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How to Troubleshoot a GE JES1358 Microwave

The GE JES1358 Microwave is a countertop model with a variety of preset cooking options, including timed cooking at a variety of power levels and sensor-cooking settings for popcorn, rice, beverages and single-serving reheating. The sensor cooking and reheating features detect increasing humidity levels inside the microwave and automatically adjust cooking time for various types and amounts of food. This 1200-Watt microwave also includes a turntable and an electronic control panel.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check to see if the microwave will start. If it will not start and the display panel is blank, you may have a power problem. Unplug the microwave and then plug it back in, making sure that all three prongs of the power cord are fully inserted into the wall outlet. If this doesn't work, check your home's fuse box. Reset the circuit breaker to restore if necessary.

    • 2

      Ensure that the microwave door is fully closed. Press the Clear/Off button to cancel any previous cooking instructions. Re-enter your cooking program, including cooking time and food weight if necessary, and press Start.

    • 3

      If "Err" appears on the microwave display, press the Clear/Off button and reenter your cooking program. The "Err" message will appear during the sensor-controlled programs (Popcorn, Rice, Beverage or Reheat) if the door is opened before steam is detected or if no steam was detected within the maximum amount of time allowed by the microwave. Be sure to leave the door closed during these programs, at least until time is shown counting down on the display panel.

    • 4

      If your control panel will not work or if an "L" is displayed on the screen, press and hold the Clear/Off button for a full three seconds to unlock the control panel.

    • 5

      If your sensor reheat program is resulting in under- or overcooked food, first try decreasing the amount of food in the microwave; the sensor programs are designed for single servings of food. The sensor reheat function works by measuring humidity inside the microwave--do not use a tightly-covered dish with this setting because no moisture will be able to escape and the food will overcook. Be sure that cooking containers are dry; moist containers will increase the humidity in the microwave and mislead the sensor, resulting in undercooked food.

    • 6

      If your turntable is not rotating, first check to ensure that your food container is positioned so that it can freely rotate without hitting the microwave's interior walls; using a smaller food container can fix this problem. If the turntable still will not rotate, lift the turntable from its support and replace it carefully, ensuring that it rests evenly on its support.