Makes loud hum noise but does heat - Whirlpool GH8155XJ Microwave Oven

Dave Harris

• 117 Answers
• Posted on Sep 24, 2007

SOURCE: Makes a loud humming noise while operating

Almost certainly, the component called the "magnetron" has died. This is the valve (tube in the US) which actually generates the microwaves. The loud humming is the transformer that supplies the magnetron being overloaded and/or the magnetron itself. If the rest of the appliance is OK and not too old, the magnetron can be replaced. If you aren't familiar with these appliances, you *must* get this done by someone who understands the dangers of messing with them - if you get it wrong, they can bite! In some countries, only qualified engineers can buy the spare parts. In the UK, the part costs around £40 - £80, depending on the model. If the appliance is more than around three years old, it may be a false economy to repair it as other parts may fail soon after the repair.

SOURCE: GE Spacemaker XL1800(JVM1850CF001) - Loud Humming noise

You either have a bad magnetron tube (5 or 10 year parts warranty item through GE Factory Service 1-800-432-2737 or www.geappliances.com) or a shorted high voltage rectifier. I think the light being out is a secondary problem.