MODEL PVM1870SM3SS is stopped working

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Dec 08, 2008

SOURCE: microwave dead even though power works

It sounds like the magnetron overheated and opened the thermal fuse on the magnetron.

This can be caused when the internal cooling fan is not running or by a magnetron that is failing.

When I say internal cooling fan, I do not mean the hood vent exhaust fan which you can turn on and off manually.

I'm instead talking about the internal fan which comes on automatically whenever you microwave.

It is vital that the cooling fan runs, or the magnetron will be destroyed.

There should 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.

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

The magnetron will have a 5 to 9 year warranty. Your manual will tell you that.

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

If needed, GE may send you a replacement magnetron. GE Customer Service is 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 Jun 08, 2009

SOURCE: My GE Profile Microwave/Convection Oven stopped working.

Chances are that the thermostat / thermal cutout / T.C.O. (whichever it uses) has opened.

This can happen when the magnetron overheats, either due to it's failing, or if the internal cooling fan is not working.

It may also that be the 15- or 20A ceramic line fuse or the oven cavity thermostat / thermal cutout / T.C.O. (whichever it uses) has opened.

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.

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

You should be able to get the fuse from a home center or local appliance parts store.

Accessing some components for testing and possible replacement will require you to remove the oven from the wall.

If so, the installation instructions are very handy, and it's best to have two people since the microwave can be heavy and awkward.

You can download GE owner's manuals and installation instructions 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 Jul 07, 2009

SOURCE: microwave won't heat

Sorry my Clarification Request came out as a single blob of a paragraph.

That's not how I typed it. I never write that way!

So I've pasted it here, but as a solution.



Magnetrons generally should last about 2000 hours, but several factors can shorten that.

If it's not OVER ten years old (from the purchase date or the date on the tag inside the unit) then the magnetron is still under warranty.

From the owner's manual:

"For the second through the tenth year from the date of original purchase

"The magnetron tube, if the magnetron tube fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this nine-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or in-home service costs.

"For the above limited warranty: To avoid any trip charges, you must take the microwave oven to a
General Electric Customer Care® servicer and pick it up following service. In-home service is also
available, but you must pay for the service technician’s travel costs to your home."

GE Customer Service is here, and you can verify the warranty status and find your nearest authorized servicer.

If you're sure the magnetron's bad, it's still under warranty, and you or a friend are handy, they will send you the magnetron to do it yourself. Call them at 888-239-6832.

Be persistent. You may have to speak with a supervisor.

It does sound like the magnetron overheated and the magnetron's thermostat opened until it cooled down.

An overheating magnetron can be due to:

• operating oven without cover(s) in place
• wrong magnetron installed in oven
• an old or otherwise failing magnetron
• cracked magnetron magnet
• improper power line voltage (should be 110-125VAC)
• foods low in moisture (popcorn & bacon, e.g. - add 1/2 cup of water in rear oven)
• failed or inoperable cooling fan or hood vent exhaust fan
• deteriorating foam weatherstripping seals in air ducts or on outside cover
• blocked air vents (dust, animal nest debris, insufficient free air space behind & around oven, etc.)
• clogged or greasy charcoal filter or grease filter
• blocked duct in hood vent exhaust

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jul 25, 2009

SOURCE: GE Eterna Microwave stops after a few seconds, must reset clock..

The first thing I would suggest is a hard reset. Unplug the unit for a minute or so. Then plug it back in, set the clock and try again.

If that doesn't work, leave it unplugged for about 5 minutes.

Otherwise, this is almost always due to a defective or loose magnetron causing electrical interference and disruption in the control circuit board.

Details covering some previous models are in their bulletin here. Even if your model is not on the list, the same problem can occur.

If your magnetron was recently replaced, it may have loose mounting nuts or bolts or maybe the wire mesh RF gasket was not installed or got pinched.

NOISY MAGNETRON TEST (c) 2009 William E. Miller [email protected]

(PLEASE do not be fooled into thinking that the procedure outlined at this link is a "fix". It should only be regarded as another test method to prove that you have a noisy magnetron which must be replaced.)

One way to test it is to do the following:

1. Unplug the microwave or turn off its breaker.
2. Open the door, then detach the control panel as shown in the video at http://www.microwavedisplay.com and swing it down, but without disconnecting the wires. If you have any trouble getting the grille off once the screws are removed, slide the hood vent grille to the left about 1/4", then then pull it forward. On some models there are L-shaped clips that fit into a slot to hold bottom of the vent.
3. Plug the microwave back in.
4. Make sure neither you nor anyone else reaches in behind the control panel. There will exposed high-voltage connections.
5. Put a few cups worth of water in a microwave-safe container and place it inside the microwave.
6. Shut the door.
7. Run the microwave for about 1 minute or so on full power. (Time Cook > 1 > 0 > 0 > Start, e.g.)
8. If it does not fail, try it several more times.
9. When the water boils, change the water and try again.

NOTE: If your model does not have a door handle, you will need to unplug the oven and reattach the control panel to be able to open the door.

If it still does not fail, I would recommend that you put it all back together and keep using it until it fails more consistently, then repeat this test.

If it keeps failing while the board is in the down position, you either have a very leaky magnetron or possibly another problem.

So you can then get a Ziploc bag and insert a flat piece of aluminum foil into the Ziploc and close it.

Then (with the power off) tape it over the circuit board as best you can, covering it as much as you can, making sure it does not get snagged or punctured.

Then try the oven again. Do not leave this test shield in place as a "fix". It is not safe.

While a microwave should never be left running unattended under any circumstances (as your owner's manual will tell you) it's even more important when one is exhibiting a failure or any odd behavior. So play it safe and stay with it while it's running!

If you or someone you know want to replace the magnetron yourself, you will need to remove the oven from the wall.

If so, the installation instructions are very handy, and it's best to have two people since the microwave can be heavy and awkward.

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

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.



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

If it's within the magnetron portion of the warranty (usually 5-9 years) but out of the original full warranty (usually 1 year), then your manufacturer will cover the part cost, but not the cost to visit you or the labor charge to do the work.

Sometimes they will send you the magnetron to do it yourself. Call them at 888-239-6832.

Be persistent. You may have to speak with a supervisor.

If it is not within the magnetron warranty, you can 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: The microwave part of GE profile JVM1190

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