GE Microwave Fan Won’t Turn Off? (here’s how to fix it)

The microwave has to be one of the most useful appliances ever to be installed in a kitchen. It allows you to cook and reheat food at an incredibly fast rate.

Which makes it even more of an inconvenience when the microwave stops working properly. GE microwaves have a good name within the industry, but like any appliance, they can sometimes go wrong.

If you own a GE microwave and the fan won’t turn off, keep reading. In this article we explore all of the reasons why your microwave’s fan won’t turn off and offer the best ways to solve this annoying issue.

However, it is not necessarily a problem if the fan keeps running after your GE microwave has stopped. This is to allow heat to escape from the appliance and protect the internal components from heat damage.

Please Note: In the interest of safety we do not recommend that you dismantle the microwave yourself. Microwaves contain a high voltage capacitor which can hold a high voltage charge even after the appliance has been disconnected from the power supply. 

If you suspect there is anything wrong internally, we recommend contacting a technician.

Why Won’t The Fan On My GE Microwave Turn Off?

There are several reasons why the fan on your GE microwave might not turn off which include;

Probable Cause	Solution
Electrical Glitch	Reset the microwave
Overusing The Microwave	Allow the microwave to cool down
Inadequate Ventilation	Improve the ventilation
Clogged Filters	Clean or replace the filters
Defective Thermostat	Check and replace the thermostat if necessary
Defective Fan Motor	Check and replace the fan motor if necessary
Defective Damper Assembly	Check the damper assembly
Control Board Malfunction	Contact a technician

Let’s take a closer look at each of the above issues;

Electrical Glitch

Sometimes, an electrical glitch can cause the microwave to perform in an unusual manner. If that is the case, all you need to do is simply reset the appliance. This can be done by;

1. Disconnecting The Power Supply
   Unplug the appliance from the wall socket or flip the circuit breaker to the off position.
2. Wait 10-15 Minutes
   Allow 10 to 15 minutes to pass to clear all remaining electricity from the appliance.
3. Reconnect The Power Supply
   After the allotted time has passed, reconnect the appliance to the power supply.

If the problem was caused by an electrical glitch, it should now have cleared. If the problem persists, move on to the next step.

Overusing The Microwave

If the microwave has been running for a long period, it might just need some time to cool down. If this is the case, performing the above reset should be enough to allow the appliance to cool down sufficiently for the fan to work correctly again.

Inadequate Ventilation

Your microwave will have vents to allow hot air to escape from the appliance. This ensures that there is no excessive build up of heat and allows it to operate correctly.

For your microwave to function as it should, it needs adequate ventilation and a steady airflow. Check that the vent on your microwave isn’t obstructed and crack open the windows or use your kitchen exhaust fan to remove hot air.

By ensuring there is adequate airflow you will help your microwave to run as it should without causing the fan to run excessively.

Clogged Filters

GE microwaves have 2 filters, a charcoal filter which is designed to remove bad smells and odours, and a grease filter which is designed to remove grease and dirt. Over time these filters can become clogged which can obstruct the airflow and cause the fan to work harder than it should.

Charcoal Filter 

You should remove and replace the charcoal filter every 6 to 12 months (consult your user manual on the best way to access the charcoal filter on your model). Charcoal filters cannot be washed, they should be replaced.

Many GE microwaves have a reset filter light that flashes when the 6 months period has completed. This is to remind you to check the charcoal filter. If it looks dirty or discoloured, it will need replacing.

Grease Filter

The grease filter will need cleaning every 2 to 3 months and can be found underneath the microwave. Look for a square or rectangular filter, this can simply be slid out.

You will then need to wash it in hot soapy water (for best results, allow the filter to soak in the soapy water for at least 10 minutes). Any stubborn stains can be removed using a toothbrush or similar soft bristled brush.

By regularly cleaning and replacing the filters on your GE microwave you will improve ventilation and prevent overheating. This in turn, will help to keep the fan running as it should.

Defective Thermostat

The thermostat detects and regulates the temperature of the appliance. If the thermostat develops a fault, it could cause the fan to be operating when there’s really no need.

If you suspect the thermostat might be defective, consult your user manual or contact a technician to investigate further.

Defective Fan Motor

The fan is powered by a motor that could be the subject of a loose wire or burnt out connection. If you suspect that the fan motor is defective, we recommend contacting a technician to investigate and fix any issues.

Defective Damper Assembly

The damper assembly is responsible for directing air flow through the vent duct on your microwave. It allows the air to leave the appliance but prevents any outside air from entering.

If the damper assembly is defective, you will need to dismantle the appliance to gain access. We recommend contacting a technician to investigate and solve any issues.

Control Board Malfunction

If you’ve tried everything else and the fan is still running continuously, all that’s left is the control board. If you have got this far, we recommend contacting a technician to investigate and possibly replace the control board for you.

Control boards are delicate and expensive which is why we recommend getting a skilled operative to investigate this part. They will also be able to advise you on whether it’s worth replacing the control board or buying a new microwave.

SEE ALSO: Air Fryer Vs Microwave: What’s better & cheaper?

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