General Electric Refrigerator freezing food: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The temperature sensor monitors General Electric refrigerator interior temperature and relays data to the control board. Based on sensor readings, the board activates the compressor, evaporator fan and condenser fan to maintain proper cooling levels. A faulty sensor providing inaccurate data can cause excessive cooling system operation, over-chilling the fridge. Use a multimeter to test the sensor by heating and cooling it while checking resistance values. Resistance should increase with higher temperatures and decrease at lower temperatures. Lack of resistance change indicates a defective sensor giving false temperature readings. The control board depends on accurate data from the sensor to properly activate cooling components. A malfunctioning sensor results in unnecessary compressor and fan activity, over-cooling the interior.

How to Replace General Electric Refrigerator Temperature Sensor

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Prior to any work, unplug the General Electric refrigerator to prevent any electrical accidents during the replacement process.
   • Empty the contents of the General Electric refrigerator and remove any shelves or items obstructing access to the temperature sensor.

2. Locate the Temperature Sensor:

   • Refer to the user manual or search online for the exact location of the temperature sensor in your specific General Electric refrigerator model.
   • Generally, it is situated near the evaporator coil or in the General Electric refrigerator compartment.

3. Remove the Sensor Cover:

   • Use a screwdriver to carefully detach the sensor cover, exposing the temperature sensor and other related components.
   • Keep track of the screws and store them in a secure place to prevent misplacement.

4. Detach the Old Temperature Sensor:

   • Identify the wires connected to the temperature sensor and take note of their positions.
   • Gently detach the wires by either sliding off the connectors or using pliers, depending on the type of connection.
   • Remove the old temperature sensor from its housing by carefully pulling it out.

5. Install the New Temperature Sensor:

   • Insert the new temperature sensor into the designated slot, ensuring a secure fit.
   • Reconnect the wires to the corresponding terminals by firmly pressing them into place.

6. Replace the Sensor Cover:

   • Reattach the sensor cover by aligning it with the designated slots and securely tightening the screws.
   • Confirm that the cover is properly secured and adequately sealed.

7. Restore Power and Test:

   • Plug the General Electric refrigerator back into the power source.
   • Set the General Electric refrigerator to the recommended temperature and monitor its performance over the next few hours.
   • Ensure that the temperature sensor is accurately reading the temperature and that the General Electric refrigerator is cooling as expected.

8. Clean Up:

   • Dispose of any packaging from the new temperature sensor and return the General Electric refrigerator's contents to their original positions.
   • Wipe down the area to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the replacement process.

9. Final Check:

   • Double-check all connections and ensure that the sensor cover is securely fastened.
   • Confirm that the General Electric refrigerator is functioning smoothly and that the new temperature sensor has resolved any previous temperature regulation issues.

Always consult the specific user manual for your General Electric refrigerator model and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncertain about the replacement process.

Repair Instructions:

The temperature control thermostat regulates voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan and condenser fan to maintain proper refrigeration. A malfunctioning thermostat can over-cool the General Electric refrigerator. To check the thermostat, turn it from the lowest to highest setting listening for a click, indicating it's switching internal contacts on/off. No click could mean a defective thermostat needing replacement. Use a multimeter to check thermostat electrical continuity at different temperature settings. A properly working thermostat will show continuity at some switch points. Lack of continuity at any setting confirms a defective thermostat requiring replacement.

How to Replace a General Electric Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat:

1. Unplug the General Electric Refrigerator. Unplug the General Electric refrigerator from the electrical outlet to ensure your safety while working on the appliance.

2. Locate the Thermostat. Find the existing temperature control thermostat. It's often situated in the General Electric refrigerator's control panel, typically found in the upper section of the General Electric refrigerator compartment.
3. Disconnect Power to the Control Panel. In some cases, you may need to remove the control panel cover or housing to access the thermostat. Depending on your General Electric refrigerator model, this might involve removing screws or clips to detach the cover.
4. Note Wiring Connections. Take photographs or make a note of the wiring connections on the old thermosta for reconnecting the wires to the new thermostat.
5. Disconnect Wiring. Gently disconnect the wires and connectors from the old thermostat.
6. Remove the Old Thermostat. You may need to remove screws, clips, or brackets securing the old thermostat in place. Carefully remove these components to access the thermostat.
7. Install the New Thermostat. Position the new thermostat in the same location as the old one and secure it with screws, clips, or brackets.
8. Reconnect Wiring. Reattach the wires and connectors to the corresponding terminals on the new thermostat.
9. Reassemble the Control Panel. Reattach the control panel cover or housing, securing it with screws or clips.
10. Plug in the General Electric Refrigerator. After securely connecting the wiring and installing the new thermostat, plug the General Electric refrigerator back in or turn it on.
11. Set and Test the Thermostat. Adjust the thermostat to your desired temperature setting. It may take some time for the General Electric refrigerator to reach and stabilize at the desired temperature.

