3-yr old convection microwave stopped heating (Electrolux)

13 years ago

Hello,

I have a 3-year old Electrolux convection microwave. (I wrote this post about my appliances 2 years ago: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/appl/msg0411241413810.html)

On Sunday, after working flawlessly since installation, my convection microwave will not heat, either in convection oven mode or in microwave mode. The light works, the turntable spins, and the oven makes all the same noises (fan blowing, etc.) as usual, but preheating for convection cooking does not warm the interior. I then tried to microwave some cold water in a glass measuring cup and it was still cold after 3 minutes. I turned off the breaker, waited a minute, and turned it back on. No change to the situation. I don't smell anything burning or hear any odd noises coming from the built-in cabinet.

I have never before experienced a malfunctioning microwave. Does anyone have any educated guesses on what could be the problem? I would love to have an idea of the potential problem before I call for a service call so I know what I'm getting into. Also, does anyone know approximately what a service call costs? This was not a cheap microwave so I'm sure it would be worth a few hundred bucks to fix it (as opposed to replacing it with a new convection microwave).

I appreciate any suggestions!

try_hard

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Comments (7)

mojavean
13 years ago
I don't know anything about the Electrolux models other than what my friend Gary (Dodge1959) tells me, but the first thing I would look for is a blown fuse inside the unit.

Don't open it up unless you know what you are doing. There is a big capacitor in there that will bite you if not properly discharged. Also, if you take it apart and don't put it back together perfectly you can get MW energy leaks coming out of the thing that will give you a hotfoot and man-boobs.

Our local Home Depot carries a few examples of microwave fuses and they are also available online and on ebay. But you are advised to call a competent tech unless you know what you are doing. Best of luck and I hope it's a cheap and easy fix.
User
13 years ago
This is a problem on the controller - could be a fuse, but it might be another part. It's a 200-300 dollar service call on most units.
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mom3suns
13 years ago
I had same problem with my 2 year old microwave in November. Initially, the serviceman thought it was the magnatron; however, after replacing it, the microwave still did not work. While at my home, he talked with the specialists at Electrolux and it ended up being a bad switch on the door. Evidently, there are four switches and one needed to be replaced. Worked like a charm! Total cost was $200.
dodge59
13 years ago
Nice post, mom3suns.!!!!! This sounds like a Really good possibiity.

I always usta tell my guys, (when I had my Sales/Service business), KISS, Keep it simple stupid and usually it was, a very simple problem---even thou we worked on Elaborate Scientific Equipment.

Sorry I can't be more "Direct Help" with the Elux problem, but Alas, I bought them in 2006 and one has yet to "Busticate"---save for a loose handle on the Speed Oven.

Good Luck "OP" but I bet "Mom" solved your problem!

Gary
llaatt22
13 years ago
Most likely any blown fuse is just the start of a longer story. Fuses can fall apart and be the whole story but that is rare.

For an expensive built in oven, fixing it is usually cost effective.
dodge59
13 years ago
The other thing I would do is check your circuit breakers to the oven. Just one could be tripped (Usually there are 2 breakers for 220 volts) but most the appliance runs off just 120 , clock , fans etc, (IE Just one breaker) and the Heaters and Magnatron might use both sides (IE 220).

Gary
try_hard
Original Author
13 years ago
Hello everyone,

Thank you very much for the responses!

I will not be tinkering with the machine myself - I am a firm believer in letting the experts fix appliances! But your stories and information make me feel better about arranging a service call and I will hope it's a simple fix.

I did check all the circuit breakers and even turned them off and back on but I will check one more time before calling for service.

I probably won't call for service until next week. We are snowed-in here in the Midwest and won't be able to dig out until the weekend of later.

Have a great day, everyone!
try_hard

3-yr old convection microwave stopped heating (Electrolux)

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mojavean

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3-yr old convection microwave stopped heating (Electrolux)

Comments (7)

mojavean

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