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Old 10-19-2014, 09:25 PM   #1
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What's wrong with my microwave?

Up until recently I've only used the Cuisinart microwave briefly for 1-2 minutes to heat drinks, etc. But on our last trip I found it won't run for more than about 3 minutes when the power cuts out. This happens whether we're hooked up or running the generator. The Power Control System shows all lights are on. After about 10 minutes I hear a beep and the power is back.
I haven't a clue whether I have a faulty microwave or something's wrong elsewhere. Any ideas?
Thanks, Peter


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Old 10-19-2014, 09:48 PM   #2
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The microwave is overheating and an internal thermostat is shutting it down most likely. Since it is a 2014, I would expect it is under warrantee and your dealer should repair or replace it.
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Old 10-20-2014, 02:42 PM   #3
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What else did you have using electricity while hooked up or running the generator? The 30 amp limit is quickly exceeded if you have the water heater on with AC or electric space heater and then the microwave.
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Old 10-20-2014, 03:45 PM   #4
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What else did you have using electricity while hooked up or running the generator? The 30 amp limit is quickly exceeded if you have the water heater on with AC or electric space heater and then the microwave.
First time it happened I did have the water heater on, that's all. After then I made sure everything except the fridge and lights were off.
On a previous occasion I have experimented with tripping the Control System to make sure it shed power as documented, and it did.
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Old 10-20-2014, 04:31 PM   #5
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Unless the microwave itself is faulty your Airstream is probably drawing too much power with it on, dropping the voltage from an external power supply that may already be somewhat overloaded. The voltage drop causes an increase in current flow overheating the microwave. Maybe the converter is pulling a load while recharging the batteries, isolate the batteries by putting the Battery Disconnect switch (do Interstates have this?) to the STORE position and try it.
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Old 10-20-2014, 05:10 PM   #6
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Positive that there are no other high current draws: toaster, hair dryer, space heater, something plugged in outside on the A/C plug? Thirty amp power cord is not damaged, plugs in good condition? Are you making the little twist to lock the cord into the trailer plug? Plug on the power post at the campground in good condition? I have seen some pretty crummy plugs at campgrounds.
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Old 10-21-2014, 05:29 AM   #7
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Plug on the power post at the campground in good condition? I have seen some pretty crummy plugs at campgrounds.
That's an excellent point. I've stayed at two campgrounds (both of them State parks) where the 30-amp outlet on the service pedestal was so badly worn that it would trip the breakers inside my Interstate even though it didn't trip the breakers in the service pedestal as it should have. The problem went away when I got out my 50-to-30 adapter and plugged into the 50-amp outlet instead, which was much less worn.
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Old 10-21-2014, 08:40 AM   #8
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Back at home now, the AI is parked in the garage and hooked up to a regular household socket, everything is off and the batteries fully charged.
Here's what I just tried: with the power switch in the disconnect position, there is still power to the microwave; so I set it to run for 5 minutes, and again it powered off after just over 3 minutes.
So my thinking is that with the disconnect switch enabled, doesn't that eliminate everything except the microwave itself?


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Old 10-21-2014, 08:51 AM   #9
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Back at home now, the AI is parked in the garage and hooked up to a regular household socket, everything is off and the batteries fully charged.
Here's what I just tried: with the power switch in the disconnect position, there is still power to the microwave; so I set it to run for 5 minutes, and again it powered off after just over 3 minutes.
So my thinking is that with the disconnect switch enabled, doesn't that eliminate everything except the microwave itself?
No. The disconnect only disconnects the 12v side. It doesn't disconnect the 120v side if you have the inverter/charger on and the breakers on. AC and DC have to be shut off separately.
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Old 10-21-2014, 09:54 AM   #10
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If I understand your situation, the microwave turns itself off after approximately 3 minutes. And only it goes off, nothing else, and after a period of time resets itself to on. If this is the scenario, I would agree with idroba that it is a thermal overload in the microwave itself. That would suggest to me the problem lies within the microwave.
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Old 10-21-2014, 10:26 AM   #11
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I think the non-inverter powered circuits are still powered by shore/generator power even with the battery disconnect Off.
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Old 10-21-2014, 10:39 AM   #12
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I'm not sure how I can isolate this further other than by removing the microwave and testing it outside the AI.
Been testing it a few more times and it seems to power itself off consistently after exactly 3 mins 16 secs. So I'm now thinking its a problem with a control chip in the microwave.
I guess I'll have to take it back to the dealer.


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Old 10-21-2014, 11:50 AM   #13
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You can test your microwave without removing it. Just open the fold out tray under the sink and you should be able to see and remove the plug from the microwave. Then just plug it in with an extension cord from outside tour van.

Hope this helps.


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Old 10-22-2014, 11:36 AM   #14
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You can test your microwave without removing it. Just open the fold out tray under the sink and you should be able to see and remove the plug from the microwave. Then just plug it in with an extension cord from outside tour van.

Hope this helps.


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Thank you Mike, I did just that and proved it's the microwave at fault. Lucky for me it has a 3 year warranty unlike most of the other AI components.
Peter
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