General Electric Freezer not freezing: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The General Electric freezer thermistor is a temperature sensor located inside the General Electric freezer compartment. It measures the air temperature and provides feedback to the control board. The control board uses this temperature reading to regulate the compressor and refrigerant flow to maintain the target General Electric freezer temperature. If the thermistor is defective, it may fail to provide an accurate temperature reading to the control board. As a result, the General Electric freezer will be unable to maintain freezing temperatures. To test the thermistor, use a multimeter to check its resistance at various temperatures and compare to the resistance values listed on the tech sheet. If the resistance readings do not align with the spec, the thermistor is defective and needs to be replaced.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Thermistor

1. Unplug General Electric freezer - Unplug the power cord before starting to avoid electric shock.

2. Locate thermistor - The thermistor is usually mounted to the side wall inside the General Electric freezer compartment. Consult the General Electric freezer manual if unsure.

3. Disconnect wiring - Remove the thermistor wiring harness connector by gently pulling it off the thermistor pins.

4. Remove mounting screws - Unscrew and remove any mounting screws securing the thermistor bracket to the General Electric freezer wall.

5. Install new thermistor - Secure the new thermistor to the wall using the mounting screws. Reconnect the wiring harness to the thermistor pins.

6. Check connections - Make sure the wiring connections are fully secured and any loose wires are tucked away neatly.

7. Plug in General Electric freezer - Plug the electrical cord back into the outlet once the new thermistor is installed.

8. Allow General Electric freezer to cool - Let the General Electric freezer reach its set temperature before returning any food items.

9. Test operation - Monitor the temperature over time to confirm the new thermistor is giving accurate readings.

10. Contact support - If temperature issues persist, unplug the General Electric freezer and contact support for troubleshooting.

Repair Instructions:

The General Electric freezer control board is the main electronic control center that regulates all of the electrical components in the General Electric freezer. It receives temperature input from the thermistor sensor and activates the compressor and evaporator fan accordingly to maintain the target General Electric freezer temperature. If the control board is malfunctioning, it may fail to properly activate the compressor and evaporator fan even when the thermistor sensor is indicating the General Electric freezer temperature is too warm. Without adequate compressor run times and evaporator fan circulation, the refrigerant system will not function properly to remove heat from the General Electric freezer compartment.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Control Board:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Make sure your safety by unplugging the General Electric freezer or disconnecting it from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the control board easily.

3. Locate the Control Board:

   • The control board is typically located on the rear interior wall of the General Electric freezer or inside the control panel on the exterior of the appliance.

4. Disconnect Wiring:

   • Carefully take note of how the wires are connected to the control board. Unplug or disconnect the wires from the board, remembering their positions.

5. Remove the Old Control Board:

   • The control board may be secured with screws or clips. Remove these fasteners to release the old board from its mounting location.

6. Replace with a New Control Board:

   • Position the new control board in the same location as the old one, ensuring it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

7. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new control board, making sure they are connected in the same way as on the old board.

8. Secure the New Board:

   • Fasten the new control board in place with screws or clips.

9. Restore Power:

   • Plug the General Electric freezer back in or reconnect it to the power source.

10. Test the General Electric Freezer:

    • Make sure the General Electric freezer is running and cooling as expected. Adjust the temperature settings on the control board to the desired level.

11. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the General Electric freezer for a while to verify that it maintains the set temperature and functions properly.

Repair Instructions:

The condenser coils that are inside the General Electric freezer walls do not need cleaning. But if you can easily access the condenser coils from behind or underneath the General Electric freezer, you should clean them every 6 to 12 months. Dirty condenser coils cannot dissipate heat efficiently. This greatly lowers the cooling ability of the General Electric freezer. If you notice the condenser coils are dirty or have not been cleaned for a while, you should clean them.

Repair Instructions:

The evaporator fan motor pulls air over the evaporator coils and circulates it in the General Electric freezer. If the evaporator fan motor stops working, the General Electric freezer will not cool. On most refrigerators, the fan motor does not run with the door open. To check the evaporator fan motor, open the General Electric freezer door then manually activate the General Electric freezer door switch. If turning on the door switch does not start the evaporator fan motor, while it should, the evaporator fan motor needs replacing.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Evaporator Fan Motor:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Begin by unplugging the General Electric freezer or disconnecting it from the power source to ensure your safety during the replacement.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the evaporator fan motor easily.

