Sharp Microwave Repair

Sharp makes countertop, over-the-range and built-in microwaves, but the one we are asked about most is the microwave drawer. It sits below a counter or wall oven and opens and closes at the touch of a button, powered by a small motor, gears and slides. Inside, it heats food like any other microwave, with a magnetron, transformer, capacitor, diode and control board. Over-the-range models add a vent fan and lights that serve as a range hood.

Drawer models have a unique set of faults. Gears in the drive train wear or strip, especially if the drawer has been pushed or pulled by hand, and the drawer may stop partway or refuse to move. Position switches and interlocks can fail, so the control does not recognize the drawer as closed and will not heat. On all Sharp microwaves, failed interlock switches can blow the internal fuse, magnetrons wear out and cause a running unit with no heat, and touch panels can lose some buttons.

Check the breaker first, and make sure the outlet or circuit is live. On a drawer, look for anything blocking the drawer path, such as a utensil or towel behind it, and clean food spills from the slide area with the power off. Do not force a stuck drawer, and do not run any microwave that sparks. Never remove the cover; the high-voltage capacitor can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged.

Our technician safely discharges the capacitor, then tests the interlocks, fuse, drive motor and gears, position switches, magnetron, diode and control. On drawers we also check the slides and the mounting, since a drawer installed out of level can strain the drive.

Drawer and over-the-range Sharps are usually worth repairing, because replacement means matching the cabinet opening or reworking the mounting and vent. A countertop model is the exception; beyond a fuse or switch, replacing it is often the better choice, and we will tell you so.