Whirlpool Microwave not working: fix or replace?

I'd find out the minimum cost to check it out. If you can have it diagnosed for $25 and fixed for less than $100, fix it. Anything more is not worth investing in after five years. You can get a pretty good new one for less than $200 or even a basic model for $75.

Abt has a good reputation and good prices.

Thanks for the quick response, Ed. When I filled out the repair form through Whirlpool's site, the local repair firm chosen came with a $125 chart for diagnosis. At that point we thought we'd just get a new one. But we found someone in town who is also certified to fix Whirlpool that will charge $50. They are coming out Wednesday. So we are rolling the dice with $50. We shall see.

Thanks again for your response, Ed. Greatly appreciated!

$50.00 is very reasonable for a service call. You won't find many service companies that will run a call for that, keep their number handy. ^_^

TDD

Serial number but no model number?

Generally if repair costs half as much as a new microwave, get a new microwave.

I'd first try turning off the oven by either unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker for its circuit, but don't expect anything.

Here's a message thread about some Whirlpool Accuwave ovens:

Does the F7 error message also mention something about an "SMPS"? If so, that's a power supply problem (SMPS = Switching Mode Power Supply), meaning you'll probably need a new inverter board. Don't replace it yourself unless you know how to kill yourself with electricity because that board connects directly to the high voltage capacitor, which can hold something like 2,000 - 4,000 volts, even when the oven is turned off and unplugged from the AC. You may want to ask the repair co. roughly what such a repair will cost, but be sure to state that you're not sure that the inverter is bad. Also a bad magnatron, high voltage diode, or high voltage capacitor can ruin the inverter.

One place that I often check out regarding appliance repairs is:

Click on "Repair Help" in the top left hand corner of the page.

Or click here and see if they have any information that helps:

I also look up parts through their website and either buy from them or buy locally a appliance parts places such as "All Brand Appliance Parts" which is located near me.

I'd go over and tell him it's broken for $50.00, that sounds like a good racket!

jon

So you would cheat customers by showing up and saying "Yep, it's broken, gimme my money."? Gee, what scruples you have. ^_^

TDD

At least tell him that the offset wobbler is off the shimmyshaft inside the Framistat valve. Needs to be soaked in red lantern oil to clean it up, relubricate the clutch,and it will be fine to fight another day. Now, run that up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes.

. Christ>>> $50.00 is very reasonable for a service call. You won't find many

And let's hope the $50 repairman has scruples too. You can get into the customer's house that way and overcharge for parts or tell them they need parts when they don't.

Geez, can we overthink this issue to death. For $50, you can buy a perfectly usable microwave. I know, I have one. Walmart. Emerson.

nb

Me and my late friend GB would often not charge old folks on a fixed, limited income when diagnosing a problem for them. Their families would pitch in for the repair and we would wind up with a few more customers who didn't mind paying full price. There have been times when we'd find something turned off when some kid played with the outdoor circuit breaker or it was just tripped. If I go on a commercial service call and find something unplugged or a breaker tripped, it's full price. ^_^

TDD

From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

- - - Karl Marx

Yea, Commie HVAC Repair Company, er,.... Collective. ^_^

TDD

You know Comrade, I've done the same thing. So, I can't really complain too loudly.

. Christ> >> From each according to his ability,

That is what I think also. Anything less than $ 200 or $ 300 is a throw away if you cn not fix it yourself. It will cost close to that to get anything repaired.

It's a special deal for homemoanershub posters.

Jon

A service call is a service call. The service man has to drive to your location and spend the time to check out your appliance. $50 today is a bargain - most charge $65 or more.

My minimum service charge is a half hour @ $50 per hour. The clock starts when I leave my door and stops when I leave yours - so I am paid full rate for one direction only. That means $25 minimum - and $50 if it takes half an hour to get there.

If you drop it off at my door it is straight time. Diagnostics are not free.

Best reply I've seen in ages.

Thanks, I needed the laugh. . Christ> >>

I charge $65/hr for HVAC/electrical/appliance and $85/hr for telecom, data and electronic equipment service calls. Of course I can't work that much anymore but I'm getting stronger the more I get back out there. ^_^

TDD