Without this video, I was convinced that I had to take the entire oven off the wall to do this. Logically, I knew this made no sense, since it's a filter that needs periodic replacement. It would be like taking out the car's engine to replace the oil filter. The manual could do a better job explaining this. Like Doug (below) from 2 years ago, I had a hell of a time getting the grill off, and was convinced I was going to break it (just bought JVM3160 yesterday). Didn't break it thank God, but then getting it BACK in place I thought the same. Somehow, I managed to get it back without breaking it. Auuuuggghh! This video was a Godsend...
My JVM3160 went out completely, twice. The first time my wife noticed some lights out too. Circuit breaker had tripped and was reset. A couple days later it happened again (each time when door was opened mid-cycle without hitting cancel button). This time circuit breaker did not trip. Found out about fuse from another UA-cam video "How to Fix a GE Over the Range Microwave Stopped Working". Removed grille after removing 3 screws on top. Start by pulling right side of plastic top piece "grill". Then follow directions from the above video for cheap 20 amp fuse in top right "cage". Then I had a problem putting grill back on. The door would hang up on the left side of grill. After some analysis, I found that bottom of grill was sticking out too far because of the bottom clips being in front of the metal. Push these behind the metal and the door should open and close OK. GE could have mentioned all this in the Owners Manual, but they'd rather have you spend $50+ on a service call or thinking "no it's fried after 3 years" and spending $300+ on a new microwave, instead of the DIY with a $1.00 fuse. Also, avoid opening the door mid-cycle, especially not slowly. Someone mentioned that a short might occur if one latch sensed "open" while the other latch still sensed "closed". I didn't replace the filter. Seemed clean, but we use MW mostly for heating drinks and prepared foods.
I have the JVM3160. Left hinge was stuck. Used the butter knife trick. Pulled harder. Almost thought it was going to break. Finally got it apart. Needed the knife to put it back together also. Not an ideal design IMO.
Holy Smokes! What a horrible design/instruction flaw. I had to use a butter knife and pull so hard I thought I was going to break the grill. It was as if the screw had been tightened so tight that the plastic and metal fused just a bit. I hope doing it on installation will allow me to more easily replace in the future!
I had the same problem in Jan 2019. After removing one screw on the grill and removing the two screws on top of the housing I inserted a coupe of putty knives to make a little gap. I then slid the grill to the left and it came right out. When reinstalling the grill be careful to first insert the two bottom tabs and then push the grill top under the housing. It has to be completely inserted otherwise the door does not close
fyi.... I have the 3160. There are 3 screws. 2 on the right and 1 on the left. Unscrew the closest screw on your right. Then unscrew the ONLY screw on the left side. I had to take a butter knife and slightly lift up to get the left side access panel off. Pain... but it worked.
ATTN: There is now an 8th generation of this microwave model, RF8, that features a redesign of the vent cover, filter, and other changes such as the location of each top screw hole. I currently own the new generation as of today after having an RF2, RF6 and the redesign takes the headache out of removing the vent cover.
Grill was a little hard to get off but not impossible. Filter seems weak so I was a bit paranoid putting it in as I was worried it would get damaged. Installed easily after in used a headlamp.
We're glad to hear you were able to replace your charcoal filter, and we appreciate your feedback. We will pass it along to our product design team. Have a Happy New Year! - LT
Just changed mine. I needed to slide a putty knife along the frame and grill (tight but it worked). Grill tabs are between microwave cabinet (top) and a plastic ledge (underneath). Be careful to work it out slowly, sliding putty knife along cabinet and grill tabs.
Your procedure worked fine for me. The putty knife or some real thin blade does the trick. There seems to be some sort of light adhesive that needs to be broken loose. In any event just work the knife from one side to the other to separate the plastic cover from the metal top and the cover can be worked out. However it is still not as easy as the video makes out.
There is definitely a trick to this. Remove the top two screws like shown. Insert a thin putty knife or an offset spatula in between the top metal housing and the plastic grill. Start from the right corner and work your way toward the door hinge. The door has to be open all the way and work the spatula gently prying up and down to break the bond between the plastic and the metal housing. Starting from the right top corner, gently pull the top edge of the plastic grill toward you. Keep gently pulling toward you until you get to the left (hinge) corner. Squeeze the bottom edge up to unhook the two plastic barbed clips on the bottom edge. Pull forward toward you and slightly to the right to get the last corner by the hinge loose. I had to put the putty knife in between, right over the screw hole then I could release the grill and slide it all the way out. To put it back in, start with the left side. Squeeze the bottom edge and put it in first. Then line up the plastic tabs on the top edge to fit in the slot of the metal housing. Put the upper left corner in and slide it to the left to line up the screw hole. LIne up the rest of the top edge tabs to go into the slot. After ensuring the bottom edge tabs are inserted properly, push the top into the correct position to line up the screw holes. I had to gently tap the top edge in with the heel of my hand and then it popped into place. If I can figure out how to make a video, I'll post one.
