Is there an issue with fuse blowing in this microwave? The GE model JVM3160RF4SS I now own continues to blow fuse. null

Question

ApplianceTech · Accepted Answer

There is a known issue with this model number jvm3160..... microwave blowing door switches and tripping the breaker when door is open and/or closed. the microwave door was manufactured incorrectly which according to the manufacture causes this issue to occur. According to the manufacture, the repair is to replace the entire door assembly, the door switches, and the switch holder. The repair cost more than buying a new microwave. And we have seen it on microwaves from three years old and newer some being one and a half years old. We have tried just replacing the door switches, didn’t work. We have tried replacing the door switches and the switch holder, didn’t work. Best bet is just to buy a new microwave and we advise buying a five year extended warranty with it. Keep in mind that about 8 to 9 years ago or so GE appliance division was bought out by HAIER appliances. All appliances, especially microwaves, even the more expensive ones, are all made with cheaper parts nowadays. So getting five years of usage out of any appliance is considered normal. I would advise to get a 5 year extended warranty with any appliances you by now. so at least your appliance will be covered for five years. Stay far away from Samsung and LG appliances. You will thank me later.

Answered by ApplianceTech 5 years ago

Dale · Answer

I have had the same issue. I had it tripping my breaker a few times. Had a repairman out two times and they said it was a piece getting stuck related to the handle. Had it changed two times and it works for a month or two and then does it again. This time, (third time) it tripped a few times and now has stopped working altogether. $300 in repair calls for nothing. GE needs to warranty and recall these. While highly recommended, very interesting we are all having the same issues.

Answered by Dale 5 years ago

AustinApt · Answer

I had this model installed in my newly built apt in April 2018. Its manufacturing date was Oct 2017. The microwave seldom gets used as apt gets rented via Airbnb. Now that I have permanent renters I am finding that it trips the breaker times after time. I thought the breaker was bad so I contacted GE and they mentioned that the GE breaker that was used has arc fault protection and was an older model. I bought a new GE breaker to see if it would resolve the issue. Unfortunately it did not. The device is out of warranty so I am going to have to argue with GE to indicate this product has a faulty design. I see that many other people are having the same issue. What a pain....

Answered by AustinApt 5 years ago

CAM71 · Answer

Yep, same here. This particular microwave keeps blowing a fuse. Bought it in 2018. Ours is on its own dedicated breaker too. Seems to happen when these microwaves hit the 2yr mark. It doesn’t even turn on now. Not good GE!!! Customers shouldn’t have to pay for diagnostics, labor & repair. Shame on you for not offering a free fix for this. It’s not only upsetting that it’s faulty after such a short period of time but now I’m completely hesitant to buy another GE microwave to match my other GE appliances. GE should offer a replacement for free.

Answered by CAM71 5 years ago

Kristi · Answer

Same problem here. Manufacturerd in 1/2018, repaired 1/19, out of commission again.

Answer

Apparently there is an issue. My microwave just died after two years. Tripped the breaker a couple of times before it completely broke down. Very disappointed in this model. Micro looks new but is now going to the landfill.

Answered by Anonymous 5 years ago

Mike · Answer

We had the same problem with this unit. Started out with it tripping the circuit breaker a number of times. Then it just stopped entirely. We plugged it into another outlet to see if the problem was in our circuit breaker. When we turned it on, we blew the fuse. It was under warranty but instead of fixing it Lowes (not Bestbuy) decided to give us our money back. Or at least they are supposed to. Nothing from them in over a week.

Answered by Mike 6 years ago

Fyrmnkeith · Answer

My just started tripping the circuit breaker. Just over two years old. And Consumer Reports ranked this one high, that’s why I bought it.

Lindsey · Answer

Same problem, microwave purchased in 2018 on a properly installed circuit trips breaker. Just to be sure I tested it on other outlets and the same thing happens.

Sparks · Answer

The same situation described by others. Recently, the fuse started to trip every time I would open the door while it is going and today finally it would trip just by pressing Start. Bummer

Tom5225 · Answer

Known problem with door and switches. Had 5 yr warranty. Fixed once with replacement of door switches and switch holder less than 2 yrs old. Worked ok for another year but when called for service they decided to refund full original price and also will reimburse for reinstallation although have to pay for removal and takeaway old unit for $30. 5 yr warranty well worth it.

Jack · Answer

Yes, there is an issue with this model tripping the breaker. Bought in 2018 and I sit here today researching this very issue. Started for no apparent reason. But now it is permanent. Another $198 to GE and out if my pocket.

asap65 · Answer

There is a known problem with the door latch causing the "always on" latch switch to malfunction. Thanks to Kimbro and the Youtube video, it is an easy fix for under $20. After about 30 minutes to carefully remove control panel, replace fuse and 3 door switches, microwave is now fully functional. Do make sure you unplug it first! Can't tell you how satisfying it was to plug back in and warm up a cup of coffee!

Will provide update six months from now. It is peculiar and sad state that my problem developed just after the 2 year mark!

Peter · Answer

I have the same problem, blowing the fuse then replaced door switches now 6 weeks later I replaced the switches again yesterday will see how long 
they last. Very very frustrating.

Llcool · Answer

Same problem as everyone. Ours is 1.5 years old. BS I will never buy a GE product again

Horsnaround · Answer

Well, we r having the very same problem. Breakers blown then the 20 amp fuses blew. We got this model as it was highly rated on consumers reports. What a disappointment! 2 yrs old and not worth 2 dead flies. This was an expensive machine. Where can I go to complain?

Jeff · Answer

YES! Just googling this issue as ours has just started tripping our breaker. Seems to be when opening or closing. We have a brand new kitchen remodel with dedicated circuit and new house electrical service. Remodel & electrical have been done for a couple years yet the issue has just started

Dave · Answer

Ours had blown twice. Switching to Samsung.

Kimbro · Answer

Here is the fix. Pretty easy really. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kqNNAkNWck

TPHAR · Answer

No, have not blown a fuse. I have had no problems with our GE microwave model JVM3160RF4SS.

GE Answers · Answer

Hi Ray - We certainly appreciate your loyalty! You should not expect an issue with the microwave fuse. Over-the-range models should be on a dedicated circuit. They require a 120 volt individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. Keep in touch at GEAppliances.com - We are always eager to help! Sue

“Is there an issue with fuse blowing in this microwave? The GE model JVM3160RF4SS I now own continues to blow fuse.”

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