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I was wondering if anyone had any recommendation on someone who could do a repair on my 10 year old Sharp Microwave. The exhaust fan has gone bad and the light bulb needs changing.
I took it apart and started playing, and can see exactly what part needs replacing but I'm not sure how to get it and am leery about going any further as Microwave's have some nasty high voltage capacitors in them.
I LOVE this model of Microwave so I'd like to get it repaired rather than buy a new one.
I see several ads in the yellow pages for applicance repair but was wondering if someone had a recommedation here before I called.
Thanks,
Sean
Posted : November 7, 2010 6:43 pm
Stiphy, You sound like my spouse. You may be able to google, pull up the make, model and get the part number for new fan and light bulb and buy the parts online. Then, once received, replace them yourself. I truly understand how we can get attached to our appliances however I sincerely recommend just giving it up and replacing it with a new one. New microwaves have as much or more power than 10 year old microwaves, new features/functionality and are relatively low cost - compared to what you would pay to have one fixed. I'm sorry. My advice is to buy new. But, if you're still not convinced, go online and see if you can find the parts and cost. Who knows? Maybe you can find the parts and the cost will be minimal. If so, soldier on! I'm cheering for you either way you decide!
Posted : November 7, 2010 8:40 pm
Topic starter
I did just dig up the fan motor for $32 online! Confirming with the vendor that it is the exact right one but it looks like a match. If so I have some friends that work with high voltage stuff and could probably help me ease my concerns about discharging the capacitors.
I totally understand the advice to buy new, and ordinarily I'm on the same page, but this is seriously the best Microwave I've owned, and I own several that are much newer. I really like the UI on it, it has a graphical interface called "multiple choice" that Sharp stopped making years ago and has a very good sensor that cooks food as good as a microwave can (which isn't all that good no matter what). Also, we are trying to save up to re-do our kitchen in a year or two and at that time we will bite the bullet and get one that mounts over the stove. If I can fix this one to tide me over until then it will be great.
Still if anyone knows of a local repair shop that could help reasonably I would love the advice as I may still be looking for someone to put the part in.
Thanks again,
Sean
Posted : November 8, 2010 12:55 am
Topic starter
Just to follow up (not that anyone cares), I got the fan motor part today and in about 10 minutes had it in. Enjoying my Microwave popcorn now! Took the lighbulb out and it looks pretty standard so I'm hoping they'll have a repalcement at the hardware store for a few bucks and she'll be good as new.
As for the high voltage stuff I discovered online that if you leave the Microwave unplugged the voltage slowly dissipates. Some websites said wait 30 minutes or so, I figured two weeks would be good and when I checked there was no high voltage left in the capacitors.
Just had to share my triumph 🙂
Sean
Posted : November 17, 2010 1:50 am