Microwaves are designed for convenience – they’re an easy way to reheat food, thaw food, or do some simple cooking. If your GE microwave runs but doesn’t heat, it can’t fulfill any of those functions! While this is frustrating, don’t start looking for a replacement right away. We’ve got some simple solutions you can try first, which will hopefully get your GE microwave up and running again in no time!
This guide applies to all common models of GE microwaves, including:
JEM31CA01
JES1288SH01
JES733WY001
JES831PWF001
JVM1190SY001
JVM1540DM5WW
JVM1540SM5SS
JVM1790SK01
JVM1860SF001
JVM1870SF001
JVM1870SF02
JVM1950SR1SS
JVM2070SH001
JVM2070SK02
JVM3160DF2WW
JVM3600BD001
JVM7195SF1SS
PVM1870SM1SS
PVM1870SM3SS
PVM1970SR1SS
SCA1001KSS02
Safety Information
Before you get started trying to find the cause of your GE microwave not running, it’s essential to understand some basic safety information. When it comes to appliance repair, working with microwaves is uniquely dangerous due to the high voltage capacitor. This part retains its charge even when your microwave is not connected to the power and can cause serious electric shock and even death if not handled correctly.
There is also an additional risk of escaping microwave radiation if the outer shell of the microwave becomes damaged by your repairs. For these reasons, we recommend only working with the internal parts of the microwave if you are qualified to do so.
Faulty Power Supply
While the most common result of a faulty power supply is that your microwave will not operate at all, incorrect voltage can impair microwave performance. This is most likely to occur if your kitchen has been recently installed or had the wiring replaced. It is also possible that power issues can occur if the power outlet you’re using for your microwave is overloaded with other appliances, leading to too much strain on the outlet.
To check:
- Make sure that your GE microwave is the only appliance plugged into its power outlet, then test to see if this affects the heating.
- Use a voltage tester to check the voltage on the power outlet. In the United States, power outlets should measure 120 volts, but in many other parts of the world, they are 240 volts. Ensure you know the correct voltage in your location before measuring.
- If the voltage measures lower than it should, you will need to get an electrician to fix this so that your GE microwave can heat properly.
Incorrect Microwave Settings
If you’ve recently purchased your GE microwave and are having heating issues, make sure you check the settings. Most GE microwaves have a range of power settings to let you choose the right cooking level for your food. If you’ve got your microwave set to a low power setting, it may appear to not heat your food at all or only heat it a little bit.
Consult your GE manual for tips on how to adjust the settings in your specific model. Different power settings are recommended for different foods – below is a general guide:
- High power: Heating soups, stews, and other types of food with a high water content.
- Medium/high power: Heating starchy foods like rice and pasta, as well as meat-based dishes.
- Medium power: Heating and cheese-based dishes, bread, and pastries. Melting chocolate.
- Medium/low power: Defrosting frozen foods.
- Low power: Softening butter.
Malfunctioning Door Switch
Once you’ve ruled out any issues with the settings and the power source, the next step is to take a look at the door switch. In all GE microwave models, the door switch needs to be engaged to allow the microwave to heat your food. This is a safety feature that prevents your microwave from operating while the door is open, which stops microwave radiation from escaping.
If the door switch is faulty, then your microwave door might appear to be firmly closed, but the switch will incorrectly register that it is still open. This will stop your microwave from operating or heating, but other parts of your microwave will still work, such as the internal light, the clock display, and the touchpad.
If you suspect a door switch issue, first we recommend ensuring nothing is blocking or obstructing the door switch itself:
- Fully open your microwave and inspect both sides of the door switch.
- Check to see if the internal light on the microwave turns off when the door is closed and turns on when it is opened. If there is no change, there is likely something wrong with the switch.
- Check for the switch for any visible damage or obstructions.
- Use a microfiber cloth dipped in a mild detergent to thoroughly clean any debris or grime away from the door switch.
- Once clean, close the door and check to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, the door switch might need replacing.
If your door switch doesn’t start working once it has been cleaned, the switch may need replacing. If you feel confident performing electrical DIY, you can purchase a compatible replacement part and replace the faulty switch yourself, or if you prefer, you can engage a professional to help you.
Broken Magnetron
The microwave’s magnetron is located in the back interior of the microwave and is responsible for generating the microwave radiation that cooks your food. If the magnetron is faulty, your microwave will still turn on, and the turntable will still rotate, but no heat will be produced.
Due to the magnetron’s location near the high-voltage capacitor, we strongly recommend that you do not attempt to replace a faulty magnetron yourself. If you like, you can source a replacement magnetron and then hire a qualified technician to replace it for you. This will save you money and also ensure you don’t put yourself at risk by performing dangerous repairs.
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