We need an additional video here about where the FUSES are for these models and how to access them, please! The fuses seem to be a big issue with these models and I would like to find them myself instead of paying GE $100 just to come to the house.
just noticed huge gaps around the outside edges of the filter so the air is not even coming in contact with the filter i put tape around it which helps, better solution would be grease traps with carcoal
Hi there, Thanks for reaching out. We don't recommend altering your appliance as we've not tested or approved it for use in such a manner. It's also important to ensure that you're using the correct charcoal filter. If you'd like help confirming, feel free to provide your complete model number here. You can use this diagram if you need assistance: spklr.io/6056cwjQ Hope to hear back soon. -MS
Very poor instructions in the manual. We had a problem getting the grill off and even more trouble getting it back on. This should be made much more easy since the filter has to be changed periodically.
That is the reason I am here to watch the video. I think they shaved their tabs down for the filming. ...that being said, I got mine done (just now) and thankfully it did not break!
One of the screws was screwed on TOO TIGHT, I just bought this today and wanted to install the charcoal filter, now the screw is all screwed up and I can't install the filter :(
Please email us at eresponse@ge.com with your name, address, phone and the model and serial numbers of your microwave and we will take a look at your situation. Thanks. AS
Based on the information you provided, the diagnosis and repair for your appliance needs to be done by a qualified appliance service technician. You can schedule an appointment at 1-800-432-2737, Mon-Fri 7 am - 10 pm ET, Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm ET or schedule online anytime at: www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/service.htm . - TS
This isn't what the filter looks like for my JVM3160RFSS :( I ordered a replacement filter only to discover that the filter I received is the completely wrong shape and size. This video is linked directly from my model's page on the GE site so I figured I had ordered the right one (the one in the video) but it doesn't seem to be the case.
That's the one I bought but it doesn't fit the port. The filter that is there right now is closer to the size of the grease filters and is inserted into the left side of the port rather than stretching across the length of the port.
We hate to hear the filter doesn't fit as expected - we know that must be concerning. We want to help. If you can, please send us a private message over our GE Appliances social media (such as Facebook or Instagram) with a picture of the filter and your microwave, as well as your contact information. With that information, we can certainly review your situation. We hope to hear from you again soon!
I literally have the exact same problem as this guy. Model number JVM3160RF8SS. Filter doesn’t look anything like this video - on mine, the filter only goes in the left side of the opening.
Hello Patrick, We are sorry for your issue with your handle. The handle on the GE microwave is not consumer replaceable. We suggest contacting service at the link below: www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/service.htm?ICID=GEARsupportflyout-service
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to reach out to us. We believe you are referring to our model #JVM7195, and you can find the installation instructions for this unit here: spklr.io/6059lzLl If you were referring to a different model, please reach out to us via private message on Facebook or Twitter so we can provide further assistance. All the best. - PM
We have JVM 3160 and I only see one screw on right side, don't see another screw on left side. Afraid to pull grill. Can you tell how to remove filter.
yeah screws were not in straight line. right screw was on grill panel and while left screw was slightly above panel on left side and when we were taking panel out it was not coming out as nicely as your video showing. we have to apply some force to pull after both screws were taken out
Hello Motty, thanks for checking with us on how to change your microwave's charcoal filter. Please see this helpful video that is slightly different for your model: ua-cam.com/video/oeNpYjUn02Y/v-deo.html I hope this helps. -SF
We have a 3160. Removing the grill cover was nothing compared to reattaching it. Spent 30 minutes wrestling with it. Annual cleaning of the charcoal filter is recommended but I'd bet a lot of 3160 owners will live with a dirty charcoal filter rather than tackling that grill cover again. Especially if after the oven is installed those screws are covered by the overhead cabinet and the oven has to come off the wall to access them. The third screw doesn't need to be removed, just the one on the far left (when facing appliance) and the one about 8" from right side. Installation instructions for recirculating type install on page EN-14 of the manual are inaccurate. Says to turn the blower motor openings to the top. So they'd be blocked by the overhead cabinet? Had to find a manual online for a different model to confirm our guess that they should be turned toward the vent on the front of the appliance. Note to copywriter: proofread! Haven't started using the templates and mounting plate yet. Skeered. Professional installers probably read things like this and giggle. Note to GE: if your product isn't engineered for DIY, sell it to the trade and add warnings that installation requires experience so that John Q. Consumer knows what he's getting into BEFORE purchase.
