Magnetron dead I have a GE avantium with a dead Toshiba magnetron # 2m248J(GS) is it cost efective to get a replacement , and where can I order one? Thank You PETE

magnetrons work only when the unit is cooking
it smells like an insulation from overheating wire so could be a fuse and failing transformer
take it in for a proper diagnosis and quote but if it is over 2 years old the cost to repair could be more than a replacement unit

Buzzing or loud humming is one of the signs the magnetron tube, the microwave source, has gone bad. Since your oven is over 15 years old, this isn't too surprising. It is possible to replace the tube, but it's usually not worth doing. The magnetron is a costly part, and this kind of repair should be left to a professional because of safety concerns. Between part and labor costs, it's often not much more to buy a new oven.

Chances are the magnetron overheated and the thermal protector (thermal cutout or thermostat) on the magnetron tripped and interrupted the power.

This may be due to a blocked air vent, clogged filter, blocked outside vent, failed internal cooling fan, or failing magnetron.

There should be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille or elsewhere, and it is very helpful when troubleshooting, & testing.

At our Web site, we have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

I'd recommend that your bookmark this link to your favorites.

Accessing some parts may require you to pull the oven from the wall and remove the cover.

If so, the installation instructions are very handy, and it's best to have two people since the microwave can be heavy and awkward.

You can download GE owner's manuals and installation instructions here.


If it's within the magnetron portion of the warranty (usually 5-9 years) but out of the original full warranty (usually 1 year), then your manufacturer will cover the part cost, but not the cost to visit you or the labor charge to do the work.

If it's under magnetron warranty, GE will send you the magnetron to do it yourself. Call them at 888-239-6832.

Warranty terms are detailed in your owner's manual.

If you prefer to arrange service by an authorized service center, GE Customer Service is here.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

HTML clipboardYou can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

I recommend that you bookmark that link to your favorites.

If it's within the magnetron portion of the warranty (usually 5-9 years) but out of the original full warranty (usually 1 year), then your manufacturer will cover the part cost, but not the cost to visit you or the labor charge to do the work.

But if it's under magnetron warranty, G.E. will send you the magnetron to do it yourself. Call them at 888-239-6832.

Be persistent. You may have to speak with a supervisor.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

Chances are you have a shorted high voltage diode or magnetron.

Here are some links you or someone you know can use (in order given) for test help, but read the safety warnings first:

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/diode.html
(if it is NOT shorted or burned looking, it's probably fine)

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html
(continuity can be good even though mag is bad!)

The owner's manual will tell you how long your magnetron warranty is.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

If it's within the magnetron portion of the warranty (usually 5-9 years) but out of the original full warranty (usually 1 year), then GE will cover the part cost, but not the cost to visit you or the labor charge to do the work.

If it's under magnetron warranty, GE will send you the magnetron to do it yourself. Call them at 888-239-6832.

Be persistent. You may have to speak with a supervisor.

If it is not within the magnetron warranty, again you can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

If you prefer to arrange service by an authorized service center, GE Customer Service is here.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

try unplugging the microwave for a while then plug it back in.

just aquired one just like it for free. they said no heat. took the outer cover off. about 12 screws. pull the main fuse and test it with a continuity tester.thats probably not it if the lights work. its either the magnatron (toshiba 2m248j(gs) or replacement part amana 8205460. mine was a coroded magnatron connection.unplugged it and pluged it back in. heats fine now. if you left it on with nothing in it for any length of time you blew the magnetron. universal magnatron replacements on ebay are $25. 4 screws and a 2 prong connector.

Yes, there are several thermal cutouts in Avantium ovens.

If you or someone you know wants to look into this, we have *critical* safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

There should also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel, which is very helpful when troubleshooting.

You may also have a defective thermostat or a bad connection at the thermostat.

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

Usually you have to remove the outer cover of the microwave, and if it's an over the range model, it will have to pulled down from the wall.

If you don't have your installation instructions, you can download them here.

FYI, these models usually have a 5-year warranty on the magnetron.

We have *critical* safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

I also have a HotPoint (GE) Spacesaver Microwave Oven (MWO)that we got at Home Depot about 3 yrs ago. The magnetron quit yesterday and I found out online that this is a common occurance with GE MWO's. I found this string and thought I would attempt to have GE send me a magnetron to replace the defective original part.

I called Customer Relations (1 800-386-1215) and spoke with Nikita. I informed her nicely that I was aware that this is a common problem with GE MWO's and that I am a Union Electrician who would like to perform this repair myself. I simply needed the replacement part. She was very understanding and asked for the model and serial number and after a few minutes she supplied me with an order confirm #.

The part should arrive in a few days via FedEx and we will be back into space age cooking and also our appliances will still match. Thanks to all who posted to this string and clued me in (You have saved me a C note!).

David in Omaha