Can I replace the surface light switch on a SCA1000HBB microwave or do I have to call for service?

This sounds like the control board also called a smart board in some models has to be replaced.

The service manual is here.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number from the tag on the oven here.

You can download GE owner's manuals and installation instructions here.

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

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

You will need to have the switch replaced.

The circuit board must be replaced.

Should replace microwave wiring may be faulty.

We see (and repair) this a lot. The problem is on the control panel, which we regularly repair nationwide by mail for $39.95 postpaid.

This light failure often occurs when a bulb goes out and the filament shorts, or when the bulbs are removed or installed without first unplugging the oven from the power line. Either can cause such a failure on the controller.

This can often also affect the exhaust fan operation, too. The lights and fan can be inoperable or stuck on too.

Details of our service and critical safety information and disassembly information is at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa.

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

Your post has two distinct model numbers shown, so it's hard to be precise, but I'll try my best.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

I have a diagram at my site which helps you find & replace many GE cooktop and cavity light bulbs. Other models are similar. It's at
http://207.234.249.73/mwd/ge_lamp_replacement.jpg

Always unplug a microwave before removing or installing any bulbs!

If it's an over the range type, remove the vent grille across the top and see if bulbs can be accessed there.

There may be a panel on the bottom covering the light(s), too.

If not, chances are you'll have to remove it from the wall, then remove the outer cover.

Many models use halogen lamps. You must not touch the new one with your bare skin, as the oils will shorten the bulb life.

If yours is an Advantium type, the following instructable should help: http://www.instructables.com/id/SZFF4WSF44XYT8X/?comments=all

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

Manufacturers used to include access panels in the rear or side so you could easily change the bulb. That exposed the customer to 110V connectors, and that posed a real liability threat, so they stopped using them.

You now must generally remove the outer cover to replace the bulb.

In many over-the-range models, that can mean having to take the oven down from the wall! For safety's sake, that should be a two-person job and it's really helpful if you have your original installation instructions to do this.

Many models use one halogen lamp to illuminate the cooktop and another to illuminate the cavity. You must not touch them with your bare skin as the oils will shorten the bulb life.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

The control circuits for the cooktop lights and the hood fan are spearate. The problem is indeed with the control unit. It's usually caused by either the filaments shorting when the lamp blows or by removing or installing the bulbs while the oven is still plugged into the power line. We regularly repair these nationwide for $32.50. Details of our service, as well as *critical* safety and disassembly info at our site, which is linked at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk