Troubleshooting Questions for Safe Usage and Operation of Microwave Ovens

The door was opened while it was operating, Are there any dangers posed to the human body.

No. When the door is opened it interrupts (stops) the operation of the microwave oven. There is a three-micro latch switch system connected to the door mechanism which immediately prevents the microwave oven from operating when the door is opened.

Burning smell, smokes or fire from the microwave oven.

If you experience a fire, smoke or a burning smell, unplug the oven to stop use of the microwave. Refer to speak to an agent by selecting the chat logo located on the bottom right of this answer page and ask to speak to an agent.

Note:

1. Check for any food particles inside the microwave oven cavity or around the door area.
   If found, ensure thorough cleaning of the oven.
2. Inspect for spills of oils or liquids within the cavity. If present, clean the oven meticulously, including the glass tray, underneath it, and the roller ring.
3. If you've recently overcooked or burned food in the microwave, lingering smoke may persist. To eliminate this odor, mix 1 to 1 1/2 cups (250 to 375 ml) of water with the juice and peel of one lemon in a microwave-safe bowl (2 quart or 1.9 liters). Set the power to HIGH for 5 minutes and press "START". After boiling, wipe the interior of the oven with a cloth.
4. During the initial uses of a new oven, a peculiar odor may be emitted, which is normal.
5. If the oven is clean and the odor persists, it may require service.

If the oven is clean and you are still experiencing an odor service is required.

Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual.

I accidentally operated my oven without any food in it, is this harmful?

Operating the oven empty for a short time will not damage the oven, however, it is not recommended.

If the microwave is turned on and used without any food or liquid in it, the cavity of the microwave will heat abnormally and may become excessively hot. This can potentially cause burns to the operator as well as cause damage to the microwave's magnetron.

The magnetron generates the energy used to cook food and therefore if damaged will shorten the microwave’s useful lifespan.

When using the Microwave Oven there were sparks in the oven cavity.

Arcing or Sparking can occur in your microwave oven for several reasons and we suggest the following tips to avoid this happening:

• Do not use metal containers or dishes with metallic trim during Microwave or Combination cooking.
• Do not use metal twist ties during Microwave or Combination cooking, Arcing (sparking) may occur.
• When using foil, skewers, racks or utensils made of metal in the oven during Microwave or Combination cooking, please allow at least 2.5 cm (1") of space between the metal material and interior oven walls. If arcing occurs, please remove the metal material (skewers, etc.) and/or transfer the food to a nonmetallic container.
  • Do not use metallic ware for cooking except where noted in the cooking guide. (Ceramic ware trimmed in gold or silver powder)
• Do not use paper towels or cloths which contain a synthetic fiber woven into them, such as nylon.
  The synthetic fiber may cause the towel or cloth to spark and ignite. Use paper towels with caution.

A television (or other electronic device) has interference/malfunctions when the oven is turned on.

This product can radiate radio frequency energy, which could cause interference to such products as radio, TV, Wi-Fi, baby monitor, cordless telephone, Bluetooth, wireless router, hearing aids, etc., which can be confirmed by turning this product off and on. This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for the Oven. Cards with magnetic strips such as store or bank cards, may be erased or damaged. This interference is similar to the interference caused by small appliances such as mixers, vacuums, blow dryers, etc. It does not indicate a problem with your oven.

If present, the user is encouraged to try to correct by taking one or more of the following countermeasures:

• Increase the spacing distance between the oven and other product receiving the interference at least 4 meters (approximately 13 feet) away from the microwave oven to avoid interference.
• Move your microwave and router as far apart as possible.
• If your router has 5 ghz option, switch to 5ghz, there will be less interference on that band.
• This is an operating frequency interference which does not harm to the human health.
• If possible, use a properly installed receiver antenna and/or reorient the receiving antenna of the other product receiving the interference.
• Clean the oven door and sealing surfaces of the oven. See care and cleaning of your microwave oven,

Caution:

If you are wearing a medical device (such as a pacemaker), consult your doctor. The operation of the appliance may affect the medical device.

The Microwave Oven continues to operate when the door is opened.

All Panasonic Microwave Oven's incorporate numerous safety features that ensure the magnetron will not work if the door is opened. The unit will not produce any microwave energy.
If the light, fan and/or turntable continue to operate first verify if the microwave oven is in demo mode. See What is Demo Mode.

Lubricate the door latch as recommended in
The door or door button is stuck/sticks when trying to open.

If you deactivated demo mode, Lubricated door latch and your microwave oven continues to operate when door is open the unit requires service.

Follow the Warranty repair information provided in your instruction manual or for information on warranty select "Support Links" then "Warranty information". Warranty guide for MWO ovens.

The Microwave oven is getting older, how do I know if it is still safe to use?

Check the following conditions;

• Does the AC plug get abnormally hot during operation?
• Does the microwave emit any abnormal smells or sounds?
• Are the door latches worn out or does it not close properly?
• Is there any electrical shock if you touch the microwave oven?

If answered YES to any of the above we recommend that the microwave is immediately stop using the microwave oven.

The glass tray (turntable) is broken. Is it OK to substitute with my own dish?

For safety reasons we do not recommend that another tray or dish is used, or cook without any dish in the microwave oven.
Replacement glass trays can be purchased through our parts distributors. For information on Parts Distributors select "Support Links" then "Parts & Accessories".