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FatChance · 10-16-2018, 07:23 PM

This afternoon, I tried to turn on the surface light on our GE JVM1490BD microwave/convection and it flickered and the display went out and it is now totally dead and unresponsive. I checked the 120vac outlet with a plug-in meter and the power and wiring checked out fine. There was no evidence of a power surge from our hardwired Surge Guard. It is in a 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire DP and this appliance is original, made in 2003, and had zero problems before today.

Could it have an internal blown fuse or something easy? At its age I am willing to try simple/cheap diagnostics, but I think a new replacement will probably be in order.

This old oven is approximately 30"W x 16"H x 15"D and is vented to the outside, if that matters. Can anyone recommend a good, reliable, reasonably priced replacement, preferably in stainless finish?

bobwilcox · 10-17-2018, 08:31 AM

there should be a fuse inside the unit, probably on the main circuit board. Unplug the unit. If you remove the grill, I think you can get inside the front control panel, without dropping the microwave. If you trace the power wire, you should come across the fuse. But, the blown fuse could be a result, not the cause, of a malfunction. I have no recommendations for a replacement.

Good luck.

FatChance · 10-17-2018, 09:18 AM

Thanks Bob, I will see if I can find that fuse.

FatChance · 10-17-2018, 05:35 PM

Well, I guess clean living and pure thoughts really do pay off! I removed a plastic vent cover and panel and found the 20A fuse. I couldn't read any continuity across the fuse so I went to O'Reilly auto parts and got a couple 20A car fuses. I put one in, plugged in the microwave and, Voila' it works! I love it when a $0.50 piece fixes a perfectly good $800 appliance. [emoji3]

F4Jock · 10-17-2018, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

Well, I guess clean living and pure thoughts really do pay off! I removed a plastic vent cover and panel and found the 20A fuse. I couldn't read any continuity across the fuse so I went to O'Reilly auto parts and got a couple 20A car fuses. I put one in, plugged in the microwave and, Voila' it works! I love it when a $0.50 piece fixes a perfectly good $800 appliance. [emoji3]

Except that you don't know why the fuse blew in the first place. 20 amps is pretty hefty and it had to be something really interesting I would think. If I were you I would keep a close eye on it

docj · 10-17-2018, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

This old oven is approximately 30"W x 16"H x 15"D and is vented to the outside, if that matters. Can anyone recommend a good, reliable, reasonably priced replacement, preferably in stainless finish?

Sounds like it's a standard over-the-range (OTR) oven of which there are lots available at Lowe's and Home Depot. The combination microwave/convection ovens are fewer but are available. We replaced our OEM Sharp with a GE Profile and have been very pleased with it.

FatChance · 10-17-2018, 07:04 PM

It is true, I don't know why the 20A fuse blew. But, we full-time and I am watching it closely. Also today, after researching, I found a stainless GE Profile microwave/convection at Home Depot (on sale) that is the same size and even uses the same mounting brackets so I am set if this fix doesn't last.

F4Jock · 10-18-2018, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

It is true, I don't know why the 20A fuse blew. But, we full-time and I am watching it closely. Also today, after researching, I found a stainless GE Profile microwave/convection at Home Depot (on sale) that is the same size and even uses the same mounting brackets so I am set if this fix doesn't last.

Now THIS I have first-hand experience with. I have two GE Profile convections that I use almost exclusively in CONVECTION or COMBINATION modes rather than my conventional gas oven. I can roast an eight pound chicken to perfection in COMBINATION mode in well under two hours. and the skin is crispish and perfect! Potatoes, roast fine too. I can highly recommend them if you have to swap yours out. Also, they make microwave grilling plates that sear and cook steaks and chops to perfection. I use them on the road when I don't feel like grilling outside.

FatChance · 10-18-2018, 08:39 AM

Oh, that sounds good. I have never tried those options on our old GE Spacemaker microwave/convection because we have a Breville countertop convection oven that gets all of the baking duties. Thanks!