Quasar Microwave Capacitor Replacement

Remove the eight screws holding the wood-patterned cover to the microwave frame.

The first four screws are located on either side of the microwave front.

Remove the additional four screws securing the wood-paneled case to the microwave frame.

Placing your hands on either side of the case, slide the case back gently until you feel it completely separate from the microwave frame.

Lift the case upward slowly until the case is free of the microwave.

The capacitor stores a small amount of electrical energy. Discharge capacitor by placing a screw driver across the terminals. Use a screwdriver with a non-metallic handle and a shaft that is longer than 4” (10.75mm) Touch the metal shaft of the screwdriver simultaneously to both metal terminals of the capacitor. There should be a spark.

If the capacitor sparks, you can stop reading here. The spark indicates that the capacitor is working properly. If the capacitor does not spark, read on to Step 6.

Place the multimeter on resistance mode and test the resistance of the capacitor.

If the resistance increases/decreases, the capacitor is working fine. If the resistance of the capacitor reads 0 or over several kilo ohms, the capacitor needs to be replaced.

Tip the microwave back so it is lying face up. This allows access to the screws beneath the transformer.

Locate the transformer. The capacitor cannot be removed without removing the transformer first.

Locate and unhook all wires connecting the transformer to the rest of the microwave.

Remove the four exterior screws securing the transformer to the microwave frame.

Remove the transformer.

The metal band locking the capacitor in place can now be accessed. Locate and remove the screw securing the the metal band.

Lift the metal band off the capacitor.

Remove the capacitor.

You can now install a replacement capacitor.

Repeat all steps in reverse order to install a capacitor in a Quasar Microwave MQ7774XW (1984).