Is your GE refrigerator not working? It might be a minor issue, or something serious. Whatever the case may be, let us help you troubleshoot. This article will show you how to fix it.
Table of Contents
GE Refrigerator Not Working after Power Outage – What To Do
If your GE refrigerator is not working after a power outage, here is what to do:
1. Ensure the Circuit Breaker Did Not Trip Off
Trace the refrigerator’s breaker and flip the switch back ON if it is OFF. The breaker may trip off when there is a power outage to stop any electrical damage on the appliance. The circuit breaker box is normally located outside the house.
This is the most common cause why a GE refrigerator is not working after a power outage.
2. Turn the Refrigerator Back On
Turn the refrigerator back on. The power outage may have turned it off.
However, if the lights inside the refrigerator are on, allow the appliance some more minutes to start cooling again.
Some refrigerators have the ON/OFF switch on the control panel, while others have theirs inside the unit. So, confirm the location of the ON/OFF switch of your refrigerator from your user manual.
3. Reset the GFCI Outlet
If your refrigerator has the GFCI outlet, press the reset switch on it. The outage may have tripped it, and once this happens, the outlet will lose power. Resetting the GFCI reset switch ensures the outlet gets power again.
A tripped GFCI outlet is another common reason why a GE refrigerator is not working after a power outage.
4. Examine the Refrigerator’s Power Cord
Move the appliance away from the wall. Examine the cord to see if the outage caused any damage. If the cord has a burnt smell or burn-marks on it, then it is damaged. You will need to replace it, but let a repairman handle this.
However, a power outage does not usually cause electrical damages; a power surge does.
Have you tried all the above and your GE refrigerator is still not working? A malfunctioning component might be the culprit.
So, ensure every component is still functional. This is because a power outage may cause some components to fail. If any part is defective or malfunctioning, have them replaced to get your refrigerator to work again.
GE Refrigerator and Freezer Not Working – How To Fix
The following are possible fixes for a GE refrigerator is not working, as well as the freezer:
1. Replace a Defective Start Relay
To replace a malfunctioning start relay, disconnect the refrigerator from the power source and move it away from the wall. Then, unscrew the rear access panel at the bottom of the appliance. You will find the start relay attached to the compressor.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the black covering over the start relay and carefully detach it from the compressor. Carefully disconnect the wire connections, taking note of each, to avoid confusion during reconnection.
Next, reconnect the wires, and mount the start relay back to the compressor. Do not forget the black covering over it.
A rattle sound from the start relay is a confirmation that it is bad.
2. Clean the Condenser Coils
Use a condenser coil cleaning brush to thoroughly brush off the dirt on the condenser coils. This is for condenser coils that are easily accessed. They are located either beneath or behind the appliance.
Dirty coils will not efficiently dispel heat from the refrigerant system. Consequently, the heat reduces the cooling capacity of the refrigerator and freezer, making them grow warm. So, it is best to clean the condenser coils once or twice a year.
3. Change a Damaged Thermistor
Empty the freezer compartment of its content and shelves. Unscrew the light cover, the bulb, and the rear panel. The thermistor is located behind this panel, attached to the evaporator tube. Remove and replace it with a new one.
In addition, ensure the sensor bulb is intact. You will need a plier and multimeter for this repair. Use the multimeter to check if the thermistor has continuity. If there is no continuity, it means it is bad and should be replaced.
It is important to know what the thermistor does. It checks the temperature in the refrigerator and signals the main control board. Using this signal, the control board will send power to the evaporator fan motor and the compressor.
So, if the thermistor is faulty, this process will not happen. Hence, the compressor and evaporator fan motor may not run. This will leave the unit warm.
4. Check the Condenser Fan Motor
To do this, pull the unit away from the wall and unscrew the rear access panel at the bottom. The condenser fan motor is next to the compressor. Carefully spin the fan blades. If they are stiff or do not whirl freely, it means the motor is bad. So, replace it.
Additionally, you can use the multimeter to check if the condenser fan motor has continuity. If it doesn’t have continuity, change it. However, you only need to do this if the blades spin freely.
Follow the steps in this video to change a damaged condenser fan motor…
The condenser fan motor circulates air from the condenser and over the coils. So, if it is bad, this process won’t happen, causing the refrigerator to become warm.
5. Replace a Malfunctioning Temperature Control Thermostat
To check whether or not the temperature control thermostat is bad, turn it to the highest temperature setting. Then, listen for an audible click. Hearing a click means the temperature control thermostat is still functional, otherwise it is likely bad.
To further confirm the condition of the thermostat, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no change in continuity across all temperature settings, it is a confirmation that the thermostat is bad. So, replace it.
6. Thaw the Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are behind the rear panel inside the freezer. If there is frost build-up on them, defrost them manually by unplugging the appliance. Leave the door of the freezer open until the coils have fully defrosted. It should take around 24 hours.
Do not forget to place towels around the base of the refrigerator to absorb any water that will drip.
However, frozen evaporator coils show that something is not right with the defrost system. This is true for units with an automatic defrost system. The automatic defrost system takes care of the frost build-up on the evaporator coils.
