What to Do When Your GE Microwave Says Fail?

General Electric is one of the world's largest corporations, and it is well-known for its appliances. Microwave ovens are quick and convenient, but they become potentially dangerous when they malfunction. They use electromagnetic waves to cook food, and the oven can't produce those waves effectively in the event of a malfunction. If your GE microwave says "fail" on the display, it likely needs professional service, but troubleshoot it to see what the issue is.

1. Inspect the Microwave

   • Look for signs of damage on the inside and outside of the microwave. Make sure it is fully turned off before doing this. Check the exterior for signs of denting or holes, and pay attention to the electric cord to ensure it isn't broken or frayed. If the outlet the microwave is plugged into looks discolored, it could be a short circuit and the outlet itself needs repair. Likewise, check the inside of the microwave and verify that the door opens and closes regularly. If the door is not sealing properly, the microwave might show a "fail" message for safety reasons.

   Unplug the Appliance

   • If the microwave passes a visual inspection, unplug the appliance and then plug it back in a minute later. This resets the memory on the microwave, and if the failure message was generated in error and not because of a physical malfunction, the oven will start working properly again. If the fail message is gone and everything else looks fine, heat water in a microwave-safe cup to test it. Never run a microwave with nothing inside the oven because this could damage the device. If the "fail" message is still present after plugging the machine back in, a service call likely is needed.

   Check for Error Codes

   • Check the display for additional error codes before contacting a repair person or GE. General Electric has trouble codes that it frequently uses for its microwave models. F1 indicates a damaged thermal sensor because of too much heat. F2 means that sensor shorted out entirely. F3 means the touch pad itself has shorted. F4 and F5 show a malfunctioning humidity sensor. A bad temperature probe often brings up the message F6. Press "Clear" or "Cancel" to try to clear the code. If that doesn't work, the microwave definitely needs repair or replacement.

   Contact General Electric

   • If you purchased the microwave recently, it might be under warranty. Contact the store where you got the microwave first and, if a warranty replacement is not feasible, call a repairman who is knowledgeable in GE appliances or call GE directly. The GE Answer Center can be reached at 800-626-2005 on Monday through Saturday. It is closed Sundays. Further questions about the microwave's warranty should be directed to 800-626-2224. The GE Appliance Center's number is 800-848-7620, and it is open on Sundays until 6 p.m.