Cannot remove the front grill of GE Micro to replace filter

Unplug microwave or shut off house breaker. Remove grill or cover that goes across the top of door and control panel.Remove screw that holds control panel on and lift up on control panel. It will tilt downward and has 2 tabs at the bottom that go into slots. It can be lifted out of those slots.The fuse should be seen at the top area in the microwave behind where the control panel was mounted. Fuse is usually small 1/4 round type fuse like old type car fuses that were glass but the micro fuse will be either a white of gray ceramic fuse not glass. Some are 15 amp some are 20 amp. Usually stamped on end of fuse.

Remove the top grill assembly. It is usually held on by 2 screws going down through the cabinet top. You may need to tap the grill to the left slightly to get the tabs to release. Once the grill is off, look near the middle of the top edge of the microwave frame for 1 screw that looks like it goes through a metal lip. It will be right above the inside light bulb area. remove screw and then pull the metal tab towards you. The complete light bulb assembly will slide up and out towards you. Replace bulb and reassemble microwave.

You can download owner's manuals and installation instructions for several brands (including Amana, Frigidaire, Jenn-Air, Kitchenaid, Litton, Maytag, Roper, Tappan, Thermador and Whirlpool) here.

Enter it as MMV1153WB0 (no dash, zero on the end, not "oh")

Or just get it here, to be more exact.
On page 4, it says:

"Installing/Replacing Filters and Light Bulbs
■ Grease filter: Grease filter is on the underside of microwave
oven. Clean monthly. Slide the filter away from the tab area,
and drop out the filter. To reinstall, place end of the filter into
the opening opposite the tab area, swing up the other end,
and slide it toward the tab area.
■ Charcoal filter: The charcoal filter is behind the vent grille at the
top front of the microwave oven. The charcoal filter cannot be
cleaned, and should be replaced about every 6 months.
Remove 2 screws on the vent grille, tilt the grille forward, lift it
out, and remove filter. To reinstall, place the filter into its slotted
area – wire mesh side up, replace vent grille, and secure with
screws.
■ Cooktop light(s): The cooktop light bulb(s) is(are) located on
the underside of the microwave oven, and is(are) replaceable.
Remove bulb cover screw, and open the bulb cover. Replace
bulb, close bulb cover, and secure with screw.
■ Cavity light: The cavity light bulb is located behind the vent
grille at the top front of the microwave oven, under the bulb
cover, and is replaceable. Remove 2 screws on the vent grille,
tilt the grille forward, and lift it out. Open bulb cover and
replace bulb. Close bulb cover, replace vent grille, and secure
with screws."

HINT: Unplug the oven before removing or installing the bulbs, or you may need this service.

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

I recommend that you bookmark that link to your favorites. Hope this covers it.

William E. Miller
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com

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

Two screws on the top of the grill can be removed, then the grill pulls straight off.

Caution - I broke the tabs on the grill where the screws hold metal tabs - $98 for a new grill!

Cheers.

Grease filters change from the bottom side of the unit.

Charcoal filter is changed as follows:
To Remove Charcoal Filter
To remove the charcoal filter, disconnect power
at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel or
pull the plug.
Remove the top grille by removing the screws
that hold it in place and sliding the grille to the
left (opening the door makes grille removal
easier). Slide the filter towards the front of the
oven and remove it.
To Install Charcoal Filter
To install a new filter, remove plastic and other
outer wrapping from the new filter.
Insert the filter into the top opening of the oven as
shown. It will rest at an angle on 2 side support tabs
and in front of the right rear tab. Replace the grille
and screws.

The grease filter is changed from the bottom of the unit.

The charcoal filter is changed as follows:

To Remove Charcoal Filter
To remove the charcoal filter, disconnect power
at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel or
pull the plug.
Remove the top grille by removing the screws
that hold it in place and sliding the grille to the
left (opening the door makes grille removal
easier). Slide the filter towards the front of the
oven and remove it.
To Install Charcoal Filter
To install a new filter, remove plastic and other
outer wrapping from the new filter.
Insert the filter into the top opening of the oven as
shown. It will rest at an angle on 2 side support tabs
and in front of the right rear tab. Replace the grille
and screws.

Charcoal filter is behind the grille at the top of the oven. Find screws in front or at top of the grille and remove them.  Remove the grille by shifting to one side and pulling forward with the door open.  You should see a slot where the filter is inserted.  Remove old filter and replace with new.  Note which side of old filter is up and position the new one the same way.  The filter sits on tabs at the side and back.   Replace grille and screws.

remove 2 screws that holds the top grills.
slide the filter towards the front of the oven and remove it.
installation in reverse order.
the filter will rst at an angle on 2 side support tabls and in front of th eright rear tab.
reinstall the grille and 2 screws.

I just installed a JVM 1540 with the same grille. I removed the two top phillips screws before mounting the oven as I cannot access these screw heads once the oven is installed. It took me about 20 minutes of fiddling with the grille to figure out (no thanks to the manual) that the grille needs to slide to the left to release so you can change the light bulb/charcoal filter.

Be sure the oven is disconnected from the wall first. Then open the door. Remove the two screws from the top of the grille. Next, slide the grille to the left to remove it. Before you slide the charcoal filter out, be sure to note how it rests at an angle on 2 side support tabs and in front of the right rear tab. After it's replaced, you can press OPTIONS until you come to the Charcoal Filter Reminder. Then you can press 0 to turn the reminder off, press 1 to set the reminder, or press 3 to turn the reminder on.