Microwave not heating up anymore.?

Question

I have a 2001 GE Spacemaker microwave oven above my stove. Everything works on it except it stopped heating up. What is the problem? And, if I need a part replaced what is it called and approx. how much will it cost me?

(I'm really hoping to have it repaired because due to it's location and the way it is installed it would be very difficult to take it out and replace it.)

Thanks!

Wow, you are all really fast! O.K. I would love to replace it but as I said it would be very difficult to remove. It has cabinets built all around it and the only way to access it would be to rip the cabinets apart. So, I'm trying to figure out what needs to be replaced and the approx. cost.

P.S. I don't intend to repair it myself. I will hire a professional.

I am very limited on counterspace. I have purchased a small, second microwave that is on the counter. I am using it until I have the spacesaver fixed. I just called GE and the magnetron is covered for 10 years but it is going to cost me $85.00 for the service call plus labor which they could NOT tell me how much it would be. They stated it is not by the hour but by the job! Is this something new?

Answer 1

Sounds like the magnatron has failed. This is the component that produces the microwaves that heats the food.

The cost of the magnatron is about 95% of the cost of a microwave oven. Most people don't, for this reason, replace the magnatron, they replace the whole oven.

There is a possiblity that the circuit that provides power to the magnatron is faulty and you need to take it apart, find the proper electrical leads and test them with a volt meter. To do this you have to remove it from its mounting and take it appart. It is a fairly lengthy process however.

Answer 2

Microwave Not Heating

Answer 3

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RE:
Microwave not heating up anymore.?
I have a 2001 GE Spacemaker microwave oven above my stove. Everything works on it except it stopped heating up. What is the problem? And, if I need a part replaced what is it called and approx. how much will it cost me?

(I'm really hoping to have it repaired because due to it's location and...

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Microwave not heating up anymore.?
I have a 2001 GE Spacemaker microwave oven above my stove. Everything works on it except it stopped heating up. What is the problem? And, if I need a part replaced what is it called and approx. how much will it cost me?

(I'm really hoping to have it repaired because due to it's...

Answer 5

I also have an old GE built into a cabinet. It sets above the oven. It turns on fine, but the power level doesn't work and therefore the timer doesn't work. This sounds like it just needs to be replaced but oh what a job that will be, like the other person with the built in microwave. I too have a limited amount of counter space. It was not my design by the way.....any other ideas?

Answer 6

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Agree, it is broken. There is a tube I believe, in microwaves that produce the waves that heat the food. A fan usually disperses the waves to make the heating more even, rather than cooking one spot and leaving the rest cold or frozen. Replace it. Cheaper than the fix, unless it is only the fan. But you still have to take it in, and there will be a service charge on top of the parts replacement.

Answer 7

Likely problem: Blown magnetron. On microwaves, this can generally go dead, usually with a popping sound. Solution: A: Call an appliance repairman to replace the magnetron in the device, or B: buy a new microwave. Depending on how much you paid for it, you might be getting a better deal on either end.

The part is typically around $125

Answer 8

I would listen to the advice already given here and NOT attempt a repair yourself. I am used to poking around in live equipment and don't get nervous, but when working on my faulty microwave testing with a voltmeter I put it across 7kV DC and the meter blew up with a spectacular bang! These high voltages have quite low source impedance so the current can be high; easily enough to kill.

Knowing this would not stop me trying again, but there is no point as the cost of spares is relatively high and new microwaves are quite cheap.

Answer 9

Repairmen for these kinds of things are very costly and really not worth it.They have a set charge just to walk in your door.
The magnatron is likely gone
You can buy a new one cheaper than it would cost you to repair.Take the measurments of the microwave and try from there to get one to fit.
Or call around and see what they would charge you to check it out.GE would likely be your best be or anyone that does their repairs

Answer 10

The Microwave Runs, But Does Not Heat


If the microwave runs, but does not heat, it could be one of many parts.


For safety reasons, GE offers no do-it-yourself repair advice on microwave ovens due to:


Safety requirements due to high voltage (capacitor hold a high voltage charge even after it has been unplugged)
Complexity of electronic circuitry.
Special equipment needed to make diagnosis.

GE urges our consumers NOT to attempt any microwave repairs.

If you would like to schedule a service appointment, please contact GE Consumer Service at 1-800-GE-CARES or you may schedule service online.