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HomeRepair HelpGE Microwave RepairGE Microwave not working Repair

GE Microwave not working

When your GE microwave is not working, stopped working, or has power but is not turning on, start with the line fuse. A blown line fuse prevents the microwave from starting, but find and correct the cause before installing another fuse. Next, inspect the switch holder behind the control panel. If it is damaged or misaligned, the door switches may not engage when the door closes, leaving the microwave dead. The main control board can fail, but it is rarely the problem, so test the more common parts first. An open thermostat or thermal fuse can also stop the microwave after overheating, while a failed thermal fuse must be replaced because it cannot be reset. Finally, verify that the wall outlet has power by testing it with another appliance, then check the household breaker or fuse. Enter your model number to find the exact GE replacement part for your microwave, including the correct line fuse, switch holder, control board, thermostat, or thermal fuse. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet must be handled carefully because the high-voltage capacitor can store lethal charge even after unplugging. Proper capacitor discharge is required, and a qualified technician should perform the repair if you are unfamiliar with that procedure.

01 - GE Microwave Line Fuse

If too much current passes through the microwave circuitry, the line fuse will blow. If the line fuse blows, the microwave won’t start. To determine if the line fuse is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. In addition, you should investigate and resolve the problem that caused the fuse to blow. If you don’t resolve the underlying issue, the new fuse will blow too. (Caution: The microwave oven can store thousands of volts of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the potential for electric shock, i...t is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the line fuse.)
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02 - GE Microwave Switch Holder

The microwave switch holder is the component that houses the door switches behind the control panel. If the switch holder is damaged or misaligned, one of more switches may not be actuated when the microwave door is closed, resulting in the microwave not working. You will need to uninstall the control panel and inspect the switch holder to confirm it is in good condition and secured properly. Replace the switch holder with a new one if necessary.
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03 - GE Microwave Main Control Board

The main control board might be defective. However, this is rarely the case. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—check all of the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly,replace the main control board. (Caution: The microwave oven can store thousands of volts of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the potential for electric shock, it is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the main control board.)
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04 - GE Microwave Thermostat

If the microwave overheats, the thermostat trips to cut off voltage to the microwave. If the thermostat is shorted open, it may not allow voltage to reach the high voltage components. To determine if the thermostat is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for electrical continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, and it cannot be reset, replace it.
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Highly Likely

05 - Incoming Power Problem

The electrical outlet may not be getting power. To determine if the outlet is getting power, try plugging something else into the outlet. If the outlet is not getting power, check the home circuit breakers or fuses.
Highly Likely

06 - GE Microwave Diode

The diode converts the A/C power output of the transformer to D/C, doubling the voltage to nearly 5,000 volts. This high voltage powers the magnetron to heat the food. If the diode burns out, the magnetron won’t receive enough voltage to operate, preventing the microwave from working. When the diode fails, it is often visibly burned out. Inspect the diode and if the diode is burned out, replace it. If inspecting the diode proves inconclusive, test it with a multimeter that uses a 9-volt battery or put a 9-volt battery in series with the diode. When the leads are reversed, the diode should only have continuity in one direct...ion. (Warning: The microwave oven can store a lethal amount of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the high running voltage and the potential for electric shock, it is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the diode.)
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Common

07 - GE Microwave Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse cuts off power to the microwave if the microwave overheats. To determine if the thermal fuse has blown, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. The thermal fuse cannot be reset—if the fuse is blown, it must be replaced. (Caution: The microwave oven can store thousands of volts of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the potential for electric shock, it is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace the thermal fuse.)
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE microwave not working but has power?
How do I find the fuse location and replace a GE microwave fuse?
Could a GE microwave thermal fuse or thermostat cause it to stop working?
Why are my GE microwave door switches or door latch making the microwave not work?
How do I identify the correct GE microwave replacement part?