Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - replacing GE microwave magnetron/stirrer/diode

My sister has a famous GE JVM1650 that works normally EXCEPT no heat. She said it starts to make a different noise after a couple of seconds on, though. It appears from the internet that this is a common failure, using GE part WB27X10489 kit of diode/magnetron/stirrer to fix it. My question is: do you have to take the oven off the wall to do this, how hard/how much time to replace the components, and is it better to replace this 5 year old oven otherwise in very nice shape with a $200 new one. The part kit is about $130. Thank you very much for the opinions.

I'm sure that mitchella has long since resolved the problem, but for other readers who come across this post, here is how I replaced the magnetron in my GE JVM1631WB002 microwave. I have no idea how other models might differ. Also, I am not an electrician or engineer, so take the steps as an outline only and perform your own due-diligence. I suggest taking pictures along the way to ensure you get everything back together. I'm writing this from memory, and I'm not mentioning various wires that have to be remove or moved aside.

First, the magnetron has a 10 year warranty. After several people tried to schedule a (costly) service call, I finally called the warranty department at 888-239-6832, gave them my info, and they shipped out a new magnetron/stirrer kit. To install it:

1) Unplug microwave
2) Remove 2 screws and vent cover @ top front of microwave
3) Remove 1 screw at top of interface panel, slide panel up and away from the microwave. Disconnect wires (being careful not to touch anything that might shock you) and set aside.
4) Discharge capacitor.
5) Remove bottom panel (w/ filters and lights). After removing the screws it will hinge down from the back and will take some finesse to get off of the tabs it's hooked over.
6) Support the microwave and remove 3 screws holding it to the cabinet above. These will be accessible from within the cabinet.
7) Hinge down microwave and unhook from wall mounting plate. During this process you will need to feed the power cord through the hole in the cabinet.
8) Remove screw and silver plate around fans on the top back of the microwave.
9) Remove screw and plate holding power cord in place in the microwave cover.
10) Remove screws and cover (sides and top) of the microwave.
11) Remove 2 screws holding panel on the right side of the microwave, behind the capacitor. One screw is on top, the other in the front. Remove the panel.
12) Unscrew transformer from bottom and swing out of the way, so that the magnetron can drop free.
13) Unbolt magnetron and drop it out. Replace magnetron, transformer, and side cover.
14) Remove plastic clip keeping the plastic cover in the roof of the microwave's interior from twisting. You may have to do this from above, which will require removing the plate under the top filter. Remove the plastic cover and replace the stirrer. Replace cover and clip.
15) Replace diode between capacitor and chassis.
16) Reinstall cover and microwave by reversing previous steps.

I called this number and all I get is a recording saying if I'm calling after hows to call back, nothing on the message says what the company is. I did find another number for customer service but they said a repair person would have to come check out the microwave and determine if the magnatron is bad. The part is under warranty but they want to charge for a service call and labor. How did you get the part sent to you? I've replaced the magnatron in numerous microwaves so it's not problem but this one is outrageously over priced in the $120 range.

I called this number and all I get is a recording saying if I'm calling after hows to call back, nothing on the message says what the company is. I did find another number for customer service but they said a repair person would have to come check out the microwave and determine if the magnatron is bad. The part is under warranty but they want to charge for a service call and labor. How did you get the part sent to you? I've replaced the magnatron in numerous microwaves so it's not problem but this one is outrageously over priced in the $120 range.

I call GE at 800-386-1215 option 5 to ask for a replacement Magnetron but was told that they will not send out any part due to "radiation" from the part. I was quoted by GE technician for $290.94 for labor to replace the Magnetron (part is free. How generous of GE?). That is why I ask for the part to do it myself. Filed a complaint with Dept. of consumer affair. Waiting to hear from them. Will update this post so that others will not make same mistake buying form GE again.

Will update this post so that others will not make same mistake buying form GE again.

Trouble is, I bet each company has things this way, with one appliance( and vehicles and other expensive things) or another. I know a company that charges $70 for refrigerator crisper drawers made like eggshells. They look like they should cost 50¢! You think I as a homeowner, would buy from such a company if I knew that in advance? What do we have to do to protect ourselves from such practices?: Ask for a parts list and check out the price and availability of all parts?

Either that or you have to find a better job so you do not have to worry about such stuff.