The microwave unexpectedly turns off at random times during cooking. The clock face and everything dies. It is then a random amount of time (5-30) minutes before it comses back. It is not the circuit breaker--it doesnt trip. We also tried plugging the cord into a different outlet (on a different circuit) with the same result.

clear and re set cooking cycle

Hi Ben,
This has got to be an intermittent power to the control PCB problem. The control board asking to set the clock means that the CPU has been reset by losing power. First, make sure that the problem is not the outlet by plugging in a small lamp or digital clock to see if it works intermittently or resets. Leave it plugged in for at least 24 hours.
(If using a lamp, put in a small 20 watt light bulb or CFL).
It could also be a bad connection to or at the fuse holder in the microwave oven. If all of the wiring and connections look good, it's most likely a bad connection on the control PCB probably around the transformer on the board. Be careful.......

Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with yourMicrowave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101 ';
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Me too! Just started doing this randomly when no-one was anywhere near it

See this FixYa solution. even if your model number is different.


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

The same thing happened to ours last night. We went to add another minute of cooking time and realized the oven was dead - no clock, no display of any kind, and no more cooking!

I've verified the power outlet is OK. Ideas???

Depending on the model its down to the keypad

Have you inadvertently programmed your microwave for "autostart"?
Your model microwave has the ability to be programmed to go on at any given time of the day/night, even when you're not home so that you can have a defrosted and cooked meal waiting for you when you get in.
I know that if you hit the 30 sec button or the minute button when your micro is programmed to autostart it will tell you the time that it's programmed to autostart or the amount of time that's left for it continue cooking.

Have you tried unplugging it for a few minutes?
This should clear it's memory and then all you'll have to do is set the time on the regular clock if you want.

Here's where you can download and read your owners manual for further instructions on how to use the autostart feature and everything else:

http://www.fixya.com/support/p113437-emerson_mw8107wa_1000_watts_microwave/manual-11318

I have similar problem

In order to try to set your mind at ease I will have to explain the Basics on how a Microwave Oven Functions.
When a Microwave Oven is set to COOK ...START. It cooks at 100%. There is no lowering of the heat as with a Range ( Cook Top) Control. So in order to do the other things such as DEFROST, WARM, or anything other than 100% COOK. A COOK ON- COOK OFF system was utilized. To DEFROST, the Microve COOKS at 100% for 30% of the TIME, then IDLES for 70% of the TIME. COOK ON 30% of the TIME, COOK OFF 70% of the TIME = DEFROST This is why you can hear the CYCLE. More power is required during the ON CYCLE, thus the lower vibration. The Vibration occurs when the High Voltage Transformer is turned ON ( COOK ON).
The VIBRATION seems to have got louder with age. This is somewhat normal as there is a vibration from the High Voltage Transformer present every time the Microwave is used. screws and other metal parts seem to get loose with this vibration. There is no solution, unless you can tighten EVERY screw, nut, and bolt in the unit.
Sorry!