[firewoman]

I have attempted to remove the burnt out light bulbs from my microwave oven and when I tried to turn them to remove them, they basically shattered and the silver end of the light bulb is stuck in the socket and it won't seem to budge. Does anyone know if there is something I can use to get the tips of the broken light bulbs out of the sockets? I have tried tweezers and that isn't working, and I don't want to break the socket by forcing them out. Please help!!

[MikePA]

Originally Posted by firewoman

I have attempted to remove the burnt out light bulbs from my microwave oven and when I tried to turn them to remove them, they basically shattered and the silver end of the light bulb is stuck in the socket and it won't seem to budge. Does anyone know if there is something I can use to get the tips of the broken light bulbs out of the sockets? I have tried tweezers and that isn't working, and I don't want to break the socket by forcing them out. Please help!!

I encountered the same exact problem over the weekend. To save assembly time it looks like GE uses a preassembled bulb and socket. I found the bulb epoxied into the socket. So even if you can get the bulb base out the socket is ruined. This is ridiculous because now you have to buy a replacement socket and bulb upwards of $25 per side (I have 2 lights on my microwave and managed to break both). The parts are readily availabe on parts select. I actually found a 3 pack of bulbs on ebay for 1/2 the price of one bulb anywhere else.

What you have to do is remove about 4 screws from the underside of the microwave and then that metal cover will drop down. Disconnect the wiring harness and you can pull out the whole pan that houses the light assemblies. One screw holds the socket in place and the wiring comes apart with quick connect spade terminals.

All in all its an easy repair but changing two light bulbs costs you about $50! At least in the future you can then just change the bulb.