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GE Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
Common reasons your GE Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
The most common reasons why your GE refrigerator freezer is not working but the fridge is fine are a defective thermistor, defective PCB (printed circuit board) or a bad compressor start relay.
21% of the time it's the Thermistor
20% of the time it's the PCB
11% of the time it's the Compressor Start Relay
48% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE refrigerator
Thermistor Replacement
For a GE refrigerator freezer not working but the fridge is working fine, a bad thermistor (temperature sensor) could be causing the cooling problem. The thermistor senses temperature inside the refrigerator compartment and sends the temperature signal to the electronic control board. The electronic control turns the compressor on and off to regulate freezer temperature based on the thermistor temperature signal. An errant temperature signal can prevent the control board from regulating refrigerator and freezer temperature accurately.
PCB Replacement
When your freezer is not working but the fridge is cooling, a defective PCB (also called the electronic control board) can be causing the problem. The electronic control board acts as the refrigerator's central control system, managing critical functions such as temperature regulation, fan operation, defrost cycles, icemaker functionality, and dispenser operations. When the board malfunctions, it can keep the freezer section from cooling properly even though the refrigerator section is cooling well. It's best to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to determine if replacement is warranted. If the control board is preventing the refrigerator freezer from cooling even though the refrigerator section is cooling properly, the technician will replace the electronic control board.
Compressor Start Relay Replacement
When you hear fans running in your refrigerator but the compressor isn’t turning on, a bad compressor start relay could be preventing the compressor from starting. The compressor start relay sends current to the motor start windings to boost motor torque to start the motor, and to the motor run windings. Once the motor starts, the relay continues to send current to the run windings, but cuts off current to the start windings. A defective start relay won't send current to the start windings, run windings or both. The start relay includes an overload component that shuts off all current to the motor if the motor overheats. A defective overload trips when the motor isn't overheated, preventing the motor from starting and inhibiting freezer cooling. Have a Sears Home Services technician check the compressor start relay and replace the relay if it’s bad.
What to expect when you experience a GE refrigerator freezer not working but the fridge is cooling
Fixing a GE refrigerator freezer that is not working but the fridge is cooling
Fixing most problems with a refrigerator that is not working but the fridge is cooling involves replacing a defective thermistor, faulty PCB or a bad compressor start relay. Other problems that can cause cooling problems in the freezer include:
- Failed evaporator fan.
- Dirty condenser coils.
- Bad condenser fan motor.
- Faulty automatic defrost system.
- Air leaks into the freezer.
Several other issues can prevent the freezer from working even though the refrigerator sections is cool. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for troubleshooting cooling problems in your refrigerator. If you’re unable to find the cause of the problem on your own and get your refrigerator freezer cooling properly again, schedule refrigerator repair service to have our technician fix the issue.
What to do when you find the freezer not working even though the refrigerator is cool
Check the refrigerator temperature settings and adjust the settings if necessary. The freezer should be set at 0-degrees and the fridge temperature at 37-degrees. Adjust the temperature settings if necessary so the fridge and freezer cool properly. Follow the troubleshooting tips in the owner’s manual to resolve the freezer not working problem. If the basic troubleshooting tips in the manual don’t help resolve the cooling problem, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and repair the fridge.
What to expect with a refrigerator that is cold but the freezer is not freezing
When you have a service technician visit your home to fix a refrigerator with the freezer not working even though the fridge is cooling, the technician will first check basic issues such as the temperature settings and condition of the condenser coils and fans. The technician will typically measure actual refrigerator and freezer compartment temperatures and may take readings on sealed system pressures. After thorough analysis of the condition of your fridge and testing of components, the technician will determine the cause of the freezer cooling failure and fix the problem.
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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.