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GE Profile refrigerator burning smell
Common reasons your GE Profile refrigerator has a burning smell
The most common reasons your GE Profile refrigerator has a burning smell are a broken defrost heater, defective electronic control board or a worn compressor motor bearing.
64% of the time it's the Defrost Heater
13% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
7% of the time it's the Compressor Motor Bearing
16% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE Profile refrigerator
Defrost Heater Replacement
A broken refrigerator defrost heater leads to the accumulation of frost or ice on the evaporator coils, reducing cooling efficiency. This buildup results from the defrost heater's inability to melt the frost during the designated defrost cycles. A defective defrost heater also causes elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Moreover, a defective defrost heater may overheat, scorching accumulated frost or ice, resulting in a burning odor. Additionally, the defrost cycle may become less effective, contributing to persistent frost buildup and potentially causing more severe issues with the refrigerator's cooling system over time.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Compressor Motor Bearing Replacement
If the compressor motor bearing is worn, you may notice an increase in noise during the compressor's operation, such as grinding or squealing sounds, indicating friction and wear on the bearing. Additionally, there may be a burning smell caused by the friction. You might also hear intermittent buzzing or humming noise, especially when the compressor starts or stops. Over time, a worn bearing can lead to the compressor seizing. It's important to have a Sears Home Services professional address these symptoms promptly to prevent further damage to the compressor and ensure the optimal functioning of the refrigerator.
What to expect when you experience a GE Profile refrigerator burning smell issue
How is the burning smell problem fixed?
Correcting most burning smell problems usually involves replacing the defrost heater, electronic control board or compressor motor bearing. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator burning smell
When the refrigerator has a burning smell it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator burning smell diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.