Troubleshooting GE refrigerator error code F4

Is your GE refrigerator displaying error code F4? Don’t worry, this is a problem that you can troubleshoot and fix yourself without the need for a costly service call. We’re here to help you do it!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on GE models Adora, Cafe, and Profile french door refrigerators from 2014-2015. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What the error code means

Error code F4 indicates a problem with the freezer evaporator thermistor which is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the evaporator coils inside the freezer compartment and providing that information to the refrigerator’s control board to determine when to start a defrost cycle. When the control board detects an invalid or out-of-range reading from the thermistor, it will trigger the error code.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it.
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more: How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

Tools and materials needed

• 1/4”, 5/16” and 3/8” Nut drivers, sockets or wrenches
• T15, T20 and T27Torx bits
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Multimeter
• Silicone grease
• Bell connectors

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Refrigerator or Freezer That’s Too Warm: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes  

Troubleshooting steps

Remove the freezer baskets

1. Open the freezer drawer.
2. Lift and remove the top freezer drawer.
3. Remove the freezer drawer bin by pushing the plastic tab on either the left or right side to release the bin hinge pin.
4. Remove the lower freezer basket by lifting up the rear of the basket and moving the basket rearward until the front of the basket can be rotated upward and out.

Remove the freezer drawer front

1. Remove six 3/8 in. hex head bolts (three on each side) that attach the drawer front to the slide assemblies.
2. Lift the drawer front from the slide assemblies.
3. When installing the freezer drawer front, make sure the drawer alignment tabs are placed inside the alignment slots before installing the six 3/8 in. hex head bolts.

Remove the evaporator cover

1. The freezer evaporator cover is held to the back wall of the freezer with two 1/4-in. hex-head screws.
2. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry up the fan cover lock tab.
3. Slide the fan cover down from the guides on the evaporator cover.
4. Disconnect the freezer fan wire harness.
5. Remove the two 1/4-in. hex-head screws from the top of the evaporator cover.
6. Lift the bottom of the cover to release 3 bottom tabs, then pull the cover out from the back wall.

Test the thermistor

1. The freezer evaporator thermistor is attached to the inlet tube with a metal clip.
2. Remove the thermistor and place it in a glass of ice water (approximately 33°F) for several minutes.
3. Using a multimeter, check the resistance of the thermistor. It should read approximately 16k ohms when in the ice water.
4. After testing in the ice water, check the resistance at room temperature. It should read approximately 6k ohms.
5. If the thermistor does not read the expected resistance values, it is faulty and needs to be replaced.
6. If the thermistor tests within the normal range at both temperatures and the error code continues, replace the main control board.

Replace the thermistor

1. Place the replacement thermistor next to the original thermistor.
2. Cut the wiring at a location that will match the original length when the replacement thermistor is spliced to it.
3. Use plastic bell connectors. Fill each connector with silicone grease, then splice a new thermistor into the harness.
4. Reinstall the thermistor on the clip.
5. Align the 3 bottom tabs of the evaporator cover with the slots in the back wall of the freezer.
6. Secure the evaporator cover with the two 1/4-in. hex-head screws.
7. Reconnect the freezer fan wire harness.
8. Slide the fan cover back into the guides on the evaporator cover and secure it with the lock tab.
9. Ensure the drawer alignment tabs are placed inside the alignment slots on the slide assemblies.
10. Secure the drawer front to the slide assemblies using the six 3/8 in. hex head bolts.
11. Reinstall the lower freezer basket by rotating the front of the basket downward and sliding it forward until it is in the proper position.
12. Reinstall the freezer drawer bin by aligning the bin hinge pins with the slots on the sides and pushing the bin into place until the plastic tabs click.
13. Reinstall the top freezer drawer by carefully lowering it into the freezer compartment and ensuring it is properly seated.
14. Plug in the refrigerator and test the new thermistor to ensure it is working correctly.

Read more: Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?  

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your GE refrigerator working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.
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