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HomeRepair HelpGE Microwave RepairGE Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair

GE Microwave is sparking or arcing

When your GE microwave is sparking or arcing, stop using it until you identify the cause. For microwave sparking inside the oven cavity, first inspect the waveguide cover for burn marks, damage, or a loose fit, and replace it if needed. If the arcing occurs in the cabinet area with smoke or a burning smell, a damaged or shorted door switch may be responsible. Inspect the primary, secondary, and monitor switches for burn marks, then test them with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron or high-voltage diode can also cause microwave arcing, especially behind the waveguide cover. Check the magnetron for visible damage and the diode for burn marks or one-way continuity. Less common causes include a burned shelf support or chipped interior paint exposing the metal cavity. Sand damaged paint lightly and apply microwave-safe touch-up paint. Any repair that requires removing the outer cabinet, including work on the magnetron or diode, involves a high-voltage capacitor that stores a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. The capacitor must be properly discharged before interior work, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with that procedure. Enter your GE microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific appliance.

01 - GE Microwave Diode

If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's diode is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. 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 direction..
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02 - GE Microwave Door Switch

If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. One of the appliance's door switches could have shorted and is causing the sparking or arcing. You should inspect each door switch for burn marks or damage and test the components with a multimeter to determine if any the door switches are malfunctioning.
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03 - GE Microwave Magnetron

If the microwave is sparking or arcing behind the waveguide cover in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's magnetron is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
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04 - GE Microwave Waveguide Cover

The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
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05 - GE Microwave Paint

The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
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06 - GE Microwave Touch-Up Paint

The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
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07 - GE Microwave Shelf Support

Some microwave ovens will have cooking shelf supports on the interior walls. Inspect the shelf supports for any burnt spots or damage. If there are any burnt or damaged spots, replace with new supports as needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE microwave sparking inside?
What should I do if my microwave sparks and smells like burning?
How do I test a GE microwave door switch or diode?
Can I replace a GE microwave waveguide cover myself?
How do I find the correct GE microwave sparking part?