how can I fix my microwave, Sharp, R-7e55M?

The most common turntable-related problems are a bad motor, a bad coupler and a bad or bent turntable support.

You can take out the glass turntable, and gently try to wiggle the little square-headed device (the coupler) that drives the turntable. If the coupler feels loose, it's probably broken.

If it feels tight, grip it very firmly with your fingers and try to turn a little it as if you were imitating the motor. If it turns the motor, you'll hear the whining sound made by the motor gears. That would mean your coupling is probably okay. It takes a little force to turn it.

If it doesn't turn, you may not be turning enough, or the coupler may be bad. You will probably need to remove the motor to check the coupling.

Sometimes the turntable support will warp / bend and no longer make contact with the turntable motor or coupler.

The way I fix this is to heat the support over a stove flame, then place a heavy weight on it so it holds the legs up in place a bit until it cools.

Here it is step by step:

1. Apply heat at points where each legs meet the hub (stove flame)
2. Place end of each leg on an object so that the bottom of the hub
is held up about 1/8" off the work surface.
3. Place heavy object on hub so the bottom touches the work surface.
4. Let it cool.
5. Test it.
6. If it still does not work, increase the height of objects in step 2.

See: http://207.234.249.73/mwd/turntable_support_fix.gif

If needed, you can find UK part suppliers and authorized servicers via http://www.sharp.co.uk

William Miller † MicrowaveDisplay.com
March 2007

Put a new plate roller in.

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