Is there an easy fix for a microwave that does not heat?

SOURCE: GE Built-in Microwave (JE1540w002) NO Heat and turntable not moving.

locate the diagram and check you monitor switch it is one of your door switches

SOURCE: Microwave oven does not heat anything

Spacemaker XL 1400 worked for 7 years.Yesterday, no more heat. Also plastic door damaged.
will try Panasonic or something commercial

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Jan 23, 2009

SOURCE: Microwave won't heat, and turntable doesn't turn

All the parts you mention are very inexpensive, but yours does not have a triac.

It could be the cook relay, but it's more likely to be a switch.

Looking at the schematic, it's probably a bad primary interlock (upper door switch) or maybe its mount is bad.

Even though a door switch clicks, it may still be bad inside.

Door switch or mount trouble is usually caused by slamming the door or by opening the door while it's cooking without hitting the Stop pad first.

There are plastic mounts inside the microwave which hold the door switches and onto which the door latches lock when you close the door.

The screws on these mounts may be loose. If they get too loose, the switches will not be activated properly.

Sometimes it's a broken tab on the switch holder, allowing the switch to rotate just out of position. This tab can be hard to see, since it is under the bottom edge of the switch.

If you have a broken mount, it's usually more economical and safer to just add a dab or two of hot glue to the mount to secure the switch. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.

Here are some helpful links:
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/safety.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/disassembly.txt
http://www.microwavedisplay.com/doorsw.txt

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

There may also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or elsewhere, which is very helpful when troubleshooting & testing.

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.

If you only need a switch, you can order a universal type here for $5 postpaid.

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

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Feb 15, 2009

SOURCE: The microwave stopped heating. Everything else is working fine.

GE MAGNETRON REPLACEMENT

With the symptoms you have, I would most strongly suspect a shorted high voltage rectifier diode or a bad magnetron, or a loose and possibly corroded connection on the magnetron's terminal.

The diode is a fairly cheap fix, and your magnetron is still under the part warranty, but you would have to pay labor.

If you or someone you know decide to look into it, we have critical safety information and disassembly information at our site, and our link is at our listing here on FixYa.

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.



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.

Here are some links you or someone you know can use for test help, but read their safety warnings first:

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/diode.html
(if it's not shorted or burned, it's probably okay)

http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html

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

Sometimes they will send you the magnetron to do it yourself.

If nothing else, you can save about $50-75 if you remove it from the wall and take it to a GE-authorized servicer.

You can find a GE-authorized servicer by calling GE Appliance Service at 1-800-848-7620 or here.

Accessing some components for testing and possible replacement will require you 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.

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

SOURCE: Everything works except heat

this is something you should probably call a repair technician for, due to the danger of the componentry.

Usually in ther case of this problem, even a technician will advise you to replace the unit, in the minds of cost effectiveness and safety...