skip to main content

panasonic microwave bulb replacement?

12 years ago

I've had this panasonic microwave only about 3yrs ago. A couple of months ago the light went out. So i got out the manual read every single word , re-read the specifications ; where i thought it would certainly at least mention it had a light. Nada word. So after having my husband scan though it as well I called panasonic, they seemed bewildered as well,(ha)but it is out of waranty,so wouldnt help. I'm thinking about just taking it apart but i'm wondering if it is hazardous and if so what to look out for?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

dadoes
12 years ago
Replacement of the bulb requires removing the outer shell if there's no removable cover on the light inside the oven cavity. Unplug the power, of course! There are components in microwave ovens that store high-voltage charges even when the unit is disconnected from power, but you should be OK if you don't touch anything except the bulb. A potential "gotcha" is that some units have security screws on the case that require special screwdrivers to remove. The bulb may also be a non-standard type (not a typical 'appliance' bulb).
llaatt22
12 years ago
From the top of the front page:

Appliances
This is the spot to share experiences with buying and repairing appliances. Like what's the best spot to aim for when you need to hit the dishwasher with a hammer?

Instructions on using the forum are provided below. Before posting a question, please check the FAQ and do a search to make sure it hasn't already been answered.

NOTE: When posting a question about an appliance, try to include the brand, type of appliance and model number.

There is now a separate Laundry Forum covering washers and dryers!

-----------------------------------------------------
If this an ordinary 3 year old counter microwave in the $100 to $150 range, replacement is usually indicated. In any case look up the part price on the internet before thinking about trying to fix it.
Related Discussions
Thermador Model SMW 272--replace the microwave
Q
Comments (107)
Another huge thank you to EVERYONE who has contributed to this thread. So much info here for a very specific problem that we all share. I too have Theramador SEMW272BS/02 combo with a MBBS/01 microwave (made in 2004). The microwave went out about 3 months ago and I just wish that I had found this thread sooner! I ended up purchasing 3 separate microwaves trying to make them fit in the space and the to the trim/sheet metal spacers (luckily I was able to return all of them once I found this thread). Big thanks to @Oren L your note about measuring the distance of the front feet was 100% accurate and I was able to get the LG LMC2075ST within the hour from the Best Buy near me. This was a total hallelujah moment (not only that I found this thread, but it was actually in stock). As others have mentioned, once you have the correct replacement, the trim fits just right (except for the back panel because of the back bulge) and the process is really quick and easy (about 1-2 hours). For those of you who have searched through the bowels of the internet searching for this information... congrats, you have found the holy grail! You have probably been told by Thermador, home appliance dealers, and various repairmen, that what you're trying to do is impossible. This thread proves the power of the internet bringing us together to share information is so powerful. As others have said in the thread, this info will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars and hours and hours of time (this isn't hyperbole if you've found this thread because you have the same problem). If you gain valuable info here, please continue to pay it forward by posting your experience for the next person.
...See More
Light bulb in microwave needs replacing
Q
Comments (9)
Thanks guys. I called Sears and taked more to them because I was getting frustrated with this. Come to find out it's a hallogen bulb. The cost of a new bulb is 59.00 and that's not including the labor. Why in the world do they make a microwave where the bulb goes out so soon and then require service/repairman to fix at a very high cost? It makes no sense. I like the microwave, but will never buy another Kenmore. I just count it as a learning experience. I'm microwaving in the dark. Only an idiot would pay $100.00+ to repair the light. This should have been an easy fix to the consumer but they have a racket going on it seems with a high cost fix requiring a repairman. That's just the craziest thing I've ever heard.
...See More
Replacing microwave without buying new trim kit. Is it possible?
Q
Comments (0)
Ugh! We bought a panasonic convection microwave when we did our kitchen a few years ago and it has been a total nightmare. We need to replace it, but would rather not buy a new trim kit. Does anyone know if they are interchangeable? We have a 27 inch panasonic trim kit and am having trouble finding something to fit. Thoughts? Thank you!
...See More
Panasonic microwave - stay away?
Q
Comments (9)
Sharps always last 10+ years in our family. We do nothing more than defrost, melt, occasional boil and reheat. Simply not big microwave fans but they do come in handy for certain quick tasks. We're replacing our counter soon and I'm going to try and get a little more out of the space by going with a convection micro. Have decided on the Samsung MC12J8035CT 1.2 cu. ft. Counter Top Convection Microwave - decent capacity and the drop down door reduces the overall counter footprint. I have dual 30" ovens so if the convection features of this Sammy works as advertised then it should save me from firing up a big oven for some small baking tasks. It's worth a try, and maybe a look for you.
...See More
molossermom
Original Author
12 years ago
Dadoes, Thank you! It was the high voltage I was worried about. Now I can do this safely. There is definitely no access to it without taking off the cover and luckily I have the security screwdriver/sockets.
Thank you as well laat2, I am obviously new to using forums and appreciate all tips, pointers, and reminders I can get.
Since everything is working perfectly well except the light IÃ¯Â¿Â½m going to try fixing first. And if the bulb is more than $10 or $12 bucks IÃ¯Â¿Â½ll never buy a Panasonic
kithchen appliance again.
llaatt22
12 years ago
When it comes to microwaves, you will never knowingly buy a Panasonic again.
Take care.
steve7777
12 years ago
http://www.amiparts.com/ has a good selection of replacement lamps for microwave ovens. Our oven is an Oster brand. Parts for this oven are really hard to find. A lamp for this oven from some place in Canada is $26.00. AMI had one for $8.00. Shipping is high but it beats buying a new oven or cooking in the dark.

Related Stories

KITCHEN APPLIANCES 9 Places to Put the Microwave in Your Kitchen

By Toronto Interior Design Group

See the pros and cons of locating your microwave above, below and beyond the counter

HOUSEKEEPING How to Tackle Your Home To-Dos

By Laura Gaskill

Make quick work of minor repairs and replacements with this thorough, step-by-step approach

BEFORE AND AFTERS Reader Kitchen: An Ontario Update for $13,700

By Erin Carlyle

A homeowner keeps costs down while replacing cabinetry, appliances and more in her 100-square-foot 1974 kitchen

LIFE You Said It: ‘Put It Back’ If It Won’t Help Your House, and More Wisdom

By Becky Harris

Highlights from the week include stopping clutter from getting past the door, fall planting ideas and a grandfather’s gift of love

HOME TECH The Future of Home Automation: Cheap, Wearable and Mobile!

Look for smart watches and glasses that can control your smart-phone apps, which in turn automate your home equipment

HOME TECH Cook Smarter With New Wi-Fi Kitchen Gadgets

Whip up meals with high-tech help, thanks to a phone-connected oven and teakettle, plus a web-surfing cutting board

REMODELING GUIDES Original Home Details: What to Keep, What to Cast Off

By Laura Gaskill

Renovate an older home without regrets with this insight on the details worth preserving

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: A Dark Kitchen Brightens Up

By Mary Jo Bowling

A cooking space honors the past while embracing the present

KITCHEN DESIGN 20 Kitchen Must-Haves From Houzz Readers

By Jennifer Ott Design

We asked you to tell us your top kitchen amenities. See what popular kitchen features made the list

LIFE Houzz Call: Show Us Your Nutty Home Fixes

By Becky Harris

If you've masterminded a solution — silly or ingenious — to a home issue, we want to know

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

36” Induction Range — Wolf, Thermador, Bosch, or ???

2

Bosch Benchmark Wall Oven not baking center of cakes

16

Downsize the fridge?!

29

Stove exhaust vent moving and closing an old one

15

What brackets/tracks/hardware for panel tambour appliance garage

2