Below there are 4 tables dedicated to widespread defects of microwave ovens by brand Tappan. If you are the owner of a microwave oven of one of the models below, it will be useful for you to know the weaknesses of the device. You will know how to solve problems in case of failure. Look through the tables and make sure that a good manual is often enough for the issue.
| 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. |
| FIND YOUR PROBLEM HERE | POSSIBLE CAUSE | HOWTO FIX IT |
|---|---|---|
| MICROWAVE OVEN DOES NOT OPERATE Entire oven does not operate. | House fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped. | Check/reset circuit breaker and/or replace fuse. Do not increase fuse capacity. If the problem is a circuit overload, have corrected by a qualified electrician. |
| Cord/plug not plugged into wall/floor receptacle. | Make sure it is plugged tightly into outlet. | |
| Power outage. Check house lights to be sure. | Call local electric company. | |
| Microwave power does not come on. | START has not been touched. | Touch START. |
| Oven door is not securely closed. | Open the oven door, then close securely. | |
| Incorrect programming of the touch control panel. | Touch CANCEL and reprogram the oven. | |
| FOOD IS UNDERCOOKED | Utensil used is blocking or absorbing microwave energy. | Do not use metal utensils. |
| Incorrect power level has been used. | Check the recommended power setting for the particular food item. | |
| Low voltage. | Longer cooking times may be necessary if voltage is below normal. Check with local utility company. | |
| Other appliances on the same circuit. | Microwave oven must be plugged into its own 15 ampere circuit. | |
| FOOD IS OVERCOOKED | Incorrect time has been selected. | Carefully follow cookbook instructions and initially use minimum time suggested. |
| Incorrect power level has been used. | Some foods require lower power settings. Check cookbook instructions for individual food items. | |
| SPARKS OR ARCING | Metal utensils or utensils with metallic trim are being used. | Do not use these utensils in the microwave oven. |
| Aluminum foil is used incorrectly. | Use foil only as directed in the cookbook. | |
| NOISE | Fan is circulating air to cool working parts. | This is normal. |
| Pulsing sound occurs when lower power levels are being used. | ||
| OVEN LIGHT Intensity varies. | Power level other than High (100%) has been selected. | |
| STEAM OR MOISTURE Accumulation inside the oven and tar around the oven door. | This occurs when foods with high moisture content are being cooked. | Wipe with a soft, clean cloth to remove. |
| Vents on the top rear of the oven are blocked. | Locate the oven in an area that permits free air flow around the unit. | |
| Do not place or store any items on top of the oven. |
| PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSE | SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing will operate | A household fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. | Replace household fuse or reset circuit breaker. |
| The electric company has experienced a power failure. | Check electric company for a power failure. | |
| The microwave oven will not run | You are using the oven as a timer. | Touch CANCEL to cancel the Minute Timer. Firmly dose and latch door. |
| The door is not firmly closed and latched. You did not touch START. | Touch START. | |
| You did not follow directions exactly. | Check instructions for the function you are operating. | |
| An operation that was programmed earlier is still running. | Touch CANCEL to cancel previous programming. | |
| Microwave cooking times seem too long | The electric supply to your home or wall outlets is low or lower than normal. | Your electric company can tell you if the line voltage is low. Your electrician or service technician can tell you if the outlet voltage is low. |
| There is not enough cooking time for the amount of food being cooked. | Allow for more time when cooking more food at one time. | |
| The Display shows a time counting down but the oven is not cooking | The oven door is not closed completely. | Completely close oven door. |
| You have set the controls as a minute timer. | Touch CANCEL to cancel the Minute Timer. | |
| You do not hear the Programming Tone | The command is not correct. | Re-enter command. |
| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
|---|---|
| Can 1 use a rack in my microwave oven so that 1 may reheat or cook on two levels at a time? | You can use a rack only if rack is supplied with your microwave oven. Use of any rack not supplied with the microwave oven can result in poor cooking performance and/or arcing. |
| Can 1 use either metal or aluminum pans in my microwave oven? | Useable metal includes aluminum foil for shielding (use small, flat pieces), small skewers and shallow foil trays (if tray is 3 M inch deep and filled with food to absorb microwave energy). Never allow metal to touch walls or door. |
| Sometimes the door of my microwave oven appears wavy. Is this normal? | This appearance is normal and does not affect the operation of your oven. |
| What are the humming noises that 1 hear when my microwave oven is operating? | You hear the sound of the transformer when the magnetron tube cycles on. |
| Why does the dish become hot-when 1 microwave food in it? 1 thought that this should not happen. | As the food becomes hot it will conduct the heat to the dish. Be prepared to use hot pads to remove food after cooking. |
| What does “standing time” mean? | “Standing time” means that food should be taken out of the oven and covered for additional time after cooking. This process allows the cooking to finish, saves energy and frees the oven for another purpose. |
| Can 1 pop popcorn in my microwave oven? How do 1 get the best results? | Yes. Pop packaged microwave popcorn following manufacturer’s guidelines or use the preprogrammed Popcorn pad. Do not use regular paper bags. Use the “listening tesf by stopping the oven as soon as the popping slows to a “pop” every one or two seconds. Do not try to repop unpopped kernels. You can also use special microwave poppers. When using a popper, be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions. Do not pop popcorn in glass utensils. |
| 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 out the top vent. |