Repair Instructions:

The thermistor sensor monitors General Electric refrigerator air temperature and relays readings to the control board. The board then adjusts compressor and evaporator fan operation to maintain proper cooling levels. A faulty thermistor can falsely signal warm temperatures, causing over-cooling. To test the thermistor, use a multimeter to check resistance values at different temperatures. Resistance should increase as temperature rises, indicating an accurate, working thermistor. Lack of resistance change or continuity means it is providing inaccurate data. This causes unnecessary compressor and fan activity, over-chilling the fridge. The control board depends on precise thermistor readings to properly activate cooling components. Faulty thermistors give false temperature data, leading to excess cooling. Replacing a confirmed defective thermistor restores accurate temperature monitoring so the control board can regulate refrigeration and prevent over-cooling issues.

How to Replace General Electric Refrigerator Thermistor:

1. Prepare the General Electric Refrigerator:

   • Safely unplug the General Electric refrigerator to prevent any electrical accidents during the replacement process.
   • Empty the contents of the General Electric refrigerator and, if necessary, remove any storage shelves or drawers that might obstruct access to the thermistor.

2. Locate the Thermistor:

   • Refer to the user manual or search online for the precise location of the thermistor in your General Electric refrigerator model.
   • Typically, it is situated near the cooling coils, often behind the rear panel inside the General Electric refrigerator compartment.

3. Remove the Panel Cover:

   • Using a suitable screwdriver, carefully unscrew the panel cover to expose the thermistor and other internal components.
   • Keep track of the screws and store them in a secure location to prevent misplacement.

4. Disconnect the Old Thermistor:

   • Identify the thermistor and locate its connection point.
   • Gently detach the thermistor by either sliding off the connectors or using a pair of pliers, depending on the type of connection.

5. Install the New Thermistor:

   • Secure the new thermistor in the designated location, ensuring it is properly positioned and fixed.
   • Reconnect the wires to the corresponding terminals by firmly pressing them into place.

6. Replace the Panel Cover:

   • Reattach the panel cover by aligning it with the designated slots and securely tightening the screws.
   • Ensure that the cover is firmly in place and properly sealed to prevent any potential issues.

7. Restore Power and Test:

   • Plug the General Electric refrigerator back into the power source.
   • Set the General Electric refrigerator to the recommended temperature and monitor its performance over the next few hours.
   • Ensure that the thermistor is accurately measuring the temperature and that the General Electric refrigerator is cooling as expected.

8. Clean Up:

   • Dispose of any packaging from the new thermistor and return the General Electric refrigerator's contents to their original positions.
   • Wipe down the area to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the replacement process.

9. Final Check:

   • Double-check all connections and ensure that the panel cover is securely fastened.
   • Confirm that the General Electric refrigerator is functioning smoothly and that the new thermistor replacement has resolved any previous temperature regulation issues.

Always consult the specific user manual for your General Electric refrigerator model and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncertain about the replacement process.

Repair Instructions:

The temperature control board regulates voltage to the compressor and fans to maintain proper cooling levels. A malfunctioning board can cause continuous operation, over-chilling the General Electric refrigerator. However, control boards are often misdiagnosed as bad when another part is actually defective. Before replacement, first thoroughly test the compressor, fans, thermistor and thermostat since they more commonly fail. If those components check out good, the control board may be providing continuous voltage to the cooling system.

How to Replace General Electric Refrigerator Temperature Control Board:

1. Preparation:

   • Begin by unplugging the General Electric refrigerator to ensure your safety throughout the replacement process.
   • Empty the contents of the General Electric refrigerator and remove any items or shelves that might hinder access to the control board.

