JES1289S General Electric Microwave - Instructions

Light bulb repair was super easy once I got the out shell of the microwave off. The unanticipated problem was that I didn't realize the outer shell was secured with unusual "Security Torx" screws I have a couple star screw drivers but these were very unusual and could not find a proper screwdriver to remove them. I was able to force them lose with a small philips screwdriver and a pair of channel lock pliers. It took me quite a while to get the screws off this way but once I got them out and the outer shell off the microwave the light bulb replacement took less than 10 minutes. You should market the appropriate screwdriver to remove the outer microwave shell with any interior replacement parts.

Our microwave oven stopped working one day when the door was closed. The clock stopped showing, the light didn't come on when the door was opened, and the microwave couldn't be started. It acted as if it lost power. So, we did the usual things such as check the plug and the circuit; these were fine. I then removed the cover (need special bits called "Security Bits" which you can buy from Home Depot for $8.00). After removing the cover, be sure to discharge the capacitor (do a Google search to learn how to do this; fortunately, this microwave has a resistive circuit to ground to discharge the capacitor after about 30 minutes of being unplugged). After I discharged the capacitor, I checked the fuse and it was blown. So, I went to the store to buy a new fuse. When I replaced the fuse, and plugged the unit back into an outlet, the circuit blew as soon as I opened the door. This made me realize the faulty components were the "interlock" switches. These are relays (an electric switch) that cause the microwave to shut off when the door is opened and the inside lamp to illuminate when the door is opened. There are two "primary" switches and a "monitor" switch. I checked both primary switches for continuity (do a google switch for "checking interlock switch"). The one interlock switch was bad, meaning, it wasn't opening when it was suppose to. I ordered a replacement and also replaced the Monitor switch too (not sure why, I guess because it was only $6 to buy). After replacing the bad primary interlock switch, I put it all back together and we're working now!

Remove bezel (4 Phillips sheet metal screws). Pull out unit and unplug from wall. Remove three sided steel cover (T15 or T20 safty bit required). Unclip double wire plug from base of lamp. Unclip and pull up on the lamp/bracket - discard. Push down new lamp/bracket, plug in wire socket to base of lamp/bracket. Replace steel cover and 4 'safety headed screws'. Lift unit, replug into wall socket. Insert into wall. Replace bezel and 4 Phillips sheet metal screws. Without the special "safety screw bit", this repair is impossible.

Replacing the light bulb is easy and takes no more than 15-30 minutes. The light bulb is located behind the grill on the right hand side of the microwave as you face the microwave. To get to the bulb you have to remove the outside cover. On mine there were three screws that had a special head and required a special tool. That was a surprise! To work around that, since I did not have the tool, I used a pair of needle nose pliers to grip and turn the screw head. They came out easily. I replaced them with the same size Phillips head sheet metal screw when I put the cover back on.
1. Remove the screws that secure outside cover and take the cover off.
2. Locate the light bulb and unplug the power wire. It is a two prong plug that pulls off with little effort.
3. Remove the old light bulb. It is held in place by a plastic tab. Push the tab toward the outside of the base plate with a small screw drive or your finger and lift the base plate. The bulb will come out with the base.
4. Install the new bulb. Align the holes in the base of the new bulb with the tabs on the socket and put the bulb in place, ensuring the tab secures the bulb base in place.
5. Reconnect the power wire to the bulb.
6. Reinstall the outside cover.
7. The light should come on when you open the microwave door.

It took two people because we have built-in unit. The power plug was in cabinet above.First had to remove front frame in cabinet with Phillips screwdriver. Removed microwave from cabinet box (be sure to wear gloves, edges are very sharp). Then unscrew outer shell of microwave - easy process. Easy task to remove bulb/socket piece. We ordered part from Part Select - friendly service and the price is the best. Even with minimal shipping costs, the local prices were more than double. Important, it is a bulb and socket part.