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I have a microwave that was installed by our contractor in 1992----tiled into the backsplash above the cooktop. It is still working, but has started making some groaning sounds sometimes like the motor is working very hard? Because it is tiled in, I wonder if it is possible to have it repaired when it finally konks out. I have heard that the newer models do not mount exactly the same as an older one and I am concerned as to how I would be able to get the old one replaced without wrecking the backsplash. Can a microwave be fixed without removing it from the wall? Thanks.
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I have repaired lots of microwaves with out taking them down but it is not always the case. It depends of the part you have to replace. However if you have to take it down it isn’t hard. Just remove the screws on top (inside the cabinet above the microwave). Once done it should slide off of the hangers. If you ever have to replace it the only thing you will have to look out for is how tall the microwave is. If the new microwave is taller you will have to break out the tile. I assume you don’t want to do that but don’t worry I have replaced many microwaves that the old one was tiled in and rarely do I run into trouble. Usually (not always) the new microwave is the same size as the old one. Yes it does mounts different but it shouldn’t be a problem as long as the tile isn’t too high for the new microwave. I hope this helps!! Oh and if it does "konks out" post back and we will help and this page may help. Microwave Repair Guide
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Oh thank you so much. I had no idea how the oven was attached. Was away the weekend it was installed and was shocked to see that there was grout right up to the bottom. Guess we have been lucky that it has managed to last this long. Is is worth fixing? It doesn't seem to heat as quickly or as evenly, so I'm thinking it's wearing out. And then there's that sound like a fan or something turning is scraping or something. If all the moving parts need to be replaced, would it cost more to fix than to buy and have a new one installed? Thinking it's going to die soon and maybe I should do something before it does.
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A lot of times the magnetron will arc causing a weird noise. This noise would be a distinct high voltage electrical arcing noise. If you ever heard it you would know it right off. Sometimes this can happen and the microwave still heat. A bad diode or capacitor would make it noisy but it wouldn’t heat if either one were bad. The fan could be hitting something but this is rare. You can take the front griddle off then remove the control panel. Once done you should see the fan. One thing you could try is to lower the power level of the microwave to one. This will only run the magnetron for 10% of the time. This way if the noise is only on for 10% if the time you know the noise is coming from the magnetron tube or at least the high voltage side. If the noise is continuous then the fan may be the problem. If you find the magnetron tube bad and would like to replace it this page will helpGE Spacemaker Microwave Magnetron Tube Replacement
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Thanks for the advice. What a great suggestion on how to pinpoint which area is the one pooping out! I tried running it in the defrost setting and of course, everything sounded normal today. But I will keep trying and see if I can make it "groan" again and then put it into defrost mode. The noise doesn't happen everytime and just popped up recently. It seems to continue groaning for an instant after it dings, like something is winding down painfully.
I don't suppose you're an appliance repairman in San Jose, CA??
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One more thing I thought about is the turntable motor. I have seen a few of these things noisy. If you start getting the noise you can try turning the turntable off (if your microwave allows you to turn it off) and see if the noise goes away.
I do repair work in NC a service call in CA would be a heck of a travel charge lol.
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Rank: Member
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Sorry, I didn't realize you had posted again. Our model doesn't have a turntable, so at least that's not what's wrong. But it's one reason I may want to replace it, so that we can get one with a turntable. We'd always had one before in a counter style, but none was available for the one over the stove. Ours doesn't heat very evenly anymore.
You're right. NC would be quite a haul! :) I don't even know if our old contracter is still around. Thanks for all your suggestions. It's been working quietly so far this week. Going to be gone until after Christmas. I will post back when it konks. Or when I can pinpoint the noise cause.
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