2. Locate the Control Board:

   • Consult the user manual or search online to pinpoint the exact location of the temperature control board within your specific General Electric refrigerator model.
   • Typically, it is situated behind the control panel or at the back of the General Electric refrigerator.

3. Remove the Control Panel:

   • Using a suitable screwdriver, carefully detach the control panel from the General Electric refrigerator's exterior.
   • Keep track of the screws and store them in a safe place to prevent loss or misplacement.

4. Disconnect Wires and Remove the Old Control Board:

   • Identify the wires attached to the control board and take note of their positions.
   • Gently detach the wires by either sliding off the connectors or using a pair of plier, depending on the connection type.
   • Remove the old temperature control board from its housing by carefully pulling it out.

5. Install the New Control Board:

   • Place the new control board into the designated slot, ensuring a snug fit.
   • Reconnect the wires to the corresponding terminals by firmly pressing them into place.

6. Replace the Control Panel:

   • Reattach the control panel by aligning it with the appropriate slots and securely tightening the screws.
   • Verify that the panel is properly secured and firmly in place.

7. Restore Power and Test:

   • Plug the General Electric refrigerator back into the power source.
   • Set the temperature control to the recommended level and monitor the General Electric refrigerator's performance over the next few hours.
   • Ensure that the control board is effectively regulating the temperature and that the General Electric refrigerator is cooling as expected.

8. Clean Up:

   • Discard any packaging from the new control board and return the General Electric refrigerator's contents to their original positions.
   • Wipe down the area to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the replacement process.

9. Final Check:

   • Double-check all connections and ensure that the control panel is securely fastened.
   • Confirm that the General Electric refrigerator is functioning smoothly and that the new temperature control board has resolved any previous temperature regulation issues.

Always refer to the specific user manual for your General Electric refrigerator model and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncertain about the replacement process.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board is rarely the direct cause of General Electric refrigerator problems. Do not replace the control board until testing all other potentially faulty parts first. Components like the thermostat, thermistor, compressor and fans fail more often than the board. Thoroughly inspect and test those parts for correct operation before assuming control board failure. Only after confirming no other defective components are present should the main board be considered the issue. Control boards themselves usually function properly when given accurate data. Replace the main board only after ruling out problems with the thermostat, thermistor, compressor, fans and other commonly defective General Electric refrigerator components.

How to Replace General Electric Refrigerator Main Control Board:

1. Safety Measures:

   • Start by unplugging the General Electric refrigerator to avoid any electrical mishaps during the replacement process.
   • Remove all items from the General Electric refrigerator and clear any obstacles that may impede access to the control board.

2. Locate the Control Board:

   • Refer to the user manual or search online for the precise location of the main control board in your specific General Electric refrigerator model.
   • Typically, the control board is positioned behind the control panel or at the back of the General Electric refrigerator.

3. Remove the Control Panel:

   • Using an appropriate screwdriver, carefully detach the control panel from the General Electric refrigerator's exterior.
   • Ensure to keep track of the screws and store them in a secure place to prevent misplacement.

4. Disconnect Wires and Remove the Old Control Board:

   • Identify the wires connected to the control board and note their positions.
   • Gently disconnect the wires by sliding off the connectors or using pliers, depending on the type of connection.
   • Remove the old main control board from its housing by carefully pulling it out.

5. Install the New Control Board:

   • Place the new control board into the designated slot, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
   • Reconnect the wires to the corresponding terminals by firmly pressing them into place.

6. Replace the Control Panel:

   • Reattach the control panel by aligning it with the appropriate slots and securely tightening the screws.
   • Confirm that the panel is properly secured and tightly in place.

7. Restore Power and Test:

   • Plug the General Electric refrigerator back into the power source.
   • Set the General Electric refrigerator to the recommended settings and monitor its performance over the next few hours.
   • Ensure that the control board is effectively managing the General Electric refrigerator's functions and that it is operating as expected.

8. Clean Up:

   • Dispose of any packaging from the new control board and return the General Electric refrigerator's contents to their original positions.
   • Wipe down the area to eliminate any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the replacement process.

9. Final Check:

   • Double-check all connections and ensure that the control panel is securely fastened.
   • Confirm that the General Electric refrigerator is functioning smoothly and that the new main control board has resolved any previous issues.

