Sunbeam microwave troubleshooting

For Sunbeam microwave owners the tables below will be an indispensable manual. They present possible failures and ways to repair of 3 models of Sunbeam microwave: Sunbeam SM0701A7E, Sunbeam SBM1000W, Sunbeam SMW945. Look through the table and perhaps the information from it will save you from unnecessary outlay and will help to fix the failure yourself.

Sunbeam SM0701A7E microwave troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Causes
Oven does not start	• Is the power cord plugged in?
	• Is the door closed?
	• Is the cooking time set?
Arcing or Sparking	• Are you using approved cookware?
	• Is the oven empty?
Incorrect time of day	• Have you tried to reset the time of day?
Unevenly Cooked Foods	• Are you using approved cookware?
	• Is the glass turntable in the oven?
	• Did you turn or stir the food while it was cooking?
	• Were the foods completely defrosted?
	• Was the time/cooking power level correct?
Overcooked Foods	• Was the time/cooking power level correct?
Undercooked Foods	• Are you using approved cookware?
	• Were the foods completely defrosted?
	• Was the time/cooking power level correct?
	• Are the ventilation ports clear?
Improper Defrosting	• Are you using approved cookware?
	• Was the time/cooking power level correct?
	• Did you turn or stir the food during the defrosting cycle?

Sunbeam SBM1000W microwave troubleshooting

Question	Answer
Why is the oven light not on during cooking?	There may be several reasons why the oven light is not on. Have you:
	• Set a cooking time?
	• Touched START?
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 turntable.
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.
When the oven is plugged into wall outlet for the first time, it might not work properly. What is wrong?	The microcomputer controlling your oven may temporarily become scrambled and fail to function as programmed when you plug in for the first time or when power resumes after a power interruption. Unplug the oven from the 120-volt household outlet and then plug it back in to reset the microcomputer.
Why do 1 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 1 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.

Sunbeam SMW945 microwave troubleshooting

Problem:	Solution:
IF THE OVEN FAILS TO OPERATE	Check to ensure that the oven is plugged in securely. If it is not, remove the plug from the outlet, wait 10 seconds, and plug it in again securely.
	Check for a blown circuit fuse or a tripped main circuit breaker. If these seem to be operating properly, test the outlet with another appliance.
	Check to ensure that the control panel is programmed correctly and the timer is set.
	Check to ensure that the door is securely closed engaging the door safety lock system. Otherwise, the microwave energy will not flow into the oven.