GE Microwave Spacemaker JVM1640BB sounds like it is working but doesn't heat. You get a hum but nothing gets hot. The unit shutdown completely the other day while just using the exhaust fan a few minutes later it came back on we reset the clock and it appeared to be OK. We didn't try to heat anything until today and it runs like it's working but doesn't heat. Ant help would be appreciated! Thanks G

My parents have had a couple of the spacemaker microwaves mounted over the range with the built-in vent. Over time, the seal on the control board gets a crack in it and the steam from cooking below it gets up into the control board and does it in.
Even if yours isn't mounted over the range, it sounds like a main control board failure.

Humming when door is shut. Model #JA229216B 2013. Ge microwave.

This louder, 60 cycle hum is usually caused by a bad magnetron. The unit will not heat when this happens. Repair cost can exceed $100.

More than likely it's the magnetron, chances are it may still be under warranty. Online owners manual states 5 year warranty on magnetron. Part only, service call and installation not included. As of 12/16/10, I spoke with GE rep and new magnetron is on it's way to me. They require serial number, and will let you know if it's still under warranty. Installation appears to be simple, UNPLUG MICROWAVE THEN MAKE SURE YOU DISCHARGE CAPACITOR. INJURY OR POSSIBLE DEATH IF NOT DISCHARGED PROPERLY. Google how to install magnetron and discharge capacitor. It will save you approx $ 250 - 300 doing it yourself. Hope this helps. Be Safe

Hi

Thanks for using FixYa. You can click on the link to download the user manual for your Microwave:

GE JVM1640bb User Manual

Please rate the solution if the issue is resolved or post a comment for further assistance.

Thanks
Rylee

It's probably a shorted high voltage diode.

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.



Also at our Web site, we have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

Also see this: http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/diode.html
(if it's not shorted or burned, it's probably okay)
You can find links to helpful exploded view diagrams and part ordering help here.

I recommend that you bookmark that link to your favorites.We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

magnetron problem DON'T KNOW IF WITH FIXING - WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MYSELF

Please note that FixYa is not currently notifying us Experts when Clarification Requests are answered.

To allow us to help you effectively (at no charge), please post a NEW problem to FixYa, and please include your brand name and the full model number from the tag in or on the unit, your symptoms, as well as the answers to these questions:

- When you try to microwave are the inside light, internal cooling fan and turntable all working?

- Is there any unusual noise or is it louder or quieter than normal?

(A loud buzz, hum, or groan is usually a shorted high voltage rectifier diode, but a sound like gurgling into an empty coffee mug is one symptom of a failed magnetron, and yet the mag can be bad without that sound.L

We have a sound clip here of what a microwave should sound like when the cooling fan and high voltage section are working.

unplug the unit and if you can open the housing and slowly remove the ribbon cable of the touchpad console to the main board. put it back after 5 minutes and try it. let me know what happen.

The control board has been damaged but it can probably be repaired. We repair this common control board problemn on a regular basis for only $39.95 nationwide. If you or a friend decide to work on it, we have *critical* safety, disassembly, and troubleshooting info at our site, which is linked at our listing here on FixYa: http://tinyurl.com/yzjozk You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383 Feel free to contact me directly if you have further questions. I appreciate your thoughtful rating of my reply.