Always refer to the specific user manual for your General Electric refrigerator model and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncertain about the replacement process.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board is rarely the direct cause of General Electric refrigerator problems. Do not replace the control board until testing all other potentially faulty parts first. Components like the thermostat, thermistor, compressor and fans fail more often than the board. Thoroughly inspect and test those parts for correct operation before assuming control board failure. Only after confirming no other defective components are present should the main board be considered the issue. Control boards themselves usually function properly when given accurate data. Replace the main board only after ruling out problems with the thermostat, thermistor, compressor, fans and other commonly defective General Electric refrigerator components.

How to Replace a General Electric Refrigerator Control Board:

1. Unplug the General Electric Refrigerator. Unplug the General Electric refrigerator from the electrical outlet to ensure your safety while working on the appliance.

2. Locate the Control Board. Identify the current control board, typically located in the General Electric refrigerator's control panel, which is often located on the front of the appliance, near the top or inside the General Electric refrigerator section.
3. Document Wiring Connections. Take photographs or make a detailed note of the wiring connections on the old control board for correctly reconnecting the wires to the new control board.
4. Disconnect Wiring. Gently disconnect the wires and connectors from the old control board.
5. Remove the Old Control Board. You may need to remove screws, clips, or retaining brackets securing the old control board. Carefully remove these components to access the control board.
6. Install the New Control Board. Position the new control board in the same location as the old one and secure it with screws, clips, or brackets.
7. Reconnect Wiring. Reattach the wires and connectors to the corresponding terminals on the new control board.
8. Plug in the General Electric Refrigerator. Allow the General Electric refrigerator to run for a while. Test the control board's functionality by adjusting temperature settings, ensuring that it properly regulates the General Electric refrigerator's temperature and features like defrost cycles.

Repair Instructions:

The General Electric refrigerator air damper regulates cold air flow into the fridge compartment. If the damper sticks open, excessive cold air enters and overcools the space. To check, manually operate the damper through its full range of motion. The damper should move freely and completely close off air flow. If it stays partially open or does not move smoothly, the damper is defective and requires replacement.

How to Replace General Electric Refrigerator Damper:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Unplug the General Electric refrigerator from the power source to ensure your safety during the replacement process.

2. Locate the Damper:

   • Identify the location of the damper inside your General Electric refrigerator, usually located in the back of the fresh food compartment.

3. Gather Necessary Tools:

   • Ensure you have the required tools for the job, which may include a screwdriver, pliers, and a replacement damper that is compatible with your General Electric refrigerator model.

4. Access the Damper:

   • You may need to remove shelves or drawers in the fresh food compartment to access the damper.

5. Disconnect Wiring:

   • Carefully disconnect the wiring or connectors attached to the old damper. Take note of their positions for reconnection.

6. Unscrew or Unclip the Old Damper:

   • Use the appropriate tool, typically a screwdriver, to loosen and remove any screws or clips securing the old damper. Be gentle to avoid damaging surrounding components.

7. Remove the Old Damper:

   • Gently slide out or lift the old damper from its housing, taking care not to damage any wires or connectors.

8. Prepare the New Damper:

   • Unpack the replacement damper and inspect it for any defects. Ensure it is clean and free from any packaging materials.

9. Install the New Damper:

   • Carefully position the new damper in the same location as the old one, ensuring it fits securely and snugly.

10. Attach the Wiring:

    • Reconnect the wiring or connectors to the new damper, following the same configuration as the old one.

11. Screw or Clip in the New Damper:

    • Secure the new damper by reattaching any screws or clips you removed earlier. Ensure the assembly is firmly fastened in place.

12. Reassemble Shelves and Drawers:

    • If you removed any shelves or drawers to access the damper, reassemble them in their original positions.

13. Plug In and Test:

    • Reconnect the General Electric refrigerator to the power source and monitor the operation of the new damper. Ensure it regulates airflow as expected.

14. Final Check:

    • Inspect the new damper to ensure it is properly installed and functioning, maintaining the desired temperature in your General Electric refrigerator's compartments.

Repair Instructions:

The air damper regulates cold airflow into the General Electric refrigerator compartment. If the damper control is broken or stuck open, excess cold air enters the fridge. Inspect the damper operation by manually moving it through its full range. The damper should close completely to restrict air. If it stays partially open or does not move freely, the control is defective. Replace a confirmed broken damper control to properly regulate cold air intake.

