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GE refrigerator not cooling
Common reasons your GE refrigerator is not cooling
The most common reasons your GE refrigerator is not cooling are a locked compressor, defective electronic control board or a damaged evaporator.
65% of the time it's the Compressor
12% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
11% of the time it's the Evaporator
12% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE refrigerator
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Evaporator Replacement
A damaged refrigerator evaporator causes a decrease in overall cooling performance, leading to elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These higher temperatures can result in food spoilage and less effective preservation of frozen items. Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils may hinder their ability to absorb heat efficiently. Excessive condensation inside the refrigerator can lead to leaks. Additionally, a damaged evaporator may cause unusual noises, such as hissing or gurgling sounds, during the refrigeration cycle.
What to expect when you experience a GE refrigerator not cooling issue
How is the not cooling problem fixed?
Correcting most not cooling problems usually involves replacing the compressor, electronic control board or evaporator. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that is not cooling
When the refrigerator is not cooling it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator not cooling diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
Troubleshooting a GE Refrigerator that is Not Cooling
When your GE refrigerator is not cooling, check the temperature settings on the control. Adjust the temperature settings if necessary to initiate proper cooling. While checking the settings, make sure that the refrigerator is not turned off.
If the refrigerator settings are okay, check for items blocking supply and return vents inside the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment. Check the owner’s manual for your fridge to see the location of air vents inside the refrigerator and freezer. Move any items that you see blocking the vents.
Excessive frost can inhibit cooling. When your GE refrigerator is not getting cold, check the refrigerator and freezer door gaskets for loose spots, cracks or damage. Reinsert a loose door gasket in the gasket channel. Replace a door gasket if it's cracked or damaged.
If you’re unable to resolve the GE refrigerator is not cooling problem on your own, schedule repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.
Why is my GE Side by Side Refrigerator not Cooling?
Specific issues preventing a GE side by side refrigerator from cooling include:
- Refrigerator control setting problems.
- Blocked supply or return air vents in the fridge.
- Air damper not working.
- Excessive frost blocking air flow through the evaporator.
Check the control settings to make sure the fridge is turned on and set properly. Refrigerator temperature should be set to 37-degrees and the freezer temperature should be set to 0-degrees. Adjust the temperature settings if needed to fix a problem with your GE side by side refrigerator not cooling.
Refer to the owner’s manual for your GE side by side refrigerator for information about the location of supply and return air vents. Rearrange boxes or containers away from air vents if necessary so air flows properly through the compartments for proper cooling.
An air damper that is stuck shut won’t allow cool air to flow into the refrigerator compartment. Have a Sears Home Services technician fix this type of problem if you detect no cooling air flowing through the air damper from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment.
Check refrigerator and freezer door gaskets for loose spots or damage that can cause excessive frost and block air flow through the evaporator fins. Fix or replace gaskets so they seal the door properly.
If you’re unable to determine the cause of your GE side by side refrigerator not cooling on your own, have the fridge serviced by a Sears Home Services technician. We’ll restore cooling in your GE fridge in no time.
What to do when your GE Refrigerator is not Getting Cold Enough
Check the temperature control settings when your GE refrigerator is not getting cold enough. Adjust the refrigerator temperature setting to 37-degrees and the freezer temperature setting to 0-degrees if they’re not set to those temperatures. Give the refrigerator a day to adjust to the new settings and see if the fridge begins cooling properly.
Blocked air vents can also cause cooling issues in a GE fridge. Find the location of the air vent using guidance from the owner’s manual. Reposition any items blocking air supply and return vents in the fridge and freezer compartments.
Look for problems with the refrigerator and freezer door gaskets that could be allowing warm air into the fridge. Adjust or replace the refrigerator and/or freezer door gasket to prevent leaks.
Air leaks into the fridge can also cause excessive frost on the evaporator. Excessive frost can inhibit air flow through the evaporator fins and cause cooling problems. Also, problems with the automatic defrost system in the fridge can cause the same issues.
- Compressor problems.
- Evaporator fan failure.
If you’re unable to resolve cooling issues when your GE refrigerator is not getting cold enough, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the problem.
How to Fix a GE Refrigerator that is Not Cold
Fixing a GE refrigerator that is not cold can be challenging. There are many different issues that can cause a GE refrigerator that is not cold. Typical causes include:
- Errant control settings.
- Dirty condenser coils.
- Blocked air vents inside the refrigerator or freezer compartments.
- Lack of refrigerant.
- Faulty condenser fan.
With so many potential problems that can cause a GE refrigerator to not be cold, you’ll likely need to have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and fix the problem. The technician will check the control settings, clean the condenser coils if needed, look for blocked air vents, check refrigerant charge and compressor operation, examine the evaporator fan and check for a faulty condenser fan.
Once technician finds the cause of the GE refrigerator not cold problem, the tech will replace parts or fix problems so your GE fridge will begin cooling properly again.
How do I reset my GE refrigerator not cooling?
