KitchenAid Microwave KMHC319ESS4 unsteady vent and lights

[stealydan]

Model Number

KMHC319ESS4

Brand

KitchenAid

Age

1-5 years

Over the last week or so I've begun seeing signs that something on my KitchenAid KMHC319ESS4 microwave is about to fail. Problems began with an off-and-on dimming of the over-range lights. Now the vent fan has also become unsteady. The motor will slow and then pick up again, slow and pick up again.

I'm assuming it's the motor going bad, that it'll need to be replaced? Or potentially a sign that something is shorting?

I haven't been able to find others describing similar issues, so I'd appreciate any insight or advice.

It's a November 2018 model, so not all that old.

 

[stealydan]

Further developments...

I was experimenting a bit while cooking tonight, using elements of the microwave one at a time and simultaneously. I found the lights and vent are (although inconsistently) unsteady whether on by themselves or together.

The more interesting thing was that at one point I was pureeing something in the blender and discovered the blender was causing the microwave lights to dim considerably. The toaster did the same.

My new question: does that suggest the problem is somewhere on the circuit, separate from the microwave? Or could it still be localized to the microwave?

 

[Jake]

My new question: does that suggest the problem is somewhere on the circuit, separate from the microwave?

That what It sounds like to me.

You may need a electrician come out to see if the circuit breaker is starting to fail.

 

[stealydan]

Thanks. Will do.

 

[Jake]

Ok sounds good.