Model # J VM150G 001; s/n FA990154S; Manufactured 1989; KW: 1.35; VAC/HZ: 120/60;
The microwave quit working (no sound of any kind) but the electronic control panel is fully operational. Got the microwave to work the other day by using the Fonzi technique (giving it a bump with my hand) and it started working again. Of course, this didn't last for more than one or two glasses of hot chocolate. Have been using it since for the clock and night light function but ready to fix it. Once in a while, I'll set the start time and hit start with the hope that it will start working again but it just makes a small click and nothing happens. Did notice today when I put my ear up to the electronic control panel, that I could hear a small buzzing sound. Went away when I unplugged it. Plugged it back in after 10 minutes and the buzzing is still there so I unplugged it again and left it that way.

Tom, March 2007

You have 2 popular possibilites. On the older GE microwaves they had a small circuit board I call the Power/ Relay board. This board is notorious for developing cracks around the solder connections on the back of the board. It will sometimes be intermittant for a while as it makes and breakes connection. Typically it will eventually get so bad it will flash and blow away any solder left on the connection. Repairing consists of disconnecting power to the unit, removing the board (it has the fuse mounted on it) and resoldering and bad connections you may find.
The other very common problem with ANY microwave that only times down but doesn't run at all is with the door switches. For some reason, microwave oven manufacturers like to use switches with small 3/16ths terminals and try to run 12 -13 amps through them. As these connections expand and contract from the amperage causing them to get hot then cool again when the unit shuts off, the connections get loose and get hotter over time as they get looser. Eventually they melt part of the switch and the switch contacts open fooling your microwave in to thinking the door is open, so it will no longer run. The repair of this problem consists of not only replacing the switch, preferably with one with 1/4" terminals, but also replacing the wire terminals on the ends of the wires where they plug onto the switch.

James Bennett / A.C. & M. Service, May 2007

Tom , go to repairclinic.com. I've fixed mine twice..two unrelated problems. Make sure you follow high voltage requirements. Can be dangerous.

Woody, April 2007

I have no idea how you could fix your microwave, but I wanted to add a personal comment. I had a GE Spacemaker Microwave that was also manufactured in 1989 -- Model # J VM152G 001. It would only work part of the time. Last week I was able to use it; although, I did notice a strange smell coming from it. I had just heated up something and removed it from the microwave. Next thing I knew, the light inside the unit came on and it starting up again. I opened the door, and noticed flames in back of the control panel inside the microwave. Suddenly I had a small fire. I unplugged the microwave and began to douse it with water through the vents. Fortunately, I was able to extinguish the fire. The microwave is now fried! My recommendation to you is to get rid of your GE microwave.

Don, April 2007