I am finding the keypad very hard to see. The choices are more gray on black rather than white. Even with the light on and my glasses on I have to struggle to see it. Is this a defect? null

Question

suprdvtx · Accepted Answer

I have the saame problem, have to get the flashlight in order to use the microwave

Beedog · Answer

We just installed the GE JVM3160 and now realize the control panel doesn’t light up. GE should offer a replacement control panel that lights up for no charge. What the heck was GE thinking??

Rick · Answer

I have the same complaint. You need a flashlight to operate. If you are listening GE, send all of us that send in the warranty card a stick on control overlay that we can read !

TSinTN · Answer

We just had to replace our 12 year old GE Protle over-stove microwave oven. That one had a keypad that lit up when touched. It was WONDERFUL? Touched anywhere on the pad area and it lit up.

When we went shopping for a replacement, we found that none of them had lighted keypads. Not even the GE profile. I assume there is some sort of technological issue… But I have no idea why the simple convenience is not a standard feature in microwave ovens. Now we either have to turn on kitchen lights to see or stab in the dark!

Another needed feature in all kitchen appliances would be a simple battery that keeps the clock time when the electricity goes off. We live in an area where that happens quite frequently, and we have to Set the time on each appliance in the kitchen. How much would a small battery cost?

LewesDE · Answer

Same problem here. The controls do not light up, and the level of lighting we normally use while working in the kitchen (largely under-cabinet task lighting) does not allow us to read the control panel. This is a real defect and requires us to turn on ceiling lights and burn more energy just to operate the microwave. Bad news - would not recommend.

Answered by LewesDE 5 years ago

Ronnie · Answer

This microwave is bad as far as lighting goes. Both inside and out it is too dark. It may be sleek looking, but I cannot read the control panel without turning on every kitchen light. Inside is very dim. I replaced a GE microwave with this new model and I want my old one back. Fix the lighting inside and backlight the controls. Can't you read all the complaints on this subject.

Answered by Ronnie 5 years ago

Matt · Answer

Yes this is a good microwave, but NO it is horrible to use. Can't see the lights on the control panel. Only item on control panel with adequate lighting is the clock. None of the touchscreen buttons are readable. This is a SIGNIFICANT problem with this appliance. Hey, GE.....FIX IT!!!!!!

Answered by Matt 5 years ago

06109Ed · Answer

I have the same problem with not being able to see the display once the sun goes down . Turning the light on is a real drawback. I also agree that GE should swap out the current pad with one that lights up upon touch.

Answered by 06109Ed 5 years ago

BobK · Answer

Dido Exactly, dull off white display letters need brighter white. I am very disappointed with the dim off white letters! We bought a package of 4 GE appliances.Double oven below Miro has bright white lettering that stand out perfect.

Answered by BobK 6 years ago

Robert · Answer

Thanks!
I just purchased the GE 1.6 stainless steel model and your right...the keypad is hard to view!
I see why it was $100 off the regular price.
Now i operate my microwave with my reader glasses.
Happy hunting the keys!

Stuart · Answer

Just had a GE microwave installed Model:JVM7195SKSS No backlighting on panel...Cannot see at night w/o turning full kitchen lights on... like leaving out all interior lights in your car.............. terrible design feature!!!!!! GE - YOU CHEAPED OUT! Will be returning it to store

msnega · Answer

It’s not your eyes. The keyboard is a little dim. I almost bought another GE model with a better keyboard but it was $90 more. It had the same wattage so I went with the cheaper one. I just know where most of the keys are.

sammy · Answer

I bought a motion lite made to lite key holes in doors . I found a stick on in SS that works great . When I reach for the keypad the lite goes on.

retired · Answer

I just purchase this product today. It worked and the installer left. I realized I couldn't read the keypad. Looked for some kind of option for lighting and found none. I looked up problem and found all of these complaints. Being able to see the keypad properly should be a given. Finding out GE isn't responding to this issue I will be giving it a poor rating even if all other options are good. My solution is I attached my nook/kindle reading light to the top of it on the vent ridge. It does the trick, but this is crazy.

tomg · Answer

Agree this is major defect that GE should fix even if just an overlay clear foil with the the control lettering printed on it.. I should think Home Depot , Lowes
and Best Buy should insist that something be done.

