GE Microwave Reset Filter Light Won’t Go Off? (do this)

Microwave ovens can be extremely useful kitchen appliances. Reducing the time needed to cook or reheat your favourite meals. That is, until something out of the ordinary happens.

If you own a GE microwave and the reset filter light is displayed you’re going to need to know what to do. In this article we take a close look at the reset filter light, tell you what it means and show you the best course of action to turn it off.

What Does The Reset Filter Light Mean On A GE Microwave?

The reset filter light indicates that it’s time to change the charcoal filter in your GE microwave. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the filter needs changing. This is because it works on a timer and will light up every 6 months.

The charcoal filter should be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on how often you use the appliance. You will be able to tell whether the charcoal filter needs changing by the colour of it.

If the filter is visibly dirty or discoloured, and the reset filter light is on, the charcoal filter will need to be changed. Once the filter has been changed, you should press and hold the reset light option for a few seconds.

Once you hear a beep sound, the reset filter light should automatically turn off.

Where Is The Filter On A GE Microwave?

This is where things can become complicated. This is because GE microwaves have 2 filters, one is the charcoal filter which is located behind the vent grill of over-the-range GE microwaves and the second is a grease filter which is found under the microwave.

The charcoal filter absorbs food smells and bad odours and should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. The grease filter is there to catch grease, dirt and other substances likely to cause blockages and cannot be replaced, only cleaned.

How To Change A GE Microwave Charcoal Filter

Once the filter light appears (typically after 6 months) you will need to inspect the charcoal filter and see whether it needs to be changed or not. To change the charcoal filter you should;

1. Disconnect The Power Supply
   Unplug the appliance or flip the circuit breaker to disconnect the power supply.
2. Open The Filter Door
   Open the microwave door and push down on the 2 buttons on top of the filter door.
3. Remove The Old Filter
   The old filter will just lift out and can easily be removed.
4. Install The New Filter
   The new filter can then be replaced in the same position as the one you have just removed. Some filters only fit loosely in the compartment which is entirely normal and will not affect the effectiveness of the filter.
5. Close The Filter Door
   Close the filter door and restore the power to the microwave. That’s it, the charcoal filter has been successfully changed.

How To Clean A GE Microwave Grease Filter

The grease filter on your GE microwave should be cleaned every 2 to 3 months. To clean the grease filter all you need to do is;

1. Disconnect The Power Supply
   Remove the plug from the wall socket or flip the circuit breaker switch.
2. Gain Access To The Bottom Of The Microwave
   Slide the microwave forwards to allow you easy access to the underneath of the appliance.
3. Remove The Grease Filter
   Locate the square or rectangular filter and slide it to remove it from its housing.
4. Clean The Filter
   Soak the grease filter in hot soapy water for around 10 to 15 minutes. Then scrub the filter using a sponge, toothbrush or similar soft bristled brush.
5. Rinse & Dry The Filter
   Using clean water, rinse the filter and then dry it using paper towels (kitchen paper).
6. Replace The Filter
   Once the filter is clean and dry, replace it into its housing.
7. Reconnect The Power Supply
   Plug the microwave back in or flip the circuit breaker. You have now successfully cleaned the grease filter.

How To Reset The Filter Light On A GE Microwave

Once the charcoal filter has been replaced, you will need to reset the timer. You should reset the timer by;

1. Pressing & Holding The Reset Filter Light
   You will need to press and hold the reset filter light for around 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a beeping sound.
2. Release The Reset Filter Light
   Once you hear the beeping sound, the filter light has been reset and should not light up again for the next 6 months.

What Should You Do If The Reset Filter Light Doesn’t Go Out?

Sometimes, pressing and holding the reset filter light isn’t enough to turn the light out. Even after replacing the charcoal filter and going through all of the steps above, the reset filter light might still be visible.

If this is the case, you will need to reset the microwave itself. This can be done by;

1. Disconnecting The Microwave From The Power Supply
   Remove the plug from the wall socket or flip the circuit breaker to the off position.
2. Allow Any Residual Power To Dissipate
   Leave the power disconnected for around 10 to 15 minutes to allow any remaining power to dissipate.
3. Reconnect The Power Supply
   Once the power has been reconnected the reset filter light should have gone out.

If the reset hasn’t worked, we recommend contacting GE directly if the appliance is still under warranty or an independent technician if not.

Other Possible Problems Relating To GE Microwave Filter Lights

We have covered most of the likely scenarios you’re likely to encounter concerning the filter light on a GE microwave. However, there are a few other possibilities which we feel we should mention. These include;

GE Microwave Reset Filter Light Flashing

If the reset filter light is flashing on your GE microwave, you should inspect the charcoal filter. If it looks dirty or discoloured, it will need to be replaced.

If it looks OK, simply close the filter door and press and hold the reset filter light for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a beeping sound. The reset filter light should now have gone out completely and stopped flashing.

GE Microwave Reset Filter Light Permanently On

If the reset filter light is permanently on on your GE microwave, it is there to remind you to inspect and possibly replace the charcoal filter in your appliance.

However, if you have just replaced the charcoal filter, you may have omitted to press and hold the reset filter light for sufficient time to allow it to beep. Or the microwave needs to be reset by disconnecting the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes.

GE Microwave Red Reset Filter Light Stuck on

If your GE microwave has a red reset filter light that is stuck on, it is communicating the same message as a flashing filter light. Namely, it has been 6 months since you last inspected or changed the charcoal filter in your GE microwave.

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