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GE Microwave exhaust fan not working

If your GE microwave exhaust fan is not working, start with the door switch, which must signal the control board that the door is closed before the fan control can operate. Test the door switch for continuity and replace it if it fails. Next, inspect the exhaust fan motor. The fan blades should turn freely by hand. If they do not, or if the motor has incoming power but will not run, replace the motor. A defective thermostat can also prevent the fan from starting, so test it for continuity. Check the grille for grease, debris, or visible damage that could restrict airflow. If the motor is not receiving power, the control module may be faulty, although it is less common than the motor or switch. A separate micro switch can cause the same door-signal problem and should also be tested. Before opening the outer cabinet, unplug the GE microwave and use proper safety procedures. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged, so it must be properly discharged before interior work. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge, use a qualified technician. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your GE microwave.

01 - GE Microwave Exhaust Fan Motor

To determine if the fan motor is defective, remove the fan motor from the microwave and try turning the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, replace the fan motor. If the fan blades do turn freely, use a multimeter to test the motor for incoming power and for continuity. If the motor has power but won’t run, replace it. If the motor does not have continuity, replace it.
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02 - GE Microwave Door Switch

A defective door switch may not signal the control board that the door is closed, which can prevent the button that controls the exhaust fan 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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03 - GE Microwave Thermostat

The thermostat monitors the air temperature and turns on the fan when necessary. If the thermostat is defective, it won’t turn on the exhaust fan at all. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it.
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04 - GE Microwave Grille

A damaged or clogged grille can prevent the air from being properly exhausted when the exhaust fan is turned on. Confirm the grille is free of obstruction and, if the grille is visibly damaged, replace the component with a new one.
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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 closed, which can prevent the button that controls the exhaust fan 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 switches do not have continuity, the switch or switches should be replaced.
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Common

06 - GE Microwave Control Module

If the microwave exhaust fan is not working, the control module might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing the control module, first check the exhaust fan motor and wiring. If the exhaust fan motor is not getting power, the control module might be at fault and require replacement.
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Common

07 - GE Microwave Main Control Board

The main control board might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing the control board, first check the exhaust fan motor and wiring. If the exhaust fan motor is not getting power, the main control board might be at fault.
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE over-the-range microwave exhaust fan not working?
How do I test a GE microwave exhaust fan motor?
Can a door switch cause my microwave exhaust fan not to work?
Could the grille or thermostat be causing my GE microwave vent fan problem?
How do I find the correct GE microwave exhaust fan replacement part?