Panasonic Microwave Warranty Void Due to Cockroaches

Lusbc activist on 11/06/2016 - 15:06
Last edited 12/06/2016 - 09:37 by 1 other user

I bought a Panasonic microwave in Myer. It still has a month of warranty left on it. I also bought extended warranty from Myer which starts once the Panasonic warranty expires.

One fine day, the fuse started going off whenever we switched on the microwave. I called Panasonic and gave it for repair in their authorized service centre. After examining it, the warranty is void as there is cockroach infestation in it. They are demanding $77 to tell us what the repair is about. I already spent a lot of money on it. Bought it for around $250 to $300. I also bought additional extended warranty. I am not sure if I have to pay that $77 to learn how much extra I need to spend to get it working again.

Need your help to know

  1. If it is worth to pay them the money?

  2. Should I take the microwave back and wait for the Panasonic warranty period to be over and then try my luck with Myer? The person who I got friendly with at the service centre told me that Myer as well refers the microwave to them and there is no point in trying with them?

  3. Instead should I look at some repair service in Gumtree and show it to them?

  4. Forget about it altogether and buy a new one

I bought my previous one at Kmart. It worked amazingly for four years till I have to throw it away as it is getting rust on the inside.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • imtahir7 on 11/06/2016 - 16:04
    +66

    id be more concerned about the roaches

    • Scrooge McDuck on 12/06/2016 - 21:23
      +22

      Don't worry; if they can survive a nuclear blast, living in a microwave oven is a walk in the park.

      • Doggiie on 13/06/2016 - 10:52
        +6

        It's not that they can survive a nuclear blast, but they can survive the nuclear radiation ;)

        • Scrooge McDuck on 13/06/2016 - 11:17
          -4

          "Nuclear radiation" doesn't specify a nuclear blast. Mere decay of a radioisotope is also "nuclear radiation".

          "Survive a nuclear blast" implies survival of the consequent radiation of a nuclear blast; underground, within a building, etc. Not survival of the shock wave directly.

        • deal seeking missile on 13/06/2016 - 12:19

          @Scrooge McDuck: I think he meant the radioactive fallout

        • Serapis on 13/06/2016 - 18:26
          +14

          They'll survive a nuclear blast and become Radroaches

        • causeimbatman on 16/06/2016 - 15:58
          +4

          And I for one will welcome our new insect overlords

      • edgar28 on 15/06/2016 - 17:57
        +1

        are they saying we not allow to eat roaches?
        it's a delicacy in some country

        microwaving roaches void the warranty? it didn't kill the roaches instantly, hence build a colony inside (not doing its job, full refund under Australia law)

        • Kangal on 16/06/2016 - 03:11
          +1

          I don't think mankind has developed a microwave that can kill roaches.

          Hence, not advertised as a feature, hence product did its job, no refund.

    • Lucky13 on 13/06/2016 - 01:13
      +6

      Yeah dont worry the roaches should be fine lol :)

    • JediJan on 13/06/2016 - 13:28
      +1

      OMG! There has to be one in here that would say such a thing. [o(

      • JediJan on 14/06/2016 - 14:34

        Someone took that the wrong way … either that or the vagabond troll.

    • LeoFender on 15/06/2016 - 12:03
      +1

      Having worked in the Computer Equipment Repair business, I have to agree.

      The fault on first inspection appears environmental, so this is a busy repair centre charging an inconvenience fee for having to disinfect the device before the process of repair can start.

  • altomic on 11/06/2016 - 16:06
    +17

    take it outside. touch the plug to a metal pole/post that is going into the ground (to ground it). open it up. don't touch the magnetron (though if it has not been used in a while then it should be defused, but never trust electronics). clean it out - vacuum. there is obviously a short caused by a cockroach. most likely around the transformer. use a paint brush (as well ) to brush around and clean it (or canned air or a leaf blower). clean that out and the microwave should be fine to use. (if you want to still use it).

    you'll need a phillips head screw driver to remove the screws at the back which holds the outside case on.

    youtube is your friend.

    a friend gave me a 23" monitor that was tripping the safety switch when plugged in. turned out a gecko had gotten itself burnt to a crisp on the power circuit board. once the fried gecko was removed (and the board wiped down) then it worked perfectly.

    • c64 on 11/06/2016 - 18:08
      +3

      the capacitor will still be charged and will give you huge shock.

