How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP6888676 / WB26X32629 Magnetron

I have a GE profile built in microwave. The hardest part was to get the unit out of the cabinet. I removed the cover, checked the model of the magnetron, went to appliance parts pro and ordered the part. One good thing was it was the exact part, as appliance pro had the picture of the part from 3 angles. When the part arrived on July 5th, I immediately started installing the part. Replacing the magetron was an easy job. Slide it in where it aligns to the holes for the screws. Do not drop the screws, as its a hassle to get it out if it falls between the coils located below the magnetron.Plugged in the connector which was pulled out when I removed the magnetron and I put the cover back and tested the microwave by heating a glass of water. Worked like a charm. Once again hard part, placing the unit back into the cabinet and installing the trim back in place. Some GE has tamper proof screws in the back of the unit. Unless you have the special tool, you cannot get it out. I borrowed the tramper proof screw driver from my buddy, and then replaced the screws with regular star screws, of the same size from a local hardware store, when I put the cover back. Next time if somethings goes wrong, I wont be stuck because of this tamper proof screws. 

Swapped Magnetron. Pulled microwave by removing the 4 mount set screws into cabinet by opening unit door. Turned off breaker. After sliding mw out, removed top cover plate 2 screws only. Once cover removed, Magnetron clearly accessible. Take a picture of wiring. Removed insulated wiring terminals from each side(2 sides). 1 pair on magnatron, 1 pair on thermostat. A magnetized phillips screwdriver is almost required for this job to remove the 4 screws mounting the magnetron and to remount. Screwdriver should be at least 8-10 inch or longer flex type. Dismounted small button type thermostat and mounted it on the new magnatron. Reinstalled magnetron, replaced wiring, replaced cover, tested microwave before reinstalling in cabinet. 

First off this appliance is 16 years old. The replacement machine is no longer made in the color we need, also the new ones rated very poorly. After taking the appliance apart I discovered the high voltage capacitor had been leaking, probably the odor I had been noticing. I had decided in advance to replace as many parts that made sense to restore it as close as possible to its original state. Replacing the turntable motor was very easy. The magnetron, capacitor and diode was a little more time consuming but not to tricky. Be sure to use needle nose pliers with good rubber handles to discharge any stored electricity in the capacitor. Do this before before disconnecting the magnetron. You will also need a security torx bit to remove the cover, regular torx bits won’t work. It took a little longer as this appliance is built into a wall cavity. 

Replaced the magnetron. 

Purchased magnetron and diode 

Replaced magnetron and diode ass'y. This is a hanging over the range style. Best to have a buddy to help lift out and rehang. A screw gun and a short extension makes this a breeze. Tested before re-mounting. Unit boiled water in a minute! Customer service via on-line chat was excellent. 

Replaced transformer, magnetron and capacitor. Helpful tip ......take lots of pictures on phone cam to make reassembly a piece of cake. Saved $2000 or so replacement cost 

Unplugged and unscrewed Advantium Oven. Pull it out with the help of a friend as it is heavy. Removed the two screws on the top access cover and removed it. I removed the plug and discharged the capacitor just in case with an insulated wire to the ground. I needed a long #2 Philips screwdriver to access the 4 screws holding it in place. I swapped the thermostat from the old unit to the new unit. I used tape to hold the screws on the tip of the screwdriver to get them back in the holes. I swapped the old mica cover for a new one because the arcing splattered metal from the tip of the old magnetron and did not want any metal interfering with the microwaves coming out of the cavity. (The labor estimate for the mica cover was wrong) A couple of minutes at most. Plugin the magnetron and thermostat and button it up. Test it with a cup of water and good to go. 

When I called the customer service tech said they suspected that either the magnetron or the diode had failed. The GE Adventism is 11 years old and as it was apart I decided to replace both parts as well as the capacitor. I had ordered the parts before I took the microwave out of the built in cabinet (needed help) and after testing components it appeared the diode had failed, the magnetron and the capacitor appeared ok although much of the color had changed on the tip of the magnetron. A replacement for the Microwave is about $2000 and decided to install all the new parts. Working well and appreciated the customer service help. 

Replaced magnetron and capacitor. Thank you for your help and parts I received were genuine GE parts.