AEG Microwave timer control

[Radio Fixer]

It is rotary and has notches as its turned.  So I expect it to be a switch operating an encoder to increment in 30 sec steps.

This has come up as the lamp has gone and my wife said "Oh! the time switch is dodgy as well so maybe its best to just to buy a new one."

By "dodgy" she means that it only works if the knob is lightly pushed as it is turned.  No problem really and time can be incremented in steps as well by repeatedly pressing the start button.

Certainly at only 4 years old not time for a new one.  I have ordered the lamp from the model number as its a built in type and no point in taking it out without the new bulb.

From a previous one I think I will have to take covers off to get to the bulb. I know you have to be careful as there are high voltages inside.  So leave off for a time and then discharge any big caps. All this just to change a lamp  

Now my question:  Whilst I have it apart should I try a shot of DeOxit into the "dodgy" timer control?  Could it do more harm than good.  Perhaps its a sealed item anyway so I wont be able to do it?


Thanks to anyone who knows more about it than I do   and can give answers

Gary

[Refugee]

Perhaps it has two modes with the knob pushed and another without.
We have got a cheap one and pushing the knob brings up more functions.
For a hard reset disconnect the mains and push and hold the start button for 30 seconds.

[Radio Fixer]

Thanks Ref. It started out as just turn the knob and the display incremented. Then after a couple of years began to miss !. Light pressure on the knob fixes it so it has the feel of a poor contact.

Gary

[Craig]

I've just replaced the control knob on our 14 year old AEG tumble drier. The old one had cracked and was no longer turning the program switch. That was straightforwardly available from the AEG website.

So have a look - it could well be that they have the repair parts for the microwave.

Personally I'm congenitally incapable of throwing out working white goods when I can return them to full functionality for a few quid.

[Craig]

Recent white good fix-it examples.

Fault codes during programs on the washing machine. Turned out to be grot on the back of the front panel control circuit board. Scrub with toothbrush and IPA sorted that 100%.
The AEG knob mentioned above
The oven thermostat on the range cooker left hand oven had gone west and was permanently on full heat. The Sunday roast being a cinder was the big hint. The front panel control and the thermostat are an integrated assembly. Cost for the part was close to £100, and fitting it took the blunt end of four hours with every panel needing to be removed. But now working 100%. It also gave the opportunity to deep clean the thing.

[Radio Fixer]

Thanks for info Craig.  The time control isn't listed as an AEG spare so I think its part of a module that is.  Horrendous price of course and possibly wouldn't pay that much.  Just keep using the control as described until it gets too bad and probably replace the machine.  Of course if I have it apart and a shot of De Oxit has access I might give it a go.

But the main fault, no light (and the lady cant make custard without it) has fixed itself.  Suddenly with a bang from the door its back.  Its a filament bulb so may have re-welded itself or could just be loose in the fitting.  Anyway leave it alone.

Its a build in job and a PITA as the main oven has to be taken out first  .

Gary

[Nick]

Depending on the model, you could buy a donor unit on eBay or similar... I have done this for other white goods with some success...

[Craig]

Agree on spares price from AEG. The tumble drier knob was £17 plus postage. Which is quite a lot for a plastic moulding. But less than a new tumble drier for sure!

Craig