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GE microwave won't turn off
Common reasons your GE microwave won't turn off
The most common reasons your GE microwave won't turn off are a malfunctioning electronic control board, bad thermostat or a broken switch.
53% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
37% of the time it's the Thermostat
3% of the time it's the Switch
7% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE microwave
Electronic Control Board Replacement
If a microwave electronic control board is malfunctioning, it can lead to various failures in the microwave, including a lack of power or heating, or it could prevent the microwave from turning off. This is because the board serves as the brain of the microwave, controlling crucial components such as magnetron the heats food, cooling fans, lights, the turn-table motor, cooking times and power level settings and the display. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise or emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Thermostat Replacement
A bad thermostat in a microwave will cause a variety of issues, mainly with power to the components of the microwave. Microwaves have several internal thermostats that protect you from harm when components inside the microwave fail. Many microwaves have a magnetron thermostat that trips when it detects high current going to the magnetron or high temperature in that area of the microwave cavity. Another thermostat monitors the temperature of the cooking cavity and trips when high temperatures occur. If any of these thermostats trip, the microwave won’t start, lights and fans will be inoperative and the display will be blank. Because microwaves contain a high-voltage transformer and high-voltage capacitors that retain a lethal amount of electricity even with the microwave unplugged, a Sears Home Services professional should examine the microwave and perform the repair.
Switch Replacement
A broken switch in a microwave will cause a variety of issues, mainly with power to the components of the microwave. Microwaves have several internal thermal switches and interlock switches that protect you when components inside the microwave fail. Door interlock switches prevent the microwave from running when the door is open so you aren’t exposed to harmful radiation. Many microwaves have a magnetron thermal switch that trips when it detects high current going to the magnetron or high temperature in that area of the microwave cavity. Another thermal switch monitors the temperature of the cooking cavity and trips when high temperatures occur. If any of these switches fail, the microwave won’t start, lights and fans will be inoperative and the display will be blank. Because microwaves contain a high-voltage transformer and high-voltage capacitors that retain a lethal amount of electricity even with the microwave unplugged, a Sears Home Services professional should examine the microwave and perform the repair.
Why won't my GE microwave shut off?
A GE microwave that won’t turn off often has bad interlock switches or a failed electronic control board.
Unplug the microwave power cord and stop using the appliance if the unit continues to run when you open the microwave door.
Operating the microwave with the door open can expose you to harmful radiation.
Schedule Professional Microwave Repair Service
As shown in the image below, attempting microwave repairs on your own is extremely dangerous. Schedule microwave repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the problem.
What to expect when you experience a GE microwave won't turn off issue
How is the won't turn off problem fixed?
Correcting most won't turn off problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, thermostat or switch. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a microwave that won't turn off
When the microwave won't turn off it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of microwave failures.
What to look out for with a microwave won't turn off diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your microwave problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
GE Microwave Fan Won’t Turn Off Troubleshooting
The exhaust fan on a GE over-the-range microwave has a sentinel feature that turns on the exhaust fan when a thermostat in the microwave senses high temperature above the stove. The GE microwave fan won’t turn off until temperature above the stove cools down and the thermostat resets. When the exhaust fan kicks on due to high heat, you won’t be able to turn the fan off unless you completely unplug the microwave to kill power.
If the GE microwave fan won’t turn off even after the area above the stove is completely cooled down, then a failed sentinel thermostat or a stuck relay on the electronic control board may be causing the problem. Try unplugging the microwave for 1 minute to reboot the electronic control board and then plugging the outlet cord back in to restore electrical power. This will reset the main electronic control board inside the microwave and the fan may quit running.
If the fan keeps running after restoring power to the microwave, then you’ll need to have the microwave serviced by a technician. The microwave repair tech will diagnose the cause of the fan failure and replace the broken part so the fan will turn off properly when the area above the stove cools down.
Schedule microwave repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem when your GE microwave fan that won’t turn off. Our microwave repair technicians are knowledgeable and experienced in handling any type of GE microwave failure.
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Andreina G, Naples, FL
microwave
Mark really went over the microwave trying to fix it, this was his second time here for the same problem. August till ? till we get it replaced. we appreciate him for his knowledge of his job. thank you Mark
H M, Cadiz, OH
Customer
Mr. David is very polite and intelligent gentlemen. He came to replace a part on my microwave and he checked the microwave to make sure it was working properly. Mr. David gave me a courtesy call that he will be arriving in 15mins. He arrived on time for the appointment and took care of his job duties. Thanks Mr. David for all the hard work you do at Sears. Keep up all the good work.
Pamela W, Baltimore, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Microwave Resources
Discover the top causes of microwave malfunctions in 2025 with Sears Home Services.
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Is it worth repairing a microwave? Find out the pros and cons of repairing your microwave at Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.
A microwave sensor is a technologically advanced feature in modern microwave ovens that measures vapor (steam) emitted by the food, adjusting the cooking time and power levels automatically for optimal results.
A microwave waveguide cover is a small, often mica or plastic piece inside the microwave that covers the opening where microwaves enter the cooking chamber, protecting the microwave's internal components from food splatter and ensuring efficient distribution of the microwaves.
A microwave magnetron is a component in microwave ovens that generates the microwaves used to cook food.