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Posted on Oct 16, 2007
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When I open my microwave door, it starts running

When I open my microwave door, the turntable starts turning, light comes on, and makes the normal noise as if it is running. Is it letting out microwaves, or just the fan making the noise?

Thanks.

  • 7 more comments 
  • irinka Nov 08, 2007

    We have GE Spacemaker JVM 239 1994 model. Recently the following problem occurs: when we open microwave door, it starts running, and stops as soon as we close the door. What would be a problem?

  • pjsturdevant Apr 25, 2008

    Yes I do have the same problem with my GE model JE-1540 Turntable Microwave. Some times when I finish heating something I can open the door and the light comes on and the table rorates. When I reach in to remove the food it warms my hand. This is great for winter but summer approaching, not so good.



    I would think this kind of failure in product saftey would be prevented by a well designed ciucuit.



    PJ Sturdevant

    Cincinnati Ohio

  • Anonymous Aug 03, 2008

    Same thing - any time we open the door the turntable, light and fan work. At first we could get it to stop by pressing the switch that opens the door. Now it runs anytime the door is open.

    Is this also microwaving us?

    Can it be fixed?


  • hartner Jan 28, 2009

    Whwn i open my micro door, the turntable starts to turn. Is this dangerous to us? Please notify me with an answer.

  • Anonymous Feb 07, 2009

    what is the replacement item my unit is mounted in the wall? my part number is 164d3370p017

  • Anonymous Mar 23, 2014

    My Hamilton beach microwave is making flicking noise and light is flashing when I open the door it is smoking

  • Anonymous Mar 26, 2014

    turntable is turning but liquid is not heating.

  • Anonymous Mar 26, 2014

    turntable is turning but liquid is not heating

  • Anonymous Mar 31, 2014

    when microwave is used fan makes noise or totally stops running

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  • Posted on Nov 26, 2007
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In most cases, it's not actually cooking, but instead the fan, turtable and light may be on. Yet it does need attention.

What this usually means is that you have a shorted door switch or a bad door switch mount.

It's easy to tell if it's actually cooking, just place a cup of water inside and see if it heats.

If so, that could mean a stuck relay on the control board. If so, we repair these for customers nationwide with our guaranteed $39.95 service. Far less than a new board.

If you or a friend decide to look into it, we have critical safety information, info on door switch diagnosis and replacement, and
disassembly information at our site, linked here on Fixya: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

Please write back with more details if you need further help.

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

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  • Posted on Jun 15, 2008
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This is an ongoing problem with GE Spacemaker microwaves. It has been reported to the CPSC and they are investigating. A friend of mine had this issue and the FDA/CPSC picked up his unit for testing.

Here is what he did.

I reported it here https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

If this does not work got to https://www.cpsc.gov

Click on "Report an Unsafe Product "

Then choose the "For consumers" line and click on the word "report"

I filled that in and with in a day or so was contacted by this gentleman.

George Kraus 240-276-3298 or [email protected].

Very nice guy that seems genuinely concerned. He was the one that made the arrangements with the testing lab that was local to me. He was also the one that got back to me yesterday with the info on my unit and what was going to happen moving forward.

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  • Master 473 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 18, 2007
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Yes it is running.  This should be checked by a professional for safety reasons.  If it is older I would just replace the microwave because repairs can be too expensive compared to a new one.  Would appreciate a solved rating for expert advice.

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Related Questions:

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Why does my microwave turn on when the door is opened?

It is supposed to. The light comes on and the fan comes on in readiness for food to be placed inside and the microwave energy source to be energised. Then the cooking starts.

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Tappan Speedwave 1000 turns on when door is opened

Microwaves do normally 'turn on', in that the light comes on and the fan starts running. If the turntable starts turning and it is emitting microwave energy, then you need to take it for service or replace it. To me, it sounds fine.
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Troubleshooting- microwave turntable and fan run constantly when door closed, door switches test good, timer can be set and oven runs otherwise; need amana microwave ACM1580AS wiring diagram

I'd look for a defective relay or shorted triac on the control panel circuit board. Either could cause this problem.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_29ad5d1dd86564b0

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Why does light comes on turntable turns when door opens nothing lights on display or nothing works ?

Normally faulty micro switch which needs replacing: Caution: hight voltage may be present so best left to service person
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Samsung microwave oven turntable doesn't turn now. Is it ok to still use to heat/cook food ? What is the problem with it ?

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Microwave turns on when door is open slightly

It's due to the timing of the opening of the door switches.

It's normal in most cases, and it is not cooking.

Normally it's just the light, fan, and/or turntable that come on.

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.
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Turntable goes around when the door is open and the microwave is off.

Do not run the microwave with the door open. You will be cooked. Sooner or later, if there are enough microwave ovens, (and there are), everything that can go wrong with them will, eventually. There are several interlocking safety systems built into every microwave so that they won't work with the door open. Yours may have failed. I've never come across one, but that doesn't mean it can't happen.
It may only have a fault making the fan and turntable operate, which can sound like it's working with the door open. Either way, get it checked or get a new one.
This assumes that the microwave isn't actually supposed to do what it is doing under normal conditions or current programming. Refer to manual/instructions if unsure.:::Spiceweasel.au
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Microwave seems to turn on when door latch is opened

What's happening is you are activating one door switch a little before the other, and that is causing your light, fan, and turntable to come on. The plastic parts are not perfectly rigid, so they flex a little when you press the button, and that causes the lag to be more apparent. Even if you press the door open faster and look really close, you may notice the light, fan, and turntable coming on for a split second. That's perfectly normal. The relay on the control board must also be turned on before it will actually be cooking.
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