How to Replace a General Electric Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly:

1. Locate the Damper Control Assembly. Identify the damper control assembly's location within the General Electric refrigerator. It's usually situated in the upper portion of the General Electric refrigerator compartment, typically behind a vent or a panel.

2. Remove Obstructions. Clear the General Electric refrigerator compartment of any items or shelves that might obstruct access to the damper control assembly.
3. Access the Damper Assembly. You may need to remove a vent cover, an air duct, or a panel that conceals the damper control assembly. Remove any screws or clips holding it in place.
4. Disconnect Wiring and Remove the Old Assembly. Carefully disconnect any wiring or connectors that are attached to the damper control assembly. Take note of how these are connected for reference when installing the new assembly. Remove any screws or fasteners holding the old damper control assembly in place.
5. Install the New Damper Control Assembly. Align the new damper control assembly in the same position as the old one. Secure it in place using the appropriate screws or fasteners, making sure it's tightly attached.
6. Reconnect Wiring. Reattach the wiring and connectors to the new damper control assembly, ensuring they match their original positions.
7. Replace Vent Cover or Panel. Reinstall the vent cover, air duct, or panel that conceals the damper control assembly. Secure it with screws or clips.
8. Reassemble the General Electric Refrigerator Compartment. Put back any shelves, items, or drawers you removed earlier to access the damper control assembly.
9. Plug In the General Electric Refrigerator. Plug in the General Electric refrigerator or turn it back on.
10. Test the Damper Control Assembly. Allow the General Electric refrigerator to run and cool for some time. Monitor the damper control assembly to ensure it opens and closes correctly, regulating the temperature and airflow within the General Electric refrigerator compartment.

Repair Instructions:

The evaporator fan motor circulates air over the evaporator coils to generate cold air that chills the General Electric refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the fan motor malfunctions, cold air can accumulate in ducts and freeze food. To check the fan, manually spin the blades to see if they turn freely. Seized blades indicate seized motor bearings needing motor replacement. Use a multimeter to test motor electrical continuity. No continuity means the motor won't run at all. A working motor allows blades to freely draw air over the evaporator coils to properly circulate cold air and prevent freezing. Restricted blades or lack of continuity confirm a bad fan motor. Replacing a confirmed faulty evaporator fan motor restores proper cold air circulation through the compartments.

How to Replace a General Electric Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor:

1. Open the General Electric refrigerator and freezer doors. Remove any items, shelves, or drawers that obstruct access to the back wall of the freezer compartment.

2. Remove the freezer back panel. Locate the screws holding the back panel in place. Use the screwdriver or nut driver to remove these screws. Carefully pull the back panel away to expose the fan motor.
3. Disconnect Wiring. Identify the wiring connected to the fan motor. Gently disconnect the wires from the motor, taking note of their placement.
4. Unscrew the Motor. Using the appropriate tool, carefully remove any screws securing the fan motor to the bracket or housing.
5. Remove the Fan Blade. If the fan blade is attached to the old motor, carefully remove it.
6. Install the New Fan Motor. Position the new fan motor in the same location as the old one. Secure it in place with the screws you removed. If the fan blade was removed, attach it to the new motor.
7. Reconnect Wiring. Reconnect the wires to the new fan motor, ensuring they are correctly matched with their respective terminals.
8. Replace the Freezer Back Panel. Carefully position the back panel and secure it by reinserting and tightening the screws.
9. Reassemble the Freezer Compartment. Reinstall any shelves, drawers, and items you removed to access the fan motor.
10. Plug in the General Electric refrigerator. Check for proper functioning by feeling for airflow or listening for the fan running.

Repair Instructions:

To prevent freezing, allow space between refrigerated foods and the cold air vents. Air blowing directly on food from a close vent can over-chill and freeze items. Keep several inches minimum distance between vents and perishables. Also avoid packing shelves too densely in front of vents. Ample airflow space enables air to circulate rather than blast concentrated cold on foods.

Repair Instructions:

To resolve an over-cooling General Electric refrigerator, first adjust the temperature control to a warmer setting. Look for the recommended temperature range, typically 34-38 degrees Fahrenheit, and set the control within that. Then allow 24 hours for the higher temperature setting to take effect throughout the General Electric refrigerator interior. This gives time for the cold air to cycle out and warmer air to stabilize at the new thermostat setting.