How To Repair Diode Burns In Microwave

Knowing how to supplant a microwave diode is a good skill to have if you prefer doing your own microwave oven repair. Even the all-time microwaves are susceptible to burnt-out or failed diodes. Along with testing and replacing a capacitor, it'due south amongst the most common microwave repairs.

A failed or burned-out diode will oft show signs of physical damage, making it unnecessary to troubleshoot using a multimeter.
E'er perform a proper capacitor belch and unplug the microwave before disassembling or doing any troubleshooting or repairs or you risk dangerous electric shock.
Diodes aren't all the same- make sure you're using the correct model/number/size for your specific microwave oven.

While microwave repairs are ofttimes best left to professionals, replacing a diode is one of the simpler and depression-take a chance DIY repairs for microwaves, as long as safety guidelines are followed carefully.

The Microwave Diode Explained

A microwave diode converts the transformer's alternating current (AC) power output to direct current (DC), which doubles the voltage to almost 5,000 volts, providing the necessary power for the magnetron to part.

The specific blazon of diode needed by your microwave is usually printed straight on the diode you're replacing, so it'south usually the best fashion to brand certain you're buying the correct replacement.

If the diode fails (normally by burning out) the magnetron can't get enough voltage to run and the microwave won't rut and sometimes other problems can occur, such as the command panel'due south buttons not responding.

It's possible to supersede the diode at habitation when this happens, as long as proper safety procedures are followed. You may too want to examination the diode for continuity using a multimeter post-obit other step guides.

How to Supplant the Microwave'due south High-Voltage Diode

Tool Needed: Phillips head screwdriver with a rubberized handle

One time y'all've unplugged the microwave's power cord and discharged the high voltage capacitor properly, you'll demand to admission the diode itself.

Open the microwave door and unthread the screws to remove the venting.
On range microwaves, unthread the shroud's mounting screws and detach the unit from the wall. On standalone units, skip to step three.
Unthread the mounting screws keeping the control panel and lift the panel to disassemble it.
Sometimes there will be an access panel that needs to be removed to access the diode. If so, remove information technology. Yous can now attain the diode to troubleshoot or remove carefully with your rubberized work gloves on.

Not all Diodes Are The Same

Keep in mind that not every microwave will employ the aforementioned diode. If y'all're unsure of the correct diode for your unit of measurement, you lot can consult an owner'south manual. Information technology'due south a safer bet to refer to the diode you're replacing, though, which will take its detail or production number and type printed visibly.

Never effort any dissembling, repairs, troubleshooting, or replacements on a microwave without unplugging information technology and properly discharging the loftier voltage capacitor.

F.A.Q.S

How much does information technology cost to supercede a microwave diode?

Microwave diodes are very inexpensive generally speaking, ranging from $5 to $25 typically depending on the kind your unit of measurement uses- though having 1 installed by an appliance repair technician tin cost up to $100 for labor.

What causes a microwave diode to go bad?

Microwave diodes office by sending and receiving electrical signals to other internal components like capacitor terminals, which tin can cause them to short out like a fuse after a period of fourth dimension- especially if the microwave is used frequently and for long cook times.

What does a diode practise in a microwave?

The diode in a microwave converts the AC electric current from your home'due south wall socket and excursion to a DC current, doubling its voltage to provide enough electricity to ability the magnetron.

STAT: Microwave ovens are the fifth most prone to breakdown home appliances co-ordinate to recent studies. (source)

STAT: Microwave diodes effectively double the voltage that reaches the magnetron. (source)

STAT: Microwave diodes don't necessarily burn out inside a certain range of hours of use, and many may never need replacing during the life of a microwave. (source)

Jed Smith

I'm a musician and recording engineer and live in Queens. I take a cat. Her proper name is Elsa. I dearest to write about consumer tech and musical instruments.