Does your GE fridge just shut off for no apparent reason? It means something is internally wrong. Find out what and how to fix the problem.
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GE Fridge Shuts Off When Door Opens – Quick Fix
If a GE fridge shuts off when you open the door, try unplugging it, waiting five minutes, and plugging it back into the wall outlet. this is a reset process for the fridge.
However, if doing this does not solve the problem, the motherboard could be damaged. You will find the board at the fridge’s back. Move it to gain access to the back.
Replace it and see if it fixes the problem. A replacement usually fixes it. But if it remains the same, contact GE for further assistance.
GE Fridge Just Shut Off – What to Do
Do the following if your GE fridge just shuts off:
1. Check the Circuit Breaker
It could have tripped off, especially if there was a power surge. It doesn’t hurt to take a look at it to determine whether or not it is on.
If it is off, turn it back on. But if it is on yet the fridge shut off, try replacing the fuse to see if there is any change.
However, if nothing changes but every other appliance is working, the problem is not from the circuit breaker.
2. Check the Wall Outlet
Plug a lamp or any other appliance into the wall outlet to check for power. You should find it behind or beside the fridge.
It is possible there is a loose wire internally or it is simply bad. If the appliance or lamp does not come on, it means the outlet needs a replacement.
But if they all work fine, then the outlet is likely not the cause of the problem.
3. Check the Power Cord
Be sure the cord fits fully into the wall outlet. A partial connection will cause the fridge to shut off.
Then, check the prongs for burns or damage. If you notice any damage or burns, replace the cord.
4. Check the Condenser Coils
If you notice they are visibly dirty, clean them and be sure to repeat the cleaning process after 6 months.
Otherwise, the coils won’t remove the heat from the unit. And overheating can cause the fridge to just shut off after some time.
5. Check the Compressor
Overheating can cause the compressor to stop working. So unplug the fridge, wait 2 hours, and plug it back in. Doing this should reset the unit and get it working normally.
However, if you find that the compressor doesn’t kick into action after this time, it may be damaged. But if it works, find out if the condenser fan is in good working condition, especially the motor.
Additionally, improving the flow of air around the fridge helps with keeping the compressor from overheating.
Therefore, create a space of about an inch and a half between the back of the fridge and the wall behind it.
6. Check the Temperature Setting
Lower the setting of the temperature in the freezer section. Then, wait to see whether or not the fridge starts working again. Don’t touch that of the fridge section as most units have one cooling system.
Report the problem to GE, especially if you have an active warranty, if the problem persists after troubleshooting.
GE Freezer Keeps Shutting Off – Solutions
The following are possible reasons why your GE freezer keeps shutting off and solutions to them:
1. Frayed or Damaged Cord
Remove the cord from the wall socket and check it for damage. If there is a sign of wear or damage, replace it. This is because it may not be transmitting power to the fridge’s compressor as needed.
Besides, it may pose a potential fire risk as it is no longer reliable. Replacing it is not difficult nor is it expensive.
2. Defective Start Relay and Capacitor
Detach the relay from the compressor and shake it. It shouldn’t rattle but if it does, replace it. Furthermore, if it has a burnt smell, replace it.
However, if it looks good, test it between its two terminals to check for continuity. If you don’t find continuity, replace the relay.
In the same vein, test the start capacitor to see if there is continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the capacitor.
These two tiny components enable the compressor to successfully and smoothly start and run. If they fail, the compressor would fail to operate. Fortunately, replacing them is cheap and easy.
3. Dusty Condenser Coils
Fix this by cleaning the coils if they are messy or dirty. Doing this will improve their ability to remove heat from the freezer. This way, the compressor won’t overheat, stop operating smoothly, and cause the freezer to keep shutting off.
The brush head of your vacuum cleaner or even a condenser brush will do the job well.
4. Poorly Adjusted Thermostat
Adjusting the thermostat incorrectly affects the running of the compressor. You may find it kicking on and off at short intervals.
Lower the setting of the thermostat and check the compressor to see whether or not its operation improves.
If it does not, then you know the compressor has developed a problem. But if it does, the compressor is working fine and the thermostat should be checked.
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GE Refrigerator Does Not Shut Off – Quick Fix
If you find a GE refrigerator that does not shut off, do the following:
- Check the defrost timer
- Check the defrost heater
- Check the fan motors
- Check the defrost control board
- Check the defrost thermostat
- Check the door seal
- Check the temperature setting
Learn more about troubleshooting and fixing these issues from this article.
Recap
If a GE fridge just shut off, check the circuit breaker, wall outlet, and power cord. They are likeliest to cause this to happen.
However, if they in working order, then go ahead and check the temperature setting, condenser coils, and compressor.
But if none of these fixes work to solve the problem of a GE fridge that shut off, contact GE Cares to report it and request service on the fridge.
Otherwise, chat with any of our technicians using the link below…
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