GE Spacesaver over the range microwave oven

Posted by sclieu on Feb 01, 2008

Ok, this is both a request for more information as well as some updates and information for others that are novice like me.

First, the findings... I took an ohmmeter and tested the magnetron by touching it's 2 connectors. This resulted in no resistance (expected). I then touched each of the connector to the housing...this resulted in no resistance (NOT expected). From reading online, I should have seen infinite resistance. Assuming I'm correct (please, please, please), I went to remove the magnetron. Now, I read that the GE magnetron is under warranty for like 8-10 years. Well, mine is made in Oct 2000, and so I believe it's still under warranty. However, I also read that they will only replace the magnetron by an authorized GE installer....soooo my question is if there is a way for me to get a free magnetron from GE being that it's still under warranty, BUT I did the uninstall myself? Can I pay a service guy to order it and give him my 'bad' one?

On to how it was done:
I had to unmount the XL1400 from the wall. To do this, there are 3 screws on top of the microwave that was screwed through my top cabinet. These are easily removable. Next, I had to figure out how it was still mounted to the wall. I read some posting that says that there is a U bracket on the lower back of the microwave connected to a J bracket, and was trying to wiggle it out but that was unsuccessful. The microwave seemed like it was still bolted on with something in the back, so I went online to search more on what was holding it on. Unfotunately, 1 minute later, the microwave fell, but fortunately it only fell a short distance to the stove and it was still connected to the wall so the fall was slowed down..the mounting brackets just bented.

I saw how it was connected. Basically there are about 3 notchlike things along the back bottom connecting it to the wall frame. To unlatch them, I should have lifted only the back of the microwave and not the front and back (hard to do with a stove in your way and top cabitnet didn't give much room either to lift up). In any case, it's out.

I then had to remove the front control panel (a bunch of screws here and there), disconnect the connectors. Ddon't forget to discharge the HV Capacitor (I left mine unplugged for like 45 minutes as well since I was a bit nervous, and then touched the 2 terminals on the capacitor). Unfortunately, I still could not get to where I needed to go...the magnetron.

Next, I removed the fan housing...a few screws...wiggle out. Behind it finally, was a huge transformer and the 'magical' magnetron. My next hurdle was to unscrew the magnetron.

Well, this was harder than I thought. There's only 4 screws on top holding it on, but to get to the screws, I had to remove the outside housing (easy, just look for the screws along it's side). I thought I could get to it by removing the panel where one of the fuse was connected to (which was above the control panel on the inside) but that was fruitless. It only gave me a peak into the area, but no access. I had to remove the housing.

Finally, I was able to unscrew the magnetron...Finished? NO! Because the transformer was below the magnetron, I did not have enough clearance to get that damn magnetron out because of it's antennae. Next, I had to remove more screws so that I could lower the transformer. A few in the front, back, and sides. This allowed me to loosen the flooring that was bolted to the transformer, and finally, I got the magnetron out. I did this because I could not reach the 4 screws that were holding the transformer in it's place.

In any case, I know I must have done at least 10 things wrong, and probably did everything the long way, but at least I figured it out. Hopefully, someone can take this post and learn from it.

If anyone has any ideas about getting my warrantied magnetron, please let me know ASAP! My microwave is all over my kitchen table.

BTW, if you would like to see any pictures of the gutted beast, let me know. I will have it open until I figured where and how to get my magnetron (hopefully for free) ...at least a day or 2.

Thanks

Posted by sclieu on Jan 25, 2008

Regarding the bad solder connections, would this be an obvious visual inspection for any disconnected/loose wires? If none, then replacing the magnetron would be the next bet?

Any ideas of how difficult to do either? I found a web site for the magnetron part, and it was around $130. Is this reasonable?

Thanks!

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