20 Most Recent GE JVM1650 1000 Watts Microwave Oven - Page 9 Questions & Answers

might just be magnetron and diode and thats not to terrible cost wise but if the smoke is real heavy the transformer may be burned as well and its not worth it then. mag & diode price with labor should only be $150-180 and add on an extra $120 for transformer

This is almost always due to a defective or loose magnetron causing electrical interference and disruption in the control circuit board.

Details covering some previous models are in the GE bulletin here. Even if your model is not on the list, the same problem can occur.

If your magnetron was recently replaced, it may have loose mounting nuts or bolts or maybe the wire mesh RF gasket was not installed or got pinched.


NOISY MAGNETRON TEST (c) 2009 and posted by William E. Miller [email protected] (permission granted)
(I the poster am the copyright holder on this and hereby grant permission to this site keep this on its site)


(PLEASE do not be fooled into thinking that the procedure outlined at this link is a "fix". It should only be regarded as another test method to prove that you have a noisy magnetron which must be replaced.)

One way to test it is to do the following:

1. Unplug the microwave or turn off its breaker.
2. Open the door, then detach the control panel as shown in the video at http://www.microwavedisplay.com and swing it down, but without disconnecting the wires. If you have any trouble getting the grille off once the screws are removed, slide the hood vent grille to the left about 1/4", then then pull it forward. On some models there are L-shaped clips that fit into a slot to hold bottom of the vent.
3. Plug the microwave back in.
4. Make sure neither you nor anyone else reaches in behind the control panel. There will exposed high-voltage connections.
5. Put a few cups worth of water in a microwave-safe container and place it inside the microwave.
6. Shut the door.
7. Run the microwave for about 1 minute or so on full power. (Time Cook > 1 > 0 > 0 > Start, e.g.)
8. If it does not fail, try it several more times.
9. When the water boils, change the water and try again.

NOTE: If your model does not have a door handle, you will need to unplug the oven and reattach the control panel to be able to open the door.

If it still does not fail, I would recommend that you put it all back together and keep using it until it fails more consistently, then repeat this test.

If it keeps failing while the board is in the down position, you either have a very leaky magnetron or possibly another problem.

So you can then get a Ziploc bag and insert a flat piece of aluminum foil into the Ziploc and close it.

Then (with the power off) tape it over the circuit board as best you can, covering it as much as you can, making sure it does not get snagged or punctured.

Then try the oven again. Do not leave this test shield in place as a "fix". It is not safe.

While a microwave should never be left running unattended under any circumstances (as your owner's manual will tell you) it's even more important when one is exhibiting a failure or any odd behavior. So play it safe and stay with it while it's running!

If you or someone you know want to replace the magnetron yourself, you will need to remove the oven from the wall.

If so, the installation instructions are very handy, and it's best to have two people since the microwave can be heavy and awkward.

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

There should be a "mini-manual" (tech sheet) hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, which is very helpful when troubleshooting, testing, and locating components.



You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here. I recommend that you bookmark that link to your favorites.

If it's within the magnetron portion of the warranty (usually 5-9 years) but out of the original full warranty (usually 1 year), then your manufacturer will cover the part cost, but not the cost to visit you or the labor charge to do the work.

G.E. will send you the magnetron to do it yourself. Call them at 888-239-6832.

If it is not within the magnetron warranty, you can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

Q - The microwave makes a loud "hum or buzz" noise but will not heat up the food?
A - 9 times out of 10 this is usually this is a bad magnetron, the other time is sometimes a bad high voltage diode. See components section.
Q - My microwave is running and sounds like it is working but will not heat up anything.
A - Many thing can do this but, common things are....loose high voltage wire.....poor solder joint on board.....magnetron.....power relay.....
Q - The microwave display counts down and the inside light is on, but nothing is heating and the fan is not running.
A - This most commonly is a bad door switch, other possible problems are a faulty relay or solder joint on the power module, but a bad door switch is most common.
There's no heat, but it buzzes loudly When the microwave won't heat, but you hear a loud buzz, you usually have a defective power diode, high-voltage capacitor, or magnetron. You can get required parts from www.repairclinic.com
This will help. Thanks please keep updated.please do rate the solution positively .thank you for using fixya

probably blew the magnetron or high voltage transformer DONT test either unless u discharge the capacitor possible shock risk that unit is still live even unplugged.... i wanna telll you these days that micros are disposable items because the parts are gonna cost more than just to buy a new one plus if any arching occured that same problem is gonna occur again if it did work so basicallly that miro is kapout... hope this helped

