All the controls along with the timer / clock work. The problem is that the mircrowave does not heat the food.

This clearly indicates a bad magnetron, "heats food" in most cases it is cheaper to replace the microwave oven than have it repaired, since the magnetron is the heart of the unit.

probably a defective magnetron; very common for this vintage microwave. there are usually generic magnetrons available; as the original GE part will be expensive.

chances are u have a bad transformer,scrap it

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

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

ggk

The light inside the micro wave needs to be replaced most have a door on the back side that yo can remove the screw and unscrew the bulb and take to a applince shop and purchance a new one to replace.

I'd say the actual microwave generator has gone bad.

hi,
              When your oven doesnt heat up please do the following,

1. Check timer and clock settings
   
2. Reseat the element
   
3. Test the element
   
4. Test the element connectors
   
5. Test the oven temperature control
   
6. Test the oven selector control
   

For more details refer to http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/range/erange.php

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.

I also have the Sharp Carosoul oven, symptoms - fan runs, controls are fine but the turntable stopped turning and it did not heat. It was not the switches, fuse, but in fact a sagging door that misaligned with the door switches. The true cause was a warn top hinge. As a temporary fix, I adjusted the bottom hinge (3 screws underneath), straightened the door, and now it works again.