Electric heater dead - GE JE2160 Microwave Oven

If the fuse is blown the microwave will be "dead". The fuse is accessed by removing the cover. You can usually find the fuse by following the power cord into the microwave. Unplug the microwave and don't touch anything except the fuse as the capacitor can hold an electrical charge.

Magnatron ( power unit in Microwave ) DEAD , cheaper to buy another Microwave .

please do not proceed. blown fuses is usually because of a bad door switch. there are three or more on every m/w. triple redundancy so high voltage radiation wont leak out and cook you instead of your food. or some times a shorted high voltage capacitor. ! it stores 2000 volts and can kill no joke. so discharge it with a plastic handle screwdrivers :) electricity "its SHOKING "

time for a new microwave?

(would really like more info- digital number dead as well?)

(assuming completely dead) Could be a couple of things:
- blown fuses (inside, relatively easy to replace, std size avail at Raioshack) <-- most likely
- cut/loose power cord connection inside.
- (unlikely but worse case scenario) Door was closed crooked- one tong hit one door switch before the other- causing a short circuit internally that "self destructs" the microwave to prevent it ever operating with an open (or even crookedly ajar) door, irradiating any users. Typically it just blows the fuses, but if fuses blow immediately upon replacing and turning power on, then possibly one of the switches fused or melted internally, and needs to be replaced.

A mains surge may have taken out the fuse. To find the fuse, remove it from the mains, remove the outer cover and follow where the power cable enters the case. There will be a PCBoard with a fuse on it.
Always replace the fuse with one of exactly the same type and value!

It sounds like an internal fuse has blown. Unplug unit and carefully open the top cover to provide access to the A.C. power cord entry point. Hopefully the fuse is located in that area and is the older style 1/2" long glass or ceramic body with metal endcap on each end. ONLY REPLACE WITH A FUSE THAT HAS IDENTICAL ELECTRICAL RATINGS! After replacing the fuse and top cover reconnect the unit to the A.C. outlet and check to see if it is still dead. Still dead = repair shop time.

NOTE: Use a "fused" A.C. outlet strip (usually 6 outlets with circuit breaker) for your "after fuse replaced" testing. This gives you additional protection against accidentally tripping a breaker in your homes electrical panel.

Bill,
I have the same unit. It just happened to me. DId you find a resolution?
I was using it on the oven mode and it just stopped working. It's completely dead.
Thanks
Bob

Rheem makes great products. Lowe's sells whirlpool brand and they are not all that bad for the money. I would buy something better than the budget 7 year warranty model though. My preferred choice is AO Smith. I would definitely replace your water heater if it is 15 years old- most don't go much longer than that, although mine is 27 years old and going strong! Please remember to make sure and extend your pressure relief valve down to within 6 inches of the floor when replacing the water heater as Code requires. A water heater blanket will also earn its keep in a short amount of time.

check the themal fuse if that is blown nothing will work