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Repair and disassembly guides for GE Microwave ovens.

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Microwave oven loses power.

I have a GE microwave oven, model PVM9179DK2BB.

Lately, it has been losing electrical power. When it does this, it goes completely dead. It seems to happen when a cook button is pressed - usually, the "Add 30 Seconds" button is used.

The outlet that it’s plugged into never loses electrical power. No GFCIs or breakers trip.

I am comfortable with disassembly and took it apart to check the continuity of the main fuse. It was good.

I must have jiggled a wire or something because after reassembling it, the power came on.

Two days later, it died again.

I took it apart and rechecked the continuity of the main fuse and the two thermal switches (fan and thermostat?) on the bottom. Both are good.

Again, once reassembled, it worked for a few hours, then died when someone tried to heat something.

I checked the continuity of all 3 door switches and they are good too.

Trying to figure out what to check next?

Update (04/15/2020)

I’m sorry, I worded my question poorly. It loses electrical power.

When it does work between losing electrical power, it heats just fine.

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A microwave oven's power diminishes over time due to the magnetron tube.

A Magnetron is a "vacuum tube".

One limit on vacuum tube lifetime is cathode emissivity - the ability to provide electrons for the 'tube' to 'modulate'. Decay mechanisms can be complex but the first approximation relates to the availability of materials that liberate electrons and the action of trace gases on the cathode surface.

[The material is usually not "used up" over the tube's lifetime but its efficacy may decline].

This is usually the main culprit on an older model.

The typical magnetron tube has an average life of 2,000 hours of operation.

Some factors that can diminish the life of a magnetron are:

1) no-load operation

2) operating with too much metal in the cooking cavity,

3) line voltage consistently too low or too high

4) improper phasing, ...

5) continual operation at the upper limit of its heat tolerance due to inadequate air circulation,

6) obstruction in the wave-guide,

7) failed stirrer operation.

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The power control relay on the circuit board may have cracked solder connections. This is caused by the repeated mechanical shock of the relay operation weakening the solder joints. Also look for any push-on connectors that appear to have been heated or melted.

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Mike sera éternellement reconnaissant.
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