3. Locate the Evaporator Fan Motor:

   • The evaporator fan motor is typically located in the back of the General Electric freezer compartment, often behind a panel or cover.

4. Remove the Cover Panel:

   • To access the fan motor, you'll need to remove the panel or cover that protects it. This panel is usually held in place with screws. Remove these screws and carefully take off the cover.

5. Identify the Fan Motor:

   • Locate the evaporator fan motor, which is a small, cylindrical motor with fan blades attached.

6. Disconnect Wiring:

   • Carefully note how the wires are connected to the fan motor. Unplug or disconnect the wires, remembering their positions.

7. Release the Old Fan Motor:

   • The fan motor is often held in place by brackets or clips. Carefully detach it from these securing mechanisms.

8. Replace with a New Fan Motor:

   • Position the new evaporator fan motor in the same location as the old one, ensuring it's properly aligned and secured.

9. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new fan motor, making sure they are connected in the same way as on the old motor.

10. Replace the Cover Panel:

    • Reattach the cover panel and secure it in place with the screws you removed earlier.

11. Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

    • Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.

12. Test the General Electric Freezer:

    • Power on the General Electric freezer and listen for the sound of the new evaporator fan motor running. This indicates that it's functioning correctly and circulating cold air.

13. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the General Electric freezer for a while to verify that it maintains the desired temperature and that the new fan motor operates without any issues.

Repair Instructions:

The defrost heater assembly is an electrical heating element located inside the General Electric freezer compartment. It is designed to periodically turn on to melt away any frost or ice that has accumulated on the cooling coils over time. Buildup of frost on the coils acts as an insulator and reduces the efficiency of the General Electric freezer's cooling system. The defrost heater allows the frost to melt so it can drain away, restoring optimal operation of the cooling coils. If the defrost heater fails, ice will continue building up on the coils, inhibiting their ability to absorb heat from inside the General Electric freezer compartment. With impaired cooling coils, the General Electric freezer will be unable to maintain the proper below-freezing temperatures. To test the defrost heater, use a multimeter to check the resistance across the heater element terminals. Refer to the tech sheet for the specific ohm reading that indicates a good defrost heater for that model.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Defrost Heater Assembly:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Prioritize safety by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the defrost heater assembly easily.

3. Locate the Defrost Heater Assembly:

   • The defrost heater assembly is typically located behind the rear panel of the General Electric freezer.

4. Remove the Rear Panel:

   • To access the defrost heater assembly, you'll need to remove the rear panel. This panel is often held in place with screws. Remove these screws and carefully take off the panel.

5. Identify the Defrost Heater Assembly:

   • Locate the defrost heater assembly, which is a coiled wire element typically secured to the evaporator coils.

6. Disconnect Wiring:

   • Carefully note how the wires are connected to the defrost heater assembly. Unplug or disconnect the wires, remembering their positions.

7. Remove the Old Heater Assembly:

   • The defrost heater assembly is often held in place by clips or brackets. Carefully detach it from these securing mechanisms.

8. Replace with a New Defrost Heater Assembly:

   • Position the new defrost heater assembly in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned and secured.

9. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new defrost heater assembly, ensuring they are connected in the same way as on the old assembly.

10. Replace the Rear Panel:

    • Reattach the rear panel and secure it in place with the screws you removed earlier.

11. Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

    • Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, maing sure it's properly plugged in.

12. Test the General Electric Freezer:

    • Power on the General Electric freezer and monitor it to ensure the new defrost heater assembly functions correctly and prevents frost buildup.

13. Final Checks:

    • Confirm that the General Electric freezer maintains the desired temperature and that the defrost heater assembly performs its function without any issues.

Repair Instructions:

The condenser fan motor pulls air through the condenser and over the condenser coils. If it malfunctions, it cannot draw air through the condenser, preventing the refrigerator from cooling properly. First, inspect the fan blades for anything blocking them and ensure the blades spin freely. If the blades do not spin freely, the fan motor bearings are worn out and the motor needs replacing. If no obstructions are present and the blades spin freely, use a multimeter to check the motor for continuity. If there is no continuity, the condenser fan motor must be replaced.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Condenser Fan Motor:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Begin by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the condenser fan motor easily.

