If last night's leftovers come out of the microwave oven just as cold as when they went in, you've got a bigger problem than just deciding which breakfast cereal you'll settle for to curb your hunger. While a microwave neglecting to heat can be caused by a defective door switch, a malfunctioning magnetron, or perhaps a faulty high voltage capacitor, there's one likely cause that tops them all: a burned-out diode.
What does the diode do?
The microwave diode converts the alternating electric current (AC) power output of the transformer to direct current (DC), doubling the voltage to nearly 5,000 volts. This hollywood powers the magnetron to heat the meals or beverage placed in the oven cavity. If the diode is burned out, the magnetron won't receive enough voltage to function and the microwave oven will fail to heat.
How to test a microwave diode
Before you replace the diode with a new one, you should read the part is, indeed, defective. A burned-out diode will often appear visibly damaged. If you do not see any signs of damage, you can try testing the diode for continuity – a continuous electrical path present in the part. Before you attempt to disassemble the microwave to reach the diode, unplug the power cord. Since hollywood capacitors used in microwaves may retain a charge even after the power cord continues to be unplugged, it is recommended to discharge the capacitor soon after removing the cover. You can do this by putting a screwdriver blade or needle-nose pliers across each group of capacitor terminals (avoid touching any metal portion of the tool when doing this).
To test a diode for continuity, you will need a multimeter powered by a 9-volt battery or use a 9-volt battery in conjunction with the meter. For the latter:
- Holding the black lead against one end of the diode, touch the opposite end of the diode to the negative terminal around the 9-volt battery. Touch the red lead to the positive terminal on the battery. Keep in mind, the diode should only have continuity one way, so if the multimeter display shows no continuity, try reversing the diode therefore the black lead is in connection with the opposite end of the diode while touching another end of the diode to the 9-volt terminal. When the diode tests negative for continuity both in directions or has continuity in both directions when the leads are reversed, the diode has failed and will need to be replaced.
What will it take to access the diode?
On some models, you can reach the diode by first opening the microwave oven door and unthreading the screws to release the venting. Next, you can unthread the mounting screw or screws securing the control panel and lift the panel as much as detach. Behind the control panel may be an access panel that, when removed, will allow you to access the diode to test or replace. Other models will need you to fully remove the appliance's shroud or cover before you can reach the diode. On stand-alone models, this is often as straight-forward as unthreading the mounting screws securing the coverage from the side, top, or rear of the appliance. However, if the microwave if mounted towards the wall under a cabinet, you will have to completely uninstall the appliance in order to remove the cover. While this process can differ depending on the model, here are 25 typical steps you can follow to successfully replace the diode:
- Unplug the appliance's cord.
- Remove the glass tray and support in the oven cavity.
- Have an assistant help you to support the microwave as you unthread the screws securing the top microwave to the cabinet.
- Carefully tilt the appliance down and pull the ability cord through the hole within the cabinet.
- Lift the microwave off of the mounting plate and set it on sturdy surface so its resting on its rear panel.
- Unthread the screws securing the oven's bottom panel.
- Disconnect or detach any turntable motor or light wires secured to the panel and set the panel aside.
- Set the microwave oven upright and support the front with a 2×4 piece of wood.
- Open the door and unthread the screws securing the venting.
- Fully take away the venting (you might be able to use a putty knife to make this easier).
- As applicable, unthread the screws quietly, top, and rear securing the cover to the frame.
- You may also need to unthread the screws to remove the blower cover or air damper.
- You should now be able to slide the microwave's cover to remove.
- As noted earlier, be sure to discharge the potentially stored electrical charge within the capacitor.
- Unthread the screw securing that old diode to the frame and detach it in the capacitor terminal.
- Install the new diode by attaching the appropriate end to the capacitor terminal and threading the screw to secure the grounding end of the diode to the frame.
- Reinstall the cover combined with the blower cover or air damper, as necessary.
- Replace the venting and secure it using the screws.
- Tip the microwave back on its rear panel.
- Reinstall the bottom panel by first reconnecting/reattaching the turntable motor or light wires, then fully align the panel and secure it with the screws.
- Carefully reposition the microwave oven around the tabs of the mounting plate.
- Feed the power cord through the hole within the cabinet.
- Lift the appliance up and rethread the screws to secure the top microwave cover to the cabinet.
- Replace the turntable support and align the glass tray on the motor coupler.
- Plug the power cord in and your microwave oven should be ready for use.
Always put safety first when attemping a microwave repair
Because of the hollywood and high current used by microwave ovens, be aware that repairing this appliance poses a substantial risk for injury or death if precautions are not taken. You should always unplug the microwave before you decide to attempt any disassembly. Since high voltage capacitors used in microwaves may retain a charge even after the microwave continues to be unplugged, we recommend that only experienced professionals access and replace internal components.
Find the best microwave oven parts with Repair Clinic
Not all diodes works with every microwave oven model. Fortunately, Repair Clinic makes it easy to find the exact diode you need. Begin by entering the full model number of the microwave in the Repair Clinic website search bar. Select “Diode, Magnetron & Resistor” from the part category filter and then click on “Diode” from the part title filter. The end result will be the diode that matches your microwave. In addition to diodes, Repair Clinic stocks microwave fuses, door switches, turntable motors, main control boards, and much more. Whether you depend on a GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, Kenmore, Frigidaire, or Panasonic micro wave, Repair Clinic has the parts to keep your appliance working in peak condition.
