Home Repair forum - Built-in microwave oven temp sensor

Author

Built-in microwave oven temp sensor

fredfighter@spamcop.net

2005-07-30, 5:21 pm

My mom's Kenmore built-in microwave oven die recently.

My understanding is that the two common causes of
microwave oven failure are a blown fuse and and a
failed high-temperature sensor.

Didn't see a fuse in this one, though maybe there is
one way in the back, would a built-in typically have
a separate fuse or just rely on the house circuit breaker
like most other appliances?

I removed the temperature sensor from the top of
the oven. This is the high-temp safety switch, not
the food temperature sensor. Am I correct to
assume that if it is functional it will be normally closed?

As they say on the net, thanks in advance.

--

FF

Art Todesco

2005-07-30, 6:21 pm

Funny this appeared just now. A few
minutes ago, the microwave
was cooking and apparently (don't really
know) was programmed
with way too large time. Anyway the
food burned. I stopped the
oven with no problem. Everything seemed
ok, however, after about
5 minutes I heard a click and the
display blanked out. Everything
right now, is still hot. Do high
temperature sensors self reset? This
is a GE Profile built in.

fredfighter@spamcop.net wrote:
> My mom's Kenmore built-in microwave oven die recently.
>
> My understanding is that the two common causes of
> microwave oven failure are a blown fuse and and a
> failed high-temperature sensor.
>
> Didn't see a fuse in this one, though maybe there is
> one way in the back, would a built-in typically have
> a separate fuse or just rely on the house circuit breaker
> like most other appliances?
>
> I removed the temperature sensor from the top of
> the oven. This is the high-temp safety switch, not
> the food temperature sensor. Am I correct to
> assume that if it is functional it will be normally closed?
>
> As they say on the net, thanks in advance.
>

Appliance Repair Aid

2005-07-30, 6:21 pm

fredfighter@spamcop.net wrote:
> My mom's Kenmore built-in microwave oven die recently.
>
> My understanding is that the two common causes of
> microwave oven failure are a blown fuse and and a
> failed high-temperature sensor.
>
> Didn't see a fuse in this one, though maybe there is
> one way in the back, would a built-in typically have
> a separate fuse or just rely on the house circuit breaker
> like most other appliances?
>
> I removed the temperature sensor from the top of
> the oven. This is the high-temp safety switch, not
> the food temperature sensor. Am I correct to
> assume that if it is functional it will be normally closed?
>
> As they say on the net, thanks in advance.
>
> --
>
> FF

Hi,

Model#?
Kenmore is made by several different companies....

http://www.applianceaid.com/model.html
http://www.applianceaid.com/searscodes.html
Some model# helps.

> My understanding is that the two common causes of
> microwave oven failure are a blown fuse and and a
> failed high-temperature sensor.

For the most part yes, not a sensor but there will be a couple of
overheat thermostats and oftne is a flame switch as well as the fuse.

These might help...
http://www.applianceaid.com/micro3.html
http://www.applianceaid.com/nuker.html

jeff.
Appliance Repair Aid
http://www.applianceaid.com/

Appliance Repair Aid

2005-07-30, 6:21 pm

Hi,

> Everything right now, is still hot. Do high
> temperature sensors self reset?

Most do not

These might help...
http://www.applianceaid.com/micro3.html
http://www.applianceaid.com/nuker.html

jeff.
Appliance Repair Aid
http://www.applianceaid.com/

Ross Mac

2005-07-30, 8:21 pm

<fredfighter@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:1122753816.887189.131990@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> My mom's Kenmore built-in microwave oven die recently.
>
> My understanding is that the two common causes of
> microwave oven failure are a blown fuse and and a
> failed high-temperature sensor.
>
> Didn't see a fuse in this one, though maybe there is
> one way in the back, would a built-in typically have
> a separate fuse or just rely on the house circuit breaker
> like most other appliances?
>
> I removed the temperature sensor from the top of
> the oven. This is the high-temp safety switch, not
> the food temperature sensor. Am I correct to
> assume that if it is functional it will be normally closed?
>
> As they say on the net, thanks in advance.
>
> --
>
> FF
>
IF you have a blown fuse make sure to get an exact replacement...then make
certain that the waveguide covers are in tact...some microwaves have
cardboard covers and they get removed/ damaged during cleaning which allows
moisture into the waveguide ....well the the fuse blows...If you have
plastic ones perhaps they are cracked?....just a thought....good luck ,
Ross

Art Todesco

2005-07-30, 9:21 pm

Too answer my own post, I removed the
microwave from its built in wood
cabinet and attempted to remove the
metal "jacket." They used Torx screws
with a non-tamper post in the middle of
the screw. I then drilled out a Torx
bit, but had to heat it up to remove the
temper. Once I had the tool, it was
easy. There was an envelope inside with
a schematic and a troubleshooting
guide. I found an open sensor. They
call it a "flame sensor," which senses
the temperatue of the top metal ceiling
of the oven. The document said it
was a non-resettable sensor. Until the
appliance parts place opens on
Monday, there is now a piece of metal
bypassing it. I know, we will NOT
let it run unattended like today until
the sensor is replaced.

Art Todesco wrote:[color=darkred]
> Funny this appeared just now. A few minutes ago, the microwave
> was cooking and apparently (don't really know) was programmed
> with way too large time. Anyway the food burned. I stopped the
> oven with no problem. Everything seemed ok, however, after about
> 5 minutes I heard a click and the display blanked out. Everything
> right now, is still hot. Do high temperature sensors self reset? This
> is a GE Profile built in.
>
> fredfighter@spamcop.net wrote:
>

Lou@GoForIt.net

2005-07-31, 7:21 am

LinkBot