Our microwave looks and sounds like its working but it isn't heating anything. Is it time to replace or a repair job?

Sounds like the microwave's magnet tron (join two words together this page will not allow the correct word) the has gone down. They only last a short time depending on use. Not a great job to do on your own (if you do not know what you are doing) the part cost about 35pounds so most cheap microwaves are not worth repairing, if it is an expensive one it may be worth paying for the repair.

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

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

Hi,

The ignitor is not working right and is going bad....
have the repair man replace the ignitor, or DIY....
Check out this tip about your problem...

Oven not Working or Oven not Heating

Oven Problems Replacing the Igniter


heatman101

The pop sound is an indicator the magnetron is gone that heats the food. It is cheaper to replace the microwave oven than have it repaired.

That will either be the magnetron or the power transistors inside having failed. If you get lucky a repair shop might be able to fix it reasonably but usually it is time to look for a replacement as the repairs cost more than the new one.

When the microwave sounds okay, but there's no heat, one of the internal door switches, the high voltage circuitry, or the circuit board may have a problem. To resolve this problem, you need the assistance of a qualified appliance repair technician.

You can now purchase a new microwave for about fifty dollars at walmart so that may be cheaper than having a repair tech work on it.

This more than likely is the magnatron,< heats food >, making noise and not working. it isn,t really easy fix and can be done if you get part and experienced person to walk you through it. Most GE magnatrons have at least 5 yr warranty and if it isn't that old call them first.

Test the high voltage capacitor,the rectifier diode.or the magnetron.

If it additionally does not spin and no light, then check also the door switch.

The diode and capacitors can br tested. The capacitor must be alloweddischarge before testing, or you risk to get electrocuted, even ifpower is off. Capacitors can get discharged by shorting their twocontacts.
Replace the magnetron if the checks and all of the high voltage component tests are good, but the unit still does not heat.

All locations, and description of this parts can be located using the diagram here: Counter top.

Parts must be tested to find out what is wrong.

Remember that microwaves are potentially dangerous devices if not repaired properly, the job must be done by a competent person.
A microwave energy leakage test must always be performed when the oven is serviced for any reason.

Regarding parts, contact the seller here to purchase parts. (here in UK).

its time repair will cost more than a new one

Sounds like the microwave unit (magnatron) has failed. This will happen if the microwave has ever been used without anything in there to absorb the energy. It basically cooks itself.

Unless you are particularly fond of this unit, it is usually cheaper to buy a replacement than order parts and repair.

You could phone a few local repair centres and ask for a quote , but weigh this against the next thing likely to fail.

Worth repairing industrial models, not really worth repair to domestic models.

Hope this helps you.