Troubleshooting and Repairing Microwave Ovens [Paperback]

Homer L. Davidson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tab Electronics Technician Library | Publication Date: November 1, 1996

Essential for electronics professionals, students, and advanced hobbyists, this resource is the most detailed, comprehensive guide to microwave oven diagnosis and repair available. Completely updated, the illustration-packed edition now provides troubleshooting flowcharts throughout.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

More than 40,000 copies sold! Quick, reliable fixes for microwave ovens from the leading name in technician-level T&R/N Covers the latest models; Features unique step-by-step troubleshooting flowcharts; Hundreds of clear illustrations show you just what to do; Symptoms and solutions completely explained. The most popular microwave oven manual ever written, this bestselling guide has been completely updated and improved to make sure it stays at the head of the pack-the best book on microwave oven diagnosis and repair. Now featuring what-to-do-when flowcharts and easy-to-read illustrations throughout, it offers comprehensive coverage of all repair problems and solutions in this expanding, money-making area of electronics. You get complete information on: Needed Tools and Test Equipment; Typical Problems in Each Electronic Unit; Where to Check for Problems; Microwave Oven Circuits; Basic Troubleshooting Procedures; Finding Switch Problems; Servicing Low-Voltage Circuits; Troubleshooting High-Voltage Problems; Locating and Replacing the Magnetron; Fixing Oven Motors; Servicing Control Circuits; Leakage Tests; Handling "Tough Dog" Problems; Case Histories of Real Microwave Oven Repairs; Sources for Parts. "Davidson gives electronics students, apprentices, and technicians all the hands-on information they need to troubleshoot and repair almost any microwave oven."-Electronic Servicing & Technology on the previous edition. A Volume in the TAB Electronics Technician Library.

Product Details

• Paperback: 514 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies; 4 edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070157677
• ISBN-13: 978-0070157675
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #640,729 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very practical book, September 11, 2002

By 

Phil Lee (Minneapolis, Minn, Silicon Tundra, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Troubleshooting and Repairing Microwave Ovens (Paperback)

This is one great book for practical book on repairing microwave ovens. Lots of general and specific advice on major brands. Even though uWaves have become a commodity item, ie less than $$$, it becomes unlikely that a commercial repair shop can remain in business. But if you can get several uWaves, ie dumpster diving, and get a few spare/swap parts, the assistance of the book demystifies magnetrons, high voltage caps, safety interlocks, and fuses. I read this book at the local library ...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Troubleshooting & Repairing Microwave Ovens., February 8, 2007

By 

SJK - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Troubleshooting and Repairing Microwave Ovens (Hardcover)

I purchased this book used through the Amazon reseller "Recycled goodies" [...]. It was in "as new" condition, just as described. They shipped promptly, followed up with a shipping confirmation email and service was excellent overall. Very highly recommended.



This fourth edition publication dates from 1997 and has been out of print for quite a while. Tracking one down is like trying to find the Holy Grail.
Nonetheless, [...]or not, this book is still valid and contains up to date electronic application and troubleshooting data. It has a great deal of in-depth information, for both general application as well as brand specific.
I did residential and commercial appliance repair for over sixteen years, in addition to other trades, and still found this book to be interesting and informative.
I believe it is now common knowledge that it is usually not cost effective to repair most small counter top household-duty microwave ovens manufactured in the last fifteen years or so. However, for many appliance technicians, microwave oven repair is still a valid art and can indeed supplement their annual income.
Depending on what geographic area you live in, many of the newer "top of the line" over the range [OTR] microwave/hoods can cost well over six hundred dollars, not including installation. Scrapping one of these ["check and condemn", as it is sometimes called] even after several years of use because of a bad touchpad, HV capacitor, diode, or magnetron, etc., does not make any sense at all, barring other evidence of abuse or complete neglect of the appliance on the owners part.
The larger commercial-duty, dual magnetron units used in restaurants can easily cost over fifteen hundred dollars, depending on which distributor they are purchased through. They are in a state of almost constant use and when they malfunction, as with any other commercial kitchen equipment, effective repair, not replacement is the normal, expected remedy.
There is only one other microwave repair manual I can find that rivals this ten-year-old book. It is from Microtech Productions and as far as I know, is only available on CD. Since this fourth edition book is out of print, and an updated fifth edition may never arise, Microtech's CD may be the only way to get the necessary in-depth knowledge for safe, efficient microwave oven repair.