So, check the defrost heater and timer to know if they are still functional. Use a multimeter to check the heater for continuity. If it does not have any continuity, replace it. Otherwise, check the timer.
Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the timer anticlockwise. If the defrost timer comes on as the fans and the compressor goes off, it means the timer is bad. So, replace it.
If there is a problem with the defrost system and the evaporator coils are frozen, the unit will remain warm. This is because the evaporator coils will not be able to perform efficiently to keep the refrigerator cool enough.
Note: Always disconnect your appliance from the power source before any repairs. This is to ensure your safety from electrocution.
Other components that could cause your refrigerator not to work when defective are the compressor and the control boards. However, these are hardly ever the problem. So, rule out all the other possibilities before you consider repairing them.
Additionally, contact your supplier or GE Cares if your GE fridge freezer is new and not working. Your warranty will most likely cover the cost of any repairs on your appliance. You may also qualify for an appliance swap. So, there is no need to troubleshoot on a new appliance.
GE Fridge Display Not Working – Quick Fix
If you notice that your GE fridge display is not working, do not fret. Here are parts to check in order to fix it:
1. Power Source
Ensure the refrigerator is connected to the power source. Also, check the circuit breaker box outside the house to make sure it did not trip. That is if there was a power surge or an outage. Once the appliance is not getting any power, none of the components will work.
2. Door
Shut the door before you attempt to operate the digital display board. If the fridge door is open, the digital display board will appear blank.
3. Temperature Control
If the display panel is showing “0”, it is not an indication that the display panel is not functional. Rather, it shows the temperature was set to 0⁰F.
So, select “Home” first before you select “Refrigerator”. Then, use the arrow keys to select a temperature range. Next, press “Set”.
Repeat these steps if you want to set the temperature of the freezer. However, start with “Home” and “Freezer” this time. This is for an LCD fridge.
For a non-LCD fridge, press “Refrigerator Temp” or “Freezer Temp”, and then, the arrow keys to set the temperature.
After performing these basic checks and the display is still not working, try a hard reset.
Hard Reset
To do this, unplug the fridge and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in. With this, the refrigerator’s control panel should be reset and functioning again.
However, if the digital display is still not functioning, contact the GE service center for further assistance.
Also, it is important to note that the fridge display serves the same function as the touch screen. So, try these same hacks to fix a GE fridge touch screen that is not working.
GE Freezer Not Working – Solved
Here are some reasons why your GE freezer may not work and how to fix them:
- The temperature control may be turned off. Turn it back on if this is the case.
- The defrost control (for frost-free models) or the temperature control may be defective. If this is the case, have the defective part replaced.
- Something may be wrong with the guardette or the relay. Let a technician assess and fix it if necessary.
- If there is an opening in the internal wiring, it could be the cause. For this, you will need the help of a qualified service agent.
- The compressor may be inoperative. If this is true, let a certified and licensed technician fix it.
These causes are true if your freezer will not cool, but the control lights keep working. This could also mean that it is time to service your appliance. So, contact GE Service Center to book a service appointment.
Check out these other articles…
GE Refrigerator Problems [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Hot [Issues Solved]
How to Clean an Ice Maker in a GE Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
How to Clean Coils Under a GE Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
GE Ice Maker Doesn’t Work [How to Fix]
GE Fridge Clicking Sound [Solved]
How to Unlock GE Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
GE Fridge Not Working But Freezer Is – Solutions
If the fridge in your GE refrigerator is not working but the freezer is, here are possible solutions:
1. Stock the Unit Up Properly
If the refrigerator is always overloaded, reduce the amount of food you store in it. The overload could be blocking air vents that circulate cold air between the fridge and freezer.
Similarly, underloading the unit will cause the fridge to be warm. So, store the right amount of food in your fridge. A three-quarter full unit is ideal.
2. Check the Evaporator Coils
Remove the shelves inside the freezer, and unthread the screws holding the rear panel in place. You will find the evaporator coils here. If there is frost on them, leave the appliance unplugged for some hours. The freezer door should be left open at this time, too.
Alternatively, you can use a steamer for a quicker result. That should solve the problem.
With frost on the coils, there won’t be proper circulation of air within them. This could cause the fridge not to cool while the freezer keeps working.
However, frost on the evaporator coils shows that there is a problem with the defrost system. It could be with the defrost heater, the defrost thermostat, the timer, or the control board. Let a professional assess this, and carry out the repairs.
3. Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
Use your hand to spin the fan. If the blades are stiff, it shows the fan motor is bad. Another indication of a defective motor is when it is unduly noisy. You can also use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If there is no continuity, it means the fan is bad.
Therefore, if it is defective, have it replaced because it cannot be repaired.
When the evaporator fan motor is defective, it cannot draw air all over the coils to aid cooling. So, the refrigerant will not chill enough to keep both the fridge and freezer cool. As a result, the fridge warms up, while the freezer remains cool.
4. Check the Damper Control Assembly
Ensure that the damper control assembly is not stuck closed. If it is, it may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
The damper control assembly is a small door that aids the circulation of cold air between the fridge and the freezer. So, when this door is permanently shut, the fridge cannot get cold air from the freezer, leaving it warm.