RonP · Answer

I just bought the JVM3160FSS microwave and did not notice the control panel is not bright enough to see. After it was installed. I will address this problem
with the dealer and see if I have any recourse. With out being able to read the control panel the microwave is useless to me. I do not have good eyesight but GE should consider making all these customers happy. I guess this has been happening quite regularly so I assume that GE knows it is a problem. I hope they get enough complaints that they will correct the problem.

Coachk · Answer

After 10 years I bought a new GE microwave to replace one that we completely used up with 2 kids. Little did I know I was taking a step back in time, before incandescent lighting!! If we use the microwave at night I have matches, a candle or flashlight sitting along side to see control panel in the dark. I guess when I replace my refrigerator I will get an icebox that I need to put ice in!! Now I see why GE stock went from $80 to $6.

Answer

Just installed our new Samsung microwave. Its a beauty. Too bad we cant read the key pad . Will keep a small flashlight handy. bummer. I wonder if someone makes an overlay for the keypad.

John · Answer

For those that have not already tried, make sure you have removed the plastic film on the keypad. It is hard to see and get started but once removed, it reveals a shinny surface that matches the outer door surface and should help make the text easier to read as the protective film dulls the text. There was a sticker on the keypad to remove the film but I thought it was referring to the film on the top and sides and not the keypad until I went to remove the sticker and noticed the whole film was starting to be removed.

justbud · Answer

horrible design! there is no brightness adjustment on this model. no off/on to light up the panel! getting returned tomorrow!

Laura · Answer

The worst! I can't see a thing on the control panel even in the daylight. Why on earth did they forget to light that?

Seej · Answer

We had the same problem. To fix it we printed out a white keypad on a sticky mailing label for the adhesive. Cut to fit and stuck it on. Works great!

Jilly · Answer

I initially also thought the keyboard was terrible. Flat black finish, difficult to see. By some speck of luck, we found out there was a very thin protective film over the keypad that was never taken off during delivery. Once removed, it was much easier to see. Would be better tho with a backlight tho.

Dotm · Answer

Same problem. Unfortunately, being concerned about our health, we purchased online. We returned it and are currently doing without because we are too old to shop in-person in stores.This should be clearly stated in the product description

Heidi · Answer

We have the same problem. Have to use a flashlight to see the controls. Its very inconnvient and annoying. Poor design on GE's part!

consumer123 · Answer

Same issue here - the control panel does not light up and is very difficult to see without bright lights. I never would've purchased this model had I known that in advance (should've read the questions first). Very poor design GE!!!

Daver11111 · Answer

I just bought all new GE Kitchen appliances and a washer and dryer in our new Condo... Big Mistake ... Cannot see the buttons on my double oven either without a flashlight or something.

Below was GE's response TWO YEARS AGO and still no lights after TWO YEARS LATER. They have not improved things yet.
 GE needs to offer a replacement backlit panel for the PT7800SH8SS Double Oven. 
 
 Thanks for choosing our GE Microwave Oven JVM3160EFES! We are sorry to hear of the difficulty viewing the controls. The control panel is not backlit so adequate kitchen lighting may be necessary when programming/operating. Thanks for sharing your concerns regarding the design. We always like to hear customer feedback as you are our best resource for ideas on how we may improve our products for you. Thanks, again, for your evaluation. Keep in touch! SUE@GEA

Answered by GE Answers 2 years ago

Karen · Answer

Just bought a brand new house and took the GE appliance package offered by the builder. The microwave control panel is impossible to read. Looking at responses from everyone else, I see that it's actually a bad design by GE. What a shame!

RJinIA · Answer

My LG horizontal dishwasher and dryer are the same way. need glasses and flashlight to read buttons. It's about as ridiculous as 2.0 font used on medication caution warnings--makes no sense.

potts · Answer

new g e microwave has no ligjhted control panel

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We just bought a new GE one and this is still an issue. Whatever GE was saying years ago about using the feedback from people, it is falling on deaf ears and they appear to not care. I guess we'll just have to return it and go with another brand, not made by whoever was making the GE model. This appears to be a very generic model made by one company and sold under a number of brand names. We had a Magic Chef which is exactly the same, except for the trim. I'm not sure who is they are getting them from, or if one is making them for the other.

