Everything seems to work fine until you hit the start button than nothing happens except the timer starts counting down

Possibly a bad door switch behind the holes where the latch hooks go into. Usually with the bad switch the timer counts down but nothing runs. It all depends on which switch is bad. Usually 3 switches inside.

Hi,

Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with your Microwave Oven....

Basic Microwave Oven Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

-===============

I'll presume you can program it ( set the length of time you want to cook)
Does the timer count down?
Does the turntable ( if you have one) turn?
If everything else seems to work properly and it just doesn't cook more then likely the magnetron is bad

$87 from Sears:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/GE-Parts/Microwave-Parts/Model-JE1860WH04/0432/0123245/G0590488/00005?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=

poosible burned contacts on cook relay mounted on circuit board; or, a defective solder connection(s) on same board. another spot to check in the door microswitches.

Not sure what the question is.. But if it is how to start the clock in a COUNT DOWN mode, then:

1, Touch TIMER BUTTON
2. Program in the length of time you want to use, before alarm comes on
3. Hit start button.

Unit will beep at the end the count down.
===========================================

Kindly,

Jim

it could be a defective thermal fuse,h.v. cap,h.v. diode or the magnetron tube are defective

there is a safty door switch,if that switch is not making proper contact this thing happens.open the microwave look for safty switch and replace it or if you know how to open it then clean it and it should work

if the problem is tempermental then is sounde like you may have a failing interlock switch. this is a series of switches that are activated then the door closes. there are normally 3 and you would be looking for/ replacing the middle the Primary interlock...

Hope that helps

there is a thermal fuse inside that is likely blown.
easy to replace just have to google bullet thermal fuse.

Since the inside light and fan don't come on but the timer counts down, I would suspect first a door switch problem, or (less likely) a problem on the control panel.

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

There should also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel, which is very helpful when troubleshooting.

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

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