General Electric (GE) sells premier household appliances, including refrigerators and freezers. For most models, the user controls the temperature through a touch display, and the condenser maintains this setting. Sometimes, internal issues will make it difficult for your fridge to maintain the right temperature.
A frequent cause of temperature problems in GE refrigerators is a dirty condenser coil. When these coils are clogged with dust and pet hair, they can’t release heat efficiently, causing the refrigerator to work harder and potentially leading to temperature inconsistencies. To fix this, unplug the refrigerator and use a coil brush or vacuum to clean the condenser coils, usually located at the bottom or back of the fridge. Regular cleaning of these coils can significantly improve temperature regulation.
Another common issue is a malfunctioning door seal. If the seal is worn out or damaged, cold air can escape, and warm air can enter, leading to temperature fluctuations. Inspect the door seal for any signs of wear, tear, or gaps. If the seal is damaged, it should be replaced. A properly sealed door is crucial for maintaining consistent internal temperatures and efficient operation of the refrigerator.
This article will discuss common causes for issues you’re having with your GE refrigerator. We’ll also discuss some of the basic solutions that you can try at home.
GE Refrigerator Temperature Goes Up and Down
When your GE refrigerators temperature keeps going up and down, there are three common reasons:
- Faulty start relay
- Broken thermostat
- Malfunctioning temperature controls
In most cases, you should contact a GE technician to repair these issues. But you can fix these issues at home once you’ve purchased the right parts.
How To Fix a Faulty Start Relay on a GE Fridge
The start relay controls the compressor that cools your refrigerator. That means when the start relay breaks, the fridge won’t cool properly. The temperature won’t stabilize until you repair the start relay.
Before replacing the start relay, examine the metal part using a multimeter. If the relay fails the test, replace the part using the following instructions:
- Unplug your refrigerator.
- Remove the access panel using a ¼ in. (.63 cm.) screwdriver.
- Detach the start relay’s container. It’s in a box beside the compressor.
- Disconnect the overload.
- Remove the relay from the condenser. You can use a flat-head screwdriver to remove extremely secure wires.
- Manually connect the cords to the new starter relay.
- Connect and replace the overload.
- Position the start relay and overload.
- Seal them with the overload box.
How To Fix a Broken Thermostat
Like the thermostat in your home, the thermostat in your refrigerator is partially responsible for sustaining a stable temperature. When this piece malfunctions, the cooling system in your fridge will cause the temperature to fluctuate.
A professional must fix a broken thermostat. However, before getting in touch with a repairer, you should test the thermostat to confirm that it’s the source of your problems. To determine if your thermostat is broken, adjust the temperature from its lowest setting to the highest. If you don’t hear the thermostat activate, it’s defective.
GE Refrigerator Fluctuating Temperature
If you notice that your GE fridge’s temperature is fluctuating, there are three likely reasons:
- Blocked vents
- Continuous door opening
- Broken door seal
Owners can solve this problem at home by making adjustments to their refrigerator usage.
How To Clear Blockages To Stop Temperature Fluctuations
There are a series of vents in your fridge that allow the passage of air. These vents allow cold air to enter your device and hot air to exit. When these vents are obstructed, your machine will have a difficult time maintaining its temperature.
To clear blocked vents, move around the items in your refrigerator so that there’s space near the ventilators. Once the food is rearranged, allow your GE machine to run for twenty-four hours. Afterward, confirm whether the temperature has stabilized.
If this doesn’t help, inspect your refrigerator’s door for discrepancies or call a repairer.
How To Stabilize Your GE Refrigerators Temperature by Repairing the Door
In most cases, a fluctuating temperature is caused by the door on your refrigerator continuously opening. Every time your fridge opens, it releases cool air and must stabilize once it’s closed again. If the door opens too often, your refrigerator will overcompensate for frequent cold air loss with changing temperatures.
To stop this fluctuation, leave the refrigerator door closed for several hours. Afterward, the temperature will return to normal or close-to-normal.
If keeping your fridge closed doesn’t help, the door seal is likely broken. With a damaged seal, cold air will constantly leave your fridge, causing frequent temperature shifts.
