Troubleshooting Guide

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TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
Frequently Asked Questions
Operation
Why is the oven light not on during cooking?
Make sure the cooking time has been set and the
START button has been pressed.
Why does steam come out of the air exhaust
vent?
Steam is normally produced during cooking. The
microwave oven has been designed to vent this
steam.
Will the microwave oven be damaged if it operates
empty?
Yes. Never operate the oven empty or without the
glass tray.
Does microwave energy pass through the viewing
screen in the door?
No. The metal screen bounces the energy back to
the oven cavity. The holes (or ports) allow only light to
pass through. They do not let microwave energy pass
through.
Why does a tone sound when a pad on the control
panel is touched?
The tone tells you that the setting has been entered.
Can my microwave oven be damaged if food is
cooked for too long?
Like any other cooking appliance, it is possible to
overcook food to the point that the food creates
smoke and even possibly fire, and damage to the
inside of the oven. It is always best to be near the
oven while you are cooking.
I've plugged the oven in and it does not work
properly. What is wrong?
The microcomputer controlling your oven may
temporarily become scrambled and fail to function
as programmed when you plug the oven in for the
first time or when power resumes after a power
interruption. Unplug the oven from the 120 V
household outlet and then plug it back in to reset the
microcomputer.
Why do I see light reflection around the outer
case?
This light is from the oven light which is located
between the oven cavity and the outer wall of the
oven.
What are the various sounds I hear when the
microwave oven is operating?
The clicking sound is caused by a mechanical switch
turning the microwave oven’s magnetron ON and
OFF.
The heavy hum and clunk is from the change in
power the magnetron draws as it is turned ON and
OFF by a mechanical switch. The change in blower
speed is from the change in line voltage caused by
the magnetron being turned ON and OFF.
Food
Is it possible to pop popcorn in a microwave
oven?
Yes, if using one of the two methods described below:
(1) microwave-popping devices designed specifically
for microwave cooking
(2) prepackaged commercial microwave popcorn that
specifies the cook time and power output needed.
Follow exact directions given by each manufacturer
for its popcorn popping product and do not leave the
oven unattended while the corn is being popped. If
corn fails to pop after the suggested time, discontinue
cooking. Overcooking could result in an oven fire.
CAUTION
Never use a brown paper bag for popping corn or
attempt to pop leftover kernels.
Why is a standing time recommended after
microwave cooking time is over?
Standing time allows foods to continue cooking
evenly for a few minutes after the actual microwave
oven cooking cycle. The amount of standing time
depends upon the density of the foods.
Why is additional time required for cooking food
stored in the refrigerator?
As in conventional cooking, the initial temperature of
food affects total cooking time. You need more time to
cook food taken out of a refrigerator than for food at
room temperature.