3. Locate the Condenser Fan Motor:

   • The condenser fan motor is usually situated at the back or bottom of the General Electric freezer, near the condenser coils.

4. Identify Wiring Connections:

   • Carefully note how the wires are connected to the condenser fan motor. Take a photo or make a diagram to remember the connections.

5. Release the Old Fan Motor:

   • The fan motor is typically held in place with screws, brackets, or clips. Remove these fasteners to release the old motor from its mounting location.

6. Replace with a New Fan Motor:

   • Position the new condenser fan motor in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

7. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new fan motor, ensuring they are connected in the same way as on the old motor.

8. Secure the New Fan Motor:

   • Fasten the new condenser fan motor in place with the same screws, brackets, or clips that held the old one.

9. Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

   • Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.

10. Test the General Electric Freezer:

    • Power on the General Electric freezer and listen for the sound of the new condenser fan motor running. It should effectively circulate air over the condenser coils.

11. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the General Electric freezer for a while to ensure it maintains the desired temperature and that the new fan motor operates without any issues.

Repair Instructions:

The General Electric freezer door gasket is the rubber seal that runs around the perimeter of the General Electric freezer door. It is responsible for forming an airtight seal when the door is closed. The gasket prevents warm air from entering the General Electric freezer compartment. If the gasket becomes cracked, torn, warped, or otherwise damaged, it can lose its ability to seal properly. Air gaps will then form, allowing warmer ambient air to seep into the General Electric freezer each time the door is closed. This influx of warm air introduces heat into the General Electric freezer compartment, forcing the cooling system to run longer in order to maintain the set temperature. If the compromised door gasket cannot be replaced or repaired, the constant entry of warm air will overburden the General Electric freezer's cooling capabilities. Gradually, the General Electric freezer will no longer be able to sustain freezing temperatures inside.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Door Gasket

1. Unplug General Electric freezer - Unplug the General Electric freezer to avoid electric shock while working on it.

2. Remove old gasket - Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the old gasket from the door frame. Remove any remaining adhesive residue.

3. Clean surface - Wipe down the General Electric freezer door frame thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Ensure the surface is dry.

4. Apply adhesive - Run a bead of gasket adhesive along the door frame where the new gasket will be installed.

5. Install new gasket - Starting at the corner, press the new gasket firmly into place along the adhesive on the frame.

6. Trim excess - Use scissors to trim off any excess gasket material around the door.

7. Allow adhesive to dry - Let the adhesive cure fully before using the General Electric freezer, usually 24-48 hours.

8. Plug in General Electric freezer - Plug the General Electric freezer back in and make sure the door seals properly when closed.

9. Test seal - Place a piece of paper between the gasket and frame and close the door. The paper should be held firmly in place and difficult to pull out, indicating a good seal.

Repair Instructions:

A General Electric freezer filter drier is a device used in refrigeration systems to filter and dry the refrigerant, protecting the system and its components by capturing and absorbing water particles as well as harmful solid substances and stopping them from cycling. Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris or saturated with moisture. A restricted filter drier impedes proper refrigerant flow through the system. Because the filter drier is part of the sealed refrigerant system, it can only be replaced by an EPA certified technician in order to safely recover and recharge the refrigerant.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Filter Drier:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Start by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the filter drier easily.

3. Locate the Filter Drier:

   • The filter drier is typically located near the compressor at the back of the General Electric freezer.

4. Identify Refrigerant Lines:

   • Identify the refrigerant lines connected to the filter drier and take note of their positions.

5. Release Pressure:

   • Before replacing the filter drier, it's essential to release the pressure in the refrigerant lines. This typically requires a professional with the appropriate equipment as it involves handling refrigerants.

6. Remove the Old Filter Drier:

   • The filter drier is usually secured with fittings or clips. Carefully detach it from these fittings.

7. Install the New Filter Drier:

   • Position the new filter drier in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with the refrigerant lines.

8. Secure the New Filter Drier:

   • Fasten the new filter drier in place using the same fittings or clips that held the old one.