We have a brand new JVM3160. It is impossible to remove the grill of the new unit. We even removed the 3rd screw on the top, though unnecessary. We cannot get any slight movement at all from the top of the grill after removing the screws, nor can we push the bottom 2 latches upwards. No part of the grill can be moved or released at all.
We're very sorry to hear this, Josh, as it is not what we would expect. If it is convenient, you may want to visit your dealer to check out a display model. Otherwise, we recommend contacting GE Factory Service at: www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/service.htm?ICID=GEARsupportflyout-service We hope this helps! -NC
Hello Tony, what is your model number and we will be glad to take a look at this for you? If you need help locating your model number please see this helpful link: products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=19129 We will be watching for your reply. -SF
Without this video, I was convinced that I had to take the entire oven off the wall to do this. Logically, I knew this made no sense, since it's a filter that needs periodic replacement. It would be like taking out the car's engine to replace the oil filter. The manual could do a better job explaining this. Like Doug (below) from 2 years ago, I had a hell of a time getting the grill off, and was convinced I was going to break it (just bought JVM3160 yesterday). Didn't break it thank God, but then getting it BACK in place I thought the same. Somehow, I managed to get it back without breaking it. Auuuuggghh! This video was a Godsend...
My JVM3160 went out completely, twice. The first time my wife noticed some lights out too. Circuit breaker had tripped and was reset. A couple days later it happened again (each time when door was opened mid-cycle without hitting cancel button). This time circuit breaker did not trip. Found out about fuse from another UA-cam video "How to Fix a GE Over the Range Microwave Stopped Working". Removed grille after removing 3 screws on top. Start by pulling right side of plastic top piece "grill". Then follow directions from the above video for cheap 20 amp fuse in top right "cage".
Then I had a problem putting grill back on. The door would hang up on the left side of grill. After some analysis, I found that bottom of grill was sticking out too far because of the bottom clips being in front of the metal. Push these behind the metal and the door should open and close OK.
GE could have mentioned all this in the Owners Manual, but they'd rather have you spend $50+ on a service call or thinking "no it's fried after 3 years" and spending $300+ on a new microwave, instead of the DIY with a $1.00 fuse. Also, avoid opening the door mid-cycle, especially not slowly. Someone mentioned that a short might occur if one latch sensed "open" while the other latch still sensed "closed".
I didn't replace the filter. Seemed clean, but we use MW mostly for heating drinks and prepared foods.
I have the JVM3160. Left hinge was stuck. Used the butter knife trick. Pulled harder. Almost thought it was going to break. Finally got it apart. Needed the knife to put it back together also. Not an ideal design IMO.
I have the same model, left side was stuck aswell I'll try what u did to see if it gets unstuck.
It took me over an hour to take that grill off and I looked up the model on the internet before trying to put it back on - evidently this is normal!
I'm sorry it took so long, Doug. Hope this video was helpful! Thanks -CC
Holy Smokes! What a horrible design/instruction flaw. I had to use a butter knife and pull so hard I thought I was going to break the grill. It was as if the screw had been tightened so tight that the plastic and metal fused just a bit. I hope doing it on installation will allow me to more easily replace in the future!
I had the same problem in Jan 2019. After removing one screw on the grill and removing the two screws on top of the housing I inserted a coupe of putty knives to make a little gap. I then slid the grill to the left and it came right out. When reinstalling the grill be careful to first insert the two bottom tabs and then push the grill top under the housing. It has to be completely inserted otherwise the door does not close
fyi.... I have the 3160. There are 3 screws. 2 on the right and 1 on the left. Unscrew the closest screw on your right. Then unscrew the ONLY screw on the left side. I had to take a butter knife and slightly lift up to get the left side access panel off. Pain... but it worked.
Thank you for your tip. It worked by lifting a bit the left side of top panel.
We are glad to hear that it helped! - TS
Thank you for your comment! By far more helpful than the generic video.
GE Appliances your video and comment didn’t do anything Margaret was the real hero.
ATTN: There is now an 8th generation of this microwave model, RF8, that features a redesign of the vent cover, filter, and other changes such as the location of each top screw hole. I currently own the new generation as of today after having an RF2, RF6 and the redesign takes the headache out of removing the vent cover.
Grill was a little hard to get off but not impossible. Filter seems weak so I was a bit paranoid putting it in as I was worried it would get damaged. Installed easily after in used a headlamp.
