GE Microwave Sensor Error? Here’s What to Do

If the message “SENSOR ERROR” appears on your microwave’s display when you attempt to run certain cooking modes, it usually means you have a problem with the humidity sensor, also called the steam sensor.

The humidity sensor monitors the amount of steam inside the cavity that’s being released from the heated food. It then adjusts the microwave’s cooking time and power level accordingly to help ensure food is reheated or cooked perfectly.

This article will outline what you can do if you’re experiencing a sensor error to get your GE microwave working properly again.

Why does the sensor error only appear sometimes?

You’ll normally only see the sensor error when you use cooking modes that use the humidity sensor, such as:

• Sensor microwave
• Sensor reheat
• Popcorn mode
• Beverage mode
• Vegetable mode

When you set the cooking time manually, the humidity sensor isn’t needed, so the microwave may still work fine.

It’s also possible that the humidity sensor is dirty, making it temperamental. To begin with, the sensor error may only appear occasionally when using sensor cooking modes, but will become constant if the sensor eventually fails.

Resetting the microwave can sometimes help

The first thing to try when you see a sensor error is a simple reset. This simple troubleshooting step may be enough to resolve the error if it’s being caused by a temporary software glitch rather than a defective sensor, which is sometimes the case.

To reset your microwave, simply unplug it, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you most likely have a faulty humidity sensor, and it will need replacing if you want to use the sensor cooking modes again.

Cleaning the microwave’s interior is important

While the humidity or steam sensor isn’t located directly inside the microwave’s cooking chamber, it’s still important to clean the interior often, especially after spills and splatters.

That’s because the humidity sensor sits behind a vented panel or grille on the interior wall, often at the top of the microwave. The steam rises from the food and travels through the vented panel to the humidity sensor. However, if the interior is dirty and left unclean, this vented panel can become clogged, preventing steam from passing through.

A clogged vented panel could trigger the sensor error message since it fails to detect moisture. If your microwave is heavily soiled, steam cleaning it is an excellent way to clean it. Here’s how you can steam clean your microwave:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with water in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Put the bowl in the microwave and run it at maximum power for five minutes.
3. Wait for another few minutes, allowing the acidic vapors to fully penetrate the grease and grime and loosen them effectively.
4. Use a damp cloth to wipe clean the interior, removing all the loosened grime.

Replacing the humidity sensor can fix the problem

If you’ve tried resetting and cleaning your microwave and the sensor error persists, the next step is to replace the humidity sensor. This will require you to purchase a new sensor, which, unfortunately, isn’t a cheap component despite being a very small one.

You’ll also need to disassemble your GE microwave, which we do not recommend doing unless you’re confident in your ability to repair microwaves. The microwave’s high-voltage capacitor stores a lethal charge even when it’s unplugged, which makes microwave repairs dangerous, especially for people with little experience. That’s why we recommend hiring a professional to replace the humidity sensor.

For anyone who’d like to replace the humidity sensor themselves, here are the steps involved:

1. Unplug your GE microwave.
2. Remove your microwave’s outer casing. You’ll need to remove several screws from the top, back, or sides of the microwave.
3. If you have an over-the-range microwave, you may be able to remove enough panels to access the sensor without removing the entire microwave from its bracket or disconnecting the vent.
4. The humidity sensor is typically located at the top front of the microwave, toward the left. It will be sitting behind a vented panel, which you can remove using a screwdriver.
5. The humidity sensor looks like a small, cylindrical device with holes in it, similar to the grille on a microphone.
6. The humidity sensor may have a small plastic lock or clip that you need to flip up and pull off with your fingers.
7. You can now remove the humidity sensor by pulling it out.
8. Install the new humidity sensor where the old one was and secure it with the locking clip.
9. Reassemble your microwave and test it to see if the sensor error is gone.

Final notes

If you’ve followed all the steps above, the sensor error should now be resolved on your GE microwave. If not, you might have an issue with the control board. In that case, we recommend having an expert examine your appliance and repair it.

Due to the high cost of a new humidity sensor, some people choose not to replace it and instead live with a partially working microwave. If your GE microwave is over seven years old, you’ll need to decide whether it’s worth investing in to repair or if you’re better off buying a whole new microwave.

The best way to avoid future sensor errors is to keep your microwave clean and well-maintained, especially the vented panel covering the humidity sensor.