U most definitely have a failure of the magnetron, i have no idea what this diode fix is, so suspect it is an urban legend, read many such things on fixya, in any event it is an expensive part so here is how you test the magnatron:
Testing a megnetron:
NOTE: Before you test this component, make sure your microwave is unplugged, and that you have discharged the capacitor.
There are two tests to conduct in order to determine whether or not a magnetron has become defective. If you receive results other than what are detailed below, you will have to replace your microwave's magnetron. Each test is described for you here:
TEST 1: Locate your magnetron and label each of the wires attached to it so that you know which wires are to be replaced where. Set your ohmmeter to the lowest resistance scale. Take a resistance measurement between each of the magnetron's terminals by touching each probe to one terminal each. Reverse the probes and take a second resistance measurement. Each measurement should read less than one ohm.
TEST 2: Set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale. Touch one of the meter's probes to a magnetron terminal. Touch the other probe to the metal magnetron housing. Take special caution to not touch the two probes together. This could result in an inaccurate reading. This test should produce a reading of infinity - indicating an open circuit.
If the magnetron is defective here is the way to replace it, the oven must be removed from any built in enclosure.
As far as replacment goes have a certified and experienced appliance repair technician examine and replace your magnetron. This task is much too dangerous for the average layman to perform on his own.

replaced the unit.

Very easy - remove the lower plate on the bottom where the fan and lights are. 3 screws across the front, two on each side. This plate will come down, and the motor will be right there on the bottom of the cavity directly below the turntable coupling.

Go to www.microwaveglasstrays.com to find the motor.

In all likelihood the mangnetron, the main heating "element" has failed, or perhaps even the Power Supply. You need to have it serviced by a reputable service centre/man. Ensure you get a firm "Quote" before proceeding, and remember these days the cost of repair can equal or exceed the price of a new one.

This problem is commonly caused by a turntable motor that has worn out and needs replaced. The following link explains how to access and replace one:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3555716-replacing_a_turntable_motor_on_a_microwa

This is a very simple repair, that usually is not expensive. The motor usually averages about $35 - $40, but the price also depends upon the model. This repair can also be performed on an over the range model microwave oven WITHOUT uninstalling it.

You can purchase replacement parts at the any of the following websites:

searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com

The first three sites listed offer helpful exploded view diagrams to assist you in parts location/identification. If you have any questions, please post back with your model number and let me know. I hope this helps you.

That means your microwave is broken. Replace it or go on a service.

There many be an internal fuse that has blown.

To find out you will need to dismantle it, if you feel that you are skilled enough to do this.

If it is very old (old than, say, 5 years), then it might be better to replace the oven. (They deteriorate slowly and if it is old, then it may not be working as well as when it was bought).

sounds more to me like a control bd issue or power flucation magnatron or element wont affect the display

Try your oven on another circuit in your house. It is curious that your oven doesn't blow its own fuse before the house one. If it doesn't blow the fuse in the "new" circuit, check to see what is really on the kitchen circuit. It might, in fact, be overloaded. Good luck.

sounds like you will be needing a new turntable motor and perhaps the coupling as well.

Seems like you have a bad magnetron and it may need to be replaced or you may just want to save yourself the hassle, and get a replacement. Hope that helps.

The fuse is protecting the unit from over heating and catching on fire. Either the electrical circuitry is bad in the unit or in the outlet you are using. You can test the outlet with a voltmeter to test the outlet to see if it is good or try another similar type of appliance. Chances are, it is the microwave.

It usually cost a lot to fix a cooking problem on microwave. Take it in for consult only. Compare repair price to new price before deciding. Don't ask them to come to your house. It will cost! You can get repair or replacement ins. to cover all your used appliances. Including heating and cooling. Not very expensive. Check on line.