This is typically caused by a failed magnetron (60% of cases) or blown high-voltage diode (15% of cases). If display, lights, and turntable work normally but food stays cold, the magnetron has likely burnt out. Other possible causes include faulty door switches preventing magnetron activation, or a failed high-voltage capacitor. All require professional diagnosis as they involve high-voltage components that stay charged even when unplugged.

NO - This is extremely dangerous and should NEVER be attempted as DIY. The magnetron operates at over 4000 volts, and the high-voltage capacitor can retain a lethal charge for days even after unplugging. Magnetron replacement requires: (1) Safe discharge of the capacitor using specialized tools, (2) Testing high-voltage circuits with proper equipment, (3) Knowledge of microwave radiation safety, and (4) Proper magnetron installation and alignment. Improper work can result in: fatal electric shock, radiation leakage, fire, or explosion. Always hire a trained appliance technician for any work inside the microwave casing.

Repair costs vary by problem: Door switch replacement: ₹500-1200 (parts + labor), Magnetron replacement: ₹2500-5500 (most expensive), High-voltage diode: ₹1200-2500, Capacitor: ₹1500-3200, Control board: ₹2000-5000. Service visit/diagnosis typically costs ₹300-800. For microwaves over 5 years old, if repair exceeds ₹3000, consider buying a new unit instead (basic models start at ₹4000-5000).

Weak heating (food warms but slowly) usually indicates: (1) Failing magnetron operating at reduced power, (2) Blown high-voltage diode reducing voltage to magnetron, (3) Voltage fluctuations in your home power supply, or (4) Incorrect power settings (check if accidentally set to medium power instead of high). Test: Heat 1 cup water for 2 minutes on high - should be boiling/very hot. If just warm, magnetron or diode needs replacement. Also check waveguide cover for burns/damage which can reduce efficiency.

No, stop using it immediately. Intermittent heating often indicates: Faulty door switches (safe to use temporarily but fix soon), Loose internal connections causing arcing (fire risk), Failing magnetron (can fail completely and damage other components), or Thermal cutout activating due to overheating (ventilation problem or component failure). Continued use can lead to: complete failure, damage to other expensive components, electrical fire risk, or microwave radiation leakage if door switches are faulty. Have it professionally inspected before further use.

Average magnetron lifespan: 5-8 years with normal use (2000-3000 hours of cooking time). Factors affecting lifespan in India: (1) Power fluctuations: Voltage spikes/drops shorten magnetron life significantly - use a stabilizer, (2) Usage patterns: Heavy daily use (large families) reduces lifespan to 4-6 years, (3) Running empty: Even once can permanently damage magnetron, (4) Poor maintenance: Dirty waveguide cover causes arcing that damages magnetron, (5) Brand quality: Panasonic/LG/Samsung magnetrons last longer than budget brands. Signs of aging magnetron: gradually weaker heating, longer cook times, unusual humming sounds.

Thermal fuse: If blown, causes complete power failure - no display, no lights, microwave appears dead. It does NOT cause a "runs but doesn't heat" problem. High-voltage fuse: Some models have a secondary fuse in the high-voltage circuit. If blown, microwave display/lights work but no heating occurs. Fuses blow due to: power surges, component failures, or overheating. Important: If fuse has blown, there's usually an underlying problem (failed magnetron, shorted capacitor) that caused it. Simply replacing the fuse without fixing the root cause will result in the new fuse blowing immediately. Always have a professional diagnose why the fuse failed.

STOP USING IMMEDIATELY - potential fire hazard. Burning smell indicates: (1) Burnt waveguide cover: Food residue on the mica/plastic cover is burning (fixable - replace cover for ₹100-250), (2) Failing magnetron: Internal insulation burning (replace magnetron), (3) Electrical arcing: Loose connections or damaged wiring creating sparks, (4) Capacitor failure: Dielectric material breaking down (replace capacitor), or (5) Foreign object: Metal or foil causing arcing. Unplug immediately. Inspect interior for burnt areas. If waveguide cover is burnt, it's safe to replace and continue. Any other burning smell requires professional inspection before use.