My panel indicator said problem with sensor on a 3 year old GE microwave; can this be fixed? The timer and clock work. It doesn't heat up the food?

This is a strong indicator the magnetron has failed "heats food" and is the heart of the system. If microwave oven is a few years old better to invest in new.

HELLO.

This is the solution to reset your microwave.

1 Pressing the clock button will display the time. You can also use this to know what time it is while cooking.

1. Set the clock by pressing the "Clock" button.

2. Turning the dial on the GE sensor microwave oven will display the hour of the day. Once you have found the correct hour, press the dial in.

3. Again, turn the dial to set the minutes of the day. When this is completed, you will need to press the dial in again on the GE sensor microwave oven.

4. When the time and minutes are set, turn the dial again for a.m. or p.m. Then you will need to press the dial in to save the settings.

5. Press the "Start" button to allow the clock to begin on the GE sensor microwave oven.

Thanks.

you most likely have a defective magnetron (the part that produces microwaves), it is usually cheaper to purchase a new oven...

Check the door safety interlock switches.

Thanks for using FixYa.com

if everything works except the heating, it is most likely the mag tube is on its way out.........that is the most common reason for it not too cook.......since the microwave is a GE and it is 3.5 years old, i would say you are better off buying a new microwave, the mag tube starts at around $70.00 and up + the labor it costs too have a service person put it in........around another $60.00

This more than likely is the magnatron,< heats food >, making noise and not working. it isn,t really easy fix and can be done if you get part and experienced person to walk you through it. Most GE magnatrons have at least 5 yr warranty and if it isn't that old call them first.

IT COULD BE A NUMBER OF THINGS RANGING FROM DIODES TO CAPACITORS TO YOUR MAGNATRON OR THERMOSTAST OR TRANSFORMERS. IT'S DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE WITHOUT SEEING THIS MICROWAVE. YOU MAY BE BETTER OFF GETTING YOURSELF A DIFFERENT ONE.

Sounds like you've had a failure in the microwave portion of the unit.

Microwave not heating problems when the timer/controller board appears to function properly, are related to the following components -

1) Diode
2) Capacitor
3) Transformer
4) Magnetron

Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with yourMicrowave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

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have a GE xl1800 microwave that is not heating the food. The lights work, turntable turns etc. all but no heat. Help this microwave is only 1 years old.