GE microwave JVM1540DM2BB not heating

[shedrach]

Model Number

JVM1540DM2BB

Brand

GE

Age

More than 10 years

Hello. Never had an issue with it until yesterday. I went to heat up some leftover beans (and then cook some popcorn) and they did not cook. I put a mug of water in (to heat) for two minutes and it was still cold at the end of the cycle. The microwave functions as it always has. Every panel function works. When start is pressed the turntable spins and everything sounds normal. The door (and lights) function normally. There are NO unusual sounds (humming or buzzing). Lights, vents, fans, noise, controls all normal. I took the front panel off to have a look. No scorching or burned marks. No visible signs of failure anywhere. The fuse looks clean. There are no "burnt" smells at all. It is just not heating anything. Doing a bit of research I've read that a bad magnetron or capacitor usually results in an unusual noise...a loud humming (or similar). I do not hear that at all. Given that it is a 15+ year old unit I do not want to dump a bunch of money into it....but my gut is telling me to buy a replacement diode and see if it works. Any thoughts appreciated. Cheers.

 

[Wx4usa]

Would you be able to post a picture of the entire model label inside the door?

 

[shedrach]

here you go.

 

[Wx4usa]

Perfect. Thank you. That’s an LG made model for GE. One of the better ones. I would focus on the diode and capacitor if everything functions except no heat. The other issues that could cause a no heat would be magnetron and control board but they are costly. There are some thermostats on this model but they would affect the lights, fan etc. so I believe they are good. Be sure to unplug the microwave and discharge the capacitor before working on it.

 

[shedrach]

Thanks. This is good information. I will start with the diode and go from there. The capacitor does not look swollen or blown (as the one on my outdoor AC unit did when it failed). Hopefully a new diode will help. Will give it a go. Cheers.