RHobbs Combination Microwave cutting out....

[merton69]

I own a Russell Hobbs Comination microwave (RHM3003b).

When I operate the microwave part, sometimes it works fine but sometimes it operates for an amount of time (could be minutes, could be seconds) and then cuts out and stops.

Just before the 'cut out' all the LED front panelling icons start to flicker, then it stops. Occasionally the flickering continues and the microwave carries on.

Using the microwave part is literally like a lottery.

Any ideas on how to fix this most annoying situation as the microwave, even though a good few years old, is in good working nick please?

Thank you for your time.

 

[jj4091]

Could be something as simple as a dry joint on a pcb. but messing with micro wave ovens is not recommended for the inexperienced.

 

[merton69]

Thank you for the reply jj4091.

I know how dangerous they can be. The microwave has been unplugged for 48 hours, so hopefully the microwave's magnatron has discharged.

What do I look out for on the pcb please?

 

[merton69]

I have removed all the circuit boards and checked for dry/cracked joints. They all appear to okay. So I cleaned around and put it all back together.

It still appears to be a lottery using the microwave part.

Any other suggestions please?

 

[sircerebus666]

Buy a new microwave.

You can get a combination microwave for £80 nowadays.

A lot of microwaves nowadays are simply rebranded

You are unable to fix the problem yourself so it's going to cost you more than that in parts and labour to fix the one you have

As much as I hate this throwaway culture , it's not economically viable to get it repaired especially if it's a few years old

 

[merton69]

Hello and thank you for your reply sircerebus666, but how do you know I can't fix it?

What knowledge do you have that says it can't be fixed please as I would like to know the cause of the intermitant use?

Regards,

 

[sircerebus666]

Cause if you knew how to fix it you wouldn't be asking on a DIY forum how to fix it.

Like jj4091 said messing with microwaves is not for the inexperienced

It's incredibly difficult over a internet forum to diagnose an intermittent fault, in fault it's very difficult to diagnose an intermittent fault full stop.

If by messing around with it you manage to find the cause of the fault, there's a good chance the cost of that part will be more than the cost of a new microwave.

Like I said given the relative low cost of a new microwave means it's generally not economical to repair.