We're glad to hear you were able to replace your charcoal filter, and we appreciate your feedback. We will pass it along to our product design team. Have a Happy New Year! - LT
Just changed mine. I needed to slide a putty knife along the frame and grill (tight but it worked). Grill tabs are between microwave cabinet (top) and a plastic ledge (underneath). Be careful to work it out slowly, sliding putty knife along cabinet and grill tabs.
Your procedure worked fine for me. The putty knife or some real thin blade does the trick. There seems to be some sort of light adhesive that needs to be broken loose. In any event just work the knife from one side to the other to separate the plastic cover from the metal top and the cover can be worked out.
However it is still not as easy as the video makes out.
Thanks very much for sharing this feedback and advice. - RF
I did the same thing, but I wished that I had read your comment before spending an hour finding out the hard way.
Yep, that's the secret to getting this thing out. It really doesn't want to budge until you slip the knife in there.
There is definitely a trick to this. Remove the top two screws like shown. Insert a thin putty knife or an offset spatula in between the top metal housing and the plastic grill. Start from the right corner and work your way toward the door hinge. The door has to be open all the way and work the spatula gently prying up and down to break the bond between the plastic and the metal housing. Starting from the right top corner, gently pull the top edge of the plastic grill toward you. Keep gently pulling toward you until you get to the left (hinge) corner. Squeeze the bottom edge up to unhook the two plastic barbed clips on the bottom edge. Pull forward toward you and slightly to the right to get the last corner by the hinge loose. I had to put the putty knife in between, right over the screw hole then I could release the grill and slide it all the way out. To put it back in, start with the left side. Squeeze the bottom edge and put it in first. Then line up the plastic tabs on the top edge to fit in the slot of the metal housing. Put the upper left corner in and slide it to the left to line up the screw hole. LIne up the rest of the top edge tabs to go into the slot. After ensuring the bottom edge tabs are inserted properly, push the top into the correct position to line up the screw holes. I had to gently tap the top edge in with the heel of my hand and then it popped into place. If I can figure out how to make a video, I'll post one.
Thanks so much!! This helped A LOT👍
We need an additional video here about where the FUSES are for these models and how to access them, please! The fuses seem to be a big issue with these models and I would like to find them myself instead of paying GE $100 just to come to the house.
just noticed huge gaps around the outside edges of the filter so the air is not even coming in contact with the filter i put tape around it which helps, better solution would be grease traps with carcoal
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out. We don't recommend altering your appliance as we've not tested or approved it for use in such a manner. It's also important to ensure that you're using the correct charcoal filter. If you'd like help confirming, feel free to provide your complete model number here. You can use this diagram if you need assistance: spklr.io/6056cwjQ
Hope to hear back soon. -MS
Very poor instructions in the manual. We had a problem getting the grill off and even more trouble getting it back on. This should be made much more easy since the filter has to be changed periodically.
It's pretty straight forward... You ever change an air filter in a car? I doubt it.
Does this work with Model JVM6175SK5SS?
Needed a video for MODEL# JVM1540DM5WW
My JVM3160 Has only 1 screw on the right hand side of cover. How do i remove cover?
Did you figure it out?
I have just got the same one and yeah mine only has 1 screw, did u figure out how to remove the left side?
Thank you this helped!
this access panel is a piece of crap...wont come off without breaking.
That is the reason I am here to watch the video. I think they shaved their tabs down for the filming.
...that being said, I got mine done (just now) and thankfully it did not break!
Thanks
It's our pleasure! We're glad the video was helpful. -AT
One of the screws was screwed on TOO TIGHT, I just bought this today and wanted to install the charcoal filter, now the screw is all screwed up and I can't install the filter :(
Please email us at eresponse@ge.com with your name, address, phone and the model and serial numbers of your microwave and we will take a look at your situation. Thanks. AS
So just break the plastic holding it on. Won't hurt anything.
Mine is venting outside.. Do I need to replace filter?
That is not the filter. I would guess that is your fan adjustment (not being rotated 90 degrees prior to install).
If it's venting out side thru a pipe, no. The air is being pushed out side rather than inside.
@@ratataran
0
Thinking about smashing the grille. It's stubbornly stuck like crazy blue no matter what I have tried
We regret the problem in removing the grille. Please check to make sure there is not a 3rd screw on top of the grille.
