New GE Magnetron. Where does this new HV diode go?

Hello, installing is quite straight forward if you know what youre doing. BUT, be very careful of the voltage in the capacitor even when its off,it is lethal! When you change the magnetron it is advisable that you also change the diodes. Again make sure that the capacitor is fully discharged, by switching the microwave off, unplugging it, and discharging the capacitor with an insulated screwdriver, it will be noisy. Next unsolder the old diodes and fit the new ones(check their polarity). Replace the magnetron and when all looks good,switch it on. If it works, good, if not there could be a power supply problem. 9 times out of 10 its the magnetron. Good luck.

Sorry to read about your problem, I hope this helps you out.

No heat but otherwise normal operation.
Possible causes:

1. Blown fuse in HV transformer primary circuit or HV fuse (if used).
2. Bad connections (particularly to magnetron filament).
3. Open thermal protector or thermal fuse.
4. Open HV capacitor, HV diode, HV transformer, or magnetron filament.
5. Shorted HV diode, HV capacitor (will blow a fuse), or magnetron.
6. Damaged protective VDR from filament to chassis (not commonly used).
7. Defective HV relay (not commonly used)

Microwaves must be serviced by technicians due to the inherent dangers involved in repairing these appliances. Internal capacitors can retain a lethal electrical charge even though the unit is completely unplugged. A microwave radiation leakage test must be performed on the unit following any internal component repair.

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When you say "Everything works as set" do you mean the microwave appears to function properly, but then doesn't heat?

If the magnetron is new, then the magnetron must not be receiving the required high voltage (2000V or more) from the HV circuit. Make sure you've got 120V to the PRIMARY (don't attempt to measure secondary voltage of the HV transformer without special equipment) of the HV transformer. After that check the HV capacitor and diodes. If these components test OK, then either your HV transformer is bad or your new magnetron is faulty. My experience is that the problem is usually in control circuitry, preventing 120V to the HV transformer, or opens/shorts in the HV components (diodes and capacitors).

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.

{ MAGNETRON FAILURE }
I cut the magnetron right down the center. I can see why so many GE magnetron fail. They have a poor Filament design. The sparial spring that completes the filmanet circuit on the cathode will become brittle over time and will surely fail. I am a layman when it comes to this design. I see no GE
magnetron with this filament design lasting 10 years.

You've got a problem in the microwave circuit, which could be one or more of the following components -

1) HV diode
2) HV Capacitor
3) HV transformer
4) Magnetron

I am leaning to the diode, but it would take further investigation to determine for sure. Diodes are cheap, as if the capacitor, and replacing those first would not necessarily be in vain if it turns out to be the transformer or magnetron. And I would be most inclined to say it's the magnetron before I would think transformer.

Reply back what you find or if you have more questions.

It pass the resistance tests and still be bad, and I suspect it is.

I would also suggest that you check the high voltage diode to be sure it's not shorted.

If the filament voltage and high voltage are both present at the magnetron terminals, and not loaded down, but there is no heat, then it's the magnetron.

As a pro with over 20 years of expereince, I have always measured the high votlage, but I will never recommend it to a non-professional. Without the right equipment and procedure, you and your equipment can be "fried". No kidding.

Here are some good links to safety & troubleshooting:

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/cap_test.html
http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/diode.html
http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html
http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/xformer.html

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

The magnetron usually has a 5-9 yar warranty.

You might contact GE Customer Service at http://www.geappliances.com/service_and_support/contact/

Otherwise, what is the exact problem you're having?

Your magnetron, HV diode, Capacitor, or control board maybe bad most of these components run with high voltage and difficult to test without the proper equipment

If your microwave is doing everything, but heating it could be any one of the following components: Magnetron HV Capacitor HV Diode HV Transformer This network works in conjunction to produce the high voltage required to heat. Taking live voltage measurements is dangerous and not recommended. You can, however, do resistance checks on the components with the unit unplugged to see if you can isolate the problem any further. The HV Diode should be mounted somewhere on or near the HV capacitor and will read an open in one direction and a relative short in the other. If you put a meter on the capacitor you should see a varying resistance as the capacitor charges and discharges. There should should be a wiring diagram inside your control panel with the resistance readings for the primary and secondary windings of the transformer and the filament of the magnetron. In a nut shell, you probably have either a bad magnetron or a bad diode. Those are the two components that fail more frequently. Of course, double check all your interconnecting wires too. Good luck and let me know if this helps.