[sparky]

Originally placed this on New Members Forum but didn't get as many reply's as I expected. Since this problem could be a serious fire hazard thought I'd better repost on this forum.

Recently left the Villages for a week and when we came home the Microwave was running, making sparking noises and the light was flickering. We could not turn it off and had to open door to stop it. When door was closed it started up again. Unplugged it but when plugged it in later it did the same thing. Awaiting reply from GE on email I sent two days ago.

Saw on the internet that GE has had some recent problems with their microwaves and although some smoked, some caught fire.

Have since contacted GE direct by phone because they didn't reply to two emails. GE still not taking responsibility but have scheduled a repair man for next week. I won't have to pay for the service call according to Consumer Relations.

[skip0358]

How old is the unit? If new I would contact the villages warranty dept. this may be an issue.

[sparky]

Skip, the house is 8 years old. I've replaced the GE refrigerator and the GE dishwasher. Now it looks like the microwave. I don't think GE makes a product that will last 10 years.

A close friend of mine worked for GE in Louisvile, KY 30 years ago and his job was buying and testing parts that would last through the warranty but fail soon after that. The appliances were just lasting too long. It looks like my friend did a very good job.

[jblum8156]

My G.E. microwave came with two chrome wire shelves inside, but I noticed that it was sparking so I took them out. I didn't think you were ever supposed to use metal in a microwave.

[krash]

When we first moved into our new house 2 years ago, I too had problems with the microwave after only living in the house for about 3 weeks. It started to spark, and this was after I had taken out those wire shelves. I called the warranty office, they sent a man from the company which handles all the installations of appliances, and he said he would order some part to be replaced. I refused, as I wanted a brand new microwave - I felt that this type of appliance you just don't want to fool around with.

I had a new micro into 2 days.

I also had a problem with my GE Fridge - the motor in the freezer section would groan whenever it would cycle on. They did come and replace something inside the motor so that it ran much quieter.

I would not consider getting anymore GE appliances in the future. JUNK.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by sparky

[B]Recently left the Villages for a week and when we came home the Microwave was running, making sparking noises and the light was flickering. We could not turn it off and had to open door to stop it. When door was closed it started up again. Unplugged it but when plugged it in later it did the same thing.

My neighbor"s eight plus year old GE microwave acted similar. It didn't spark but it started spontaneously and would not shut off unless door was opened. I unplugged it for her as I was not comfortable depending on an open door to be a good temporary solution.

Bottom line: she replaced it with a new one.

[sparky]

GE repair showed up today. The Smartboard package was bad. Cost me $249.47 for a new one. GE never replied to my emails. I had to call them and they gave me a free service call (wow).

Unit is 8 years old but I'm more concerned about the chance of fire. Repair didn't admit that this is normal but he didn't deny that he has seen it before.

I'm still going after GE. They should do a recall if this units can start by themselves. A real fire hazard.

My wife also went on line and Channel 5 reported a problem back in June 2009 with GE microwaves to Consumer Public Safety Commission. @ 1-800-638-2772. I reported my problem to them today.

[golfnut]

i wonder if it has anything to do with your user name...???...gn

[downeaster]

An item in The Villages Daily Sun this AM reporting a fire as a result of suspected microwave oven malfunction. Fortunately no extensive damage but what if no one had been home?

[Skip]

Originally Posted by sparky

GE repair showed up today. The Smartboard package was bad. Cost me $249.47 for a new one. GE never replied to my emails. I had to call them and they gave me a free service call (wow).

Unit is 8 years old but I'm more concerned about the chance of fire. Repair didn't admit that this is normal but he didn't deny that he has seen it before.

I'm still going after GE. They should do a recall if this units can start by themselves. A real fire hazard.

My wife also went on line and Channel 5 reported a problem back in June 2009 with GE microwaves to Consumer Public Safety Commission. @ 1-800-638-2772. I reported my problem to them today.

There are no recalls on GE Microwaves (not that there shouldn't be). I would have put that $250 toward a new Panasonic or other branded microwave.

Join the class action lawsuit on GE microwaves.

Skip

[Hawkwind]

It would be interesting to put together a list of the models and serial numbers of the units to see if there are similar. If I were currently living in TV I would record all the information about all the GE appliances in the house just in case.

I am very surprised that TV is still using GE with the problems that people were having with the units.

In newer homes the A/C is now Carrier and not Trane, maybe someone finally got through to the developers.