FIXED: Dacor Microwave Not Heating

If you are searching for an explanation why your Dacor microwave has stopped heating, you’ll probably find the answer here. If everything else works on the microwave, but it simply does not heat, the magnetron is a logical guess. The magnetron uses high voltage, high current DC power to generate the microwave frequency that cooks the food. If the magnetron burns out, the microwave won’t heat. The magnetron is not repairable—if the magnetron is burned out, you must replace it. There are also three other components that make up the High Voltage network: HV transformer, HV Capacitor and HV Diode. Microwave ovens produce a very high voltage in order to power the magnetron antenna, which emits the energy that cooks the food. When a high voltage transformer fails, it will usually arc and have a burning smell. The high voltage capacitor works with the high voltage diode to convert the output of the transformer to DC voltage and to double the output voltage. If the capacitor is burned out, the entire high voltage circuit will stop working properly, and the microwave won’t heat. To determine if the high voltage capacitor is defective, use a VOM meter with a capacitance testing capability. The diode converts the A/C power output of the transformer to D/C, doubling the voltage to nearly 5,000 volts. If the diode burns out, the magnetron won’t receive enough voltage to operate, preventing the microwave from heating.  The magnetron, however, usually is the component that fails more commonly. If you decide to repair this, please let us know via our customer support service. A microwave oven is not an appliance for a DIY beginner to start with. The High Voltage network has potentials of 3000 to 4000 volts and safety is important.