My microwave has two tubular bulbs for illuminating the range below. One is constantly burning out bulbs (they only last for a day or two). I checked the specs, which call for a 40-watt bulb, and that's what I am using. Any ideas? The other bulb (the left one) seems to be fine. P.S. I did not disconnect the power before changing the bulb, but the lights were in the off position.
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That does sound odd! On one hand, I would suspect that maybe the door is getting slammed and that vibration may be contributing to the failure. But that would be much more likely for an incandescent bulb than a fluorescent type. Which is yours? You may have a bad connection on the socket which is causing some excess heat. Does the blown bulb look funny on the ends or at the connection? Assuming you're using the bulb your manual calls for, and the socket is okay, it may be a problem on the control board. Once you've digested this reply, let me know what you find and we can take it from there.
Posted on Oct 20, 2006
Then I'd say you have a damaged the control panel assembly, which we repair nationwide for $32.50.
This is indeed caused by not disconnecting the microwave from the power line when removing or installing a bulb, but the lights do not have to be on for it to cause a failure.
We see this all the time.
Even though it's not display repair, per se, I would suggest you do a search on Yahoo.com (not Google) for:
microwave circuit repair
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I too am having problems with a GE Spacemaker eating bulbs. Mine are the bottom lights to light a stove top, not the interior oven light. There are two small halogen bulbs. I bought them on-line, the brand is Bulbrite. They are not easy to find, but I will try Lowes or Walmart next.
Posted on Jun 19, 2007
SOURCE: Light bulbs
fan may have a lot of vibration. or the MAGNETRON is kicking back a jolt. or your slamming the door too hard.
Posted on May 12, 2008
SOURCE: 40 watt night light bulbs constantly burn out short out.
Is they are left on all the time, this can reduce their life, and they are more susceptible to vibration.
Have you checked at home center or home improvement centers like Lowe's, Builder's Square or Home Depot?
You can order quality parts such as lamps by entering your full
model number or part number WB36X10003 here.
Always be sure the microwave is unplugged or the breaker is off when installing or removing bulbs, and be sure the bulbs and and your hands are clean when installing them.
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Posted on Feb 14, 2009
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The bulbs are incandescent. The socket doesn't seem any more loose than the one that is working fine.
When the bulb goes, not only the filament is broken, but the metal backing wire as well.
Both bulbs are Sylvania bulbs, both from Lowe's. I wonder if it's a quality issue with the bulbs. I suppose the least expensive option is to buy a different brand bulb from another store and see if the problem persists.
Perhaps the attached photo will help (it's not easy taking a picture of a burned-out bulb!)
Apparantly it was a bulb quality issue. I had used Sylvania bulbs from Lowe's. I bought a GE bulb from Wal-Mart, almost a dollar less, mind you, and it has worked fine for over a month.
Thanks for all your suggestions - and I'll make sure I disconnect the power before changing a bulb (although I don't see how this would matter, because there is no power going to the bulb socket when the circuit is closed).
lights under the micro oven burn out fast. use 30 watt.
thanks
I have the same problem, and I too did not unplug the microwave before changing the light bulbs, but the switch was off. The light bulbs that were in there before were in there when we moved in two years before, so I know that they can last more than a month (or in the case of the last two light bulbs, one day.
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