Over-the-Range Microwave - Replacing the Cooktop Light

Over-the-Range Microwaves have a cooktop light underneath to help you better see the food you are cooking on the cooktop surface below. If your Microwave was manufactured in 1990 or thereafter and you need to replace the cooktop light, please follow the guidelines below when replacing the light.
 

Replacing the Cooktop Light

  1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet or disconnect power to the Microwave at the circuit break or fuse before changing the light bulb.
  2. Locate the light cover on the underside of the Microwave. Remove the screw from the side of the light compartment cover and lower the cover until it stops. On many models the light cover screw is a Phillips head screw. Remove the screw and be very careful not to lose it. This is usually not a part we stock as a replacement part.
  3. If the light cover does not lower easily, take your thumb and push up towards the floor of the microwave and the light cover door should swing open on a hinge.
  4. Depending on the model, the cooktop light bulb may be an incandescent bulb, a Halogen bulb or an LED bulb. The incandescent bulb can be removed by simply unscrewing it. For a Halogen bulb, you gently pull the bulb out from the receptacle. An LED bulb is often secured with a screw and connector. You remove the screw and connector from the LED bulb to remove it. On some older models, you remove the bulb by pushing it in and turning 1/4 turn.
  5. Replace the cooktop light bulb with a bulb of the same type and wattage. You may check the bulb or the Owner's Manual for the model you own for the bulb size and wattage.
  6. When installing a new bulb, do not touch it with your bare hands, especially if it is a Halogen bulb. Oil from your skin will cause early failure of the bulb. Always wear clean gloves or use a clean cloth when installing these bulbs.

Silicone Seal

Some cooktop light bulbs (lamps) have a clear silicone seal around the base of the bulb. You can usually break the adhesive seal by gently unscrewing or pulling the bulb. This clear silicone seal is used to seal the bulb in so that moisture does not affect the operation of the bulb (lamp). It also helps to secure the bulb (lamp) and prevent it from coming loose during shipping and installation. For bulbs with the silicone seal, the seal must be broken. If you encounter difficulty breaking the seal to remove the bulb, please try the following:
 
  1. Disconnect power to the Microwave.
  2. Get a sharp knife and run the tip of the knife around the base of the bulb where it meets the bulb holder. This will cut the seal and allow the bulb to be removed. Please use caution when doing this so that you do not cut yourself.
  3. It may take more than one pass with the knife to cut the seal enough to loosen it. If the seal does not break after several attempts, you will need a service technician to remedy this situation for you.
Note: The interior light bulbs in Countertop, Built-In and some Over-the-Range Microwave models are not consumer replaceable, a service technician would be required to replace the interior bulb.
 

Appliance Support

Should service be needed, please schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.