9. Pressure Test:

   • Once the new filter drier is in place, a professional should perform a pressure test to make sure that there are no leaks and that the system is properly sealed.

10. Evacuate and Recharge the System:

    • A professional should then evacuate and recharge the refrigeration system with the appropriate refrigerant to the manufacturer's specifications.

11. Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

    • Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.

12. Test the General Electric Freezer:

    • Power on the General Electric freezer and monitor it to ensure it maintains the desired temperature and operates correctly.

13. Final Checks:

    • Confirm that the General Electric freezer functions efficiently, maintaining the desired temperature.

Repair Instructions:

The temperature control thermostat directs power to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor. If it malfunctions, the refrigerant system will not turn on and the General Electric freezer will not cool. To check if the thermostat is faulty, turn it from the lowest to highest setting and listen for a "click." If you hear the click, the thermostat is likely fine. If you don't hear a click, use a multimeter to test for continuity on the thermostat. If there is no continuity, the temperature control thermostat is defective and requires replacement.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Temperature Control Thermostat

1. Unplug General Electric freezer - Unplug the General Electric freezer before starting to avoid electric shock.

2. Remove control knob - Carefully pry off the temperature control knob to access the mounting screws.

3. Unscrew thermostat - Unscrew and remove the mounting screws to detach the old thermostat from the General Electric freezer wall.

4. Disconnect wires - Disconnect the wiring harness from the old thermostat terminals.

5. Install new thermostat - Attach the wiring harness to the terminals on the new thermostat. Position it on the wall and secure with the mounting screws.

6. Replace knob - Line up the knob correctly and snap it back onto the new thermostat shaft.

7. Plug in General Electric freezer - Plug the power cord back in once the new thermostat is fully installed.

8. Set temperature - Turn the control knob to set the General Electric freezer to the desired temperature.

9. Allow time to cool - Let the General Electric freezer run for a few hours to reach the set temperature before returning food.

10. Test operation - Monitor the temperature and adjust as needed to confirm the new thermostat maintains the proper General Electric freezer temperature.

Repair Instructions:

The user control and display board could be faulty, but this is uncommon. Control boards are often misdiagnosed, so prior to replacing it, ensure more frequently defective parts are checked first. Before deciding the control and display board needs replacing, verify other components are working properly. Only after ruling out problems with more common parts should the control and display board be replaced. While possible, control board issues are rare, so don't replace this part until determining the other General Electric freezer components are functioning correctly

How to Replace General Electric Freezer User Control and Display Board:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Prioritize safety by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the control and display board easily.

3. Locate the User Control and Display Board:

   • The control and display board is typically situated on the General Electric freezer door or inside the General Electric freezer compartment, depending on the General Electric freezer model.

4. Disconnect Wiring:

   • Carefully take note of how the wires are connected to the control board. Unplug or disconnect the wires from the board, remembering their positions.

5. Remove the Old Control and Display Board:

   • The control and display board is usually secured with screws, clips, or brackets. Remove these fasteners to release the old board from its mounting location.

6. Replace with a New User Control and Display Board:

   • Position the new control and display board in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

7. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new control board, making sure they are connected in the same way as on the old board.

8. Secure the New Board:

   • Fasten the new user control and display board in place with screws, clips, or brackets.

9. Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

   • Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.

10. Test the General Electric Freezer:

    • Power on the General Electric freezer and check that the control board functions correctly. Verify that the General Electric freezer maintains the desired temperature and that the display board responds to user input.

11. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the General Electric freezer for a while to verify that the control and display board performs its functions without any issues.

Repair Instructions:

Control boards are often incorrectly diagnosed as the issue. Before replacing the main control board, first check parts that typically fail more frequently. Only after verifying that all other components are functioning properly should the main control board be replaced. Ruling out more common problems first prevents unneeded control board replacement. While the main control board could be defective, it is not typically the culprit. Take time to check other potentially faulty parts first before deciding the main control board needs replacing. Replace it only after determining the other General Electric freezer components are working correctly.

How to Replace General Electric Freezer Main Control Board:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Prioritize safety by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the control board easily.

3. Locate the Main Control Board:

   • The main control board is typically situated on the rear exterior of the General Electric freezer, often behind a protective cover or panel.

