MAKE DISPLAY BRIGHTER - SpaceMaker GE Microwave Ovens

The display could be failing due to age.

Change it

youll find over time the fluorescent type displays darken
this is caused by the capacitors on the controller board becoming dried out

you need to replace all the values 1uf - 330uf at least

If you had mentioned your full model number, we could have looked whether the VFD is available as a separate part in case your model has a VFD display, or whether the whole control board would have to be replaced.

If your model has an LCD type display, it may be weak LEDs or other failing components in the display backlight circuit.

We regularly repair microwave displays for $39.95 nationwide.

It's pretty rare for a microwave to have a display brightness feature.

Let us know if we can help you further.

There are two main causes for this dimming:

1. Dust & other particle buildup on the front of the display glass and the rear of the display window. This can be cleaned.

Cleaning the display is easy, but you need to be careful so you don't break the glass.

First you would unplug the microwave or turn off its breaker.

Then see the video here that shows you how to remove your control panel assembly in less than 5 minutes.

Next, disconnect the keypad strip as shown in the photo below, then remove the screws that hold your circuit board in the plastic frame.


Then carefully (since the display is made of glass) remove your circuit board.

Using a soft cloth (since paper towels can scratch) lightly dampened with non-ammonia cleaner (since ammonia can damage some polycarbonate plastics), gently wipe off the front of the glass.

Then gently wipe off the back side of the plastic display window in the plastic control panel frame.

Reassemble, reinstall, and power it up, and it should be brighter, sometimes a whole lot brighter!

If that does not brighten it up enough, then...

2. Your vacuum display tube is wearing out and either the VFD display tube or the whole control circuit board must be replaced, depending on your model number, which you didn't mention.

If you'll contact me with your model number, I can give you an estimate and free do it yourself info.

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

There are two main causes for this:

- Dust & other particle buildup on the front of the display gass and the rear of the display window. This can be cleaned.

- Your vacuum display tube is wearing out and the control circuti board must be replaced.

Cleaning the display is easy, but you need to be careful so you don't break the glass.

First you would unplug the microwave or turn off its breaker.

Then see the video here that shows you how to remove your control panel assembly in less than 5 minutes.

Next, disconnect the keypad strip as shown in the photo below, then remove the screws that hold your circuit board in the plastic frame.



Then carefully (since the display is made of glass) remove your circuit board.

Using a soft cloth (since paper towels can scratch) lightly dampened with non-ammonia cleaner (since ammonia can damage some polycarbonate plastics), gently wipe off the front of the glass.

Then gently wipe off the back side of the plastic display window in the plastic control panel frame.

Reassemble, reinstall, and power it up, and it should be brighter, sometimes a whole lot brighter!

If that does not brighten it up enough, then you will need to replace the entire circuit board, since the display tube on this brand is not available as a separate part.

You can use the disassembly instructions above, and the board can be ordered by entering the full model number from the tag in or on your unit here.

For those with other brands, or whose model does not show up there, see this page for tips to finding helpful exploded views and ordering appliance parts and accessories.

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

One way to help a little is to remove the control unit and clean the front of the glass display and the rear of the plastic display window.

That can brighten it up if there is dust accumulation.

Always use a soft cloth (never a paper towel!) that is damp with non-ammonia cleaner.

In many cases, a weak display is due to backlight circuit trouble.

We repair those for US and Canadian customers, but in the UK you can contact Quality Electronic Repairs. I think they repair these.

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

We regularly repair these control units for customers nationwide by mail for $39.95 postpaid in about a week.

At our site, we now have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

Feel free to contact me directly for more information & help.

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

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