[sparky]

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. Unpluggeed 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.

If and when I hear back from GE I will add to this post. Could be a real fire hazard.

[amidreaming]

I have been a long time lurker but felt this post needed a quick reply... We also had the same flickering problem with our GE microwave. I contacted the number on our warranty and they set up a service call with MD Appliance Service. Microwave was found defective (diode, capacitor, etc.) and they had to order parts and a new seal. Was told it was a serious problem and was emitting microwaves. This was not a good thing. He unplugged the microwave and made me promise not to use it. Had new parts installed and it was all covered by the extended warranty! Glad I purchased that extended warranty! Don't wait for an email response - call the number on your warranty. If you don't have the warranty I would call GE and speak to a live person. I believe this is a serious problem. Good Luck!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by amidreaming

I have been a long time lurker but felt this post needed a quick reply... We also had the same flickering problem with our GE microwave. I contacted the number on our warranty and they set up a service call with MD Appliance Service. Microwave was found defective (diode, capacitor, etc.) and they had to order parts and a new seal. Was told it was a serious problem and was emitting microwaves. This was not a good thing. He unplugged the microwave and made me promise not to use it. Had new parts installed and it was all covered by the extended warranty! Glad I purchased that extended warranty! Don't wait for an email response - call the number on your warranty. If you don't have the warranty I would call GE and speak to a live person. I believe this is a serious problem. Good Luck!

THAT is scary!!

I agree that that speaking to a live person is a must!

This is a situation that I would not accept a repair. I would insist on the microwave being replaced.

[golfnut]

gg, just how do you speak to a live person, last time i called an 800 number i had to press 8 to 10 different keys on the phone and then i was told i had a 30 minute wait, then when someone came on the line i couldn't understand them thru the accent if you know what i mean.....GN

[Talk Host]

A few years ago, while I was still a Volunteer fireman in Vestal, New York, we had a serious house fire cause by a microwave oven that came on by itself. The people were away and the whole house was engulfed by the time we arrived. Our investigators, along with some microwave experts, said that the whole room filled with heat then ignited.

Our department started a full scale investigation of the company (Not GE) (but I forget which one) and as a result, there was a recall of those units.

[sparky]

Still have not received a reply back from GE. I called a 800 number and spoke to a service rep about the problem and the fact that I was contacted after 4 days. She assigned a complaint number and gave me the 800 for customer relations. They are not open on weekends so I'll be calling Monday. Meanwhile it's cold leftovers.

[sparky]

GE repair coming out 12-30-09 to check unit out. So far GE is not claiming a problem.

[skip0358]

How old is this unit?

[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.

[VillagerNut]

I live in a Villages home that is 9 yrs old. Had similar problem with GE microwave in Nov. Local Repair person on the phone said to replace microwave instead of fixing. I did with a Whirlpool microwave. $377 later (installation in this price) all is well. I think GE has a problem with their microwaves. I had a Sharp countertop microwave that was over 20 yrs old that had never had a problem much less smoking! I sometimes wish I still had it!

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by VillagerNut

I live in a Villages home that is 9 yrs old. Had similar problem with GE microwave in Nov. Local Repair person on the phone said to replace microwave instead of fixing. I did with a Whirlpool microwave. $377 later (installation in this price) all is well. I think GE has a problem with their microwaves. I had a Sharp countertop microwave that was over 20 yrs old that had never had a problem much less smoking! I sometimes wish I still had it!

Yikes, my TV GE microwave is 8 years old. I agree with you about the Sharp countertop. Mine is at least 25 years old and counting and I haven't had a moment's problem with it. I wonder if they still make 'em that well.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by VillagerNut

I live in a Villages home that is 9 yrs old. Had similar problem with GE microwave in Nov. Local Repair person on the phone said to replace microwave instead of fixing. I did with a Whirlpool microwave. $377 later (installation in this price) all is well. I think GE has a problem with their microwaves. I had a Sharp countertop microwave that was over 20 yrs old that had never had a problem much less smoking! I sometimes wish I still had it!

Could be a problem here. Whirlpool and GE microwave I believe are made by the same company.

[chas39]

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.

Hi Mine went also...I called them up and checked first wanted a service call
first which I would have had to pay for even if it was not worth fixing...I asked someone on the know being a ex service manager myself, said it was major to fix and to replace...Thats what I did went to Loew's and bought a shelf out of box Samsung stainless steel for a little over 200.00 bucks and installed it with a friend no problem.

Originally Posted by sparky

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. Unpluggeed 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.

If and when I hear back from GE I will add to this post. Could be a real fire hazard.

We are currently in a rental and the GE microwave is exhibiting the exact symptoms. As an added bonus occaisionally the fan and lights will not turn off.

We've been alternating between unplugging it when we are not home and leaving the door open when we are. What a pain and dangerous as well.

The property manager was notified last week and said he'd have someone out here to look at it sometime early this week.

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Yikes, my TV GE microwave is 8 years old. I agree with you about the Sharp countertop. Mine is at least 25 years old and counting and I haven't had a moment's problem with it. I wonder if they still make 'em that well.

I still have my Sharp counter top unit. Been with me for about 25 years also. Moved it to every house in LA and then out here as a "just in case" and it has never let me down. Unfortunately, no appliances are built like they used to. They're all Made in China... Sad!