Zanussi ZKC38310XK (947640711) Integrated Microwave Oven

[jontymox]

Good evening all,

I have an obscure problem with the above appliance, that I would be grateful of any assistance!

Essentially, the unit powers up, and the clock/timer can be set.

Following the above, without selecting a cycle, the clock/timer shuts down after a few seconds, before intriguingly coming back on 30 to 60 seconds later, and then repeating the above, on/off/on/off…

I suspect a board fault, although nothing obvious to see.

Notably, my customer reported that during a microwave heat cycle, the appliance tripped out, and she has not used it since.

Hence, I’m now wondering if the magnetron or induction unit has failed, and is the underlying cause of the above?

Any help welcome!

jonty

[electrofix]

mag or hv failure will not cause your board problem. it would just blow the internal fuse

Dave

[kaibart]

The mag is probably made by sharp so do some digging to find the correct 1 and you will save some money

[electrofix]

get most of mine from

https://magsells.co.uk/

ignor the website prices and email or ring them

most mags supplied for about £44 delivered

does sound like you may have a board problem as if the mag was faulty the board would work normally until you pressed start

Dave

[jontymox]

I’ve just had another look at the above microwave, and am pretty sure that the “programmer/board” is causing the fault of powering up, then shutting down…

However, it costs over £200.00 and probably will not cure the tripping fault…

The board fuse is fine, and my customer has decided to replace the microwave.

Thanks all for your help.

jonty

[jontymox]

Update

Having seen the cost of replacement combination microwave ovens, my customer is now considering repairing her current one!

However, I’m a little reluctant to replace the expensive board, without knowing the cause of tripping, especially if further expensive part/s are required, and the board being non returnable.

I now wonder if the board may be causing both faults, and wish they could be tested more conclusively…

jonty

[electrofix]

always difficult to say

most tripping faults are caused by the element

the microwave side can be tested easily if you want to

aswo list the board at £102 plus vat but you would have to check the price is current

you have to make the customer understand there could be other faults

as a long shot disconnect the elements and see if anything changes . on the washer dryer elements with earth fault make panel display blank never had it on a microwave , yet.

Dave

[jontymox]

Thanks Dave,

I’ll carry out some further tests asap.

jonty

[jontymox]

Have brought the appliance to my workshop, and carried out further tests.

It’s looking very much like the board may be the main/only cause of the problem.

When connected up in my workshop, the display can be set, and a microwave programme selected then runs for 10-12 seconds, prior to the display failing, and the unit stopping.

The microwave has not tripped on the several occasions that I have tested it here, and when the display fails, power remains to the unit, and the board/display recovers after a minute or two.

I have tried the above cycle/s with the magnetron disconnected, and the same fault occurs.

I have tested the magnetron, (0.2 Ohms) both heating elements, both fan motors, and the turntable micro motor, which all give decent readings.

I realise the magnetron may still be faulty, but at least I can suggest replacing the board to my customer, and going from there.

jonty

[electrofix]

what makes you think the mag is faulty

your in a workshop and not at the customers

rig a lead to power up the microwave transformer. make sure door is closed and there is a bowl of water inside. turn on for a minute or so and the mag should work and heat the water. if thats ok you can say the mag and HV circuits are fine. with unit unplugged dischage in case or residual HV

if that works then you dont need a mag

Dave

[jontymox]

Probably “over thinking” the problem/s, as I don’t have much experience with the above!

Initially had it in mind that the magnetron may have failed, and caused the board problem, as my customer said it tripped the electrics.

She has agreed for me to replace the board/programmer, which may well be the only problem, as mentioned.

Thanks again,

jonty

[electrofix]

have sent you the lux microwave training info

may help fill a few gaps in your knowledge

Dave

[Author]

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