      • altomic on 11/06/2016 - 18:24
        +14

        the capacitor may still be charged

        • c64 on 15/06/2016 - 09:56
          +1

          yeah, but it is irresponsible suggesting that someone start playing around with something that is potentially lethal

        • altomic on 15/06/2016 - 10:03
          +8

          @mtg: here, drive a car.

        • c64 on 20/06/2016 - 08:29
          +2

          @altomic:

          yes, but you get some training before driving a car. that is way different from a novice opening and poking around inside a device with no understanding of the potentially lethal voltages that might be inside.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2016 - 18:23

      My understanding unsafe to open up even unplugged microwave.

      • altomic on 11/06/2016 - 18:27
        +3

        your understanding is somewhat correct.

        capacitors do self discharge over time. as does the magnatron. but it can retain some charge. if in doubt then short them using a nonconductive handled screw driver.

        Source - after high school I did a 12 months electronics/circuitry course and have have since opened up 20+ microwaves. - ground them and short

        • Scrooge McDuck on 12/06/2016 - 21:30
          +8

          if in doubt then short them using a nonconductive handled screw driver.

          Last time I did this to a disposable camera flash capacitor, the screwdriver welded to the terminals. Good times.

        • altomic on 12/06/2016 - 21:39
          +2

          @Scrooge McDuck: microwave capacitors are somewhat different to those disposable camera capacitors as the microwave ones have a discharging resistor installed..

          But always be careful when dealing with electronic devices.

        • peteru on 12/06/2016 - 23:05
          +2

          Making a capacitor discharger is not hard. It's basically just a low value, high wattage resistor with two insulated connectors. It's better than a screwdriver shorting the terminals, but the screwdriver is a much better option than your fingers.

    • robertbruce on 12/06/2016 - 09:24
      -4

      do not open the case, they are deadly!

      • Kangal on 16/06/2016 - 03:13

        Yes, cockroaches are deadly, I concur.

    • whooah1979 on 12/06/2016 - 13:09

      How much juice can these things hold after being disconnected?

      • altomic on 12/06/2016 - 15:14

        depends on how long after. the capacitor should discharge itself via an internal resistor and should be discharged within 30 minutes max (should be a couple of minutes but I am overly cautious). the capacitor holds about 2000volts.

        the main issue with the magnatron is that it is made with beryllium. it's not a health snack.

        • SteveM on 15/06/2016 - 20:06

          It should self discharge, but the discharge resistor in the capacitor could be faulty. If it is, you could wait forever and it wouldn't discharge.
          Always discharge the capacitor manually before putting hands in there.

          These days, unless it is a convection microwave, or inbuilt, it is cheaper to replace than repair.

        • peteru on 16/06/2016 - 01:11

          @SteveM:

          Depends on who does the repairs. My Panasonic microwave had a faulty turntable motor (which turns out to be a systemic fault, but Panasonic being the c&nts they are refused to repair it 3 days outside of the "advertised" warranty and would simply hang up on me when I insisted it should be repaired under the ACL consumer guarantee)

          Panasonic's estimate for repair was $180 plus parts, which they estimated would be about $60-80. So, yes, in that case totally not worth repairing a microwave.

          Of course, I found that quote preposterous. I ended up ordering the turntable motor from China, for $22, including delivery, which only took 9 days. Obviously Panasonic knew that this was going to be an often replaced part, because replacing the motor did not even require opening the main compartment of the microwave. All it took was two screws at the bottom and two spade connectors, that happen to be low voltage.

          Close enough to user replaceable part!

          Lesson learned - avoid Panasonic!

  • Mad Max on 11/06/2016 - 16:27
    +14

    cockroach infestation in the microwave?!?
    What is the rest of the kitchen like :-o
    If you have an air compressor open up the cover (make sure you unplug it first and do not touch anything inside), take the microwave outside and blast the thing clean with compressed air.

    • Slippery Fish on 11/06/2016 - 21:56

      Cockroaches prefere clean enviroments to live in actualy.

      • JediJan on 12/06/2016 - 12:45
        +2

        And damp newspapers.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 12/06/2016 - 21:31
        +42

        Cockroaches prefere clean enviroments to live in actualy.

        Are you a real-estate agent?

      • thiosuxtube on 13/06/2016 - 09:04
        +8

        That's just what the roaches say to make you feel better.

