GE Microwave will only run about 3 seconds, then shuts off. I've unplugged, let it sit and tried again. Same thing. Help!

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Dec 28, 2006

SOURCE: Microwave shuts off after 3 seconds

Although your model number doesn't seem to show up, the NNS950-series units are powered by an high-voltage inverter. And yours has failed. While an inverter (switched-mode power supply) is more efficient from a power consumption standpoint, it is more complex, thus more statistically prone to fail. These should only be examined and worked on by someone who has the necessary technical qualifications. Seriously. Often the machine-soldered connections in a microwave inverter are too weak, so they eventually fail, especially if heat is high in the area. They sometimes fail catastrophically. When not catastrophically damaged, you may hear clicking or squealing and may smell an electrical odor, which is sometimes obscured by the cooling fan. Sometimes a whole new inverter is cheaper than the time and labor required to fix the old one. If a technician is willing and able to troubleshoot and repair the inverter to component level, it will may be expensive, but may be worth it, especially if he or she will resolder and reinforce connections as needed as part of a thorough repair. That could easily make your inverter beter than a new one! You might be able to get some verbal estimates if you call Panasonic-authorized appliance / microwave repair shops and ask then specifically about inverter component-level repair and simple inverter replacement costs for your exact model number.

SOURCE: GE Profile Spacemaker 2.0 Microwave

Hey, "timebomb" thanks for that comment but there is absolutely no food stuck there but we did fix it using another persons comments. We went to a local computer repair store and they GAVE us that anti static paper for FREE and we opened up the digital display and covered the inside back portion with the paper that I mentioned and IT TOTALLY WORKED our microwave has been working perfect now since we fixed it on like January 3rd, 2008. We are shocked!!!!!!! Boy, my interned bill paid for itself this month because after doing research we knew that it was going to end up needed a new magnatron plus labor costs, I would have hated to see that bill. WHAT A JOKE, GE definitely knows that this is happening. They SUCK!!!

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Nov 21, 2008

SOURCE: Ge microwave oven - JVM1653SH shuts off

Sadly, we hear of this over and over.

This is due to a defective or loose magnetron causing electrical interference and disruption in the control circuit board.

If your magnetron was recently replaced, it may have loose mounting nuts or bolts or maybe the wire mesh RF gasket was not installed or got pinched.

It may also need a new high-voltage diode and stirrer, and the cavity may be affected.

Details are in their bulletin here. Even if your model is not on the list, the same problem can occur, requiring a kit. The parts kit is similar to this one.

(Your model may use a different kit - this is shown for illustration purposes only).

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.

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.

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 your manufacturer will cover the part cost, but not the cost to visit you or the labor charge to do the work.

They may send you a replacement magnetron. GE Customer Service is here.

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

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.



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.

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jul 25, 2009

SOURCE: GE Eterna Microwave stops after a few seconds, must reset clock..

The first thing I would suggest is a hard reset. Unplug the unit for a minute or so. Then plug it back in, set the clock and try again.

If that doesn't work, leave it unplugged for about 5 minutes.

Otherwise, this is almost always due to a defective or loose magnetron causing electrical interference and disruption in the control circuit board.

Details covering some previous models are in their bulletin here. Even if your model is not on the list, the same problem can occur.

If your magnetron was recently replaced, it may have loose mounting nuts or bolts or maybe the wire mesh RF gasket was not installed or got pinched.

NOISY MAGNETRON TEST (c) 2009 William E. Miller [email protected]

(PLEASE do not be fooled into thinking that the procedure outlined at this link is a "fix". It should only be regarded as another test method to prove that you have a noisy magnetron which must be replaced.)

One way to test it is to do the following:

1. Unplug the microwave or turn off its breaker.
2. Open the door, then detach the control panel as shown in the video at http://www.microwavedisplay.com and swing it down, but without disconnecting the wires. If you have any trouble getting the grille off once the screws are removed, slide the hood vent grille to the left about 1/4", then then pull it forward. On some models there are L-shaped clips that fit into a slot to hold bottom of the vent.
3. Plug the microwave back in.
4. Make sure neither you nor anyone else reaches in behind the control panel. There will exposed high-voltage connections.
5. Put a few cups worth of water in a microwave-safe container and place it inside the microwave.
6. Shut the door.
7. Run the microwave for about 1 minute or so on full power. (Time Cook > 1 > 0 > 0 > Start, e.g.)
8. If it does not fail, try it several more times.
9. When the water boils, change the water and try again.

NOTE: If your model does not have a door handle, you will need to unplug the oven and reattach the control panel to be able to open the door.

If it still does not fail, I would recommend that you put it all back together and keep using it until it fails more consistently, then repeat this test.

If it keeps failing while the board is in the down position, you either have a very leaky magnetron or possibly another problem.

So you can then get a Ziploc bag and insert a flat piece of aluminum foil into the Ziploc and close it.

Then (with the power off) tape it over the circuit board as best you can, covering it as much as you can, making sure it does not get snagged or punctured.

Then try the oven again. Do not leave this test shield in place as a "fix". It is not safe.

While a microwave should never be left running unattended under any circumstances (as your owner's manual will tell you) it's even more important when one is exhibiting a failure or any odd behavior. So play it safe and stay with it while it's running!

If you or someone you know want to replace the magnetron yourself, you will need to remove the oven from the wall.

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.

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.



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 your manufacturer will cover the part cost, but not the cost to visit you or the labor charge to do the work.

Sometimes 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.

If it is not within the magnetron warranty, 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.