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Why is my GE Refrigerator Not Cooling: A Step-by-Step Guide
Not a single household can survive without a refrigerator. It’s not only an indispensable kitchen appliance but also an important element of home decor. And if you’ve ever faced problems with your fridge, you know how costly and problematic it can be to replace it. But worry not a jot as we’ve got you covered.
No matter which brand your fridge is: Monogram, Café, GE, or GE Profile, they all may need troubleshooting from time to time. You may run into issues related to anything ranging from top and bottom freezers to French Door fridges. That’s why you’d better be ready to handle any problem that comes your way.
Your GE refrigerators not cooling enough can be one of these problems. The good news is that sometimes these issues can be fixed with a single screwdriver. So let’s look at some steps you may take to detect and even fix the problem by yourself.
What is the First Thing to Check When a GE Refrigerator Stops Cooling?
There are some factors that contribute to the GE profile fridge not cooling or freezing. The issue may be smaller than you think. Simple troubleshooting like checking the ventilation for blockage or fans may be helpful. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure the door closes fully. But, let’s make sure we do our best to solve the problem and look at a few more things that might’ve gone awry.
Look at the Temperature Control Settings
Checking the temperature control system is one of the easiest things you can do. Simply use a different thermometer to check the interior temperature.
To determine the ideal indoor temperature, consult the GE refrigerator manual. The typical refrigerator temperature should be 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reduce the temperature using the panel. You can use the fridge’s touch screen or a tiny handle to change the temperature. Wait one day before rechecking the temperature again. If this doesn’t solve the problem with the GE refrigerator not cooling enough, then look at the next step.
Refrigerator and Freezer Door Closure
Some people ignore this simple but crucial step. If the door doesn’t shut properly, the cold air escapes thus causing heating issues. The problem may be in the door gasket which can be old, dirty, or even torn.
Open the door and take a closer look to see whether the issue is with the gasket. Use a damp cloth to clean it. You can use a chopstick to carefully clean it if food or debris is stuck inside. The gasket must be replaced if it’s torn.
Blocked Air Vents
This is something even housewives can do. Actually, if you have trouble with your GE side-by-side refrigerator not cooling this can be the first thing to check out. Make sure the airflow of the ventilation fans is not blocked by any large containers. An overstuffed fridge may also have airflow problems so don’t pack your refrigerator. To avoid this problem, clean up your fridge regularly.
The Fridge Not Cooling but the Light Is on
Sometimes it happens that you open the fridge and the light turns on, but you don’t feel the cool air drifting out. There’s a host of reasons why this might be happening, but most often it’s due to icy built-up in the freezer that causes a vent blockage, which in turn slows down or completely stops cooling.
To learn more about other issues related to GE refrigerator not cooling enough keep reading our pick of the top 6 issues that your fridge might be experiencing.
Most Common Issues with GE Refrigerators not Cooling
Now that you’ve looked at some minor issues that may cause cooling problems, it’s time to turn to the inspection of the internal components.
Frosted Evaporator Coils
First, open the evaporator coil section. This part provides the cold temperature inside the refrigerator. With the help of a small screwdriver gently remove the panel, and you’ll see the coils.
Check the electric signal with a multimeter. If you see that there are pieces of ice on it, defrost it. This may help but if it doesn’t, call a technician.
Evaporator Fan Motor
Typically, the evaporator fan is situated near the evaporator coils. Remove the cover, then place your hand next to the fan. If you can’t feel how cold air ventilates, then this might be causing your GE side-by-side refrigerator not cooling. The fan motor must be replaced with a new one.
Dusty Condenser Coils
You should remember to clean the condenser Coil at least twice a year. Coil clogging from dirt and dust may result in heating issues.
With a screwdriver, revolve the cover, open the coils and clean it with a cloth, brush, or even a small vacuum cleaner. This may be enough to help your fridge get cold air
Low Refrigerant Level
If you detect medium or high discharge temperatures, evaporator superheat, and low condensing temperature then your fridge has a low refrigerant level. To fix this, refill it with Freon. Try to follow online guidelines or turn to a specialist.
Defective Compressor
A defective compressor in a GE refrigerator leads to overheating. Some factors work together to lead to this problem such as a clogged condenser coil or defective relay. As these two fail, the compressor doesn’t get access to the necessary cold air. Call a specialist to get help if the compressor heats.
Faulty Thermistor
Lastly, you can inspect the thermistor. Just have a look at it. There may be canucks of ice on it, if you have this problem defrost it, because it may result in your GE refrigerator not cooling enough. Also, if the top unit is swollen, then you need to replace it.
FAQ:
Evaporator fans may be the major reason for this problem. If it doesn’t function properly, you will feel that the freezer will be cold, but the fridge will get warm. This fan pushes cold air into the fridge to keep it cool so it’s crucial to check if it blows cold air. If you can’t feel the air when you put your hand close, then it’s time to change the fan or the motor.
Because of the evaporator coils malfunctioning, your fridge will make a lot of noise and won’t cool enough. Open and clean the evaporator coils from blockage. Also, check the fan, if it’s broken you’ll again hear the noise.
One of GE’s popular products is the GE French door refrigerator. It may also face issues with the cooling system. Usually, the evaporator fan malfunction is the reason for this. You might need to melt the ice or even change the fan motor if nothing helps.
If you have looked at the manual, and followed all the instructions step by step but still can’t understand what’s the problem then contact our refrigerator repair service. Rest assured that our specialists will help you in no time.