[Bernie157]

We have had this counter-top microwave oven for possibly or probably more than 10 years (not sure). It has been great for us. The display panel has been dim for many years but we have been able to live with it. Just within the last few days, most of the time when we open the door, the fan goes on. I see that this problem has been reported for many other models. Is there anything relatively simple that we can do to solve this?

Bernie

[Simon / APP Team]

HI.

Unplug the unit.

You need to check the door sensing switches

Part number: WB24X829

Here are the breakdown diagram and Microwave parts for GE JE1456KWH02 - AppliancePartsPros.com

Post the results.

Simon.

[Bernie157]

Originally Posted by Simon / APP Team

HI.

Unplug the unit.

You need to check the door sensing switches

Part number: WB24X829

Here are the breakdown diagram and Microwave parts for GE JE1456KWH02 - AppliancePartsPros.com

Post the results.

Simon.

I see the part number twice in the parts list, once with #1445 and once with #1446, same price. In the diagram I find #1445 inside the microwave on the left side, but I don't see anything like that inside or outside (I have the cover off) of the unit. Need more help before I would order and attempt to install the correct part. Thanks.

[Bernie157]

P.S. I just spent some time chatting with Brandi and now understand and have access to the switches (diagram #1445 & 1446) that might be faulty. Or is it possible they are out of position or have bad wire contacts? Only the #1446 (in the middle) seems to move when the door is opened or closed, while closing the door causes the latches to contact the #1445s. She said I need to test the switches with an ohm meter but I have no such thing, only battery testers.

[Bernie157]

Another P.S. When I remove one connecting wire from either the top #1445 or the bottom #1445, then the machine works normally. It does NOT run when I merely open the door and it DOES run when I heat something. Does this mean I should leave one wire off and put the cover back on and will be OK? Bernie

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

You really should get a meter it will save the money and time to diagnose the problem and get the right part. This is a very inexpensive meter TJMA-DM.

The door switches are engaged when the door is closed. So look for broken levers,door latch out of alignment, bad connection and broken switch, or bracket.

Post the results.

Sorry, missed your last post. DO NOT TAKE ANY WIRES OFF AND TRY TO RUN THE MICROWAVE.

Just check the switches and wires as I suggested, please.If you don't feel comfortable working on the microwave (which a lot of people do) call a pro.

Simon.

[Bernie157]

I have removed and taped the end of one wire from the top-most switch, then put the outer cover back on. The machine seems to be performing correctly except when done heating something, the "End" message does not go away just by opening the door; only by pressing Clear/Cancel. Maybe caused by removed wire?

With the cover back on, it does not appear to be perfectly closed around the front edge. Does it need taping or caulking? Is there any fear of radiation escaping from there or is only kept inside the unit? Thanks.

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Please re read my post and make sure you test the switches and properly replace defective parts. If you do not have a meter you can pick one up fairly cheap. Do not alter wiring and try to bypass the safety features of the microwave.You are dealing with high voltage and radiation. If everything is replaced properly the outer cover should lock into place with the tabs and be flush, no caulking required. If you are unable to do this, Please, call a qualified service person.

Simon./

[Bernie157]

Simon, I appreciate your replies and advice. Since the machine no longer runs the fan or makes any other noise by merely opening the door, I can't see the harm of leaving it as I have it. I tried to figure how to remove the switches but could not. They seem to be within or behind plastic parts, no way to remove w/o breaking them. I did find a small broken plastic piece on the bottom of the switch compartment. I also see what looks like a place for a 9 volt battery to go, which is empty, just to the rear of the middle switch.

Is the middle switch supposed to move as much as it does (maybe 1/8") when door is opened or closed?

I took a few photos of the switch area when I had the cover off, which I emailed to Brandi during the chat, which were helpful to her to see what I was seeing.

Bernie

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi, Bernie.

You need to replace the mounting bracket, one of the pins holding the switch broke off and the switch is moving instead of engaging.Unfortunately this part is no longer available.
Unless you can figure out how to fix the switch to the bracket.

Simon.