  • spackbace on 11/06/2016 - 16:52
    +17

    Extended warranty on a $200-$300 device?!

    • JediJan on 12/06/2016 - 12:43
      +1

      Yes; my son was asked to pay an extra $5 for 12 months warranty on a $89 WiiU game at EB Games recently. Apparently the replacement warranty covers misuse by the game owner. He declined as never had a problem with any games.

      • gimli on 13/06/2016 - 14:13
        +1

        LOL

        Seriously. Was this myer aswell?

        • JediJan on 14/06/2016 - 14:32

          Yes seriously about EB, but no idea about Myer. Be handy if you have a bevy of kids who don't treat them very kindly. Apparently EB offer the extra replacement warranty depending on the price if the item itself so the extra could be from $1 to $5 (max.)

          Also I have found EB and Target will price match games and other paraphernalia (bits and pieces … of which he seems to collect!).

    • Usher9387 on 12/06/2016 - 22:12
      +2

      I usually get extended warranty(2+yrs) for all my Bose headphones(thru Myer),most of my headphones wires start tear after couple of years or one side headphone is not working coz of heavy use in the gym and all i need to do go and exchange with new one, no questions asked.

      • usbc activist on 12/06/2016 - 22:19
        +1

        This gives me some hope to try the myer extended warranty that I bought. Will wait for the panasonic warranty to run out and then check with myer. Thanks.

  • JIMB0 on 11/06/2016 - 18:19
    +4

    I had a $150 Breville toaster that stopped working just inside the 2 year warranty period. Big W just asked what the issue was then refunded my money as they don't sell them anymore. So you could try taking it back to Myer for a refund or replacement.

    • usbc activist on 12/06/2016 - 22:19
      +1

      This gives me some hope to try the myer extended warranty that I bought. Will wait for the panasonic warranty to run out and then check with myer. Thanks.

  • affable on 12/06/2016 - 10:17
    +3

    I read about a legal case recently of pests being in a piece of equipment. The consumer ended up winning, I think they argued that the device was not of suitable design as it could be reasonably expected to be in the vicinity of the pest. Google might be able to track it down the case for you.

    • usbc activist on 12/06/2016 - 22:42

      Thanks. I will google this out.

  • JediJan on 12/06/2016 - 12:18
    +4

    I simply dont understand how a cockroach could have entered a microwave. Mine has super tiny hole type vents that are really way too small for rodents and the like. Never had a cockroach inside except once when i brought inside a rolled up local paper.

    To my way of thinking it must be a design fault that allows these pests to enter the appliance in thd first place. I recall that Vulcan gas external hot water systems were experiencing fires due to a problem with mice. Mice were entering under the facing plate and making their nests in the vicinity of the pilot flame, which could build up over time and then fall on the flame etc. Tp their credit Vulcan did make design changes to prevent this occurence in later models. Regular visual checks by the owner of these appliances is a good idea nevertheless. Lack of regular servicing of gas appliances is seen as the major contributor to faults and fires.

    We tend to have a problem with earwigs though; they are chewing up our mail. Check your mail and surface spray the inside of the mailbox and around our doors and windows regularly. I fear these earwigs more than spiders … we actually don't have spiders or roaches inside though so whatever the problem i advise you do same and be vigilant with your mail, regular and junk, especially local newspapers. Sometimes i toss the whole lot into the recycling bin without letting them inside the house. That may be your problem too; bringing them inside with the letterbox contents. Bomb the inside of house to destroy any inside that may be lurking about too. Be vigilant when bringing inside your line dried washing too.

    We shall win this war.

    • c64 on 12/06/2016 - 14:01
      +3

      I simply dont understand how a cockroach could have entered a microwave

      easy. there are vents and cracks everywhere. baby cockroachs are tiny. once they get in they can leave shit all over the pcb board.

      • JediJan on 13/06/2016 - 12:36

        Now I am really getting paranoid. No junk mail is coming in this house ever again. I only just sprayed the surface spray everywhere again last night after I found yet another (dead) earwig. I feel lucky no cockroaches but I feel rather sick at the thought.

      • Stoz on 13/06/2016 - 19:33

        all over the pcb board.

        all over the printed circuit board board.

        Someone is suffering from RAS syndrome.

        • JediJan on 15/06/2016 - 12:40
          +4

          RAS Syndrome?

          RAS syndrome (short for "redundant acronym syndrome syndrome")

          Ditto LOL! Sorry, just had to respond. +1 from me too.

