounted loosely, or the RF gasket (mesh washer) on the magnetron is missing, loose or damaged. I would contact MayTag and see if they have a different authorized servicer in your area, or get on the phone and complain to them in great detail. Do not put up with this, please.