GE Microwave Oven Not Heating? Here's What To Do

Microwaves are all about convenience, so it’s a pain when yours isn’t functioning. If your microwave isn’t heating, you might think it means it needs to be replaced. But that isn’t always the case. In some cases, you may be able to perform some simple DIY repairs to get your microwave up and running again. Let’s get started!

This guide applies to all commonly used models of GE microwaves, including:

56-289610-02

56-2899-10

JE101901

JE101902

JE1019H01

JE1019H02

JVM1540DM5WW

JVM1540SM5SS

JVM1790SK01

JVM1860SF001

JVM1870SF001

JVM1870SF02

JVM1950SR1SS

JVM2070SH001

JVM2070SK02

JVM3160DF2WW

JVM7195SF1SS

PVM1870SM1SS

PVM1870SM3SS

PVM1970SR1SS

SCA1001KSS02

How Long Do Microwaves Last?

Most microwaves last between eight and ten years, although the lifespan can vary hugely depending on how often the microwave is used and how it’s maintained. Proper care that will extend the life of your microwave includes:

Only using the microwave for the necessary amount of time and avoid overheating your food.
Keeping the microwave clean.
Ensuring that the microwave is properly ventilated and that the vents aren’t covered.
Maintaining the door seals.
Ensuring that the turntable can always spin freely because obstructions can lead to excess wear and tear.
Choosing a quality microwave from a trusted brand because budget brands may have shorter lifespans.

A microwave that’s getting to the end of its useful life may start to show signs of diminished performance. Some signs include:

Taking longer to heat your food.
Strange noises or noisy operation.
Patchy heating or ‘hot spots’ in your food.
Software glitches or problems with the keypad function.

How To Decide Between Repairing and Replacing?

Like with most appliances, deciding whether to repair or replace a microwave is a balancing act. After all, you don’t want to spend money and time on repairs if the entire microwave is just going to fail a few months later! A good rule to go by is if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of a replacement, then buying a new one is recommended. However, if the microwave is more than seven years old, then it’s almost always more sensible to replace it as it’s unlikely to last for much longer even if you do repair it. Signs it’s worthwhile to repair your microwave are:

The issue is relatively minor, like a problem with the turntable or the door.
The microwave is less than five years old.
The microwave is a quality brand known for its durability and high performance.
This is the first issue you’ve had with your microwave.

In the end, the decision on whether or not to repair the microwave will come down to your budget and whether you expect to get further use out of the appliance if you do repair it.

Safety Precautions

Microwave repair DIY can be extremely risky as microwaves are unique among household appliances due to the high voltage capacitor. The capacitor holds a charge even when the microwave isn’t connected to the power. Inadvertently touching it can cause electric shock and even death.

Microwave repairs also have the potential to damage the microwave shell, which can allow microwave radiation to escape. Microwave radiation can be dangerous to your health, so it’s essential to ensure you don’t damage the microwave shell.

Simple Fixes:

Check the Power Supply

The first place to start if your GE microwave isn’t heating is the power supply. Microwaves require electricity to run, and if there’s a problem with the power supply, your microwave won’t be able to perform its functions, including heating. There are a few causes of power supply issues, ranging from faulty outlets to a tripped circuit breaker. Here’s how to identify the cause of the issue:

First, check if your microwave has power. If the display still lights up, you likely don’t have a power supply issue.
Next, make sure that the microwave is properly plugged into the outlet. It should be directly plugged into the wall outlet rather than an extension cord or a power strip.
Check the microwave’s power cord for damage. If the cord is frayed or otherwise damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Make sure the outlet itself is functioning by plugging in another appliance such as a lamp. If the lamp’s light turns on, the power outlet isn’t the issue.
Check if the circuit breaker that powers your microwave has tripped. First, find your home’s electrical panel. This will likely be in the basement or garage. If you live in an apartment, it’s probably in the hallway. Make sure all of the breakers are in the ‘on’ position. If any have tripped, reset them and then test to see if your microwave is now functional.

Check the Door Switch

If you’ve ruled out a power supply issue, another potential cause of your heating issue is a faulty door switch. Microwave door switches communicate to the microwave control board whether the door is open or closed. For safety reasons, your GE microwave won’t operate if it detects that the door is open to prevent microwave radiation from escaping. If the switch is broken or obstructed, your microwave may sense that the door is open even when it appears to be closed. Here’s how to check this:

Open and close your microwave, listening for an audible click when it closes.
Check if the microwave light turns off when the door is closed. If it stays on, there’s likely a problem.
Inspect the door switch. If food debris is blocking it, thoroughly clean it with a microfiber cloth and detergent.
Try testing the switch with a multimeter to see if it has continuity. If it has no continuity, it will need to be replaced. You can source a replacement switch from an appliance parts retailer.

Issues That Require a Professional

If you have other causes behind your heating issues, we recommend hiring a professional as these repairs can be very risky for an amateur. Problems that need to be addressed by a pro include: