Well, my girlfriend's parents have all of their appliances from around the time they got married/had kids. They have a refrigerator from 1970 (and an older one in the basement!), but their newest appliance -- a GE Spacemaker Range and OTR Microwave from 1985 -- has seemingly just died (the microwave component, that is). I did a prelim search of the forums, and I'm guessing magnetron, but you'll probably know better than I.

The microwave:
- has power. I can "Time Cook" --> 1:00 --> "Start", and it will tick down to 0 and ding.
- makes no noise (other than the beeping from pushing buttons/ timer buzzing). That is, while the microwave is "running", there's no usual fan/whirring noise.
- does not heat. I just put a cold cup of ice water in there for a minute, and it was still ice cold at the end.

So, magnetron?

Are there any other tests I can do, with or without opening the microwave up? I am handy, but I have limited electrical experience. I do, however, understand both the dangers of the different internal components and the necessary precautions to take.

Thanks in advance.

Before you trash it, open the control panel, discharge the capaciter, remove the control board, there is a 8or9 pin connecter on that board, If you look CAREFULLY at the back side of the board, pin#1 solder joint will most likely be bad, Repair that solder joint and use it for another 10 years(maybe!!!!!!!!!!}:D

hello! i have the same GE space maker and the light bulb is not working. i was wondering if you know how to replace it or have a manual thats shows how to replace it? Thank you.:confused:

thank you ....i was afraid you were going to say that