GE microwave died and now won't heat

[aem22192]

Our GE spacesaver microwave (model JVM1660) is only about 3-4 years old and has worked wonderfully until today. I used it this morning but then it just went completely dead after I turned it on. The outlet tested fine so it isn't a breaker but nothing worked on the microwave, not even the light inside or the clock or display or over the stove lights on the bottom of it.

My husband unplugged it a couple of times and then a few minutes LATER the display came back on and it started working again. We used it one time and it worked fine but now all the lights and display work but it doesn't heat at all.

What could this be and should we be concerned about electrical problems with it and is it safe to continue using???

Thank you!
Alexis in Northern VA.
(sorry but I think I posted this in the wrong section the first time)

[terkuileinc]

Sounds like a bad connection somewhere. Probably a bad solder joint on the power board. Don't go sticking your hands inside anywhere until you have unplugged it and made sure to short out the high voltage capacitor. It packs a wallop if still holding a charge and it discharges thru you.

[mtheroux]

I'm having a very similar problem and just did some research. It seems there have been at least 5 fires with GE Combo Microwaves recently and the government's consumer protection agency is starting to investigate. I would call GE Service, or replace the unit altogether.

There were two fires caused by this model in Tampa and Orlando in 5/04 and 7/04, respectively. I found the Tampa Action news website for the story and pictures.

It sounds like you may have a faulty electronic control since nothing is working. I have a similar common problem where everything works except the heat. I think my problem is a defective magneto.

Good luck.

[gmoorhouse]

Alexis,

This seems to be a common problem with the GE Spacesavers.....
http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=8086&wrapper=
I switched mine out today but almost to the day it was 4 years before it died. Like the comment in the line says you can search all over the internet and find the same problems with GE......so no more GE here.

Best regards,
G

Our GE spacesaver microwave (model JVM1660) is only about 3-4 years old and has worked wonderfully until today. I used it this morning but then it just went completely dead after I turned it on. The outlet tested fine so it isn't a breaker but nothing worked on the microwave, not even the light inside or the clock or display or over the stove lights on the bottom of it.

My husband unplugged it a couple of times and then a few minutes LATER the display came back on and it started working again. We used it one time and it worked fine but now all the lights and display work but it doesn't heat at all.

What could this be and should we be concerned about electrical problems with it and is it safe to continue using???

Thank you!
Alexis in Northern VA.
(sorry but I think I posted this in the wrong section the first time)

[ianh]

Our GE microwave caught fire while it was off.
If its faulty throw the thing away and get a new one. Consider yourself lucky.

[nomind]

Thanks to all you new members, terkuileinc, mtheroux, gmoorhouse, and ianh, for bringing this dangerous situation to our attention.
I am going to leave this on the top of the list for a while as a warning to other unfortunates who may have one and be unaware of the danger. :eek:

Do it Right - Do it once.