          Per: Wikipedia

          Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAS_syndrome

        • Stoz on 16/06/2016 - 19:53
          +2

          @JediJan: The redundancy is intentionally on purpose :-)

    • FittyFitty on 13/06/2016 - 08:01
      +4

      They was microaches…

      • JediJan on 14/06/2016 - 14:48
        +1

        OMG! Exterminate. Exterminate.

    • everypenny on 15/06/2016 - 11:02
      +1

      Germans!!! I mean German cockroaches.. They are nasty little creatures..

      • iseenya on 15/06/2016 - 11:50
        +5

        Whatever you do, don't mention the war!

        • Nugs on 15/06/2016 - 11:56
          +3

          yes, I read that in my Basil voice

      • JediJan on 16/06/2016 - 05:22

        You know I wouldn't be able to mention a nationality without being called a racist by a stalking troll.

        And I have nothing against Germans or any other nationality. Have a few German friends too.

  • stemcell on 12/06/2016 - 12:56
    +2

    Heat pump warranties are not covered if it's caused by a bug.

    • altomic on 12/06/2016 - 14:00
      +27

      same with Windows 10.

  • peteru on 12/06/2016 - 15:52
    +1

    It does not matter what the fault is and how it was caused. Panasonic are a terrible company when it comes to warranties. After having experiences with them for microwave and camera warranties, all I can recommend is think twice about buying Panasonic products. They are priced like premium goods that should last and have good support in case things go wrong. In reality, they are not much different to cheaper brands. In fact, cheaper products are often easier when they fail, because the retailer will often just swap it. Not so with Panasonic products, the retailers will often direct you back to Panasonic because they know very well that Panasonic are effed company to deal with.

    • JIMB0 on 13/06/2016 - 10:35
      +5

      Under the Australian consumer law you have the option of dealing with the retailer rather than the manufacturer. It's your choice, not theirs.

      • peteru on 16/06/2016 - 02:24
        +2

        Yep, I am aware of that. Now try it in practice…

        Go to Good Guys and complain about a Panasonic microwave that failed 3 days after the manufactuer's warranty. They tell you to contact Panasonic directly. You tell them that you tried that and the result was unsatisfactory. You then point out the ACL clause that says that as a retailer they are obliged to resolve your complaint. They say, "Oh geez! I guess we have to. OK, leave it with us."

        Time drags on, then they regurgitate the answer from Panasonic. You point out to them that you don't care what Panasonic say, under the ACL a reasonable person would expect a $600 microwave to work for longer than 12 months. Time goes on and Good Guys make sure that the clock ticks over very slowly between responses. Eventually you get nowhere.

        You take your faulty microwave back home after several months, order a ~$20 part from China and fix the thing yourself in 30-40 minutes. It only takes undoing two screws and you don't even have to open the microwave.

        Final outcome - pissed off with Panasonic for life and very, very unimpressed with Good Guys.

        +1 for buying Chinese spare parts direct, even though I would have preferred to keep local repair shops in business.

  • stemcell on 12/06/2016 - 16:19
    -1

    Sorry peteru it does matter, there is no manufacturing fault it's due to an outside influence in this case an insect thus warrantee void.

  • bluesky on 12/06/2016 - 17:13
    +1

    If it were me, I will go for option (4), and get a not-so-expensive one. Save all the hassles. I was also in the predicament of whether to fix the current panasonic microwave, or to get a new one. In the end, I got an el-cheapo one ($49) from Big W to tie over, with the view of replacing the magnetron of the panasonic. But since it is doing such a fine job, haven't bothered with that yet. See this, which includes valuable contributions from other OZB members about microwaves. The bigger version of Big W microwave even made it Choice Magazine list.

    I bought my previous one at Kmart. It worked amazingly for four years till I have to throw it away as it is getting rust on the inside.

    Yes, the cheaper alternative may work out just as well, as I have found too.

  • jenkemjunkie on 12/06/2016 - 22:11
    -1

    Go to the counter, and be an obnoxious, angry and loud turd of a customer…throw in the words Office of fair trade, my statutory rights, Aye Triple Cee, and that's unaustralian and I guarantee you will get your replacement, perhaps even a newer model!

    Buying extended warranties is for suckers.

  • usbc activist on 12/06/2016 - 22:29
    +3

    Thank you all for the helpful suggestions. From reading all the comments, I am in the view the best course of action is to wait till the panasonic warranty runs out (few weeks left), contact myer and try my luck there. If it does not work with myer either, I will try to find a repairer locally. I do not have much experience with repairing electrical stuff.
    Else go and buy a cheaper one from one of kmart/target/bigw/aldi.

    I will update this discussion thread on what happened. It may be useful for someone who might face similar issue.

    I was thinking about buying a dyson vaccum cleaner in the end of financial year sale, but stopped doing so, considering the experience I am having with big brands.

    I will wait out and see how the experience will be with myer extended warranty and then take a decision about this.

    • peteru on 12/06/2016 - 22:52
      +3

      Dyson is an overpriced brand with excellent marketing and feel-good story, that relies on novelty in technology to drive sales / interest. What you will find is that as far as keeping your house clean and owning something that is reliable and dependable, Dyson is a poor choice.

      If you want a vacuum cleaner that will do a proper job year after year, buy a Miele. Vacuum cleaners with disposable paper bags are much better. I have one vacuum cleaner with a paper bag and one bagless. The paper bags last a LOT longer before the vacuum cleaner needs any attention and replacing them is quick, simple and not messy. On the other hand, the bagless cleaner usually needs emptying at least twice before I am done with the whole house and it's a time consuming messy job. You also need to wash the filters in the bagless models on a regular basis. All-in-all bagless cleaners are a major pain to maintain and they do not clean any better.

      You should also know that Dyson is one of the least reliable brands around. Ask a repair shop and you will find that Dyson will be the most often repaired vacuum.

      • usbc activist on 12/06/2016 - 22:56

        Thanks mate. You saved my money. Your comment reflects my experience with a paper bag and bagless vaccum cleaners. I was in the view that upgrading to a dyson will make the vaccuming the house faster and cleaner. It does not seem to be the case. I felt the suction of the bagless one could have been a lot better compared to my paper bag one.

        • knk on 13/06/2016 - 00:34

          Probably also depends on how much carpet you have.

          I have had an El cheapo bagless Kmart one for the last 4 years and it's been fine. No carpet though, floorboards and tiles.

        • decr on 13/06/2016 - 08:18

          I have a bagged Electrolux one, just bought my first lot of 4 bags for $14 at TGG yesterday so the two bags that came with it lasted me a year. All carpet floors too and couple of mess makers running around. Also worth noting is the lack of smell, all bagless ones I've used leave that funny smell in the air where as this one you couldn't tell that someone's vacuumed. I'd be hard pressed to go back, especially with a brand like Dyson (never had one though) that seem way overpriced.

      • JediJan on 13/06/2016 - 12:48

        I bought a Hoover Smart many years ago which still runs perfectly. It was one of the cheapest to buy but it is for smaller properties, like a unit. That being said when my mother's old Electrolux finally spat the dummy, I suggested this one to her also and her newer model has given her many faithful years of service also; she paces her vacumming, only a few rooms a day. No end of cheap versions bit the dust (sorry for the pun) within a year of purchase prior to me buying this one. Keep the filters clean (or replace periodically) and should have had no problems … except letting teenage sons vacuum their own rooms; mine broke the mechanism in the wand. The Hoover Smart (also has bags) is one I would recommend to anyone with smaller properties. The way I look at it you could probably buy a dozen Hoover Smarts or a Dyson; I know what I would choose. Mine is about 9 years old now; still runs as good as new. My cleaner likes it too; the suction and the lightness.

      • azorax on 16/06/2016 - 11:28
        +1

        Also take into account that dyson might be the most common brand. Therefore more repairs.

        (I don't know if they are)

      • chillwok on 17/06/2016 - 15:20

        Dyson are over priced, but who on here pays full RRP? i got my DC45 on sale and i was amazed at the quality of suction. i used it to vacuum gyp-rock and after that it died. after doing some testing the error based on the manual was leaning towards the battery. i took it into the good guys and the not so good guys there had a whinge saying it stated in the manual that you can't vacuum gyp-rock and that it clogs up the vacuum. i said to the guy, the error code says it's the battery. anyway they sent it off to Dyson and i got it back a few days later good as new with no charge. That's my 2 cents on the over priced Dyson brand.

    • JIMB0 on 13/06/2016 - 10:40
      +4

      Why not try taking it back to Myer now before the Panasonic warranty runs out? They might replace it on the spot as an act of goodwill.

