GE Spacesaver Microwave Light Bulb

[rvjimzhr]

My rig is a 2000 Tradewinds 7371 with a GE Spacesaver microwave Model JVM1490BD. The interior bulb has burnt out. As near as I can tell to access the bulb I need to first remove a wooden piece with a brass handle which is above the plastic grill at the top of the microwave. This wooden piece is blocked by an overhead light fixture in the ceiling. This doesn't make sense but it seems that to remove that wooden piece, and then the grill, I must first remove the overhead light fixture! All to change a light bulb??

Has anyone else dealt with this problem?

Thanks!

[Theberrys]

I didn't have to change a light bulb, but when I replaced my microwave I had to unscrew the light to get the wooden panel out. You can leave it wired up and will be able to remove the panel. I think all you have to remove is the grill across the top over the door and that doesn't require removing the wooden trim piece.
Here is a link to the install manual for yours and the install and users manual for the newer model which is very much the same except for the control panel.
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=ae67f...2766057%212760


Incase you didn't get a documentation package here is a link to all the docs that came with my 1999 7372
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=ae67f...2766057%212101

Dick

[Dunner]

Grab the brass handle and give a steady pull/yank. The one on my Breeze is just held on with Velcro.

[Theberrys]

Originally Posted by Dunner

Grab the brass handle and give a steady pull/yank. The one on my Breeze is just held on with Velcro.

Dunner

On the Tradewinds the double RV type light is in the way. Once the light is removed than a tug will get it off. Mine was held on with Velcro as well.


Dick

[Dunner]

I have the light, but I don't have to remove it to get the panel off.

[rvjimzhr]

Thanks Dick! Yes, I can't just pull the panel 'cuz the light IS in the way. Also, I find no way to remove the grill without first removing that wood panel. I find no screws visible so am guessing I will see them AFTER I remove the panel. So my next step is to remove the light fixture unless you advise otherwise. WHY do manufacturers do ^$% like this??

And thanks for the links!!

Jim

[rvjimzhr]

Dick,

That first manual is downloading on my extremely slow rv park wifi. Hopefully I get it all. The second link does not appear to show anything but MY Skylink files.....I don't see any of yours. What am I missing here?

Jim

[rvjimzhr]

As I should have expected, Murphy is involved here. The first manual downloaded but it is only the installation manual, not the owner's manual, so it's of no help. As I said, I don't find anything of help in your second link. Need the Owner's Manual I think.

Jim

[Theberrys]

Originally Posted by rvjimzhr

Dick,

That first manual is downloading on my extremely slow rv park wifi. Hopefully I get it all. The second link does not appear to show anything but MY Skylink files.....I don't see any of yours. What am I missing here?

Jim

The first link is to three files, one is the install manual for your Microwave and the other two are for the newer version of the GE. I checked all three and none of them say anything about the inside light, just how to replace the over the counter light. Bummer.

The second link is to directories not files. Click on one and it should open the directory with the files in them.

If I remember correctly the grill screws are on the ends through the vents. But it's been quite a while since I fussed with the original model.

It's OK to remove the light it's just held to the celling by four self tapping screws so don't over tighten when reinstalling.

Dick

[rvjimzhr]

Dick I had looked at all three files and found no help. I can see a portion of a Phillips head screw behind the grill on the right side but I cannot get a screwdriver on it. There is no such screw on the left side so not sure if removal of the right side screw would accomplish anything even if I could get to it. I guess I'll remove the light fixture and see what I can see. This kind of thing makes me want to get my hands around the neck of anyone who would install something this way. How do RV manufacturers get up every day and look in the mirror????? Thank you for your time though!!

Jim

[rvjimzhr]

Well, I have removed the light fixture, pulled the wood panel off and the top of the microwave is exposed. This is where I'd go to unplug the unit or remove it. There is no way I can see to remove the grill.....no screws or any indication of how to proceed. There is still that one phillips screw, on the right side, behind the grill which you can't get a screwdriver on. No such screw on the left or anywhere else. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! Does anyone know of how I might speak with a human at GE who could explain this? Other suggestions? Thanks again!

[rvjimzhr]

I finally found what I believe is a owner manual for my microwave. I FIND NO REFERENCE to an interior light....anywhere. There's alot of detail on a 'surface light'. I'm almost positive that I had an interior light at one time but now I'm starting to question my memory. Is there a possibility that an interior light is not a part of this GE Model JVM1490BD ?? Does anyone have the exact unit and is there actually an interior light?

Thanks again!

Jim

[Dr4Film]

Based on my limited research there appears to be two different lights.

Check out these links.

http://www.specsserver.com/CACHE/FRXILFIRLKLD.PDF

Parts for JVM1490BD | Ge | Microwaves

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Theberrys]

I asked my wife and she remembers a inside light in our original oven. I just checked our new one Model 1790 and it has an inside light. It's front center top as viewed from the inside with the door opened. The grill on top of the door is snapped in with three tabs on the bottom edge and fixed tabs on the top, so pull the bottom first, perhaps even lift the tabs on the bottom up with a screwdriver so they don't break. Then inside front center top is a screw to remove the cover from the light compartment.

Hope this helps.

Be very careful removing the grill. I broke one of the top tabs by pulling it straight out instead of freeing the bottom first and rotating it up from the bottom.

These people have the light bulbs and the vent http://www.repairclinic.com/ I would suspect you can get the bulb most anywhere but if you break the vent it will cost you about $60 to replace it so be very careful.

Dick