I have an over the counter GE Spacemaker XL microwave (Model # jvm1350ww002) that recently stopped heating. All the parts are out of warranty since the microwave is more than 10 years old. So I decided to get a similar model assuming that I would be able to switch them easily.
I bought a used GE Spacemaker XL 1400 (Model # jvm1440wd001). However, after taking out the old microwave I found that they both used different mounting hardware. I don’t have the mounting hardware for the XL1400, so I was wondering what my options are.
Is it possible to just switch the outer case of the two microwave so that I can still use the outercase of the older microwave? I don’t know how much of an effort it would be to find the mounting hardware for the XL1400 and installing it on my own. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks.
I was trying to pick a path that would cost me the least money/time. I was comparing the part lists for both the microwaves and it seems like they share the same magnetron. Would it make sense to remove the magnetron from the newer microwave and install it on the older one? I am trying to avoid replacing the mounting hardware because the space above the counter is very tight and I am not sure if I have the tools/expertise to take on the project.
Gene said:
As long as the part numbers are the same, you can exchange any parts.
How do you know if the problem is a bad magnetron? Have you performed any troubleshooting?
Gene.
I found a couple of different sites where people had posted that they had issues with the microwave not heating. They had ordered the magnetron since it was under warranty from GE and that fixed the issue. There a few cases where it didn’t fix the issue, but I thought I would try the easier route first before I go about ordering the mounting bracket.
What else could be wrong if the microwave does not heat? The light comes up when I turn it on and it makes the usual sounds, but after the beep sounds and I take out the food, it’s still cold.
A bad magnetron had been the most common problem with GE microwaves for over ten years, but there are a few more parts (door switches, control board, diode, transformer etc) which can cause microwave not to heat.
Gene said:
A bad magnetron had been the most common problem with GE microwaves for over ten years, but there are a few more parts (door switches, control board, diode, transformer etc) which can cause microwave not to heat.
Gene.
Thanks Gene. I ordered the bracket and will install the XL1400. Let’s see how that goes Thanks for all help.
Whew! That took some work. Finally installed the microwave, but let me tell you, it was no small task. Some pitfalls to watch out for:
1 - The threading on the bolts to hold the microwave from the top (through the cabinet) was worn off. I had the microwave up, but could not get the bolts to go through the nut in the microwave. Got new bolt and nut and the problem was solved in a jiffy.
2 - After mounting the microwave in the bracket, realized that there was a small corner of a tile on the kitchen that was protruding in the microwave space. The older microwave had seated snugly in the same space, but I guess I had mounted the bracket slightly off center. I had to chip the tile off to make room.
3 - I didn’t have a template for the top of the microwave to make holes for the bolts. Made my own template by putting a newspaper on the microwave and marking the holes. But one of the whole was slightly misaligned which gave me some grief when trying to thread the bolt from the cabinet. Ended up drilling another hole which finally aligned correctly.
This would seem to be the best place to find an answer to this.
I need to replace the outer door of my spacemaker, I had a small flash over yesterday and, while the microwave works fine, the outerdoor has an area of warp from the brief flames. I see that the part can be ordered so that’s good. However, looking at the microwave, I’m unsure as to how I remove the old outer door and replace it with the new part.
I assume that there are catches somewhere but I’m not sure where those are.
In searching for an answer to this I’ve noticed that many people are replacing the door handle so evidently that part is achievable (and in my case the handle is fine) but I’m not sure how I pry off the outer door after that.
Apparently the part will not come with instructions so hopefully somebody might be able to help.
Thanks for all help.