How to Troubleshoot a GE Microwave

It's hard to imagine what life was like before the microwave oven was invented. With its convenient size, low operational cost and speedy cooking times, many people consider their microwaves invaluable. If your GE microwave displays a strange code or isn't functioning properly, there are a few steps you can take to correct the issue. Don't attempt to repair your microwave, however, as the components are quite dangerous. If these steps don't resolve your issues, you should seek advice from a GE-authorized repair person.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the placement of your turntable if it isn't rotating during cooking. Check to see that the tray and spinning rack are both seated in the track at the bottom of the microwave on models that use a wheeled ring. Some microwaves have a shaft in the center of the bottom to place the tray on. Make sure it is seated firmly. If the tray is upside down, it can drag on the floor of the unit. You also should make sure that you chose a cook setting and not the timer.
- 2
  Check for fault codes. GE microwaves are programmed with special codes to help service people recognize what is wrong with the device. These codes will appear in the digital display. The most common codes are:
  
  F1 Open thermal sensor, due to excessive heat in microwave cavity
  
  F2 Shorted thermal sensor
  
  F3 Shorted touch pad panel
  
  F4 Open humidity sensor
  
  F5 Shorted humidity sensor
  
  F6 Shorted temperature probe
  
  F10 Shorted touch screen on JVM2070
  
  You can attempt to clear the code yourself, but if the code reappears, it is time to call a repair person. To clear the code, press CLEAR/OFF or CANCEL. Program your cooking time again. If the code reappears, disconnect the power to the microwave for 30 seconds and then reconnect. Try your cooking setting again. If the code appears again, disconnect the power and call GE service.
- 3
  Check the settings. If the touch pad on your microwave isn't working, check that the unit is plugged into a three-prong grounded outlet and that the breaker hasn't been tripped. Check that it isn't set for a delayed start cooking program. To clear it, unplug the oven, wait 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Try to program your cooking settings again.
- 4
  Use only nonmetal cookware in the microwave. If your microwave is arcing or making popping noises, you may have inadvertently placed something metal inside. Some food wrappers contain aluminum foil, for example. Also, Chinese food containers often have a metal bar across the top. Check to make sure your food is covered and that there is nothing metal inside.

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