Panasonic Inverter Microwave, Model: NN-SD277BR
Model is fairly beefy (1100W) over-the-range (OTR) style, with venting slots along upper edge.
Ran fine for 5 years. Boiled some water on the stove for pasta, so front face of microwave was moist with condensation. Started microwave and immediately started to spark from upper right side, could see it through the venting slot right above control panel. Electrical burning smell. Thought it was shorting due to moisture from the boiling water. Stopped it after about 3 seconds and ran the exhaust fan on Turbo mode for about an hour. Worked fine after that for about 3 weeks.
Happened again today after about 10 seconds. Smelly smoke filled the kitchen. Stopped it and opened all the windows, lit candles, and ran the fan again. Lights all work, did not trip the main fuse. Picture showing microwave follows. Sparking was seen visually through the venting slots above the word “Panasonic”: https://www.dropbox.com/s/jkeiezzf9u7i8z2/20141221_111315.jpg?dl=0
Expensive microwave to only last 5 years. My parents old 600W Kenmore is getting on 30 years now and works perfectly.
Removed and cleaned the cover plate that’s mounted on the inside (top). It’s plastic, no visible signs of arcing or substantial grease buildup. What’s visible of the internals look perfect. Mind you, the cover plate is in the center of the microwave, and it looked like the sparking was in the upper right side.
- Paul asked 10 years ago
Paul, from your symptoms you have a defective magnetron or main power board. I have linked three videos below that will help you diagnose the problem. Email us back with any questions after watching. If you need parts call our parts department 7-days a week until 11pm Eastern at 1-800-830-5465. Matt Ace technician
- AV Repair Help answered 10 years ago
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Thanks everyone! Matt, I called for a part but the lady said it wasn’t in stock so I got one ordered from the Panasonic parts distributor. Will try to replace the magnetron myself.
- Paul answered 10 years ago
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Just make sure to discharge the capacitor before performing the repair.
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You may have arcing occurring in the wave guide. Where ever the arcing is happening, you should be able to see it. There should be a black reside . You may have to take it apart to find out where it is arcing.
- Brian, Ace Appliance answered 10 years ago
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