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jlis

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Posted: 07/30/12 05:35am

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Last fall I picked up a new to me 2000 Coachman Leprechaun which has an on board 4000W Onan generator. This last trip we fired up the generator and tried to use the microwave but for some reason it wouldn't run. The display lights up but none of the buttons respond. The microwave is the factory Samsung (MR7439G) model and the generator powers everything else (plugs, AC, etc) without an issue.

I am a little confused why this isn't working, and would appreciate guidance from the experts.

Thanks

NewsW

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Posted: 07/30/12 05:37am

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Unplug it, try shore power.

If it works, then you got a problem in the circuit.

If not, the electronics is fried.

dupreet

High Point, NC

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Posted: 07/30/12 05:42am

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X2 on the above.

I don't think there is a microwave out there that pulls more than 1200 watts; most medium-size ones in RV's are probably 800W models.

Did you try it without the AC on? It could be that if the AC, television, refridgerator, or other electrical gear were all running, your genny was overloaded, although that usually causes the genny to chug-chug and shut down???

Todd

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Dusty R

Charlotte Michigan 48813

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Posted: 07/30/12 06:34am

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Check the outlet where the microwave is plugged in for 120 volts.

Dusty

Pokey2

Bel Marin Keys, CA

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Posted: 07/30/12 09:11am

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Jlis –

Not long ago a guest who was sleeping in the RV did something to the microwave that resulted in exactly the problem you describe. I pressed the Stop/Clear button and the problem was solved.

As a related matter, several years ago I stupidly ran the microwave with nothing in it while “exercising” the gennie. That stunt fried the microwave.

crasster

Dallas

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Posted: 07/30/12 10:16am

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NewsW wrote:

Unplug it, try shore power.

If it works, then you got a problem in the circuit.

If not, the electronics is fried.

Agreed. Shore power can answer a lot of genny questions on appliances.

4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.

jlis

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Posted: 07/30/12 02:02pm

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I should have put this in the initial post but the microwave runs fine on shore power and pressing the stop/cancel button doesn't do anything. I will pull the microwave and test the voltage tomorrow. Thanks for all the suggestions.

mlts22

Austin, Texas

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Posted: 07/30/12 02:02pm

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Pokey2 wrote:

I've learned that secondhand (not firsthand, thankfully). I toss a Pyrex cup full of water in the nuker after I get the generator started, and gets the generator to "spin up" to a good amount of load carrying RPMs. After 20-30 seconds of nuking, I can then turn off the microwave and then flip on the A/C. This allows me to not worry that the generator won't be able to "catch" the inrush current. Plus, microwaves are inexpensive to replace if one dies from undervoltage compared to a rooftop A/C compressor.

Handbasket

Asheville, NC

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Posted: 07/30/12 02:12pm

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Check your generator's output volts & frequency (Hertz). I've got an older gadget called a 'Good Governor' that does both, but it's kinda pricey. Someone may be able to suggest a cheaper alternative.

Jim, "If you get the urge to run around naked, drink some Windex. It'll stop you from streaking."

'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com

jlis

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Posted: 07/31/12 08:07am

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Thanks to all for who posted suggestions on what is going wrong. I did a little testing this morning and I am getting good voltage (123.6V) through the plug (and others) with the generator but the microwave won't respond (other then lighting up). I grabbed the house microwave and that worked without a problem. So it is either the frequency (don't have anything to measure this handy) which the microwave doesn't like or the electronics (or a combinations). Since it works on shore power I will leave it in place until I find a suitable replacement unit.

Thanks