GE Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Working? (10 Fixes!)
General Electric (GE) is renowned for manufacturing highly reliable refrigerators. However, there are instances when your GE refrigerator may fail to cool properly while the freezer continues to function normally. In such cases, you may wonder about the underlying cause.
There are several potential reasons for a GE refrigerator not cooling but the freezer working. Some simple explanations include overstuffing the fridge, a faulty door seal, dirty condenser coils, or ice buildup on the evaporator coils. Alternatively, more complex issues may be at play, such as a malfunctioning fan motor, thermistor, start relay, damper control, defrost unit, or temperature control board.
It is advisable to start troubleshooting with the simpler issues before delving into the more complex ones. In this article, I will guide you through the process.
Whether you own a GE Profile refrigerator experiencing cooling problems or a GE Café unit with similar issues, the underlying causes are typically the same.
The best part is that most of these issues can be resolved without advanced technical knowledge, allowing for DIY solutions. However, it is important to proceed with caution to avoid causing further damage to your unit or voiding its warranty.
Let’s begin troubleshooting!
Quick Troubleshooting
| Probable Explanation | Suggested DIY Fix |
| Fridge Overstuffing | Reduce excess food and food containers and adequately clean the fridge before spacing the food load |
| Leaky Refrigerator Door | Close the fridge door properly if that’s not the case or replace the door hinge or seal if any is faulty |
| Dirty Condenser Coils | Clean the condenser coils with a condenser cleaning brush or vacuum cleaner |
| Iced-Up Evaporator Coils | Clean off the ice covering with rubbing alcohol |
| Failing Evaporator Fan Motor | Replace the evaporator fan motor if the blade won’t turn or is noisy when running |
| Failing Thermistor | Test the unit’s thermistor with a multimeter and fit a replacement if it shows no continuity |
| Malfunctioning Start Relay | Test the start relay with a multimeter and replace it if it has no continuity |
| Defective Damper Control | Remove anything obstructing the damper control but replace it if it’s broken |
| Malfunctioning Defrost Unit | Replace the defrost timer or thermostat if it’s faulty |
| Failing Temperature Control Board | Replace the temperature control board as your last resort |
Possible Causes of a GE Refrigerator Not Cooling While Freezer Works
There are several potential reasons why your GE refrigerator may not be cooling properly while the freezer continues to function:
Simple Reasons for GE Refrigerator Not Cooling While Freezer Works:
Overstuffing
If the fridge is overstuffed with food or containers, it can hinder proper airflow and prevent effective cooling. Additionally, grime and dust buildup from lack of cleaning can block air vents.
Fix: Avoid overstuffing the fridge and create adequate space for proper air circulation. Clean the fridge regularly to remove any blockages or debris.
Leaky Refrigerator Door
A refrigerator door that is not fully closed or has a loose or cracked seal can allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter.
Fix: Ensure the door is tightly closed. Check the condition of the door hinge and seal, and replace any damaged components.
Dirty Condenser Coils
If the condenser coils are dirty, they can’t effectively cool the fridge. Regular cleaning is recommended by GE every six months.
Fix: Unplug the refrigerator and access the condenser coils by removing the back panel. Clean the coils using a refrigerator cleaning brush or vacuum cleaner. Reassemble and plug in the unit.
Iced-Up Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator coils are iced up due to inadequate airflow or a malfunctioning defrost unit, the fridge temperature will rise while the freezer remains cold.
Fix: Unplug the unit and remove the rear panel to access the evaporator coils. If iced up, carefully remove the ice using a cotton cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Reassemble and turn on the refrigerator.
More Detailed Reasons for GE Refrigerator Not Cooling While Freezer Works
Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor circulates cool air throughout the refrigerator. If it is faulty, cooling won’t occur.
Fix: Refer to the refrigerator’s manual to locate the evaporator fan. Attempt to manually turn the blades after disconnecting the power. If the blades don’t turn freely or produce unusual noise, replace the evaporator fan motor.
Faulty Thermistor
The thermistor provides a signal to the control board, regulating the performance of the evaporator fan motor and compressor. A malfunctioning thermistor can disrupt the cooling process.
Fix: Test the thermistor’s continuity using a digital multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the thermistor.
Faulty Start Relay
A failing start relay can cause compressor failure, resulting in inadequate cooling.
Fix: Test the start relay for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the start relay.
Damaged Damper Control
A defective damper control can restrict airflow, leading to insufficient cooling in the fridge compartment.
Fix: Check the damper control for any obstructions or damage. Remove any blockages and replace the control if necessary.
Malfunctioning Defrost Unit
The defrost heater, thermostat, and timer are essential for proper defrosting. If they malfunction, the evaporator coils can ice up, causing inadequate cooling in the fridge.
Fix: Test the defrost thermostat for continuity and replace if necessary. Manually turn the defrost timer to check if it activates the defrost heater. If not, replace the timer.
Failing Temperature Control Board
A malfunctioning temperature control board can result in insufficient voltage supply to the motors and compressor, leading to poor cooling performance.
Fix: Consider replacing the temperature control board if all other possibilities have been ruled out. Consult a refrigerator expert or contact GE for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my GE refrigerator is not cooling?
When your GE refrigerator is not cooling, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure that the fridge door is not leaking air. Additionally, check if you have overfilled the refrigerator or if the evaporator coils are dusty or iced up.
Why is my fridge not cold but the freezer is working?
If your fridge is not cold while the freezer is functioning properly, there are a few potential causes. It could be due to ice buildup on the evaporator coils, dirt on the condenser coils, or if the refrigerator is overfilled. Alternatively, there may be an issue with the thermistor, start relay, or thermostat.
Why is my GE French door refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is fine?
If your GE French door refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is working fine, check the door to ensure there are no air leaks. Other possible reasons include dirty condenser coils, ice-covered evaporator coils, overfilled storage, or a faulty fan motor.
Closing Remarks
Based on the facts discussed above, there are several potential reasons why your GE refrigerator is not cooling properly. It is recommended to start by examining the common culprits such as dirty condenser coils, ice-covered evaporator coils, leaky doors, and overfilled storage.
Once you have ruled out these factors, inspect the fan motor, thermistor, start relay, damper control, defrost unit, and temperature control board for any faults.
