GE Microwave Doesn't Work, Timer Ok

SOURCE: Microwave stopped working

There is a internal locking mechanisim that has 2 or more switches that is usually attached with two or more screws next to the door latch side. Crack open the micro and adjust this by shutting the door then pushing this assy toward the latches untill all the switches look like they are being pushed in fully. If this doesn't solve the problem one of the switches or possibly more are defective. Call a local appliance repair center and get a switch there called micro switches.

SOURCE: GE Built-in Microwave (JE1540w002) NO Heat and turntable not moving.

locate the diagram and check you monitor switch it is one of your door switches

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jan 04, 2009

SOURCE: GE microwave TURNTABLE slow-erratic and noisy JVM 1860 SD 002

The turntable system consists of the motor, the coupler, the turntable support with rollers, and the tray.

You can see and hear a video of how a turntable motor should sound when you rotate it by hand.

If yours won't rotate or it sounds like it's grinding, etc., you may have a bad motor or plastic coupler.

To replace either, you need to unplug power, then remove the bottom cover of the oven.

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.

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.

You can usually 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.

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jan 23, 2009

SOURCE: Microwave won't heat, and turntable doesn't turn

All the parts you mention are very inexpensive, but yours does not have a triac.

It could be the cook relay, but it's more likely to be a switch.

Looking at the schematic, it's probably a bad primary interlock (upper door switch) or maybe its mount is bad.

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 you have a broken mount, it's usually more economical and safer to just add a dab or two of hot glue to the mount to secure the switch. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.

Here are some helpful links:
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/safety.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/disassembly.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/doorsw.txt

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

There may also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or elsewhere, 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.

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

SOURCE: I have a GE Spacemaker

If everything works, but the microwave oven does not heat, this is commonly caused by a failed magnetron. The magnetron is essentially, the heart of the oven. This is what produces the RF energy that heats your food.
Here's what you need to determine whether or not its worth fixing:
1. You will need to uninstall the oven from over the range in order to replace the part (you will need to do this anyway, if you decide to buy a replacement oven).
2. You will need to ensure the oven is UNPLUGGED before servicing anything inside the cabinet. You will need to remove the exterior case in order to access the magnetron. There are several websites that you can use that illustrate how the oven is assembled:
searspartsdirect.com pcappliancerepair.com appliancepartspros.com
If you've never repaired an appliance on your own before, a microwave oven is usually not a recommended appliance to start with. Some models can be rather involved in taking apart.
3, The magnetron replacement part number for the model you have listed is WB27X10305. The average cost is about $80. NOTE: I found the part listed for the best price at appliancepartspros.com at a cost of $76.
You need to decide whether or not $80 and the amount of labor involved is worth the effort as opposed to replacing the entire oven at a higher cost and less labor (other than the installation). Review the parts illustrations at the recommended websites to see if this is something that you may be able easily take apart and reassemble.
If you have any questions, please post back and let me know. I hope you find this information helpful
CAUTION: DO NOT operate a microwave oven with the exterior cover off. The voltage inside the High Voltage network where the magnetron is installed can exceed 3,000 volts.

Testimonial: "Hi jsrock516 - thanks for your expert information. I don't think this is something we can fix on our own and as you said probably cheaper to replace. "