5. Check the Thermistor
Use a multimeter to test the thermistor for continuity. If there is no continuity, it shows the thermistor is bad. So, have it replaced. You can find the thermistor attached to the evaporator tube behind the rear panel in the freezer.
The thermistor reads the temperature of the refrigerator and sends that reading to the control board. This board uses that reading to regulate the evaporator fan and compressor to run.
So, if this part is defective, the fridge may not cool enough or at all.
Additionally, a defective temperature or main control board could be the reason your fridge is not working but the freezer is. However, these are rarely ever the cause. So, ensure you have checked the other likely defective components before looking at boards.
However, if the problem persists, or you are in doubt, contact GE for further assistance.
GE Undercounter Ice Maker Not Working – Solved
The following components are possible faulty, causing your GE undercounter ice maker not to work:
1. Water Filter
Change the water filter at least every six months, or more often if there are new constructions in your neighborhood. If it is not changed, it might be clogged and restrict water flow to the ice maker, hence hinder ice production.
2. Water Inlet Valve
Ensure the water inlet valve is not defective. If it is, change it to allow proper water flow to the ice maker. This will, in turn, boost ice production
In addition, ensure the water pressure is up to 20 psi. This is because a lower psi may not send enough water to the ice maker for ice production. You can use the water pressure test gauge to check the psi.
3. Water Line and Drain Hose
Unkink the water lines connecting to the ice maker if there are kinks. Otherwise, they will reduce the amount of water getting to the ice maker, thereby, slowing or stopping ice production.
Similarly, a clogged line will hinder ice production. The clog could be caused by sediments in the water system or simply ice blocks. If the clog is from water sediments, you will have to flush the line or have it replaced. But if it is an ice clog, a hand hairdryer is just the tool you will need.
Furthermore, check the drain hose for any kinks or clogs, then do the needful if you notice any of these.
4. Ice Maker Switch
Ensure that the ice maker switch was not accidentally turned off. If it is in the OFF position, turn it back on.
However, this is only true if the ON/OFF switch is a feeler arm, flip switch, or slide switch. If the ice maker’s ON/OFF switch is on the control panel, then this may not be the problem.
5. Recirculation Pump
Ensure the recirculation pump is functional. If it is not, have it replaced. The recirculation pump moves water from the reservoir through the tube on the display. If this part fails, the water in the reservoir will be drained out, and the machine will not produce ice.
6. Compressor and Condenser Fan
Check to be sure these components are working. You will hear a clicking sound when they kick-off. If this does not happen, they may be bad, and the reason your ice maker is not working.
Ice-jam Problem
Clear the ice mold of piled-up cubes to keep the eject rake from getting stuck. Otherwise, the ice-making cycle will not be completed, hence stopping ice production.
Irrespective of the type of ice maker, a malfunctioning component may be the reason your ice maker stopped working. So, identify and fix the defective part, or have the ice maker assembly replaced.
However, if none of these is the problem with your ice maker, contact the GE service center for help. You can also chat with our technicians for further help.
GE Ice Maker Heater Not Working – What To Do
If your GE ice maker heater is not working, here is what to do:
Turn the temperature setting further down to 13 degrees Fahrenheit. This should activate the heater properly to harvest the ice. You will hear a groaning sound for about five minutes.
At 13 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice maker should make a batch of cubes between two to three hours.
However, if the ice maker is groaning yet the element cannot harvest the cubes, it means the element is bad.
As earlier stated, if a component of the ice maker is faulty, you will have to replace the whole assembly. This is because most of these parts are not serviceable, and cannot be bought individually.
Note: Leave your refrigerator for 24 hours after resetting the temperature so that the unit can adjust to the new setting.
GE Ice Maker Not Working After Power Outage – What To Do
Here is what to do when your GE ice maker stops working after a power outage:
1. Check the ON/OFF Switch
Ensure that the icemaker’s ON/OFF switch is not in the OFF position. It may have tripped off at the point of the outage. If it is off, switch it back on.
2. Force a Cycle
To force a cycle, unplug the appliance, and wait 5 minutes before plugging it back in. During the 1st 15 seconds that the power is restored, you may enter the “Service Diagnostic Test Mode”.
To enter this mode, push the feeler arm in and out three times ONLY within the 1st 15 seconds. Let the cycle run till the end, but water should be in the ice maker tray before the cycle ends. This should take care of it.
GE Fridge Evaporator Fan Not Working – Solution
The solution to your GE fridge evaporator fan that has stopped working is replacing it.
This video shows you how to change a defective evaporator fan…
A defective evaporator fan will leave your refrigerator warm. So, if you suspect this is the problem with your refrigerator, do not hesitate to replace it.
However, if you do not want to go through this stress, have a repair technician do it.
Recap
If your GE refrigerator is not working, as well as the freezer or other parts, some malfunctioning components could be the reason for this. Other times, it could be as a result of a dirty component. So, ensure it is not the case before calling a technician.
However, if you are in doubt of any of these, it is best to contact the GE service center. Alternatively, chat with any of our experienced and qualified technicians for further assistance.
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