Manual
26
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/Enter/+30 sec. 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.










