How to Set the Temperature on a GE Refrigerator [Quick Guide]

If you are looking for how to set the temperature on a GE refrigerator, this article will guide you on how to do it.

GE GME04GGKBB Compact Refrigerator, Black

How to Set the Temperature on a GE Refrigerator

To set the temperature on a GE refrigerator, you have to consider the model first. One of the good features of GE refrigerators is that there are close similarities in their mode of operations, irrespective of the model.

The older models have analog temperature controls. They are built in such a way that there are some with two different controls for the fridge and the freezer while some have one control for both.

However, newer models tend to come with digital temperature controls. So, let us look at the older models with analog controls.

Older Models with Analog Double-Control

The factory setting for the temperature is 5 and C, with the coldest setting being E or 9. The second control has numbers going from 0 to 9. 0 represents ‘Off’ and 1 to 9 represent the varying temperatures, 9 being the coldest.

Older Models with Analog Single-Control

These models come with indications from 0-9, with 9 being the coldest temperature. The refrigerator comes from the store with the temperature set at 5 degrees.

For these models, all it takes to set the temperatures is to adjust the control dial accordingly.

Note: The analog control is usually found on the dispenser panel, behind the fresh food crisper or above it.

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Models with Digital Control

With digitally-controlled models, the setting is a little different. They usually come with a factory setting of 37 degrees for the refrigerator compartment and 0 degrees for the freezer compartment.

To set them to different points, take the following steps:

Step 1

Press either the ‘Warmer’ or ‘Colder’ keys on the control panel. Doing this displays the current temperature setting for each compartment. The ‘Actual Temp’ light will come on to show that you are viewing the actual temperature in both the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

You do this because the factory setting has it that there will be no digital display on the panel during normal refrigerator operation. The number on the left is the temperature setting of the freezer while that on the right is for the refrigerator.

Step 2

Now, press either of the ‘Warmer’ or ‘Colder’ keys again. The ‘Set Temp’ indicator light will come on to show that you are viewing the control setting temperature on the refrigerator display.

Note: The actual temperatures in the 2 compartments may not be the same as those that show on the control setting. The difference can be attributed to operating conditions and usage.

Step 3

If you want to set the temperature to a colder point for any of the compartments, press the ‘Colder’ key for the compartment. That is if you want to decrease it by only 1 degree, press the key once.

In other words, press the key until you get to the desired setting.

However, if you desire to change the setting after doing the above, you will have to wait a period of 24 hours before doing so. This period gives the unit time to adjust to the setting. Adjusting the setting more than once in less than 24 hours damages the unit.

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If you want to set the temperature to a warmer point, repeat the same process as detailed above, only pressing the ‘Warmer’ key this time.

how to set the temperature on a GE refrigerator

Turning the Cooling Function on a GE Refrigerator Off and On

To turn off the cooling function of the refrigerator, repeatedly press any of the ‘Warmer’ keys that are on the freezer or refrigerator sides of the panel.

When it gets to the highest number on the side you are pressing, that number will start flashing. When this happens, go over and press the other ‘Warmer’ key until O FF appears on the display.

This display means that cooling is off in the unit. But it does not mean that electrical power in the refrigerator is off.

To turn on the cooling function of the refrigerator, press any key of your choice on the panel. ‘OFF’ will appear on the display.

Next, press any of the ‘Colder’ keys. The original factory temperature setting of both compartments will appear on the display. This returns the compartments to the temperature.

This video demonstrates setting and adjusting the temperature on a GE refrigerator…

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How to Set the Temperature on a GE Freezer

Freezers typically have a temperature control knob that allows you to adjust the set temperature. However, some upright models have digital displays that allow you to set the temprature by adjusting the numbers. If you have a GE chest freezer, turn the temperature control knob on the lower part outside the appliance to a mid-point.

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The higher the number, the colder the freezer. And the lower the number is, the warmer the freezer. For example, if you set the freezer to 3, it will not freeze as it should. But if you set it to 5 or 6, the freezer will work well. Usually, 7 is the highest number, which means it is the coldest setting. Some may go as far as 9, which is the highest number and the coldest setting.

For freezers with a digital temperature display, press the temperature button to move the settings higher or lower. Note that you can adjust the temperature once a day and give the freezer 24 hours to adjust to the new settings before changing it again if necessary. It is the best step because you can monitor the freezer to determine whether or not you need to adjust it further.

Important Note

It’s important to avoid repeatedly adjusting the setting of the temperature in any of the compartments. To do this, decide where you want the temperature to be set and set it on the panel. Then, give the unit time to adapt to the new setting.

However, if you find that there are issues with setting the temperature and cooling, contact the GE Service Center immediately to report the issue and request service.

Otherwise, chat with our technicians who are readily available to expertly assist you with the problem.

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