Brand:GE
Model Number: PSB1201NSS01
Main Symptom: Power issues
What happens & when:
It was dead. I replaced the power board and the fuse. When plugged in the first time display worked normal but the oven heating element turned on. I pressed the express button and the fuse blew.
Error Code (if any): none
Parts or tests already tried: Ge WB27X10861, fuse
Photos / video link:
If the element came on when it was plugged in, either the element is shorted or the control is defective. Remove the wires from the element, make sure they are not touching metal, plug it back in and see what it does. I know the element wont come on, but we can determine what is going on with the board. Look for any scorched marks while you are in there.
What one is the control board? I just replaced the power board. Is there a plug for the element wires on one of the boards? I know the element is in the bottom of the unit.
This is the relay board, WB27X32849 Microwave Relay Board | Genuine Ge OEM In Stock, I see the element as being a circular type element located in the back of the cavity. It has two terminals. WB44X10050 Built-In Microwave Heating Element Protective Sheath | Genuine Ge OEM In Stock
Ok, I will pull the relay board and check it. The power board had clear scorched marks on it so I replaced that earlier in this trouble shooting process.
That element isn’t the part that is turning on automatically when plugged in, it was the microwave heating element on the bottom that would clearly start to glow red. Part number 5514 on the parts diagram.
Okay, that looks like a halogen heater. Your process would still be the same, just a different heater.
I unplugged the 4 pin connector that goes to the Halogen heater and turn table motor. Put in a new fuse and plugged in. everything powered up as it should, set the clock. Pressed the express button and it blew the fuse again. I replaced the fuse and powered back on, display said to check food due to power failure while cooking.
I also pulled the relay board and there are no visual signs of damage.
Do you know what to check/try next?
since the it is still blowing fuses with the element unplugged, and considering the element was coming on as soon as the unit was plugged in, does that mean the control board is bad and needs to be replaced?
There is a short somewhere. The element is not causing it because it is unplugged and still blowing a fuse. The control would be the number 1 suspect. It can be tricky sometimes to find the short.
So your suggesting buying a new control board? do you have that part available?
You had replaced the power board. The relay board I mentioned in a previous post, would be the one that sends voltage to the element. WB27X32849 Relay Board | Genuine Ge OEM In Stock
Sounds good. I will order that now. Fingers crossed.
Received the new control board, installed it and still doing the same thing. Powers up but as soon as I press express it cooks for about 1 second then blows the fuse. What should we try now?
What is supposed to come on when you press express? Something in that process is shorted. Anything from the Express button on the console to whatever is supposed to come on. I know this is not being as helpful as we want it to be, not being able to put my hands and eyes on the actual appliance is a real handicap.
The express function should turn on the microwave for 30 seconds. I will put a new fuse in and try a few other functions to see if I can narrow it down at all.
It is in the microwave function. Convection oven works as it should . When I then set to microwave time cook, it did the same thing, worked for a couple seconds then blew fuse.
do you know what the line of power from control and relay board into the microwave components is? where in there could there be a short and what would you recommend replacing next?
What would my next step be?
Does the fuse blow any time the microwave function is activated, regardless of it being an express cook or not? If it does, it is very likely that there is a door switch issue. On the right side switch and latch assembly, there will should be a door switch with a red wire and a white wire. When the door is closed, does this switch have continuity when tested with a meter? If it does have continuity, it would need to be replaced. It would be creating the short burning the fuse out. Here is a link to the monitor switch for this model and how the terminals would be set in the housing. WB24X25397 Microwave Door Interlock Monitor Switch | Genuine Ge OEM In Stock
On the right side there is 2 switches. both have 2 connectors, top one with a white wire and a red and yellow wire. With the door closed I unhooked the wires and checked the switch and got nothing on the meter. The other switch below this on the right side (Red brown and black black) and the switch on the left side (white and yellow) were opposite to this one, where both of those switches showed continuity when the door was closed.