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GE Microwave light bulb not working

When your GE microwave light is not working, the light bulb itself is the most likely cause. A burned-out bulb is the simplest fix, so replace the GE microwave light bulb before replacing related parts. Some models use a halogen lamp, which you can test for continuity with a multimeter or install in an identical socket. If the bulb or halogen lamp is good, inspect the light socket and wiring, then test the main control board to confirm it sends the correct voltage to the socket. A defective main control board can cause a microwave bulb not working symptom, although it is less common. Next, test the door switch, including the primary or secondary switch, for continuity. A failed door switch may not tell the control board when the door opens or closes, preventing the cavity light from turning on or the light button from working. A micro switch can cause the same problem and should also be tested. Enter your model number to find the exact GE microwave light replacement or other part for your appliance. If repair requires opening the outer cabinet, remember that the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even when unplugged and must be properly discharged. Use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures.

01 - GE Microwave Halogen Lamp

To determine if a halogen lamp has failed, you can use a multimeter to test it for electrical continuity, or install the lamp into an identical socket to test it.
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Top Solution

02 - GE Microwave Light Bulb

The light bulb itself might be burned out. Replace the light bulb before replacing any of the parts associated with the light bulb
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Top Solution

03 - GE Microwave Main Control Board

Before replacing the control, check the light bulbs, sockets, and wiring. If these parts seem to be working properly, test the control board with a multimeter to determine if it sending the correct voltage to the light bulb socket. If the control board is not sending enough voltage to the light bulb socket, replace the control board.
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Highly Likely

04 - GE Microwave Door Switch

A defective door switch may not signal the control board that the door is open or closed which may prevent the microwave light from turning on or prevent the button that controls the light from functioning. To determine if any of the door switches are defective, use a multimeter to test each of the switches for continuity. If any of the door switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.
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Highly Likely

05 - GE Microwave Micro Switch

A defective micro switch may not signal the control board that the door is open or closed which may prevent the microwave light from turning on or prevent the button that controls the light from functioning. To determine if any of the micro switches are defective, use a multimeter to test each of the switches for continuity. If any of the micro switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.
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Common

06 - GE Microwave Control Board

A microwave light bulb not working could be caused by a defective control board, although this is rarely the case. Before replacing the control board, check the light bulbs, sockets, and wiring. If these parts seem to be working properly, test the control board with a multimeter to determine if it sending the correct voltage to the light bulb socket. If the control board is not sending enough voltage to the light bulb socket, replace the control board.
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Common

07 - GE Microwave Power Supply Board

A microwave light bulb not working could be caused by a defective power supply board, although this is rarely the case. Before replacing the board, check the light bulbs, sockets, and wiring. If these parts seem to be working properly, test the power supply board with a multimeter to determine if it sending the correct voltage to the light bulb socket. If the board is not sending enough voltage to the light bulb socket, replace the board.
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Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE microwave light bulb not working?
How do I test a GE microwave halogen lamp or light socket?
Can a GE microwave door switch cause the light bulb not to work?
Could the GE microwave control board be causing the light not to work?
How do I find the correct GE microwave light bulb replacement?