Error code · Microwave & Advantium

GE Microwave Message “Cool”: Probe Temperature Below 90 Degrees

Low risk · DIY check OK

Code: Cool / -90 / -80
Appliance: Microwave & Advantium
Brand: GE
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What Cool / -90 / -80 means

On GE convection and over-the-range microwaves with a temperature probe, such as the PVM9005SJSS, PVM9179SRSS and JVM7195SKSS, the display shows Cool, -90 or -80 while the food's internal temperature is still below 90°F. Once it reaches 90°F the display changes to the actual temperature, which can take up to 20 minutes. It is a normal status message while a probe program runs.

Common causes of Cool / -90 / -80

Food still cold inside, under 90°F
Probe not inserted deep enough
Probe tip touching a bone or the container

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Wait; this is normal at the start of a probe program. 2. Check that the probe sits in the thickest part of the food and is not touching bone or the dish. 3. See your owner's manual for probe cooking guidance. 4. If nothing changes after 20 minutes, stop and tell us.

! Why to stop there

If the display never changes once the food is warm, whether the probe or its jack is reading stays unknown
We test the probe and the jack; a program that is just starting up needs no repair

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Microwave & Advantium codes

LOC / LOCKEDGE Microwave Message "LOC": Control Lock-Out On FOOD / Insert FoodGE Microwave Message "Insert Food": Door Not Opened Use ProbeGE Convection Microwave Message "Use Probe": Probe Not Detected TurnGE Microwave Message "Turn": Turn Food Over OVEN TOO HOT FOR USING ALTERNATE METHODGE Profile Microwave Message "OVEN TOO HOT FOR USING ALTERNATE METHOD": Cavity Above 200°F Oven is too hot for sensor cookGE Advantium Message "Oven is Cooling": Cool-Down After Speedcook Optimizing CooktimeGE Advantium Message "Optimizing Cooktime": Voltage Check HOTGE Convection Microwave Display Says HOT: Cavity Still Warm After Baking

Cool / -90 / -80Cool / -90 / -80 questions

Why does my microwave say Cool with the probe in?

The food is still below 90°F, and the display shows a status message until it passes that point. This is normal for frozen or refrigerated food.

How long does it stay at -90 or -80?

It can take up to 20 minutes for the display to change to the actual temperature. How long depends on how cold the food was when it went in.

Does the probe need to sit anywhere special?

Insert it into the thickest part of the food and keep it from touching bone or the container, so the reading is not skewed by something other than the food.

Book a visit

Still unsure about Cool / -90 / -80?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 547-5545