To solve this problem, inspect the GE device’s doors, hinges and seal. Don’t forget to take note of any parts that appear faulty. Afterward, purchase replacements from a licensed GE dealer. These pieces usually come with specific installation instructions, so follow the manual for a smooth repair.
GE Refrigerator Temperature Won’t Set
If you have trouble setting your fridge’s temperature, there may be a shortage in the temperature control board. Most modern GE coolers come with a touchpad temperature control that manages the fridge’s overall temperature.
When the temperature control board fails, the user won’t be able to set their preferred temperature despite pressing the correct buttons.
To remove a bad temperature control board:
- Disconnect the power cord from the wall mount.
- Detach the touchpad from the front of your refrigerator. Use your fingers or a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the plastic panel.
- Unsecure the connecting wires to the temperature controls.
- Attach the wires to the new control board. Ensure that the connections are an ideal match.
- Fasten the board into position.
When you restore power to the refrigerator, it’ll adequately respond to the temperature settings.
GE Refrigerator Reset Temperature
Before making any mechanical repairs to your refrigerator to restore its temperature controls, reset the device’s mechanics. In some cases, resetting the temperature can solve issues with flashing or blinking lights and other malfunctions.
Resetting your GE device’s temperature requires you to enter diagnostics mode. To successfully reset the fridge’s temperature:
- Press the “Temperature” button on the touchpad.
- Wait for the display to light up.
- Set the freezer and fridge to their highest level.
- Hold all temperature buttons for three seconds. The number 0 will flash across the digital display.
- Press the numbers 1 and 5.
- Unplug your refrigerator for 60 seconds.
Once you power your refrigerator on, the temperature will reset itself. This method applies to GE models with dual and single controls. Other models have different techniques for resetting their temperature.
GE Refrigerator Temperature Lights Flashing/Blinking
The temperature light will blink when the refrigerator’s temperature is too cold or hot. To stop the flashing lights, set your GE refrigerator to the correct temperature. Various models have different recommendations, but the standard temperature for a GE fridge is 37° F (2° C).
After adjusting the temperature, your fridge needs a whole day to stabilize. The lights should stop flashing in about 24 hours.
If the blinking continues, reset your refrigerator by unplugging it for thirty seconds. If there are no improvements, get in contact with a handyperson.
GE Refrigerator Temperature Display Not Working
I recently encountered a problem with my GE refrigerator: the temperature display wasn’t working. This issue is more than just an inconvenience; it makes it difficult to ensure the fridge is operating at the right temperature for food safety. After some research and troubleshooting, I’ve found a few potential causes and solutions for this issue that I’d like to share.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on April 25, 2021.
A common reason for a GE refrigerator’s temperature display not working is a power issue. This can be due to a minor glitch in the electrical system. To fix this, try resetting the refrigerator by unplugging it for about a minute and then plugging it back in. This reset can often resolve minor electronic issues, restoring the function of the temperature display. If the display remains off after this, it could indicate a more serious electrical problem.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning control board. The control board is like the brain of the refrigerator, and if it’s not working properly, it can affect the display. If a power reset doesn’t work, the control board might need to be inspected or replaced. This is a more complex issue and might require a professional technician to diagnose and replace the control board.
Lastly, the issue could be with the display panel itself. Over time, the connections to the display panel can become loose or the panel itself can malfunction. Check the connections to ensure they are secure. If the connections are fine, the display panel might need to be replaced. This is a more technical fix and might require professional assistance, especially to ensure the correct replacement part is used and installed properly.
GE Refrigerator Not Showing Temperature
When your refrigerator doesn’t show a temperature at all, the main control board has gone bad.
The control board sends information to the temperature display. If no numbers appear, the device isn’t receiving any signals. If you want to restore the temperature readings, you must replace the mainboard using the following method:
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 25, 2021.
- Unplug your refrigerator.
- Unscrew the cover at the back of your refrigerator. For some models, this will be a small square panel.
- Remove the wires connected to the damaged board.
- Add your replacement control board. Match the connecting wires as they were before.
- Fasten the access panel in position.
The new motherboard will be able to send readings to your display panel.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 25, 2021.