It's an over-the-range appliance with touch pad. Everything works, light, clocks, turntable turns, timer works, EXCEPT suddenly it does not heat and operating noise is super loud. Bought from Sears in June 2006. Do I pay upwards of 100 bucks to have someone come look at it, or do I junk it?

Sounds like you need a new diode. Part# 6021W1A001D

__________________
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: BEEHIVE APPLIANCE....... 1985-1988
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: HANSEN REFRIGERATION. 1988-1998
OWNER/SERV TECH: RICK'S APPLIANCE REPAIR...1998-2001
SERVICE MANAGER:Used Appliance store..... 2004-PRESENT
ONLINE SERV TECH: ApplianceBlog.com ApplianceJunk.com
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE:..................... 1977-1979
CERTIFIED TYPE 1; TYPE 2.....REFRIGERATION SERVICE E.S.

I had a similar issue. Bought in December, 2006, dies in early Feb. of this year....less than 2 months after manufacturer's warranty expired. I took mine to a repair shop for a free estimate, and they told me it was the magnetron. They said it would cost $130 to fix it. I can get a replacement for a little more than that. Is this something I can replace myself?

When I search for this model number on the repairclinic.com web site, it does not find this product....makes it hard to figure out which part is needed if they don't know your model number.

What is the model number of your microwave? The magnetron is easy to replace. Either 2 or 4 3/8" nuts hold it on. You need to short the terminals on the capacitor to discharge it first. You may run into trouble getting the cover off. Most have security screws holding it on like torex screws with a pin in the center. There may also be a thermostat on the tube that you will need to transfer to the new one. This repair is about a 2 on a scale of 1-10.(10 being the hardest)

__________________
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: BEEHIVE APPLIANCE....... 1985-1988
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: HANSEN REFRIGERATION. 1988-1998
OWNER/SERV TECH: RICK'S APPLIANCE REPAIR...1998-2001
SERVICE MANAGER:Used Appliance store..... 2004-PRESENT
ONLINE SERV TECH: ApplianceBlog.com ApplianceJunk.com
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE:..................... 1977-1979
CERTIFIED TYPE 1; TYPE 2.....REFRIGERATION SERVICE E.S.

Thanks for your help...

The model number is 721.80012401 - same as previous post in this thread.

How do I go about "shorting" the terminals on the capacitor?

Is there a special tool needed to remove the security screws? I guess I should update you later about what they look like.

http://www.applianceaid.com/micro.html

Yes. Many different ones.

jeff.

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http://www.applianceaid.com/
Appliance Repair Aid
http://www.jrappliance.ca
JRAppliance

Does anyone know the tool that is needed for this model?

There are all kinds of security screws. Looking up the model number most likely won't say which ones. It's probably a torx screw with a pin in the center. If so you'll need a torx bit with a hole in the center. You probably won't find them at your local Sears or home centers. Look for a tool store that carries a large selection of tools. Last resort use a dremmel with a cutting wheel or drill it out.

__________________
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: BEEHIVE APPLIANCE....... 1985-1988
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: HANSEN REFRIGERATION. 1988-1998
OWNER/SERV TECH: RICK'S APPLIANCE REPAIR...1998-2001
SERVICE MANAGER:Used Appliance store..... 2004-PRESENT
ONLINE SERV TECH: ApplianceBlog.com ApplianceJunk.com
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE:..................... 1977-1979
CERTIFIED TYPE 1; TYPE 2.....REFRIGERATION SERVICE E.S.