20 Most Recent GE Spacemaker 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave - Page 3 Questions & Answers

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

If there's no obvious removable cover over the bulb and the owner's manual doesn't address it, then disassembly will be required.

You'll need to remove the outer cover (wrapper) to get to the bulb.

Always unplug a microwave before removing or installing any bulbs.

If it's an over the range type, remove the vent grille across the top and see if bulbs can be accessed there. There may be a panel on the bottom covering the light(s), instead.

If not, chances are you'll have to remove it from the wall, then remove the outer 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.

Once it's out of the wall, the outer cover (wrapper) will need to be removed, just as you'll need to do on a counter top model.

On a counter top model, be sure it's unplugged, but otherwise ignore the instructions above this paragraph.

You'll need to remove the outer cover (wrapper) to get to the bulb.

See these links before proceeding:
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/safety.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/disassembly.txt

The screws you need to remove should be pretty obvious, but a special driver (such as a T20H type or GTXH20-100) may be needed.

Be sure to put all the screws back in the right holes, since some may be special grounding screws.

Bulbs (and 20A ceramic fuses) can be had locally in most grocery stores, hardware stores, home improvement centers, and big box or department stores.

Many models use halogen lamps. You must not touch halogen types with your bare skin, as the oils will shorten the bulb life.

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

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

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

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

Actually, you should always use the hood vent exhaust fan when you're cooking on the stovetop, but I don't think that caused this problem, although it's possible.

Instead I would most strongly suspect a shorted high voltage rectifier diode, which is a pretty easy fix.

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

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.



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.

Here are some links you or someone you know can use for test help, but read their safety warnings first:

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/diode.html
(if it's not shorted or burned, it's probably okay)

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html

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

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

Remove and replace the Magnatron bulb. Though It may cost more that the machine is worth.

How to close the door that won't close

I haven't heard of such a thing. You must have cooked it until there was no moisture left in the potato. That would also account for the failure of the oven. It would be the same as no load in the oven. A thermal protect part is your current problem.

The front control panel should come off after removing a few screws then look for a large capacitor behind it .DO NOT TOUCH THE TERMINALS! This capacitor is a common cause of the symptoms you describe and costs almost nothing.Changing it may be the fix.

first suspect is the inverter board (power) and magnatron a distant second----in either case the part involved unless an expensive unit is pricey.

SOUNDS LIKE FLAME SENSOR SWITCH OPENED OR CLOSED AND THE UNIT THINKS IT OVERHEATED AND TURNED THE FAN ON TO COOL IT MUST FIND SHORTED FAN SWITCH

I had this mute problem and found that unpluging it for 1 to 2 min. and the problem cleared.

May be an issue with the magnetron tube.

Normally you have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see the previously hidden screw(s) you need to remove. Or you can watch a YouTube video (not a video I made) that demonstrates how it's done. In some cases, you then have to gently rotate the handle to unlock it. You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here. We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

It normally is not possible to check the diode of a Microwave oven without some special high voltage testing equipment. If you suspect it, replacing it would be much cheaper. A typical DVM will not do the job. But diodes usually are not the first part to fail; check the transformer.

Since I don't know the model, here's a general answer. On a GE over the range oven, the top air deflector assembly is usually removable. After its off, you will have access to the fasteners at the top of the control panel. Remove it, and you should be able to see the door switch/latch assembly on the left.

Do all of this with the oven unplugged. Do not go near the high voltage capacitor as it can retain a charge of 4000 volts indefinitely. Stay away from the rest of the h v wiring as well. If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_29ad5d1dd86564b0