I've had my GE XL1400 JVM for 10 years now and it just suddenly stopped heating the food and it has a funny (electrical) smell coming from it now when I try to heat anything. Everything else works fine.

probably a magnatron failure
take it to an appliance repair shop for a proper diagnosis and get a quote as repairs can be more expensive than new unit

time for a new one... new ones are cheaper then the parts

SAFTY FIRST

UN -PLUG IT,,,,, THAT "FUNNY SMELL" SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SHORTING OUT
PERHAPS THE MEGATRON HAS GONE BAD, THE MEGATRON IS THE
HEART OF ANY MICROWAVE
AS A EX- FIREMAN, I KNOW FROM FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE THAT
"A FUNNY SMELL " OR " UN-USUALL SMELL COMING FROM AN ELECTRICAL
ITEM IS A SIGN OF DANGER

At the ripe old age of 12, the magnetron tube which makes the microwaves has most likely failed. A sudden no-heat condition is one of the most common ways they go. It's possible to replace the magnetron, but it would be an expensive repair. The tube is the most costly part, and this repair is one that should be left to a professional because of safety concerns. Between the part cost and labor, it usually more economical to replace the oven with a new one.

It is possible that something else is causing the problem, such as a failure of the control circuit board or the high-voltage power transformer. It's still not worth the repair since the 12-year old magnetron would be a failure waiting to happen. Take this opportunity to start fresh.

Hi,

Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with your Microwave Oven....

Basic Microwave Oven Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

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it sounds to me like the magnetron is shot in it. this is the part that creates the heat. not worth repairing on a 10 year old unit. Sorry.

HI, the actual device that produces the heat is damaged or faulty. this device is called the Magnetron. you will need to replace this part in order to restore the heating ability of this microwave oven.

Please rate and have a great day:)

The magnatron capaciter is burnt out (this is what heats the food!) it can be replaced but it may be cheaper to buy a new oneYjis should fix ya!

I think its the mag tube, mine went out the same way. GE will provide the mag tube for free just call them...have a local ge certified tech out to put it in.

Your magnetron tube has failed. According to the warranty on the Profile Series microwave ovens, the magnetron is covered for 5 years from the date of purchase, but labor is not included. I would call GE Customer Service and when they ask for the model number (which begins with JVM) and the serial number, be sure to give the date of purchase as the date you closed on your house. If they insist upon charging you for a service call and labor, I would call my builder's Customer Service Department and demand (very nicely) that they intervene with GE to waive the service and labor charges. That worked for me (Lennar Homes).