Hello,

I have Range Top GE Spacemaker Microwave oven that went bad. I'm trying to remove the unit so that I can install the new one. I took out the 3 screws on the top but I can't seem to slide the unit out.. feels like it is stuck to the vertical wall. Does anyone know how to detach the unit from the wall?

There are at least two additional screws hidden in the black plastic grill that runs along the top edge of the unit. Take a flashlight and inspect the grill, screws are usually about 3-4 inches in from the corners. Once these screws are removed you should be able to lift the back edge of the unit. It does not slide out like a drawer. It is hooked along the back edge so be prepared to hold the entire weight. Since it is junk you may also want to unplug the electric supply line and cut it off where it comes through the cabinet. I removed one once and could hold the weight but the cord hung me up and I had no third free hand to cut the cord. I'll remember that day for a long time.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

There are at least two additional screws hidden in the black plastic grill that runs along the top edge of the unit. Take a flashlight and inspect the grill, screws are usually about 3-4 inches in from the corners. Once these screws are removed you should be able to lift up on the back edge of the unit. it does not slide out like a drawer. It is hooked along the back edge so be prepared to hold the entire weight. Since it is junk you may also want to unplug the electric supply line and cut it off where it comes throught the cabinet. I removed one once and could hold the weight but the cord hung me up and I had no third free hand to cut the cord. I'll remember that day for a long time.

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Take caution on cutting the wiring into the wall. If it is a romex cable... do not cut unless you know that the pigtail is sufficient length stowed in the wall. Just a thought... nm:)

GE Spacemakers are not hard wired. They come with a standard three prong tail. They are built to plug into a grounded receptacle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

GE Spacemakers are not hard wired. They come with a standard three prong tail. they are built to plug into a grounded receptacle.

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Why cut the cord? Or did I read that post wrong?

Two reasons: #1 While the microwave is still attached you have almost no room to push the pig back down inside the hole in the cabinet. The machine sits immediately beneath the cabinet taking up the space. During installation this is a two person project, one to lift the machine and one to feed the wire. Its pretty much impossible to get all of the pig through the hole. #2 when a machine is shot I cut the cord to discourage others from working on my discards. Faulty microwaves can be very dangerous and I want to prevent less skilled handymen from messing with it.