FIXED GE Advantium Microwave (PSA1201RSS01) not heating - turns on - won't heat food

[Effaroon]

Model Number

PSA1201RSS01

Brand

GE

Age

6-10 years

Hello.

I have a GE Advantium microwave model number PSA1201RSS01 that turns on, light comes on, fan comes on, but it does not heat food. You can hear that the fan is just running and you don't get that powerful click / buzz when the microwave is actually working to cook the food.

I thought at first it was the turntable motor, because it was not spinning, when into the setting and turned the turntable off hoping to remove that from the troubleshooting equation - still not heating.

I greatly appreciate any advice - thank you!

 

[rickgburton]

Check for 120 VAC on the primary side of the high voltage transformer. That will tell you if the problem is on the low side or high side. If the voltage is 0V, the problem is either a door switch or control board. If the voltage is 120V the problem is going to be one of the HV components. Check the mag tube for continuity after you unplug it and discharge the capacitor.

 

[Effaroon]

Hi Rick - thank you so much. You are everywhere, you helped me with my oven. I will check what you suggested.

 

[rickgburton]

Sounds good keep us posted. I forgot to add, if you need to check the door switches for continuity, remove the wires on the door switch and check by opening and closing the door.

 

[Effaroon]

Rick,
I checked the door switches and found this:
1. The top one the plunger stays down, spring broken, and it is closed all the time. I believe, it should normally be opened and then closed when the door is closed. But I bet the microwave was still operating with this one bad.
2. The bottom one seems fine, normally opened, press the switch it closes
3. The middle on which seems normally closed - I noticed when you press the plunger it goes open, but when you release it it stays open, instead of going closed. It is very intermitted on how it works - so I think it is bad. But the fact that is has a tendency to stick open would allow the microwave to work it would think.

GE's Part Site doesn't give part numbers for these switch - on the door diagram - it shows the top and bottom as 604 and the middle as 607 - here is the GE page with the diagram:
https://www.geapplianceparts.com/st...nParts/PSA1201RSS01/4/0/0/0/LATCH_BOARD_PARTS

I hate to ask, I am a novice, can you please elaborate on how I would go about doing this: (or if you have a link to an article on how it is done)
Check for 120 VAC on the primary side of the high voltage transformer. That will tell you if the problem is on the low side or high side. If the voltage is 0V, the problem is either a door switch or control board. If the voltage is 120V the problem is going to be one of the HV components.

If the high voltage question is too much to explain, I understand... just very nervous to plug in the microwave and go poking around!

Thank you

 

[rickgburton]

The top and bottom interlock switches are NO switches.

GE WB24X10047 Door Interlock Switch (AP2622452) - AppliancePartsPros.com

This is a door interlock switch, part of the door latch found in microwaves. The interlock switch keeps the microwave from activating while the door is open. Damage to the interlock door switch can occur from use, misuse, or normal wear and tear. If the interlock door switch isn't working...

click.linksynergy.com

The center monitor switch, Sometimes called a dead man switch. is a NC switch. The monitor switch shorts L1 and N together to keep the microwave from operating with the door open.

GE WB24X817 Switch Monitor (AP2024325) - AppliancePartsPros.com

Switch monitor WB24X817 / AP2024325 made by GE

click.linksynergy.com

If the high voltage question is too much to explain, I understand... just very nervous to plug in the microwave and go poking around!

Never be afraid of electricity but always respect it. The primary side of the transformer has the two smaller wires and you're not going to be testing voltage on the high side ever. The high side wires come straight out of the transformer to the tube and cap. You're only interested in the voltage across the primary side. The high voltage can't jump out of the wires so unless you're planning to grab a live wire you'll be fine. Or if you're still nervous disconnect the two wires on the primary side and connect the meter leads to the wires then start it. This shows you the primary side of the transformer and the high side.

 

[Effaroon]

Alright Rick, I am ready to test, would you just kindly confirm the steps using my below photo - sorry to be such a newbie!!!

 

[rickgburton]

You got it!

 

[Effaroon]

Rick,
You are not going to believe this... tested as you requested, and did in fact get 120 VAC coming to the transformer. My wife noticed the turntable was spinning normally. Unplugged microwave, deenergized capacitor (I probably didn't need to in this case) - then I reconnected the transformer wires. Plugged her back in, and it worked - started heating up a cup of water!!! So I think it is most likely those door Interlock / Monitor switches.

I broke the door switch HOLDER LOCKER (part no WB02X32720). So I am going to order that along with all 3 switches just to be safe. Hopefully this will fix it!

If you feel I am headed in the wrong direction with these parts, don't hesitate to let me know!

I would have NEVER gotten even close to a solution without you help - thank you so much!!!!

 

[rickgburton]

I think it is most likely those door Interlock / Monitor switches.

You nailed it! Good job my friend! here's the holder:

GE WB02X32720 Holder Locker (AP6874032) - AppliancePartsPros.com

Holder locker WB02X32720 / AP6874032 made by GE

click.linksynergy.com

 

[Effaroon]

Thanks Rick !!!

 

[rickgburton]

Anytime!

 

[Effaroon]

Rick,
I just wanted to close out this thread with a HUGE thank you! The microwave is remounted and working excellent. Seriously, thank you so much.

 

[Jake]

Rick has been out sick for 2 weeks, but he will be glad to hear that when he returns.

Jake