GE microwave not heating

What to expect when you experience a GE microwave not heating issue

Why is my GE microwave not heating?

When your GE microwave won’t heat, there are several issues that could be causing the problem.

Blown internal fuse

Internal fuses blow when an electrical short occurs or when the microwave overheats. A service technician will need to diagnose and repair the microwave when an internal fuse blows. Replacing the microwave is another option you can consider.

Failed magnetron

The magnetron produces the high-energy waves that heat the food in the microwave. Check the owner’s manual for your microwave when you suspect a magnetron failure. The magnetron in some microwaves has a 10 year part warranty but you have to pay for labor to replace the magnetron. You may consider having the microwave repaired when the magnetron fails and the part is under warranty. If the magnetron isn’t under warranty, you’ll likely need to replace the microwave.

Bad diode or high-voltage capacitor

A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food. If the microwave turns on but does not heat the food, it may indicate a diode failure impeding the voltage necessary for the magnetron.

The high-voltage capacitor is an electronic device that holds a charge of electricity in the high-voltage circuit of the microwave. It’s crucial to magnetron operation. When this part fails, the microwave won’t heat.

These microwave components need to be replaced by a technician when they fail. You may also consider replacing the microwave instead of repairing it.

Defective electronic control board

A bad control board can prevent the microwave from heating.

Sometimes, a power surge through the electric supply lines going to your home can corrupt the programming of the control board so the microwave won’t heat. You can reset the electronic control board and the microwave may start heating. Follow these steps to reset the control board in your microwave:

1. Unplug the power cord.
2. Wait 2 minutes.
3. Plug the power cord back in to restore electrical power.

The electronic control board will reboot and the microwave may work normally.

If this troubleshooting step doesn’t work, a service technician will need to test the control board output and repair the microwave if it has a defective control board.

Schedule service now and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix your microwave.

How is the not heating problem fixed?

Correcting most not heating problems usually involves replacing the thermostat, electronic control board or switch. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a microwave that is not heating

When the microwave is not heating it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of microwave failures.

What to look out for with a microwave not heating diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your microwave problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Troubleshooting a GE Microwave That Does Not Heat Food

When your GE microwave does not heat food, check the settings to make sure the heat level is set on high or the appropriate level to heat the food in the microwave. Adjust the heat level if necessary. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for setting the controls when your GE microwave does not heat food.

Resetting the electronic control board in your microwave can sometime restore heating. Unplug the microwave power cord for 1 minute then plug it back in to restore power. This will reboot the main electronic control board and other electronic components inside the microwave. See if the microwave heats after restoring power.

If the microwave still isn’t working after resetting the control board, you’ll likely need to have it serviced. A GE microwave has several safety devices to keep it from overheating and causing injuries during operations. A thermostat above the cooking cavity of the microwave trips and shuts of heating if it detects unusually high temperatures inside the microwave. A similar thermostat beside the magnetron shut off heating if the magnetron overheats. The microwave also has fuses that will trip if a short circuit occurs in the wiring or a component.

In addition to safety devices that can trip or fail to prevent your GE microwave from heating food, a bad magnetron, failed high-voltage capacitor, faulty electronic control board or wiring failure can also prevent the microwave from heating. With so many possible causes for a GE microwave that won’t heat food, it’s best to have a service technician diagnose the appliance and fix the problem. Schedule microwave repair service now and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.