GE Microwave Troubleshooting: Common Issues

GE Microwave troubleshooting

GE Microwaves are stylish, convenient kitchen appliances. Their sleek design fits most kitchens easily. However, like all appliances, sometimes your GE Microwave can malfunction. So what are the most common problems a GE Microwave runs into?

There are five common problems with GE microwaves. These problems include the buttons malfunctioning, the control panel breaking, the door not opening, the turntable not turning, and the microwave running after it is turned off.

Like all kitchen gadgets, consistent maintenance will help you to avoid some of these issues. Nevertheless, this article will break down these common issues, allowing you to troubleshoot most problems before resorting to calling a professional. Before doing any repairs to your microwave, be sure to unplug the device to ensure you don’t get shocked.

GE microwave buttons stopped working

When your microwave buttons stop working, the issue is most likely that the touchpad is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. This is the case if only some of the buttons are faulty. Here is a step-by-step process to replace your touchpad:

  1. Remove the front grill of the microwave.
  2. Discharge the microwave’s capacitor by letting it sit for a few days or connecting needlenose pliers with insulated handles across the terminals. 
  3. Remove the screws holding the front control panel in place. Disconnect any wires and ground wire connection. We recommend taking a picture first so you can put it back together easily.
  4. Peel off the touchpad from the control panel.
  5. Attach the new touchpad to the control panel.
  6. Reattach the control panel and wire connections and put your microwave back together.
  7. Plug the microwave back in and check if the issue is fixed.

If the issue is still there after replacing the touchpad, you may need to call a professional.

GE microwave control panel replacement

If you find that none of the control panel buttons respond, you may have a defective main control panel. If this is the cause, you will have to replace it. In order to do so, you’ll need a T-15 Tamper-Proof Torx Bit, Phillips-Head screwdriver, Needle-Nose pliers, and a new control panel.

  1. Remove the microwave panel.
  2. Discharge the capacitor by following the steps mentioned above.
  3. Remove the screws and wires connecting the control panel to the microwave. Again, we suggest taking a photo of it before this step.
  4. Install the new control board, attaching the wires and screws.
  5. Put the microwave back together.
  6. Plug in the microwave to test the buttons again.

In order to ensure you are properly replacing the internal components of your microwave, be sure to refer to your user manual that came with your microwave or access it online. You should note that the manual will give you exact information about where screws are, parts numbers, and other information specific to your microwave model.

If at any point in this process you are confused or your fix doesn’t work, you should seek the help of a professional before taking any steps forward.

GE microwave door won’t open

It may come as no surprise that your microwave door starts to malfunction due to constant rough use. If your door won’t open, one of these three items may be broken:

  • Hook
  • Spring
  • Opening lever

Here is a step-by-step guide illustrating how to remove your microwave door. Of course, your model may differ from the one used in the video, so check your user manual that came with your microwave or on GE’s website.

The door hook and spring are in the same area, so you can check both at the same time. The door hook is the two claws that snap your door into the microwave. The spring is what gives the door tension, snapping it in place. Once you have the door removed, check for worn slots the hook or spring is supposed to attach to or look for a dangling spring.

The opening lever also may cause many problems as well. This device lifts the door hook out of the holes which connect it to the microwave. Here is a step-by-step video talking you through replacing the lever:

If you find that none of the step-by-step videos have fixed your issue, it is time to call a professional to help you with your problem.

GE microwave turntable not turning

There are five probable causes for your turntable not working correctly:

  • Defective turntable motor
  • Broken glass tray drive coupling
  • Damaged glass tray support
  • Faulty touchpad and control panel
  • Faulty main control board

To troubleshoot your turntable, we’ll check the first three issues first. You can check the turntable motor with a multimeter to see if the component has an electrical path in the motor. If it tests negative, you can replace the item. The drive coupling could be stripped or broken. To check it, gently pull the coupling out and inspect it. Finally, the glass tray support is easily replaced if broken.

If you inspect these three components of your microwave, refer to the above troubleshooting steps to check for other issues.

GE microwave model JVM1540DN1WW

As one of the highest-selling models, we’ll take a look at model JVM1540DN1WW to break down some of the most common issues with this model so you can be prepared. The two most common issues this model runs into are that the microwave won’t start when the door is shut or the microwave continues to run when not turned on

Both of these issues can be fixed by replacing the door switch. Most GE microwave doors have three switches that lock the door in place when it is closed. If any of these switches fail, the microwave will either automatically shut down or continue to run. Here is how to replace your switches:

  1. Remove the microwave grill.
  2. Detach the control panel from the microwave frame.
  3. Remove the screws to access the switch assembly. This will be behind the door latch on the microwave itself.
  4. Press the release tab to remove the switch you’re replacing.
  5. Disconnect the wires from the old switch.
  6. Install the new switch first by connecting the wire.
  7. Snap the switch into place on the assembly.
  8. Reconnect the switch assembly to the frame.
  9. Reconnect the control panel and microwave grill.

If you run into any issues not covered here, you can call a qualified appliance repair technician or bring it to a specialty repair shop to have it inspected.

Conclusion

When troubleshooting microwaves like repairing malfunctioning buttons, replacing door switches, or fixing the turntable, keep in mind that regular maintenance and cleaning may help keep these issues at bay. If your microwave continues to have issues, a professional is only one call away.

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Mary Lou Corriveau

Mary Lou Corriveau

Problem with circuit breaker. Kerps shutting down