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Quasar Microwave is sparking or arcing

If your Quasar microwave is sparking inside, arcing, or making sparks and pops when running, stop using it until you identify the cause. The most likely problem is a damaged or loose waveguide cover. A waveguide cover that is burned, cracked, or will not stay in place can cause microwave sparking in the oven cavity and should be replaced. If the arcing is in the cabinet area rather than the cavity, inspect the door switches, including the primary, secondary, and monitor switches, for burn marks or damage. A failed switch can cause smoke or a burning smell. Sparking behind the waveguide cover may point to a damaged magnetron, while a visibly burned high-voltage diode can also cause cabinet arcing. Less common causes include damaged shelf supports or chipped interior paint that exposes metal. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet, or involves the magnetron or high-voltage diode, requires caution because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. Proper capacitor discharge is required before interior work, and this repair may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Quasar microwave.

01 - Quasar Microwave Waveguide Cover

The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
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02 - Quasar Microwave Door Switch

If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. One of the appliance's door switches could have shorted and is causing the sparking or arcing. You should inspect each door switch for burn marks or damage and test the components with a multimeter to determine if any the door switches are malfunctioning.
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03 - Quasar Microwave Magnetron

If the microwave is sparking or arcing behind the waveguide cover in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's magnetron is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
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04 - Quasar Microwave Diode

If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's diode is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. When the diode fails, it is often visibly burned out. Inspect the diode and if the diode is burned out, replace it. If inspecting the diode proves inconclusive, test it with a multimeter that uses a 9-volt battery or put a 9-volt battery in series with the diode. When the leads are reversed, the diode should only have continuity in one direction..
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05 - Quasar Microwave Shelf Support

Some microwave ovens will have cooking shelf supports on the interior walls. Inspect the shelf supports for any burnt spots or damage. If there are any burnt or damaged spots, replace with new supports as needed.
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06 - Quasar Microwave Touch-Up Paint

The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Quasar microwave sparking inside?
What causes a Quasar microwave to spark and smell like burning?
Can a Quasar microwave magnetron cause sparking or arcing?
How do I test the Quasar microwave diode after it sparks?
How do I find the correct Quasar microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?