4. Identify Wiring Connections:

   • Carefully note how the wires are connected to the control board. Take a photo or make a diagram to remember the connections.

5. Release the Old Main Control Board:

   • The control board is usually secured with screws or clips. Remove these fasteners to release the old board from its mounting location.

6. Replace with a New Main Control Board:

   • Position the new main control board in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

7. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new control board, making sure they are connected in the same way as on the old board.

8. Secure the New Board:

   • Fasten the new main control board in place with screws or clips.

9. Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

   • Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.

10. Test the General Electric Freezer:

    • Power on the General Electric freezer and check that the control board functions correctly. Verify that the General Electric freezer maintains the desired temperature and operates as intended.

11. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the General Electric freezer for a while to verify that the control board performs its functions without any issues.

Repair Instructions:

The compressor pumps and compresses the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. If it stops working, the General Electric freezer will not cool. However, a faulty compressor is uncommon. First verify more commonly defective parts before replacing the compressor. Only after confirming other components function properly should the compressor be checked. Only an EPA certified tech should replace any sealed system components. 

Repair Instructions:

The most frequent cause of General Electric freezer frost buildup is an issue with the defrost system. The defrost heater activates periodically to melt frost accumulating on the General Electric freezer evaporator coils. If the defrost heater fails to turn on, frost continues building up until the coils are entirely frosted over. To check if the defrost heater is faulty, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If there is no continuity, the defrost heater needs replacing. On most chest General Electric freezers, the evaporator coils are concealed in the walls. Some upright General Electric freezers have shelves housing the coils. These kinds of coils require manual defrosting if frost accumulates heavily.

Repair Instructions:

The General Electric freezer's start device, such as a start relay, supplies power to the compressor. If the start device malfunctions, the compressor may work irregularly or not at all. Without the compressor activating, the General Electric freezer cannot cool. To check if the start device is faulty, unplug the General Electric freezer and remove the device from the compressor. Use a multimeter to test for continuity between the start and run terminals. If there is no continuity or the device smells burnt, replacement is needed.

How to Replace The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Prioritize safety by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Empty the General Electric Freezer:

   • Remove all items from the General Electric freezer and transfer them to a different storage unit.

3. Identify the Cause:

   • Determine why the evaporator coils are frosted over. Common causes include a malfunctioning defrost system, a blocked air vent, or a damaged door gasket.

4. Unplug the General Electric Freezer:

   • Ensure the General Electric freezer is completely disconnected from the power source before proceeding.

5. Access the Evaporator Coils:

   • The evaporator coils are typically located behind the rear panel of the General Electric freezer. To access them, you may need to remove the panel, which is usually held in place by screws. Remove these screws and carefully take off the panel.

6. Defrost the Coils:

   • Using a hairdryer or another suitable method, gently melt the frost on the evaporator coils. Be cautious not to use sharp objects that could damage the coils.

7. Inspect the Defrost System:

   • Check the defrost timer, defrost heater, and defrost thermostat for any malfunctions. Replace any faulty components.

8. Check for Airflow Obstructions:

   • Make sure there are no obstructions in the General Electric freezer that could block proper airflow to the evaporator coils. Rearrange items if necessary.

9. Examine the Door Gasket:

   • Inspect the General Electric freezer's door gasket for any damage or gaps that may be allowing warm air to enter. Replace the gasket if needed.

10. Reassemble the General Electric Freezer:

    • Reattach the rear panel, securing it in place with the screws you removed earlier.

11. Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

    • Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.

12. Monitor the General Electric Freezer:

    • Power on the General Electric freezer and monitor it to ensure the frost does not return to the evaporator coils. The General Electric freezer should maintain the desired temperature.

13. Final Checks:

    • Verify that the General Electric freezer operates as intended and that the evaporator coils remain free from frost buildup.

Repair Instructions:

First, verify the General Electric freezer is plugged into the wall outlet and there is power to the receptacle. Plug a small appliance into the outlet to confirm it has power. If there is no power to the outlet, check the circuit breaker to ensure it has not tripped. A tripped breaker that cuts power to the outlet will prevent the General Electric freezer from turning on. If the outlet has power and the breaker is not tripped, the issue lies with the General Electric freezer itself rather than an external power supply problem.