      • stemcell on 13/06/2016 - 11:04
        -4

        So you're the type of person who takes a roach infested appliance from your house then into your soon to be roach infested car and then walks through a department store not having a care in the world that roaches are on you… That's just feral.

  • AMLagonda on 12/06/2016 - 23:30

    As a small business owner I Used to get the little buggers in the Microwave and shorting the board out, had to pull it apart and clean it (with electrical spray) a few times, I have now coated it with circuit board lacquer from jaycar. Don't get them anymore now though, got that problem sorted (and most of the problem was a shop next door to us)

  • beatwixkid on 13/06/2016 - 07:53
    +4

    We went through 3 microwaves because of a cockroach infestation in our apartment block. We were able to just swap twice for new ones when we returned them to Big W which was lucky as the problem was roaches.

    I didn't realise it was the cockroaches until I dismantled the 3rd microwave. They thrive on the warmth.

    As a side note, cockroaches do not go away no matter how clean you are. I put an end to an 8 year history living with cockroaches which managed to move units with me by using Advion Cockroach gel which was mentioned in a forum discussion here on OzB. It is worth its weight in gold.

    I would just get rid of the roaches and buy a new one.

    • FittyFitty on 13/06/2016 - 08:04
      -4

      Bullshit… Clean means also not leaving crumbs, dirty dishes, spillages to fester and attract vermin.

      • beatwixkid on 13/06/2016 - 13:05
        +8

        Thanks. I do know what clean means.

    • everypenny on 15/06/2016 - 11:05
      +1

      Use Bayer Cooper Dust powders! It worked a treat for me

  • Apoca89 on 13/06/2016 - 09:26
    +2

    You choose who you take it to - is just take it to Myer and get the refund/replacement) repair through them. Consumer laws work to help you here.

    • stemcell on 13/06/2016 - 11:15
      +2

      What’s excluded? This Extended Warranty does not cover:
      (a) a fault brought to your attention before you purchased the Product; or

      (b) faults caused by:

      (i) negligence, accidental or deliberate misuse or unauthorized alterations;

      (ii) failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for usage, installation, operation or maintenance;

      (iii) external sources, including electrical interference, power surges and voltage fluctuations;

      (iv) infestations of vermin, pests or insects;

      (v) acts of God or man-made catastrophes; or

      (vi) water damage, rust or corrosion.

      • JediJan on 13/06/2016 - 12:54
        -1

        "Acts of God!" Reminds me of that movie "The Man Who Sued God" with Billy Connolly. I won't tell you about the movie but that it was a lighthearted (feel good) comedy. I loved the bits with the dog; I say nothing!

      • Apoca89 on 13/06/2016 - 13:38
        +2

        Use the normal warranty - you choose who you deal with for that. I doubt Myer would go into that - they'd try to replace it for a happy customer.

  • eneloop on 13/06/2016 - 10:52
    +2

    I think it's time to call in the bikies

  • SilentBob on 13/06/2016 - 12:51

    Try keeping your house clean, what do you live in a garbage dump or something?

    • JediJan on 13/06/2016 - 12:55
      +1

      So nice to hear you are silent lol.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 13/06/2016 - 13:41
        +2

        He's Jay's friend.

        • JediJan on 15/06/2016 - 12:44

          I know nothing.
          I know no-one.
          I don't even know Jay.

  • gringo on 13/06/2016 - 18:59
    +2

    HP repaired my printer back in the day - picked up and sent back at their cost - fixed with a message saying "removed a large insect from printer". Was wondering where that huntsman went..

    HP has since gone to crap but I recommended them to everyone for some time because of this experience.

    Basically buy somewhere else and never buy Panasonic again. Them being an arse will cost them their reputation in the long run. Never buy extended warranty also, it's a scam.

    • snook on 13/06/2016 - 23:56
      +2

      I think that's a bit unfair. Imagine that you have a company that sells electrical items and you have to replace them due to cockies getting into the electrics. Considering cockies can get into anything, you'd go broke and fast.

      Unfortunately, it's up to the owners to control the pests they live with.

      I keep my jug on a wire rack to stop cockies living under it when it gets cold, and I have two dead bodies in the selection panel of my dishwasher that I can't access to remove them. I'm still fighting the fight but it's a lot better than when I bought the house. Some people are filthy (previous owners of my house) and companies can't be held responsible for that. If you live in a unit block you have to take the good with the bad and the bad is that you'll never be able to control all the pests that might live in a building including the fabulously invasive german cockie.

