When I turn the oven on, there is a chemical smell. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it makes the oven unusable. I am the third owner of the oven and once a few years ago did use the self-clean function. I'm not sure how often it was used before then.

If that grinding noise sounds a little like gargling into a coffee cup, that's a defective magnetron.

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

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

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The smell you are describing is typical of a defective magnetron, return item to the store for replacement.

You're describing a common smell that goes along with a magnetron tube that has failed. The magnetron tube makes the microwaves, and will eventually fail if you keep a microwave long enough. They can fail in a couple of different ways, and one is to short out accompanied by that burning smell. It's probably not worth trying to repair your oven because of its age. I don't believe the magnetron is available any longer. If it is, it will be costly, and replacing the tube is best left to a professional because of safety concerns. Your most economical choice would be to replace the oven.

The problem is in the magnetron it has stopped working, if you open the microwave oven door sometimes you can smell what can only be described as an ozone smell and signifies the part in question. It is best to buy new "cheaper" than have it repaired "more costly"

Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with yourMicrowave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101

Sounds like you burned out the magnetron, if so you should discontinue use immediately. This is the bit that emits the microwaves and they will fail with a burnt faintly oily smell to an acrid chemical smell. Magneton replacement should not be attempted by the amateur fix-it man, Find a reputable appliance repair shop or chuck it in!

It's arcing due to the food being attached to the mica plate. It needs to be serviced by an authorized technician. Don't use it or you can break the microwave valve.

The symptoms you are describing are typical of a magnetron that has gone bad. Continuing to attempt to use the oven in its current condition can cause further damage. So, I would recommend not using it. Microwave ovens are considered dangerous and repairs should not be attempted by anyone that is not electronic saavy. The High Voltage Network inside the oven has voltage potentials of 14,000 volts and higher. If you feel this is something you wish to attempt, the Magnetron part number is 1156751 and costs approx. $158. Keep in mind, if the magnetron has been arcing and making a burning smell you may have burned the protective coating that lines the walls of the waveguide. If the waveguide is damaged it is not repairable. I do not know if this is a replaceable item on your model microwave. Double check your warranty information and/or owner's manual. In many cases the magnetron is warranted for several years beyond the limited warranty that comes with most appliances. Post back with comments and let me know if you want me to assist you further. In addition, if you provide me with your EXACT model number (located along the door opening) I can narrow down parts a little better. I know this all sounds discouraging, but I do hope I have been able to help you.

For the smell, do a Google search for "smell microwave" or "odor microwave" for many great tips.

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