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On my brand new LG stainless steel microwave with the black glass door and black keypad. I cannot see the numbers is there a way they light up or some thing? Is there a back light on them?

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Unfortunately same issue, horrible design. Why do these companies not working to help the disabled?

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I agree with everyone else on this thread!  Why would GE make such an i possible to see control panel!  Every day I use it I get more annoyed and frustrated! What the heck were they thinking!

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I have the same problem and while awaiting delivery (over 7 months), we purchased a Hamilton Beach microwave for $69 and it has more bells and whisles than GE outrageously priced microwave that only has clock illuminated.  How dumb can dumb get

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It's just a bad design by GE.

Basilappliance · Answer

The JVM3160 panel does not light up. I tell all my customers this.  If yo were not told by the sales person, go see the sales manager and instruct them to educate their people on this model.

Answer

GE still has not fixed the keypad lighting problem.  I have to use a flashlight to see the keys on the panel.  I could not find another brand of microwave with a lighted keypad.  Seems to be a problem with other manufacturers also.

jharv · Answer

Same here.  Thought it was just me with the flashlite at night (else the brighter overhead kitchen lighting).  I've inspected the unit for a possible hidden switch, read the manual which mention "lighted panel" but nothing more, and search the web.  Just came across this and am now satisfied that its not me but a bad design. I am quite sure at this point that the replacement unit will not be GE.

Answer

I am having the same issue.  The time displays but the functions do not.  Is there a solution?

Bobby · Answer

I agree 100%. I will never buy another samsung/ge anything brand. Worst user friendly product ever used. Can not see control panel. Even not good in normal lighting. Forgot when dark room.

Debra · Answer

GE is owned by Communist China now folks! For the money we spent on this behemoth, handle-less microwave it's sub par. But there's more problems folks....
The highest model Slate didshwasher with stainless tub and food disposal broke on us and we used it weekly for 3 yrs,less than 100 uses and shot. Find out the wiring to mother board is too short and 340.00 replacement is the Same. And may need the second board at 150.oo possibly. GE refuses to improve it We waited 2 weeks to find a repair willing to come because of Corona and charged 65.00 intinally...opening the door causes a jingle tune to sound off. That stresses the too short wire harness and it snaps, So to the dump our beauty went and we chose a double drawer brushed stainless model by Fisher and Paytal. Trust us,welllll worth it when your turn comes. Bothers me we no longer have a matched set of 5 appliances we paid almost 5k for...

There is no button for an interior light on our GE slate 5 burner convection, stove oven either And no broiler pan comes with or burner grate for 5th burner just gridlle. They are Very expensive. 
I wiped some dried pancake batter off the knob real quick and off came the plastic chrome crap. 60.00 a knob to replace...and why are these manufacturers using double glass on the door but not sealing it so it gets cloudy in between! You can take the heavy door off and use a stick with cloth to clean(YouTube has a video) but its very hard to do....
Will Never buy GE again...

Buck · Answer

I bought a new GE microwave without a lighted paneL and was extremely hard to see. my solution was to buy a small light worn on ones head, removed the elastic band, turned light pointing down with push buttons facing out, put velcro or double sided sticky tape on side facing microwavE and mounted the light 1 to 2 inches above control and, prEsto i have perfectly lighted control panel. battery operated white light on one button, or multiply colored light on the other button I BOUGHT THE BLACK 2 BUTTON LIGHT FOR 15.00 DOLLARS , AM COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE MICROWAVE NOW. EASY TO REMOVE IF BATTERYS GO OUT , CHANGE THEM, REMOUNT LIGHT. PROBLEM SOLVED !

GE Answers · Answer

Hi amiga- Thanks for choosing our GE Microwave Oven JVM3160EFES! We are sorry to hear of the difficulty viewing the controls. The control panel is not backlit so adequate kitchen lighting may be necessary when programming/operating. Thanks for sharing your concerns regarding the design. We always like to hear customer feedback as you are our best resource for ideas on how we may improve our products for you. Thanks, again, for your evaluation. Keep in touch! SUE@GEA

“I am finding the keypad very hard to see. The choices are more gray on black rather than white. Even with the light on and my glasses on I have to struggle to see it. Is this a defect?”

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