Our 2002 GE Spacemaker XL1800 has had no problems until this morning. It had a louder than usual sound/humming like as it was running... and the food didn't get warm at all (no heating done). There was funny smell (reminded me of burnt rubber?). I have been doing research... looks like it could be the magnatron? Agree? Other ideas? My husband and I have no experience or knowledge of repairing anything.... is this something a "lay-person" could repair with parts and directions? Or is a repairman necessary? Do I need to have ge come here or can we take it somewhere? I read how spendy the labor charges are and we just cant afford that right now!

Help!

Hey... I'm happy to tell you that we repaired ours on our own... and it was FREE! I called GE and explained the problem stating I thought it was the magnatron. That is the ONE part that is under warrenty. Labor is not covered though. They sent me the part FREE including shipping. I downloaded directions and a diagram off the internet. Within less than an hour my husband had it fixed and back up! He is not mechanical/techie/or a repairman of any sort! It works perfect now except the turn-table doesn't turn. He said he thought he forgot to hook up on thing which was causing that... so he didn't take it down and back apart right away and I've lived with no turning turn-table since then...happy to have a working micro ... that cost nothing thanks to a little research on the net!

Good luck!
Julie