Microwave runs as if all is well but will not heat

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Mar 16, 2008

SOURCE: Everything works... except the heat!

This is usually caused by either a bad door switch, a loose door switch mount, or a problem on the control panel.

Even though a door switch clicks, it may still be bad inside. Its continuity must be checked.

Switch or mount trouble can be caused by slamming the door or by opening the door while it's cooking without hitting the Stop pad first.

If you someone you know decide to look into it, we have critical information on safety, disassembly and door switches at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk

You can probably find an exploded view by entering your FULL model number here: http://www.searspartsdirect.com

A full Sears/Kenmore model number usually has 3 digits, a dot, then 8 more digits, such as ###.########

If you think the problem is on the control panel, which we repair these nationwide for $39.95 postpaid.

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

Steve Allison

• 5569 Answers
• Posted on Aug 27, 2008

SOURCE: GE XL 1800 quit heating

I don't like to pass on your problem but it sounds very much like either the high voltage supply ot the magnetron has bit the dust.
Either one would make the repair marginal at best.

This is apparently not a very good unit, many microwaves jsut kind of fade away as their magnetron emissions decay.

This one seems to have a bad rep. look at this link:

http://www.fixya.com/search/p489218-ge_xl1800_1100_watts_microwave_oven/not_heat

Sorry, have owned a lemon or two myself.

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Feb 15, 2009

SOURCE: GE spacemaker Microwave-Model # JVM1441WD003 no heat -clock ok

This is usually caused by either a bad door switch or a loose door switch mount, which are pretty simple problems to fix.

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

One test that sometimes helps is to gently lift up (and/or push down) on the door or handle as you try to start it. If it works or tries to work, then it's a door switch mount or door alignment issue.

If you or someone you know decide to look into it, we have critical information on safety, disassembly and door switches at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa:.

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

There should also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, 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.

If you think the problem is on the control panel, we repair these nationwide by mail for $39.95 postpaid in most cases in about a week or so.

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