Our GE Eterna Profile Microwave will run for 2 - 10 seconds, and then shut off completely. The Digital readout turns to a bunch of characters, and then if you click "Stop" it prompts you to re-enter the time, am/pm, and date.
If you try to run the microwave again.. it may or may not work. Sometimes it will work for 2 days without the error happening again.. sometimes you get the error 4 or 5 times back-to-back.
The microwave was purchased brand new in 2005... and it is an "over the range" style. Thanks for any help.
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.
If the microwave runs for a few seconds and then shuts off, a door switch might have failed intermittently. Check each of the door switches for any signs of overheating, arcing, or burning. Also check each of them for continuity. Replace any of the switches that is visibly damaged or that only has continuity intermittently
If
the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops there may be a short
circuit in the main control board. Check other components first,
these boards are often misdiagnosed.
If
the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the touchpad and
control panel might be defective. There are several other components
that can cause this problem, be sure to check any other components
before replacing this board.
If
the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the touchpad might be
at fault. This is not common. Generally speaking, if the microwave
display is working and some of the buttons respond correctly but
some don't, the problem is with the touchpad.
If
the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the high voltage
transformer might have an intermittent short. This is not common.
Check other components related to the microwave symptom first.
If
the microwave runs for a few seconds and stops the thermostat might
be defective. Watch our video on testing thermostat
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