      • gringo on 14/06/2016 - 01:11

        Unfair maybe but a premium product like a $300 microwave (must have enormous margin) deserves premium service. The goodwill is worth it IMO.

        Remember this is the manufacturer - not the shop.

        Dell Ultrasharp monitors are another example because of their exceptional warranty.

      • peteru on 14/06/2016 - 01:43
        +2

        Bullshit!

        If the product failure rate due to cockroach ingress is significant enough to materially affect the company bottom line, then the company needs to design the product so that is less likely to fail in that scenario.

        Put in another way, when you take reasonable care of the microwave and all user accessible parts have been kept as clean as a normal person would be expected (i.e no layers of caked on filth), then the manufacturer should honour the warranty.

        Even a clean house can have the occasional cockroach fly in during the summer and make it's way into an appliance. If it is a rare occurrence then a repair of the product will go a long way towards improving the brand image without a significant cost to the company. If product failures due to this are a common enough occurrence that the manufacturer needs to make disclaimers in the product warranty, then I would argue that there is a product design issue.

        • snook on 16/06/2016 - 01:20

          Yeah nah, those little bastards will get into everything and don't forget, electrical appliances that heat up like microwaves require venting. In winter cockroaches will be drawn to any heat, even lights for digital readouts.

          As I said above, if you have german cockroaches in your house they will get places and you will have no idea how they got there. The dishwasher panel is in the top of the door that closes. It's an Asko. The whole door would be completely sealed to stop water ingress and yet, cockroaches have gotten in there.

          I once had a radio at work and they got into the radio and the dial area and jammed it up. They get in when small and then they grow and are trapped. Have seen it a lot over the years.

        • peteru on 16/06/2016 - 02:12

          @snook:
          Exactly! It's bound to happen and it isn't necessarily the fault of the consumer.

          It should come as no surprise to the manufacturer, that cockroaches will enter the appliance. Especially a microwave, which provides all the things that cockroaches will be attracted to - heat, humidity and potential food source. Given that this is a predictable and likely failure scenario, the manufacturer needs to design the appliance such that there are no exposed energised areas that are likely to be shorted out by cockroaches. If that means they will have to put insulators on components leads and lacquer the PCB, then so be it. In terms of manufacturing, it may add $1 to the cost, which will translate to $10 price premium at retail. Given that Panasonic branded microwaves are significantly more expensive than alternatives, you would expect that level of product design care. However, from what I've seen of Panasonic, they do not have that advantage and what is even more disappointing is that even though they charge a premium for their product, their customer service is sub-par. When you call Panasonic customer support, you can tell that the staff have been given the brief to "get rid of the customer" rather than to "ensure customer satisfaction". That kind of approach would be expected from a low margin importer of bottom-of-the-range Chinese microwaves that changes brand names every 18 months. You would not expect this from what is a purportedly a top-tier multi-national brand.

        • JediJan on 16/06/2016 - 05:34

          @peteru: I was dusappointed with Panasonic customer service too. Have a small problem with dvd recorder (wont record onto DVD-RW anymore). As all other features and DVD-R recording working fine I assumed it was a settings problem. Staff member not interested and suggested i buy another one instead. That was last year and it is still working fine apart from its dislike of DCD-RW.

    • mooboy on 16/06/2016 - 10:49
      +1

      As a huntsman is a spider, not an insect, it means that it is still loose - maybe behind you right now!

  • wog_ta on 13/06/2016 - 19:04

    OP is the extended warranty with 'United Product Cover'? As They went bust some time ago, although myer will still honor it and just swap it over if that is the case.

  • Kranbone on 14/06/2016 - 07:11

    Tough one. I can understand the manufacturer's viewpoint though. They warrant their product against manufacturing faults and cockroaches aren't a manufacturing fault. Is the design really bad (maybe you could argue that point)??

  • [Deactivated] on 14/06/2016 - 09:26

    If it's popping fuses I'd give up on warranty as it's almost certainly the cockroaches that are the problem. Plus, Panasonic repair guys aren't a-holes, they won't deny warranty if the problem is unrelated.

    However it also means the problem is possibly fairly straightforward. Take it to a small independant repairer, they may be able to repair at a low cost.

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