Microwaves, a kind of electromagnetic radiation akin to radio waves, are used in microwave ovens to heat food.
Three features of microwaves make it possible to employ them for cooking: they are reflected by metal; they travel through glass, paper, plastic, and other materials of a similar kind; and meals absorb them.
Microwaves are generated within the oven by a magnetron.
Food water molecules vibrate from the microwaves’ reflection off the metal inside of the oven.
The vibration causes molecules to rub against one another, creating friction and heat that cooks the meal.
Different make and models of microwave ovens are available in the market, and the Panasonic microwave ovens are one of them.
Still, almost all the newer models show Panasonic microwave code h97.
This error is being caused due to problem in magnetron tube, door switches, high voltage diode inverter circuit, and loose wiring connections, etc.
Furthermore, all the aforementioned problems behind Panasonic microwave code h97 have been discussed below with possible solutions.
Common Causes Behind Panasonic Microwave Code H97
Panasonic microwave code h97 is the most crucial issue that commonly Panasonic buyers face. This code error indicates one of the following possible issues and problems/failures.
Magnetron tube
One of the most typical issues with microwaves is that they don’t heat up.
Magnetron failure is the most common cause of this problem.
To cook food, a magnetron generates microwave frequency using high voltage.
The magnetron will burn out if the microwave is turned on with nothing inside.
Burned magnetrons cannot be repaired; they must be replaced and can be bought from online on Amazon.
Other potential causes of this issue include defective door switches, burned-out capacitors, defective diodes, and defective transformers.
Door Switch
You could have an issue with a door switch if your microwave didn’t heat.
The microwave’s numerous components get power from the door switches, also known as interlock switches, while the door is closed and are cut off when the door is open.
The fan motor and stirrer motor may keep running even if an interlock switch fails, but the magnetron won’t.
The hooks or latches on the door activate the interlock switches within the cabinet.
Control board
Your microwave’s control board is its brain, so if anything is amiss, it will be obvious.
The buttons not functioning is only one of the numerous problems that a defective control may cause.
This could be the problem if your appliance’s touchpad doesn’t react yet the display lights turn on.
The membrane switch may be the source of the non-operation of microwave buttons.
There are a few soft-touch electrical switches on the membrane switch, also called the touchpad.
The touchpad has a specific conductive layer that, with prolonged use, might become faulty.
High Voltage Inverter board
New inverter technology is being used in almost all the latest microwave ovens.
The inverter board has all the significant components controlling the power circuits, heating coils, control board, and magnetron tube.
Inverter technology provides a continuous supply of cooking power even at reduced settings for precise cooking that maintains the taste and texture of your favorite meals.
Panasonic inverter turns off after 3 seconds if an issue pertains to the inverter board.
The inverter circuit is also associated with the magnetron tube and can harm the machine’s performance.
Loose wiring
Loose wiring on the connecting points of the terminals of the receptacle is a typical issue.
Additionally, a loose wire will result in a poor connection and an extraordinary quantity of heat accumulation.
Also, loose connections might spark and arc at the junction box.
If this occurs, you’ll probably see burn scars around the terminals.
If this isn’t fixed immediately, there might be an electrical fire.
Effective Solutions for the Panasonic Microwave code h97
H97 is a very severe error number for these Panasonic microwaves.
A number of different factors may cause H97 on this microwave, but they all indicate the same thing: the magnetron is not obtaining enough power.
One of your door switches may not activate properly or you may have a defective magnetron, an inverter board, or both.
The most common issues behind this h97 error code have already been discussed above, and the details to cater these issues are given below.
Change Magnetron Tube
You can have an issue with the magnetron if your microwave doesn’t heat.
The microwaves that produce the heat are provided by this component, which is a part of the high voltage circuit.
If the magnetron is broken, the device could blow a fuse or the other features might still work well.
The cabinet must be taken apart in order to access the magnetron.
To avoid an electrical shock, turn off the power and discharge the high voltage capacitor.
The two connected wires may then be disconnected after locating the magnetron.
Check for continuity by connecting the leads from a multimeter to the magnetron terminals.
The resistance between these terminals should be no more than 2 to 3 ohms. The magnetron has to be changed if there is no continuity.
Additionally, make sure that there is continuity between the magnetron’s grounded outer shell and both terminals.
The magnetron has to be changed if there is any discontinuity between any of the terminals and the ground.
Live voltage testing may be necessary and should be sent to a trained individual if the continuity checks indicate any flaws.
Change Door Switch
To change the door switch, remove the cabinet and unplug the appliance.
Wires will be connected to the common (C) and normally open (NO) terminals on the interlock switches (NO).
Utilize a multimeter to check the switches for continuity.
You should be able to witness continuity between these terminals when the actuator button is pushed.
The switch has to be changed if there is no continuity.
Additionally, ensure the door hooks correctly contact the switch actuator when the door is closed and make any required adjustments.
Change High Voltage Diode in Inverter Control Circuit
You could have an issue with the high voltage diode or rectifier if your microwave didn’t heat.
This element contributes to supplying the magnetron’s high voltage.
The magnetron and high voltage capacitor are close to the high voltage diode, making access difficult without removing the cabinet.
To avoid an electrical shock, turn off the power and discharge the high voltage capacitor.
The diode may then be checked with a multimeter for continuity.
Due to the polarity-specific nature of diodes, you should see low resistance with the metre leads pointing in one direction and greater resistance with the metre leads pointing in the other way.
The majority of multimeters contain a separate setting for rectifiers or diodes.
The high voltage diode must be changed if it exhibits low resistance in both directions and no continuity at all.
Determine if power is being delivered to the circuit if the high voltage diode tests are successful.
Only a trained technician should do further testing on this high voltage circuit.
Rectify loose connection problem
As this is one of the most common issues faced by the users and should be checked at the early stage of error rectification.
Sometimes, it involves loose connection of power supply, issue of fuse, and also the loose internal connection of transformer.
You can check it by yourself, but for safety and better concerns expert technicians may be asked to check your microwave oven.
Related Questions
Why is my Panasonic microwave makes loud buzzing noise?
You may experience loud buzzing noise coming from your Panasonic microwave.
It happens due to lose fan or fan motor. So, inspecting the fan can solve your issue of loud noise.
Why my Panasonic microwave beeping and shows F01 error code?
Your Panasonic microwave beeps and shows the F01 error code due to temperature in the exhaust duct raised above 260 F.
The temperature in the exhaust duct rises above 260F due to various reasons such as fire in the cavity, clogged air filter (Which is not applicable to OCS models).
There are other reasons such as obstruction of the exhaust duct and shorted temperature sensor.
Why does Panasonic microwave show F05 error code?
Panasonic microwave shows error F05 if the internal memory failure has occurred. For fixing this issue you need to replace the controller (DPU) board.
Final Thoughts
A brief summary of common issues and solutions behind Panasonic microwave code h97 have been discussed earlier.
This issue may be faced due to problems in magnetron coil, high voltage diode, door switch, inverter control board circuit and sometimes due to loose connection of power socket and burnt fuse.
So, you have to find out the root cause from aforementioned reasons, so that you can solve your microwave issue easily.
References:
- https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/home-business-and-entertainment-products/microwave-ovens
- https://www.applianceaid.com/microwave-panasonic-fault-codes.php
- https://www.mrright.in/ideas/appliances/microwave/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03xcu-Ih3JQ
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