Our r-1491 microwave fan won't shut off, even when

It is a cooling fan used for cooling of magnatron as the temperature of magnatron rises when microwave mode is used, cooling saves this component from any defect.

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

Hi Edward
I should mention (although it's pretty obvious) that Microwave Energy is DANGEROUS.
So it's better not to fiddle with the internals.
A quick test can be done to check for electromagnetic energy (in the 2.45Ghz range) inside the oven. Put a glass of water in the Microwave Oven and place 2 strips of tinfoil across the top of the open glass above the water. Put the strips close together but not quite touching then close the door.
Start the microwave & look through the glass window. Listen & Watch for sparks between the tinfoil pieces. If there are sparks then your Microwave Oven is generating or transmitting electromagnetic energy from the magnetron tube unit.
If it's working Don't leave it sparking too long. The tinfoil can get hot enough to burn. The glass of water is to absorb any microwave energy.
There is an interlock switch on the door for safety to protect you from microwaves leaking out of the door cracks. This switch fails to function sometimes. But normally the oven won't even try to power on or spin the turntable (or Fan) if this interlock fails.
If there are no sparks then your Magnetron is shot. Its usually not worth fixing them unless you know of a specialist technician who is qualified and competent with microwave equipment.
Hope This Helps
..... Trevor

The magnetron is defective, cost to repair will probably exceed the price of a new one.

One or two micro switches are defective, "door switch"

One of the door switches is defective, caused by a build up of food particles or normal ware, to correct this a professional will need to identify the problem and replace it.

I had this exact same problem with my salton microwave! Even tried taking it back to the store, but with no reciept there was little they could do. Anyways try jiggling the clasps on the side of the the door, the ones that connect it to the microwave. Mind you don't jiggle too hard. Now firmly close the door, you should hear a distinct click. Now try it! The light only works when the microwave is on. The microwave won't work unless the door is closed properly and my problem was the claps were stuck! I hope this helps.

I have exactly the same problem. Everything works perfectly even fan, except microwave table won't turn. I just found out what's the problem... The door for some reason is sitting too low now, even though it is not obvious at all. It looks leveled with everything else, but it's not. Set your Microwave to let's say 30 seconds and turn it on. It will not do anything... but you just gently lift the door (while closed of course) few millimeters and your Microwave will start running like new. There is something wrong with those latches on the door, not touching the microswitches inside the Microwave. Doors must be properly closed in order for Microwave to work. This is due to poorly design. I yet have to figure out how to fix that permanently.

I would check the door switches for a faulty switch. If it were condensation on the control panel. I would think it would have dried out by now unless it has damaged the control board.

Even though you don't mention the model number, you posted under Sharp model R-1491, so I'll assume that's it.

You say when trying to work the actual microwave, you get nothing?

We could use a little clarification, but FixYa only gives you one shot at posting a help request.

When you enter the cooking time and press "Start", if the timer counts down and the oven lamp comes on, but the the turntable, cooling fan, and microwave section do not run, then you have a bad secondary interlock (bottom door switch) or its mount is bad.

We have the applicable service manuals for these models and have uploaded it to our site here and here to help you.

Also look at this info on door switch diagnosis and replacement.

Hope this helps.

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

William E. Miller, AS-EET
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com
Microwave Oven Control Panel Repair Nationwide