Our microwave is about 4 years old and lately it has been shutting off after a few seconds of running then you need to reset the clock to get it to work again. It doesn't happen every time but it's irritating when it does. Is there anything I can do or do I have to bring it in and get it fixed?

Shaun, April 2009

The most seriously or dangerous reason for this to happen would be a faulty and leaking magnetron! I have seen them fracture one of the circumferential ferrite magnets and emit microwaves outside of there strutures, into the appliance casing. The microprocessor timer board then gets zapped with the microwaves and protests! You should have it proffesionally checked.
Although of course it could be just a problematic connection which may be inexpensive to repair.

Microman, April 2009