GE Profile Spacemaker Over-the-Range Microwave Logo
Stacy King Posted on Oct 25, 2015

My microwave was heating and died after 2 minutes. After less than a second, the display came back up and worked again. Today it died. Worth fixing or just buy a new one?

Today it died in the middle of a 2 minute cycle. I checked the food and it was hot, but the display stayed off for a few seconds and then came back up with the clock still set. I hit start and it immediately died and stayed out for a few seconds and then the display said, "check food, power failed while cooking." I went outside and flipped the fuse off and then on again, but that didn't fix anything anything. I hit start again and this time it died and the clock needed to be reset. I haven't pressed any buttons since then, and the display was off for about 10 minutes and just came back up with the "press clock" error message. I opened the door and the light came on, but the display went off until I shut the door and it came back on a few seconds later. Is this is a major problem or worth fixing? Model: JVM3670SK06, 5.5 years old.

  • Stacy King Oct 25, 2015

    Now I'm even more confused. I realized it wasn't unplugged, so I unplugged it. On a whim, I plugged it back in to see if that helped. There was a delay of 3-4 seconds and then the display came on with the set clock message. I set the clock and opened the door and it died again, but then it came right back on with the set clock message after I shut the door. I opened the door again and the light and the display stayed on. I set the clock and opened the door, put a glass with an inch of water in and turned it on...and it worked fine. The water was hot when I removed it, so I know it heats. It seemed to just "die" when the start button, defrost button, a number was hit, or the door was opened. No idea what made it just start working again, but I know it will stop working again and needs to be fixed. I just wish I had a clue where to start.

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3 Related Answers

MicrowaveSvc

William Miller

  • 9179 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 15, 2009

SOURCE: GE spacemaker Microwave-Model # JVM1441WD003 no heat -clock ok

This is usually caused by either a bad door switch or a loose door switch mount, which are pretty simple problems to fix.

Even though a door switch clicks, it may still be bad inside.

Door switch or mount trouble is usually caused by slamming the door or by opening the door while it's cooking without hitting the Stop pad first.

There are plastic mounts inside the microwave which hold the door switches and onto which the door latches lock when you close the door.

The screws on these mounts may be loose. If they get too loose, the switches will not be activated properly.

Sometimes it's a broken tab on the switch holder, allowing the switch to rotate just out of position. This tab can be hard to see, since it is under the bottom edge of the switch.

If the mount is broken, it's usually more economical and safer to add a dab or two of hot glue to the mount to secure the switch. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.

One test that sometimes helps is to gently lift up (and/or push down) on the door or handle as you try to start it. If it works or tries to work, then it's a door switch mount or door alignment issue.

If you or someone you know decide to look into it, we have critical information on safety, disassembly and door switches at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa:.

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

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

dee77f7.jpg

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.

If you only need a switch, you can order a universal type here for $5 postpaid.

If you think the problem is on the control panel, we repair these nationwide by mail for $39.95 postpaid in most cases in about a week or so.

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

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MicrowaveSvc

William Miller

  • 9179 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 07, 2009

SOURCE: microwave won't heat

Sorry my Clarification Request came out as a single blob of a paragraph.

That's not how I typed it. I never write that way!

So I've pasted it here, but as a solution.



Magnetrons generally should last about 2000 hours, but several factors can shorten that.

If it's not OVER ten years old (from the purchase date or the date on the tag inside the unit) then the magnetron is still under warranty.

From the owner's manual:

"For the second through the tenth year from the date of original purchase

"The magnetron tube, if the magnetron tube fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this nine-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or in-home service costs.

"For the above limited warranty: To avoid any trip charges, you must take the microwave oven to a
General Electric Customer Care® servicer and pick it up following service. In-home service is also
available, but you must pay for the service technician’s travel costs to your home."


GE Customer Service is here, and you can verify the warranty status and find your nearest authorized servicer.

If you're sure the magnetron's bad, it's still under warranty, and you or a friend are handy, they 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.


It does sound like the magnetron overheated and the magnetron's thermostat opened until it cooled down.

An overheating magnetron can be due to:

  • operating oven without cover(s) in place
  • wrong magnetron installed in oven
  • an old or otherwise failing magnetron
  • cracked magnetron magnet
  • improper power line voltage (should be 110-125VAC)
  • foods low in moisture (popcorn & bacon, e.g. - add 1/2 cup of water in rear oven)
  • failed or inoperable cooling fan or hood vent exhaust fan
  • deteriorating foam weatherstripping seals in air ducts or on outside cover
  • blocked air vents (dust, animal nest debris, insufficient free air space behind & around oven, etc.)
  • clogged or greasy charcoal filter or grease filter
  • blocked duct in hood vent exhaust
Since yours is a counter top model, there are less of those factors to worry about.

When you hit Start to microwave, do the inside light, cooling fan, and turntable all come on?


Any unusual noises? Is it louder or quieter than usual?

We have a sound clip of what a microwave should sound like when the cooling fan and high voltage section are operating here.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts if needed by entering your full model number from the tag on the oven here.

Let us know what you find out or decide.

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

MicrowaveSvc

William Miller

  • 9179 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 20, 2009

SOURCE: I have to hit the outside (top side of door)of our

This is usually caused by either a bad door switch or a loose door switch mount, which are pretty simple problems to fix.

There should be a "mini-manual" (tech sheet) hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, which is very helpful when troubleshooting, testing, and locating components.

d:%5cele%5crepair%5cmicrowave%5cge_hotpoint%5cmini_manual_behind_grille_small.jpgdee77f7.jpg

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 helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number from the tag on the oven here.

If a switch is all you need, we offer a universal type for only $5 postpaid which you can order here.

Even though a door switch clicks, it may still be bad inside.

Door switch or mount trouble is usually caused by slamming the door or by opening the door while it's cooking without hitting the Stop pad first.

There are plastic mounts inside the microwave which hold the door switches and onto which the door latches lock when you close the door.

The screws on these mounts may be loose. If they get too loose, the switches will not be activated properly.

Sometimes it's a broken tab on the switch holder, allowing the switch to rotate just out of position. This tab can be hard to see, since it is under the bottom edge of the switch.

If the switch mount is broken, it's usually more economical and safer to add a dab or two of hot glue to the mount to secure the switch. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.

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

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