Troubleshooting GE refrigerator error code F202

Is your GE refrigerator displaying error code F202? 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

This error code indicates an issue with the defrost system in the freezer. It is triggered when the refrigerator detects 5 consecutive “abnormal” defrost cycles, where the cycle did not complete successfully.

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.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more: Causes of condensation around a refrigerator’s French doors

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
• Multimeter

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 Not Defrosting: Top 6 Reasons & How to Fix

How to access the defrost parts

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.

Check if there is an excessive even frost pattern on the evaporator coils. Ice on one section or in a ball on the coils indicates a sealed system issue which will require a certified technician to service the appliance due to the regulation of refrigerant. If the frost covers the entire evaporator, continue with the following tests.

How to test the defrost parts

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.

Test the overtemperature thermostat

1. Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ω) setting.
2. Touch the multimeter’s probe tips to the terminals or connectors of the overtemperature thermostat. Make sure the probes are making good contact.
3. Check the resistance reading on the multimeter. The overtemperature thermostat should have a resistance of approximately 0 ohms (a closed circuit) when the evaporator temperature is below 110°F.
4. Carefully warm the thermostat, such as by using a heat gun or warm water, until the evaporator temperature reaches approximately 140°F. At this point, the thermostat contacts should open, and the multimeter should read an open circuit (infinite resistance).
5. Allow the thermostat to cool back down to approximately 110°F, and the contacts should close, indicating a resistance of 0 ohms again.
6. If the thermostat does not open at around 140°F and close at around 110°F, it is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Test the defrost heater

1. Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ω) setting.
2. Touch the multimeter’s probe tips to the terminals or connectors of the defrost heater. Make sure the probes are making good contact.
3. Check the resistance reading on the multimeter. The expected resistance is approximately 31 ohms.
4. If the resistance reading is significantly different from 31 ohms (e.g., an open circuit or a very low resistance), the defrost heater is faulty and will need to be replaced.
5. If none of the defrost parts test bad, the main control board will need to be replaced.

Read more: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

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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