Just make sure it is unplugged though, if you do it yourself, when it comes to the part where the guy is removing the wires, leave them connected and unscrew the bulb to replace it, the bulb is a 25 watt SES and is $5.20 at Mitre10.
Edited to add the bulb cost etc
trade4us2,
May 22, 9:03pm
There are big capacitors inside that could retain a high voltage charge even when the oven is not plugged in, so don't touch them!
eljayv,
May 22, 9:39pm
Okay so thanks maybe look for a new microwave
tygertung,
May 22, 9:42pm
if you leave it for a while the capacitors will self discharge.
eljayv,
May 23, 6:54am
That sounds interesting. Everything else works okay.
pamow69,
May 23, 8:50am
Here are a few answers- No, the cost of changing a lamp will not be anywhere near the cost of a new microwave. That is a ridiculous idea. Yes, there are large capacitors inside the cabinet with very high voltage that can kill. They may discharge themselves but will take a very long time. Lastly, not all microwaves take a standard 25 watt SES lamp. There are several different styles of lamps for microwave ovens. Some of them are lamp and base complete unit.
marte,
May 23, 11:42am
Normally microwave capacitors have a bleed resistor on the capacitor terminals. I have pulled hundreds of them apart & never got a shock from it.
Some microwaves have a removable window so you can replace the lightbulb. Either inside ( tend to be older units ) or outside, though this is rare yo have one.
Id just unplug the microwave, short the plugs terminals out on a kitchen tap, leave it overnight & do the work the next day ( actually id do it right away )
But, most microwaves these days have at least one security screw holding the casing on, so its a job for a electrician. A electrician 'might' want to replace the door switches too, but will vacuum out the inside anyway.
50/50 buy a new one or get a electrician to replace the bulb. If you like the microwave & how it operates, then thats better than buying a new one & finding out you dont like it.
If its got rust inside it then it might be time to replace it.
eljayv,
May 23, 6:19pm
Thank you very encouraging.
eljayv,
May 23, 6:28pm
Thanks, pamow69 Peter I used your services to fix my range oven a few years back. I would use your services again if you were still available.😊
pamow69,
May 24, 7:05am
Lol! I am not dead yet. I am still doing appliance repairs but only do washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, stoves and wall ovens.
christin,
May 24, 9:32pm
i had one go on a smeg microwave. just lived with it not working. didnt bother me too much.
lilyfield,
May 31, 4:40am
A light is nice, but does not cook for you. Plenty sold without it.
wembley1,
May 31, 4:50am
The light on my Panasonic hasn't worked for years. Sill cooks OK though.
bryshaw,
May 31, 6:37pm
Before we replaced our microwave a torch sufficed, like those little magnetic ones.
voyager4,
Jun 1, 9:44pm
I wish they would put lights in dishwashers.
eljayv,
Jun 1, 10:06pm
For some reason the light is working today, hope it lasts.
pamow69,
Jul 22, 3:42am
There has been one or two makes/models that had lights in them.
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