Want to convert to outside vent, through ceiling. model jvm1440wh01 Do I need an adaptor. Do I need to block the inside vent system, over the door. I'm assumming it is a convertable model. I don't have a manual, how can I get one?

GE has the manuals for most of their products on their support site: http://www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/literature.htm?icid=GEARsupportflyout-manuals . The direct link to the Owner's Manual for the JVM1440WH01 is currently https://www.myapstore.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher?RequestType=PDF&Name=49-40473.pdf . This particular model's support page is https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/assembly/JVM1440WH01 .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Hi Kerry,
"PF" is power falure if you didn't aready know this. It sounds to me like the coolig fan might be running slow or there is blocked or restricted air flow through the unit. This cooling fan is only for the HV transformer and magnetron. Sometimes you may get air flow around the door but this is incidental. The PF tells me that the power is being interrupted either at the power source (wall outlet or circuit breaker) or the magnetron TCO is cutting out. It also could be a bad magnetron running too hot. As far as the steam goes, I usually just leave the door open on my microwave for 10 or 15 minutes to let the condensation evaporate.

I usually choose an outside wall if possible to vent outside. You can buy a rear vent that is superior to a dryer vent. When this isn't possible you need a rectangular duct going up through your cabinet and up through your ceiling. hopefully you have an attic or you have to switch to a 5 inch tube going sideways (above your cabinets (if there is space) to the outside wall. If it goes into an attic you have to cut through the shingles to a vent made for bathroom and or hood vents. The motor and blower assembly inside your microwave is designed to turn to be front facing, rear facing or vertical facing. Just unscrew or break out the side that you need to vent through.

Most of these over the range models come already set up for unvented operation. That is, set up for use with no outside vent. The oven will filter air through the a charcoal filter inside the upper grill and the vent covers underneath. If you ever wish to change the operation to allow the unit to vent outdoors, you need to change the direction of the blower fan assemby inside the top of the microwave oven. These instructions should be listed in the installation manual that comes with your oven.

Interesting post, because I have the same problem! I have spent the better part of today researching and taking our microwave apart (partially) to inspect the top portion re: outside vent. Everytime the microwave is on, the "active vent door" (manufacturer's term, not mine!) opens. Apparently this is normal. But it also opens when you turn on the vent fan, when cooking on the stovetop. I don't like this feature, because I think it 'overrides' the outside venting system. I double checked our outside vent to ensure that when this oven was installed, the person did in fact allow the flap to be open when the fan is on (he did). So I think what 'our' problem is, is that the microwave active vent sort of interferes with the outside vent, thus more of the cooking smell being blown into the house instead of the outdoors. I was thinking of simply disconnecting the gizmo that make the active vent door open each time you use the oven and/or vent fan option however I don't think that's a good idea as apparently the main purpose of the active vent door is to keep the electronics of the microwave oven from overheating. The more I read about this version of microwave, the less impressed I am with it. Lots of electronic issues with it. I am not fussy either with having the microwave over the cooktop. Sorry I don't have a solution for your problem but I do feel your pain!!!

Quite often this is due to grease or food particles stuck to the inside of the oven or stuck on or behind the waveguide cover.

The waveguide cover is usually about the size of a playing card and often held in place by a plastic rivet.

In some models it is the plastic ceiling.

It can be fragile, and the metal edges of the oven behind it can be sharp, so be careful!

The cover and the metal behind it should be cleaned with a mild, non-ammonia cleaner.

If the cavity metal of the oven is chipped or charred, it will have to be sanded smooth and clean and dried thoroughly.

Then you can apply some high-temperature appliance paint, available from places like Wal-Mart, Lowe's or Builder's Square.

If your waveguide cover is burned, it will need to be replaced.

If you need more specific help, please reply back with your brand and full model number.

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

William E. Miller, AS-EET
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com

If this microwave has vented outside in the past then most likely a bird or something has built i nest in or on the vent blocking airflow. If its always been this way then in order for this model to vent though an exterior duct the blower motor has to be flipped so that it blows upwards and a vent connector needs to be installed. This is a fairly easy process once the microwave has been taken down but can be dangerous because there is a capacitor that holds 4000 volts that can discharge though the cabinet if you're not careful.

Generally, the most common causes of a failure to heat are:

- bad door switches or door switch mounts
- loose connection at the magnetron
- problem or loose connection on the control unit circuit board
- bad magnetron or other high voltage part (such as a shorted diode)

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

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

Also, since you have a GE, there should also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel, which is very helpful when troubleshooting.

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

You will need the take the microwave down and take the shell off. Then take the vent fan out and turn it around the opposite direction and it will blow the other way.

Yes this can be done.  The unit will need to be taken down and the vent fan will need to be reversed.