Replace the GE refrigerator inverter board WR49X10283 in 3 simple steps


Steven E / Friday July 12, 2024


Is your GE refrigerator no longer cooling as it should? A faulty inverter board could be to blame, but don’t worry—our step-by-step guide will walk you through the replacement process, ensuring your fridge gets back to its optimal performance. Plus, there’s a handy how-to video just below to make this DIY project even easier!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If you’re having problems with your GE refrigerator, replacing the inverter board can help you get it cooling properly again.

The inverter board controls the compressor and manages the cooling in your refrigerator. It converts DC power from the power supply to AC power to run the compressor. If the inverter board fails, the compressor may stop running, which prevents the unit from cooling.

Let’s walk through the entire process of replacing the inverter board.

You can find a replacement inverter board here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair here!

What you’ll need

  • New inverter board (make sure it’s compatible with your specific refrigerator model before installing)
  • 5/16-inch nut driver
  • 1/4-inch nut driver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver

Read more: Why It’s Best to Choose OEM Over Aftermarket Parts for Appliance Repairs

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 you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
  • Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
  • Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
  • Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
  • 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.
  • Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: My part is no longer available! What do I do now?

How to replace the inverter board

Follow these steps to change out the inverter board in your GE refrigerator.

Step 1: Access the inverter board

  1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
  3. Move to the back of the refrigerator and find the access panel.
  4. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove all the screws that hold the access cover in place.
  5. Lift the cover off and set it aside. Find the inverter board on the left-hand side of the compressor.

Step 2: Remove the old inverter board

  1. To access the inverter board, you’ll need to move the water valve out of the way. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screw that holds the valve to the cabinet. Lift the valve slightly and unhook it, then carefully pull it out of the way.
  2. Take a photo or note the wires that are connected to the old inverter board.
  3. Carefully disconnect all the wires connected to the inverter board.
  4. Find the two wire harnesses that need to be disconnected. The orange and black wire harness has locking tabs that need to be pushed to separate it. The red and white wire harness doesn’t have a locking tab, so it can be carefully pulled apart.
  5. Find the ground wire that comes out of the inverter. Follow it to the ground point and use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screw that holds it in place. There are three other ground wires attached to this point, so keep them together by putting the screw back in and threading it into the cabinet.
  6. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the inverter board to the compressor. The screw is located at the bottom of the inverter.
  7. Lift the old inverter board off the compressor and pull it away.
  8. Remove the wire harness that plugs into the compressor. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry it off the mounting pins.
  9. Pull the inverter board out of the refrigerator. Move any wire harnesses out of the way to create enough space for removal.

Step 3: Install the new inverter board

  1. If there’s a rubber band on the new inverter board, remove it.
  2. Note the two wires on the new board. Compare them with the old board and use jumper wires if necessary to match the wiring harness on the refrigerator. Once they’re matched, plug the adapter onto the new inverter board.
  3. Insert the new inverter board into the refrigerator. Lift the wires and feed the board back into the corner. Before lifting the board onto the compressor, plug the wire harness back into the compressor by carefully aligning and connecting the harness.
  4. Lift the inverter board and mount it on the lip of the compressor. Make sure the wiring harness for the compressor plug goes into the inverter board. Push it on and set it down.
  5. Use the Phillips screwdriver to secure the inverter board to the compressor by tightening the screw at the bottom.
  6. Reattach the wire harnesses by plugging in the red and white wires first. Make sure they’re correctly aligned; they can only go in one way. Plug in the orange and black wires in the same manner.
  7. Reconnect the ground wire by using the 1/4-inch nut driver to secure the screw that holds all the ground wires in place.
  8. Carefully organize the wires so they’re behind everything, untangled and not hitting any parts.
  9. Swing the water valve back into place and hook it onto the hole in the frame.
  10. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to install the screw to keep the water valve in place.
  11. Put the access cover back on. Align it properly and use the 5/16-inch nut driver to put the screws back in place.
  12. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn on the water supply.
  13. Monitor the fridge for the next several hours to make sure it cools and that the new inverter board is working correctly.

Read more: How To Clean Refrigerator Coils

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the inverter board in your GE refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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