A GE refrigerator is an excellent kitchen gadget, but it occasionally experiences problems. One of the more common issues occurs when the freezer functions normally but the fridge isn’t cooling. Fortunately, when this happens, you can fix most of the issues yourself.
If your GE fridge isn’t cooling, but the freezer works, the likely culprit is a broken door hinge. Other causes include frozen coils or a malfunctioning evaporator fan. In the majority of cases, you can fix the problem without a professional’s guidance.
This article will address the most common explanations for why your GE refrigerator isn’t cooling even though the freezer is operating normally. We’ll also explain how to resolve a couple of these problems at home. Keep reading to learn more!
Most Common Reasons GE Fridge Is Not Cooling but Freezer Is
Although the refrigerator’s function is relatively straightforward, the fridge depends on many parts to sustain a proper temperature. If your GE fridge has this issue, the most common reasons are:
- Excess condensation
- Overheating
- Unusual noises
- Vibrating
Many of the concerns trace back to difficulties with the cooling system, stemming from various factors. The best way to learn why it’s happening to your GE refrigerator is by checking each part step-by-step (which we’ll detail below).
Read on to learn about the most likely culprits your GE fridge isn’t cooling.
GE Refrigerator Door Gasket Is Not Tight
The door gasket maintains the temperature of your refrigerator by forming a seal. If it slips, the door won’t seal correctly, allowing for the release of cold air.
Many door gaskets malfunction because of misalignment. You can quickly repair this issue yourself by carefully pressing the gasket back into position with your finger or a tool.
GE Refrigerator Evaporator Coils Are Frosted Over
The defrost assembly in your GE fridge is activated several times a day to remove any frost formed on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly fails, ice will accumulate on the coils and gradually prevent air from passing through them to cool your refrigerator. The most frequent cause of this problem is a malfunctioning defrost unit.
It’s safest to have a licensed servicer inspect the defrost thermostat, timer, and control board to determine which component is at fault.
GE Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Is Not Working
When the freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the evaporator fan motor may have broken. While evaporator fan motors have a long service life, they’ll wear out if their fan blade becomes stuck and unable to rotate.
If the blades rotate when turning with your hand but the fan doesn’t work, detach the fan wires. Then, use a digital or analog multimeter to scan for continuity through the motor windings. If there is no continuity, the winding is faulty, and you need to replace the fan motor assembly.
Four screws usually secure the fan in place. You can fix it by removing these screws and replacing the part with an exact match.
GE Regrigerator Start Relay Is Broken
The compressor starts using the start relay in combination with a start winding. When the starter relay fails, the compressor will malfunction and lead to faults in your GE device, such as a warm fridge with a cold freezer.
To learn whether the start relay is faulty, check for continuity between the run and start terminal sockets using a multimeter. Replace the start relay if there is none. If the start relay also emits a burned odor, consider replacing it soon.
Before removing the start relay, use a multimeter to inspect the metal part. Replace the relay if it fails the test using the instructions below.
- Disconnect the refrigerator.
- Using a 1/4 in. (.635 cm.) screwdriver, remove the access pad.
- Detach the container for the start relay.
- Unplug the overload.
- Remove the faulty relay.
- Attach the cords to the replacement.
- Connect the overload.
- Place the start relay and overload in their proper locations. Seal them with the overload box.
GE Refrigerator Air Inlet Damper Is Damaged
Your GE refrigerator has an air inlet damper that regulates cool airflow through the freezer and food compartments. If the damper fails or becomes clogged, the cool air may not flow properly, and your fridge may not receive a sufficient amount of cool air.
Inspect the damper to ensure that it’s correctly opening and shutting. If it isn’t, call a specialist to replace it.
However, what if the evaporator fan is working, and the damper door is open, but there’s still no air coming out? In that scenario, the evaporator may be frosted over.
Defrost Thermostat on Your GE Refrigerator Has Failed
As previously mentioned, the defrost system is enabled for a few minutes to remove any ice that has formed on the evaporator coils. For this to work correctly, the defrost thermostat must detect that the coils are sufficiently chilled.
If the thermostat is faulty, it’ll be unable to detect the temperature of the coils, preventing the defrost device from activating. If the defroster remains off, ice will accumulate on the coils, preventing air from passing into them to cool the fridge.
You can use a multimeter to monitor the defrost thermostat for continuity.
GE Refrigerator Is Too Full
When the refrigerator is full, objects will obstruct the air vents that enable cool air to enter the refrigerator’s interior.
If the refrigerator happens to be overflowing, discard some items. Make sure that refrigerated objects don’t obstruct the air vents, allowing cold air to circulate easily. Consider rearranging the shelves and containers to improve ventilation between products.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on May 26, 2021.
The Temperature Control Board in Your GE Refrigerator Has Failed
Voltage is supplied to the fan motors and compressor in your GE fridge by the temperature control board. When there’s a malfunction, the board may provide your freezer with the appropriate temperatures but not your fridge.
Due to the possibility of other issues causing the same symptom, a successful diagnosis requires the knowledge of a professional.
If the board is defective, repair it using an approved replacement component and the measures below.
- Switch off the electricity and water.
- Disconnect the supply line to the water heater.
- Remove the screws that secure the bottom service panel at the back of the refrigerator.
- Remove the temperature control board cover with a screwdriver.
- Remove the wires.
- Discard the screws and locking loops that secure the control board to the housing.
- Dispose of the broken control panel.
- Replace the temperature regulation board and secure it with the locking clips. Ensure that the mounting screws are reinstalled.
- Attach the wires.
- Replace the covers.
GE Refrigerator Condenser Coils Are Dirty
The condenser coils of a refrigerator assist in cooling the refrigerant, thus supplying cold air to the fridge. However, if the condenser coils accumulate dust or dirt, they’d be unable to cool the refrigerant properly. When this occurs, you’ll notice that the freezer remains cold, but the refrigerator stays warm.
The following steps will explain how to clean condenser coils and recover the temperature of your refrigerator:
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on May 26, 2021.
- Disconnect the refrigerator.
- Determine the location of the condenser coils. They’re usually at the rear.
- Use a vacuum with a narrow hose to extract dust from inside and outside the coils. Remove additional debris with a brush.
- Replace the cover.
- Reconnect the refrigerator’s power supply.
Dust and hair will accumulate on the condenser coils of your refrigerator, so clean them periodically. At the very least, opt to clean your refrigerator’s coils once a year to help it function more smoothly.
If you have a different brand fridge, we have different articles for different brand to help you fix your refrigerator that is not cooling.
Related Articles
GE Refrigerator Temperature Problems/Lights Flashing/Fluctuates
GE Refrigerator Freezer Fan Not/Keeps Running/Not Working
GE Refrigerator Odor Problems (How to Fix)
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on May 26, 2021.