How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP4341054 / WB27X10985 Sensor

At first I thought it might be the fuse. While cleaning the inside dust accumulation the light bulb flickered on (yes, I know I should have unplugged the unit first). As I was wiggling wires I noticed a melted wire and connector to a sensor on the inside top of the microwave. I went on line, found the exact replacement at AppliancePartsPros.com. Ordered it with a very quick arrival of 2-3 days. Cut the wires and put new crimp connectors, inserted the sensor, plugged the wires, and for $25.00 the microwave was functional. A few minutes work and savings of over $100. Great day in the DIY world. 

Replaced sensor and svaed the cost of a new microwave for $26 total. 

The door switch needed to be replaced. Here are a few tips that I could not find and figured out on my own. First off when you remove the microwave cover for some reason two of the back screws are not Phillips rather they are Torx with the center pin. No homeowner has this tool I promise. Here is that you do. Knock out the center pin with a small straight screw driver. Then use a T15 torx. Second thing I discovered is that once in there are actually 3 door switches. You need to look for the broken one. By broken one I mean the one that the actual small lever part is stick inside the switch. In my case it was the top door switch. This is a very simple fix even for someone with limited mechanical ability. Don't be afraid to try and save a ton of money. 

I replaced the TCO-Oven Cavity switch AP part number AP4341054 a few days ago. So far, the problem has not recurred. Because 2 of the 4 screws holding the outer shell were some kind of Torx (hexagonal) screw with a central hole, To remove the microwave outer shell, I had to remove those screws by cutting slots in them with a hacksaw, and then using a flat-bladed screwdriver. Also, replacing the case in its slots was a little tricky. This part of the repair took the most time. 

Microwave ovens are not magic. Most manufacturers won't tell you how to trouble shoot them. Basic safety procedures are a must. Once the unit is unplugged and the capacitor is discharged you can check internal parts safely. Basic tools are needed and a volt meter. Look for obvious failures first. Check the main fuse. Check for loose connections and burned connectors. In my case the failure was obvious. The thermal fuse connection had come loose. The thermal fuse had cracked and come apart. I replaced the thermal fuse and the oven works properly again. The repair took about 10 minutes. The part cost about twenty bucks. 

Ordered from APP and replaced it. Done. 

Replacing the sensor, likely took about 45 minutes total.