JES1288SH03 General Electric Microwave - Instructions

removed microwave cover with security star socket (4 star screws) wasn't sure if it was thermostat cavity or thermostat magnetron ordered both for about $25 with shipping fee replaced both and microwave working again

Simply remove the cover after unplugging the Microwave. The light is attached to a bracket and unplugs from the electrical system and then pops out. Replace with the new bulb and bracket, reattach the electrical connection and replace the cover. Less than 15 minutes. Just need a special star screwdriver bit with a hole in the middle to remove and replace the screws holding the cover to the frame.

Used my pocket knife to remove the locking button that holds the wave guide cover in place. Took out the old wave guide cover and cleaned the area around it. Put the new wave guide cover in place and inserted the locking button. VERY easy to do. So easy a caveman could do it!!! Seriously.

After opening the case (the most difficult part of the job), tested the fuse (good) next in line on the power lead was the "flame sensor". With my ohmmeter it read open. The schematic noted that it opens at 212 degrees and closes at 32. Put it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes while I ordered a replacement. Upon rechecking, it had reset. Reinstalled it and everything works fine. I did receive the new one and it's on the shelf, just in case.

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.

I had kept the old cover, just measured it against the new one, outlined it with a pencil, cut it to the correct size with a pair of scissors. Works perfectly now!

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.

Microwave outer case was held on by Torx screws, so needed to get a TT20. Removed case screws, removed case, unplugged thermostat cavity, removed small screw holding cavity in place. Plugged in new thermostat cavity, put small screw back, slid case back on. Plugged in microwave and still no power. Did everything again but also replaced the fuse. Plugged in microwave and it came right on. Has been working fine ever since.