How to Fix: GE Microwave Turns On When Door Opened

[@sicsempertyrannis3251]

I need to do the exact same procedure. I was reading that there are capacitors in microwave that can shock even when unplugged. Is this accurate?

[@OnTheWorkbench]

Yes, there is a capacitor that is in the neighborhood of 1000 volts. Unplug the microwave and let it sit overnight, and check with a 2kV or higher rated multimeter to be safe.

[@edean2069]

@@OnTheWorkbench Wow, thank you! Any other caveats u can think of?

[@edean2069]

@@OnTheWorkbench Is there a way to drain the energy to be extra sure?

[@WilliamSartori-oz5tp]

@@edean2069 Ya. Hopefully you are not dead from touching it. Lots of vids showing how to do that. If you are not comfortable or do not understand the risk then for sure, don't do it. However, I have done this on my Air conditioner, my microwave and even my garage door opener which has a large start capacitor. The microwave is quite a bit more powerful though. Thick work gloves as extra precaution isn't a bad idea.

[@renegade637]

I recently found a GE microwave by the side of the road. I figured I'd take it home to see if it was worth fixing, especially since it was worth $150 new. The magnetron inside of it still cooked food. However, it had the exact same problem as this unit: the turntable turned and the fan would run when the door was open. After watching a number of KZbin videos, I figured I could try and take it apart until I got to the switch and try to fix the switch. I managed to find the switch. However, as I was trying to finesse it out, instead of it being broken, just like this, it was just stuck. There was some black junk on the switch. So, I used some contact cleaner to clean the top of the switch so that it didn't stick. Now, we have a spare microwave.

[@WilliamSartori-oz5tp]

I got one off of Craiglist - same. Free. Easy fix. Should set up a saved CLIST search and go into the microwave repair business.

[@meppenify]

Hugely helpful. I have the stainless steel version of this microwave. Had exactly the same problem and exactly the same solution

[@cstrachan66]

I wanted to thank you. Not exactly the same as mine but you were able to help me considerably. Eight dollar fix!

[@alltakennow]

Thank You!!!!!! I was able to replace switch and fix it. Appreciate it so much!

[@leaverite]

I thought John Candy was no longer with us? Great video! Thanks for the help. Are you still selling Shower Curtain Rings?

[@richardracicot1982]

Why do you have to remove the door? It has nothing to do with removing the back cover to access the switches.

[@benlincoln4299]

Great video. I had the same problem with the same model microwave and was able to fix it. Thanks

[@dougmoore5209]

Having a difficult time removing the white plastic lever that operates the bottom switch. Where are the tabs located?

[@Rebecca-GLaines]

Ok, awesome! I'm definitely trashing mine and buying a new one!🤣

[@Tom-Travels]

My bottom switch also stuck intermittently. I simply sprayed some canola oil into the latch slot. It corrected the problem.

[@edean2069]

Wow! Exactly my unit and problem. This old lady is gonna try to fix, but ? do I need to remove the door? I wish it was easier, but $$$

[@kaixiahu]

We’re having the same problem with our GE over the range microwave (model number: JVM1740SP2SS) Managed to open the door but not sure what numbers to look for on the switches. Just called GE appliance and they were super unhelpful. Any assistance?

[@jmogyoro]

I have this problem and seems easy to fix, but I want to know why it fails this way. Whether the switch is stuck "ON" (thinks door is closed), or stock "OFF" (thinks door is open), why would the microwave ever start? There is no request to start from the control panel. Does anybody have an explanation?

[@EagleWesman]

I want to know this too! It’s killing me!

[@WilliamSartori-oz5tp]

@@EagleWesman Oh man. I forgot about this. Now it is gonna bother me again :).

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

I was able to check other top switches with multimeter on continuity, i noticed the bottom one is at faulty, but I can't remove it from the conectors! It is stuck in and I don't wanna break the plastic connector cover, any solutions how to remove that bottom connector from the swtich and replace without breaking that connector cover? Thanks

[@robertEdwardsOfficial233]

Thank you just what i needed to replace my Door!

[@mishalabahusayn405]

I had the same problem with the same switch. Fiddled with it and it popped out like yours and is working. You made this video two years ago. Have you had the same issue again where you had to change the switch or did just getting it unstuck have it still working?

[@nickyonstilts128]

I watched another repair video where the guy had to keep replacing one of the door switches which would be annoying.

[@cajunspike]

have exact same unit with exact same problem. thanks

[@gozillatrade5178]

Did the turntable turn on as well with door opened?

[@OnTheWorkbench]

Yes it appeared to operate the same as with the door closed

[@greenjacket4605]

The issue I'm having is not that the microwave turns on, but that the turntable spins and thats it. Otherwise the display doesn't light up, none of the buttons do anything, and it just won't work.

[@bettysmith8423]

Microwave is fix and working again

[@elmermt]

Use some contact cleaner, will remove the grind, and dirt of the switch.

[@OnTheWorkbench]

Yes!

[@jesusnavarro3201]

Why my cuisinant roster oven turns on why the door open

[@Bea_remembrance]

I was at a hostel now. They have one of those steel crome commercial microwave ovens you see in restaurants and coffee bars. I opened the door the fan was still on no light. I asked if I could turn it off to place food. Receptionist said no. So I put hand in to place food I felt tingling prickly feeling along my arm and hand. The fan was on but no light. The same situation when I took it out. My arm feels a bit strange now half an hour later. Is this my imagination. How do I know if only the fan was on, not the microwaves. Also when I first opened the door, three times for less than five seconds each time. Can microwaves escape and hit my torso. I don't know why they could not let me trun off the machine first.

[@OnTheWorkbench]

Yes the microwaves could have escaped and zapped you arm and perhaps your torso, proper shielding is important. A microwave not behaving correctly should not be used until it is fixed.

[@Bea_remembrance]

@Billy West thanks alot for your advice. 👍 I got a mole growing there now? 😱 could be just coincidence.

[@Bea_remembrance]

@Billy West thanks. Good advice. 👍

[@joecox9958]

thx I cannot remove the door thus even top cover. the door bottom has a black plastic piece not allow door lift. I hate GE stupid design.