Microwave works, but not the fan. Then shuts off

I would say your cooling ran is not running, or your vent holes are blocked, or (if equipped) a filter is blocked.

Without the cooling fan, the magnetron overheats and its TCO (thermostat) shuts down all power to the oven until it cools back down to a safe temperature, then power is restored.

Feel free to e-Mail me at [email protected] if you need more free advice.

THE FAN AND MICROWAVE TUBE RUN OFF THE ELECTRONIC TIMER. OPENING THE DOOR SHOULD SHUT IT ALL DOWN AND WHEN YOU CLOSE THE DOOR AGAIN YOU SHOULD NEED TO PRESS THE START BUTTON AGAIN. IF NOT, ITS SOUNDS LIKE AN ELECTRONIC RELAY IS LOCKED CLOSED ON THE TIMER BOARD.

The microwave is not supposed to shut off if you have food in it. it is designed to stay running so you will not forget your popcorn.

On a few new model microwave ovens, this is a "feature"! It's purpose is to cool the microwave parts down, and to remind you that your food is cooked. Once you open the door, the fan will shut off and stay off when you close the door again. But if not, or if you microwave oven didn't use to do this, then you have a bad door switch.

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Can you hear the "whirl" of the fan? It is possible the fan is not turning & cooling the oven therefore it will shut down when it reaches a certain temperature. This could be caused by a supply fault to the fan or the fan motor, either way it would need to be tested by a qulified engineer.

The magnatron (heating element) is located in the cavity behind the control. If it's leaking microwaves onto the electronics, this will occur. This means the Mag should be replaced and a radiation test run on unit.

this would be the digital control board that would need to be replaced

It sounds just like the magnetron is bad, overheating and opening the thermostat. This is how it would work if that were the case.

 

One other thing is to be sure that the cooling fan is running and that you feel air flow.

 

You should check the air filter and grille, as well as the outside vent for any blockage.

 

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

It's possible that the unit is overheating, and shutting itself down to make sure that it doesn't melt or burn. Do you have it against a wall, or in a cabinet where the unit cannot vent? Is there a fan? Is it working? --j.

There seems to be a rash of these units failing in this way due to bad magnetrons. The magnetrons normally have a warranty that runs for a few years. In some models, they have a whole kit they replace, consisting of a new magnetron, stirrer, and high-voltage rectifier diode. I would call GE Customer Relations with your model and serial numbers to see if yours is affected. They're at 1-800-386-1215 (8-6 ET). I would also suggest you ask them for a referral to a GE-authorized servide center in your area. Good luck. I appreciate your thoughtful rating of this answer.