Tristar
Overheating Component or Cavity Contamination
Microwave has a strong burning or electrical smell during or after operation.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Burning food residue on cavity surfaces, Overheating magnetron, Failing high-voltage transformer, Melted plastic components near cavity
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: If you smell burning plastic or electrical insulation, unplug the microwave immediately.
Steps to diagnose smell:
- 1. Check for burnt food: Inspect the cavity, turntable, and waveguide cover for burnt food or grease. Clean thoroughly.
- 2. Run a short test: With a cup of water inside, run the microwave for 30–60 seconds and monitor for smells. If the smell is only food-related and diminishes after cleaning, the unit may be fine.
- 3. Internal inspection: If the smell is electrical or plastic-like, remove the cabinet (qualified person) and inspect for discolored wiring, melted connectors, or burnt components near the magnetron and transformer.
- 4. Professional repair: Replace any burnt components (magnetron, transformer, wiring) only through a qualified technician due to high-voltage risks.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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