I have a GE JES1131 microwave that was manufactured in 2000. it makes a fairly loud humming noise, burning smell and does not heat at all. it has had an intermittent humming sound for a while but has still worked until now. Does this indicate a specific problem that I can fix? I have some electrical knowledge but wonder if I should attempt to repair it ?

SOURCE: GE Spacesaver JVM 1651 Not heating, making burning smell

Fisrt, check to be sure your missing cat it not inside the unit. IF the interior is dirty (splatters, grease, etc.) , it may inhibit the unit from working properly.

:-)

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Dec 13, 2008

SOURCE: GE Profile Spacemaker Microwave - won't heat

Thanks for making your post very detailed and including the model number. That really helps! :)

With the symptoms you have, I would most strongly suspect a shorted high voltage rectifier diode or a bad magnetron.

The diode is a fairly easy & cheap do-it-yourself fix, and the mag will cost more.

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

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.

Here are some links you or someone you know can use for test help, but read their safety warnings first:

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/diode.html (if it's not shorted, it's probably okay)

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/xformer.html

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.

SOURCE: GE Spacemaker XL1800(JVM1850CF001) - Loud Humming noise

You either have a bad magnetron tube (5 or 10 year parts warranty item through GE Factory Service 1-800-432-2737 or www.geappliances.com) or a shorted high voltage rectifier. I think the light being out is a secondary problem.

SOURCE: My GE spacemaker microwave won't heat and makes an unusual sound

I have the same problem on my oven- model JVM1640WB and called an appliance repairman who is honest and reliable (I've used him before). He said the problem is with the electrode, to fix it is roughly $300. He recommended buying a new microwave rather than fixing it.

SOURCE: GE JVM1850CH06 microwave no heat with loud humming sound

With the details you described, the high voltage diode might be shorted( usually HVR 1X). It is connected from the Capacitor and the chassis, or else the capacitor is the one at fault,but not common .