If your GE microwave works but doesn’t heat, keep reading. We are going to be showing you why your GE microwave works but doesn’t heat, how to fix this problem and another related issue.
GE Microwave Works But Doesn’t Heat
If your GE microwave works but doesn’t heat, it may be because of a faulty door switch or capacitor. To test and replace the door switch in a GE microwave, do the following…
Step 1: First, make sure that the microwave is unplugged from the power source.
Step 2: Open the door of the microwave and take out the screws at the top of the front grille.
Step 3: Slide the front grille to the left side then pull it out.
Step 4: Take out the screw on the left side of the control panel. Also take out the other screw behind it as well.
Step 5: Lift the control panel up then lower it down carefully.
Step 6: Take out the two screws which secure the door switch holder to the frame.
Step 7: To determine which door switch is faulty, press the little button on each one. If the button of one door switch feels loose and doesn’t have a strong click, that is the faulty one.
Step 8: Take out the faulty door switch from the holder.
Step 9: Disconnect the wire connector connected to the door switch.
Step 10: Get a new door switch and reconnect the wire connector to it.
Step 11: Reposition the door switch on the holder then snap it into place.
Step 12: Align the door switch holder on the microwave frame and secure it using the two screws.
Step 13: Lift the control panel up and insert the tabs on it into the slots in the microwave then push down.
Step 14: Return the screw behind the control panel and on the left side as well.
Step 15: Return the front grille to the microwave and hold it in place with the screws at the top.
Step 16: Close the door of the microwave and plug it back in.
If no door switch is faulty, then you may need to replace the capacitor. Before replacing this component, note that the capacitor stores a dangerous amount of energy which could cause fatal injury or death if the proper precautions aren’t taken. To replace the high voltage capacitor in a GE microwave, do the following…
Step 1: Before beginning the repair turn the microwave off and unplug it from the outlet.
Step 2: Open the cabinet and take out the bolts which hold the microwave to the cabinet. Have someone hold the microwave as you do this.
Step 3: Carefully tilt the microwave forward and pass the power cord through the hole in the cabinet.
Step 4: Lift the microwave up and place it on a flat and sturdy surface lined with a cloth.
Step 5: Take out the screws at the top of the microwave front grille.
Step 6: Open the door of the microwave.
Step 7: Slide the front grille to the left side then take it out.
Step 8: Take out the glass tray and support from the microwave.
Step 9: Close the microwave door and lay the microwave on its back.
Step 10: Take out all the screws which hold the bottom panel of the microwave in place.
Step 11: Disconnect the wires to fully remove the bottom panel.
Step 12: Turn the microwave back to its upright position.
Step 13: Take out all the screws at the top, sides, and back which hold the microwave cover in place.
Step 14: Lift the microwave cover up and remove it.
Step 15: Before going any further, you will need to discharge the capacitor. Place a pair of pliers over the two terminals of the capacitor simultaneously to do this.
Step 16: Note where each wire goes on the capacitor then disconnect them.
Step 17: Take out the screw securing the capacitor to the microwave.
Step 18: Lift the old capacitor out.
Step 19: Using a multimeter, test the capacitor for continuity. If there is none, replace it. To know how to test a capacitor using a multimeter, click here
Step 20: Transfer the bracket from the old capacitor to the new one.
Step 21: Position the capacitor and the bracket and hold them in place with the screw.
Step 22: Connect the wires to the right terminals of the capacitor.
Step 23: Make sure that the microwave power cord is secured in the bracket.
Step 24: Reposition the microwave cover and hold it in place with the screws at the sides, top, and back of the microwave.
Step 25: Lay the microwave on its back again.
Step 26: Return the bottom panel to the microwave and reconnect the wire harness.
Step 27: Align the bottom panel and secure with the screws.
Step 28: Turn the microwave back up.
Step 29: Ensure that the charcoal filter is aligned properly.
Step 30: Return the front grille and the screws at the top.
Step 31: Close the door of the microwave.
Step 32: Lift the microwave up and hook it back on the mounting bracket.
Step 33: Pass the power cord through the hole in the cabinet.
Step 34: Use the bolts to secure the microwave to the cabinet.
Step 35: Open the microwave door and return the glass tray and support.
Step 36: Plug the microwave back in.
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GE Microwave is Not Working But Has Power
If your GE microwave is not working but has power, it is most likely because of a blown fuse. To replace the line fuse in a microwave do the following…
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the microwave.
Step 2: Take out the screws at the top of the microwave front vent.
Step 3: Open the microwave door and take out the front grille.
Step 4: Take out the two screws which hold the control panel in place. There will be one next to it and another one behind it.
Step 5: Lift the control panel up and lower it down.
Step 6: Take out the screw which holds the inner access panel.
Step 7: Remove the panel.
Step 8: Inside, you will see the fuse in the bracket, take it out.
Step 9: Inspect the fuse for damage. If the fuse smells or looks burnt in any way, get a new one.
Step 10: Place the new fuse in the bracket.
Step 11: Return the inner access panel and hold it with the screw.
Step 12: Push control panel back into place and secure with the two screws.
Step 13: Reposition the front grille and return the screws at the top.
Step 14: Close the door of the microwave and plug it back in.
If your GE microwave is not working but has power, keep reading.
The Thermal Fuse or Main Control Board
If your GE microwave is not working but has power, another reason may be a faulty thermal fuse or main control board. To know how to replace these components in a GE microwave, read this article
