Microwave Thermal Cut Out (Flame sensor) help needed - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2017, 05:11:36 am
content: Hi, I'm helping to fix a friend's microwave and isolated the problem to the cavity TCO (it is labelled NT101 KIE on one side, and N100 0 7713 on the silver cap side). As far as I reckon it went bad when his wife tried cooking for 20 minutes straight and there is no other flaw that caused this to get damaged.The microwave refuses to power on. I checked the fuse, all ok. Checked continuity on the thermal cutout or "flame sensor" and it was open. I stuck it in the freezer, it did not click back... maybe non-resetable. Manual said it opens at 212 F and closes at 32 F. Either this is using non-resettable or it was damaged too far to go back.Anyways, after shorting across this sensor the microwave powered on, display was good, all ok. Therefore I need to simply change this sensor but the part is impossible to find. How am I supposed to understand what the numbers mean and if I can find a compatible component?The microwave is an old GE Model JES1142SMC 01 (manufacturing date July 2007).I see tons of sensors/thermistor oven cut offs for sale at various online repair shops but none match the model number. I am not sure what the part number refers to, if NT101 KIE is enough to go on, or if other brands exist, and what N100 0 7713 indicates.Any help greatly appreciated!

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2017, 07:06:06 am
content: I find AppliancePartsPros.com has more info:GE WB27X10683 Thermostat, CavityGE WB27X10567 Thermostat, MagnetronAmre Supply has them but says WB27X10683 has been replaced by WG02F01659I don't know who the OEM is, but the GE part number might help.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2017, 01:33:10 pm
content: Thanks, I can't believe these parts are so expensive. They must cost pennies to make but because they are "one off" purchases in low numbers to consumers the suppliers charge quite a bit to make it worthwhile. Anyways, if it means saving $300 by buying a part (with shipping) for $30, it is still well worth it.I noticed the replacement part has an extra metal holder/bracket thing attached to it. Presumably this is to screw the thermostat to the cavity sheet metal housing. However, the old part did NOT have this extra ring of metal (with two holes).... Instead it attached via a plastic clip "holder". I assume I can safely trim off this metal bracket on the new one to allow it to fit in the old plastic holder?

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 01:41:00 am
content: You're right, the markup on appliance parts is ridiculous! $0.22ea vs $22 each to purchase through usual channels.Remind me why I went to university to get a degree, I just have to sell appliance parts to become rich lol.Your part markings KIE isKyung In Electronic Co. LTD from KoreaNT-101 series whom GE/Hotpoint/LG/Samsung use. The N100 may be a 100C rating, but I would not speculate as this part is in a safety function. Have to find the datasheet.They come in many standard styles, on some the metal mounting tab is loose and cuts/comes off, others spot-welded.KSD301series also popular in appliances.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 06:53:42 pm
content: Digi-Key has thermal fuses (I think that's the right search term) for about $1. They have several temp ratings. These things look like 1 W resistors with a metal case, and are not resettable. I'm guessing the thing you have is round with two spade terminals on one side. I suspect Digi-Key might also have this. If there is a Marcone store near you, they have parts for EVERYTHING.And, now I get all my appliance parts on Amazon!Jon

author: Bruce1956
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 29, 2022, 07:19:04 am
content: Hi All,I know this is a very old thread, but I found it useful, and I believe I have a solution to the problem of this "non-resettable" fuse...and so I post anyway.I was just checking the parts in my microwave as long as I had it open (the magnetron was clearly burnt).I checked one temperature switch by placing it on a hotplate burner while contacting the spade connectors with my multimeter set to beep for continuity. Since it was an NO (normally open) switch, the meter was silent until I heard a loud click in the switch followed immediately by the beep of the meter. I had to wait a surprisingly long time for the switch to cool down and reopen, but it did.The next temperature switch (the exact one mentioned in this thread) I checked the same way, but this one was NC (normally closed). So when I followed the same method, the meter kept beeping until the switch got hot, the loud click sounded, and the meter went silent. However, the switch would not reclose even after cooling to room temperature.That's what prompted me to go searching online for a new switch and found this thread. To my chagrin, I discovered that this is a one-time, non-resettable switch. Then I looked closer at the stamped numbers on the face of the sensor, which read "N120" then "0" on the next line. I thought, "Why specify the trigger temperature (120°C) and also another temperature (0°C)? Maybe that's the reset temperature!"Sure enough. I put the switch in my freezer for a while. When I took it out, the switch had closed! So these aren't non-resettable throw-aways after all. I'm glad I didn't order an expensive replacement, because the old one works fine, after all.Hope this helps--maybe not the OP nor the timely responders, but others who may be coming later looking for a solution as I was.