Sometimes a power surge or glitch through the electrical power supply lines going to your home can prevent your GE refrigerator from cooling because the electronic control board was corrupted by the electrical anomaly.
To reset your GE refrigerator, unplug the power cord to completely disconnect electrical power from the appliance for 2 minutes and then plug the power cord back in to restore power. The electronic control board will reboot and reset. Your GE fridge may begin cooling again.
If the power cord is difficult to get to, you can shut off the house circuit breaker for the refrigerator for 2 minutes and then reset the breaker to restore power instead of unplugging the fridge.
What would cause a GE refrigerator to not be cold?
A major cause of cooling problems in a GE fridge is a failure in the automatic defrost system. View this DIY troubleshooting video to check the defrost system components in your GE refrigerator:
If you’re unable to find and fix the cooling problem in your GE refrigerator, schedule repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the fridge.
Troubleshooting a GE Refrigerator that is not Cold Enough
When your GE refrigerator is not cold enough, basic troubleshooting steps may help you resolve the problem. Follow these expert tips when the fridge is cooling but it not cold enough.
- Basic troubleshooting starts with checking the refrigerator temperature setting. The fridge temperature should be set at 37-degrees. Adjust the temperature setting if necessary.
- Check for tall or large items blocking the supply or return air vents in the fridge or freezer. Refer to the user’s guide to find the location of air vents in your GE fridge. Reposition any items blocking the air vents.
- Don’t overload the fridge or freezer. Overloading can inhibit airflow through the freezer and fridge compartments.
- Clean the condenser coils. Dirty condenser coils can inhibit cooling. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for cleaning the condenser coils in your GE refrigerator.
If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your GE refrigerator not cold enough, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the fridge.
Why is my GE Refrigerator not cooling but Freezer Working?
When the freezer is working in your GE refrigerator, the compressor and sealed system are almost certainly working properly. Air flow problems, a thermistor failure or a control issue could be keeping the refrigerator compartment from cooling properly.
Check the control settings on the refrigerator. Adjust the refrigerator temperature to 37-degrees if the temperature is set incorrectly.
Check for large or tall items blocking air supply or return vents. Refer to the user’s guide for your GE refrigerator to help you find the supply and return air vents. Rearrange items inside the fridge and freezer to prevent blocking any vents. Don’t overload the fridge or freezer so air flows freely through both compartments.
Excessive frost can cause cooling problems with your GE refrigerator not cooling but freezer working. Frost on evaporator fins can inhibit air flow through the refrigerator section even though the freezer will stay cold. Look for damaged or loose door gaskets. Adjust door gaskets so they seal properly. Replace any damaged or cracked doo gasket.
If you’re unable to fix the cause of your GE refrigerator not cooling but freezer working yourself, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to diagnose and fix the cooling problem.
How to Fix a GE Refrigerator Freezer not Cooling
When the refrigerator temperature is okay but your GE refrigerator freezer is not cooling, problems with the sealed system or a low refrigerant charge often cause this type of issue.
One problem with the sealed system that can inhibit freezer cooling is dirty condenser coils. The condenser coils cool hot refrigerant gas to condense it to a liquid state before the gas goes through the evaporator. When condenser coils are covered with lint and dust, air cannot reach the coils to cool the refrigerant. The refrigerant won’t absorb as much heat as designed as the fluid moves through the evaporator to cool the air inside the freezer.
Clean the condenser coils to help your fix a GE refrigerator freezer not cooling.
Another sealed system problem occurs when the automatic defrost system fails to melt frost off the evaporator fins. When coated with frost, the evaporator fins won’t cool the air properly as the evaporator fan blows air from inside the freezer over the fins. Frost on the evaporator fins can also inhibit airflow through the freezer so it won’t cool properly.
The automatic defrost system in a GE refrigerator consists of a defrost heater, electronic control board or timer, defrost bi-metal termination thermostat and connecting wiring. A failure in any one of these components will prevent the system from defrosting the evaporator as needed for proper cooling in the freezer.
Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and fix the automatic defrost system or other problems when your GE refrigerator freezer is not cooling.
Why is my GE Twin Chill Refrigerator Not Cooling?
When your GE Twin Chill refrigerator is not cooling, you may be able to determine the cause by looking at the display to find error codes or fault codes that typically flash on the control panel when components fail and cause cooling issues. Each type of component failure in a GE Twin Chill refrigerator causes the electronic control board to display a unique code. You may see codes for these types of failures when a component fails:
- Freezer defrost heater not working.
- Refrigerator defrost heater not working.
- Freezer evaporator fan not running.
- Refrigerator evaporator fan not running.
- Freezer thermistor (temperature sensor) failure.
- Refrigerator thermistor failure.
Because of the complexity of a GE Twin Chill refrigerator, you’ll typically need to have a service technician fix the cooling problem even if an error code tells you what’s wrong. Schedule service when your GE Twin Chill refrigerator is not cooling and we’ll find and fix the problem in no time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.