GE Appliances only 2 screws. It is stuck right in the middle, if I pull harder, I think the grille would've been snapped
Based on the information you provided, the diagnosis and repair for your appliance needs to be done by a qualified appliance service technician. You can schedule an appointment at 1-800-432-2737, Mon-Fri 7 am - 10 pm ET, Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm ET or schedule online anytime at: www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/service.htm . - TS
GE Appliances I think that's the only way. Thank you
This isn't what the filter looks like for my JVM3160RFSS :(
I ordered a replacement filter only to discover that the filter I received is the completely wrong shape and size. This video is linked directly from my model's page on the GE site so I figured I had ordered the right one (the one in the video) but it doesn't seem to be the case.
This unit uses the JX81L charcoal filter. Can you confirm is this the one you purchased? Do you have an order number we can take a look at for you?
That's the one I bought but it doesn't fit the port. The filter that is there right now is closer to the size of the grease filters and is inserted into the left side of the port rather than stretching across the length of the port.
We hate to hear the filter doesn't fit as expected - we know that must be concerning. We want to help. If you can, please send us a private message over our GE Appliances social media (such as Facebook or Instagram) with a picture of the filter and your microwave, as well as your contact information. With that information, we can certainly review your situation.
We hope to hear from you again soon!
Unfortunately I do not use social media outside of UA-cam. Is there an email I can use?
@@geappliances
I literally have the exact same problem as this guy. Model number JVM3160RF8SS. Filter doesn’t look anything like this video - on mine, the filter only goes in the left side of the opening.
How do I replace a broken handle part # WB15X10233 ?
Hello Patrick, We are sorry for your issue with your handle. The handle on the GE microwave is not consumer replaceable. We suggest contacting service at the link below: www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/service.htm?ICID=GEARsupportflyout-service
Need Jim 7195 instructions
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to reach out to us.
We believe you are referring to our model #JVM7195, and you can find the installation instructions for this unit here: spklr.io/6059lzLl
If you were referring to a different model, please reach out to us via private message on Facebook or Twitter so we can provide further assistance.
All the best. - PM
We have JVM 3160 and I only see one screw on right side, don't see another screw on left side. Afraid to pull grill. Can you tell how to remove filter.
The screws don't line up evenly...is it possible the left screw is covered by the cabinet?
yeah screws were not in straight line. right screw was on grill panel and while left screw was slightly above panel on left side and when we were taking panel out it was not coming out as nicely as your video showing. we have to apply some force to pull after both screws were taken out
Oh gotcha...hopefully you were still successful in removing the filter. Let us know if you need anything else!
Jvm1635 same????
Hello Motty, thanks for checking with us on how to change your microwave's charcoal filter. Please see this helpful video that is slightly different for your model: ua-cam.com/video/oeNpYjUn02Y/v-deo.html I hope this helps. -SF
We have a 3160. Removing the grill cover was nothing compared to reattaching it. Spent 30 minutes wrestling with it. Annual cleaning of the charcoal filter is recommended but I'd bet a lot of 3160 owners will live with a dirty charcoal filter rather than tackling that grill cover again. Especially if after the oven is installed those screws are covered by the overhead cabinet and the oven has to come off the wall to access them.
The third screw doesn't need to be removed, just the one on the far left (when facing appliance) and the one about 8" from right side.
Installation instructions for recirculating type install on page EN-14 of the manual are inaccurate. Says to turn the blower motor openings to the top. So they'd be blocked by the overhead cabinet? Had to find a manual online for a different model to confirm our guess that they should be turned toward the vent on the front of the appliance. Note to copywriter: proofread!
Haven't started using the templates and mounting plate yet. Skeered.
Professional installers probably read things like this and giggle. Note to GE: if your product isn't engineered for DIY, sell it to the trade and add warnings that installation requires experience so that John Q. Consumer knows what he's getting into BEFORE purchase.
Judy, Thank you for your feedback. We are aware of the issue, and are in the process of correcting. We apologize for any inconvenience this caused.
"Remove the grill" Yeah, ok.....
Hello Josh - please let us know if we can be of assistance! -NC
We have a brand new JVM3160. It is impossible to remove the grill of the new unit. We even removed the 3rd screw on the top, though unnecessary. We cannot get any slight movement at all from the top of the grill after removing the screws, nor can we push the bottom 2 latches upwards. No part of the grill can be moved or released at all.
We're very sorry to hear this, Josh, as it is not what we would expect. If it is convenient, you may want to visit your dealer to check out a display model. Otherwise, we recommend contacting GE Factory Service at: www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/service.htm?ICID=GEARsupportflyout-service We hope this helps! -NC
GE Appliances I can't take ours off either!
Hello Tony, what is your model number and we will be glad to take a look at this for you? If you need help locating your model number please see this helpful link: products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=19129 We will be watching for your reply. -SF
Do you even care?
Thanks