If you’ve noticed that your GE refrigerator isn’t keeping things cool while the freezer seems to be working correctly, you’re not alone. This common issue can be frustrating and inconvenient.
When your fridge fails to maintain a cool temperature while the freezer compartment remains unaffected, it could indicate various issues such as a malfunctioning evaporator fan, faulty defrost system, or blocked airflow. We’ll discuss these potential culprits, freezer cold, in detail and provide practical steps to diagnose and resolve them effectively. Stay tuned for valuable insights on addressing the “GE refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine” dilemma.
General Electric (GE) boasts some of the most reliable refrigerators on the market. But even so, sometimes the unit fails to cool but freezes just fine, and you wonder why. Is your GE refrigerator not cooling but freezer working?
The reason for a non-cooling GE refrigerator could be as simple as fridge overstuffing, a leaky door, dirty condenser coils, or ice-covered evaporator coils. It could also be in-depth like a failing fan motor, thermistor, start relay, damper control, defrost unit, or temperature control board.
So, it makes sense to start with the simple issues before moving on to the detailed ones, and I will help you maneuver around them.
Remember, it doesn’t matter if you have a GE profile refrigerator that won’t cool or a GE café unit with refrigeration problems, as the causes are almost identical.
The best bit is that most of their fixes aren’t too technical, making them DIY. But still, it’s essential to proceed with caution not to damage your unit further or void its warranty.
Let’s get started!
In a rush? Check out the typical causes of a warm GE refrigerator but cold freezer below.
Quick Troubleshooter for GE Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Working!
Probable Explanation Suggested DIY Fix 1. Fridge Overstuffing Reduce excess food and food containers and adequately clean the fridge before spacing the food load 2. 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 3. Dirty Condenser Coils Clean the condenser coils with a condenser cleaning brush or vacuum cleaner 4. Iced-Up Evaporator Coils Clean off the ice covering with rubbing alcohol 5. Failing Evaporator Fan Motor Replace the evaporator fan motor if the blade won’t turn or is noisy when running 6. Failing Thermistor Test the unit’s thermistor with a multimeter and fit a replacement if it shows no continuity 7. Malfunctioning Start Relay Test the start relay with a multimeter and replace it if it has no continuity 8. Defective Damper Control Remove anything obstructing the damper control but replace it if it’s broken 9. Malfunctioning Defrost Unit Replace the defrost timer or thermostat if it’s faulty 10. Failing Temperature Control Board Replace the temperature control board as your last resort 10 Probable Causes of A GE Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Working!
Your GE refrigerator won’t cool because of one of these reasons:
Simple Reasons for A GE Refrigerator Not Cooling While Freezer Is Working
1. The Fridge Might Be Overstuffed
Your refrigerator may stop cooling if it’s overstuffed with food or food containers.
Let’s start with food. Too much food in the fridge prevents air from circulating correctly throughout the cooling unit. And when it comes to food containers, closely stuffing them blocks the air vents, interfering with proper air circulation.
Sometimes overstuffing the fridge makes cleaning difficult. Subsequently, you could have some grime and dust in the units, further blocking the air vents.
Fix
Don’t overstuff the fridge with food or food containers. Consider reducing the food load if it’s excessive. Start by taking out the foods that are almost expiring and consuming them.
While at it, ensure you clean the fridge properly to eliminate spillages, grime, dust, and everything else that could block the air vents.
And when it comes to rearranging the food and food containers, ensure there’s enough space between them to facilitate maximum ventilation.
2. The Refrigerator Door Might Be Leaky
Three things could go wrong with the refrigerator door, causing it to leak cool air and allow warm air in.
First, your refrigerator door will allow seepage of cold air if it’s not shut correctly. Thus, it’s best to close all the way to retain cool air and prevent warm air from getting in.
Second, the fridge door will leak if the hinge is broken. And third, the door might leak air if the seal/gasket is loose or cracked. So, you also have to inspect it and the hinge.
Fix
Start by checking the fridge door to ensure it closes all the way. If that’s not the case, close it properly.
Meanwhile, check the state of the door hinge and seal and replace the damaged one. But if the latter is loose, fit it tightly into place.
3. Condenser Coils Might Be Dirty
The condenser coils are critical in cooling the fridge. They are, however, unable to do that when dirt-clogged. That’s why GE recommends cleaning them at least every six months.
Fix
When last did you clean the condenser coils? If it has been six months, it’s time you clean them again, and you can do it seamlessly with a refrigerator cleaning brush.
Here’s how to go about it:
Unplug the refrigerator to prevent an electric shock
Take out the back panel covering the condenser coils
Loosen the terminals screws and disconnect the cables
Use the condenser cleaning brush or vacuum cleaner to clean the condenser coil
Put everything back and re-plug the unit
4. Evaporator Coils Might Be Iced-Up
If the condenser coils aren’t dirty, the coils to check are the evaporator coils. Due to either inadequate airflow or a malfunctioning defrost unit, the evaporator coils become iced-up.
Once that happens, the fridge’s temperature increases, causing it to warm up as the freezer remains cold.
Fix
Check the evaporator coils for icing
Start by unplugging the unit
Then take away the rear panel to access the evaporator coils
If they are iced-up, try rubbing off the ice with cotton soaked in rubbing alcohol
Then put everything back before turning on the refrigerator
More Detailed Reasons Why Your GE Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling But Freezer Is Working
5. The Evaporator Fan Motor Might Be Malfunctioning
The evaporator fan motor essentially distributes cool air throughout the refrigerator. So, its malfunctioning means cooling won’t take place.
Remember, if the fan motor is defective, it won’t turn the blades, and if the blade doesn’t turn, then cool air won’t circulate.
Fix
Locate the evaporator fan using your refrigerator’s manual and try to move the evaporator blade manually. That’s after turning off the unit and unplugging it.
If the blade won’t turn freely, even though nothing is blocking it, it’s defective. And if it turns but produces a noise when running, the evaporator fan motor is also highly likely to be faulty. In that case, replace it.
6. Thermistor Might Not Be Working Properly
The control board depends on the thermistor for a signal before regulating the performance of the evaporator fan motor and compressor. The two are essential in cooling the unit.
If the thermistor is not working or malfunctioning, the control board won’t get the correct signal to initiate cooling. So, the fridge will most likely warm up as the freezer stays cold.
Fix
It’s worth checking the condition of the thermistor beforehand. To test it for continuity, you’ll need a multimeter, preferably a digital one.
If there’s no continuity when you touch its terminals with the multimeter, it’s faulty; therefore, replace it.
7. The Start Relay Might Be Faulty
A lot of the failure of the compressor relates to a failing start relay. If the start relay is faulty, the compressor won’t be able to cool the unit. Thus, you should check it as it’s a key player.
Fix
Testing the start relay requires you to check its continuity. If it doesn’t show continuity on a multimeter, then it’s likely to be defective. And if so, then replace it.
8. The Damper Control Could Be Failing
Another possible explanation for a failing GE cooling appliance is a defective damper control. If this air regulator does not open and shut smoothly, it won’t allow enough cool air to remain in the fridge.
So, the refrigerator will most likely warm up as the freezer maintains its cold temperature.
Fix
It’s worth checking the damper control to ensure it’s neither stuck nor cracked. If anything is obstructing it or holding it from opening or closing, remove it. But if it’s damaged, replace it.
9. The Defrost Unit Might Be Malfunctioning
It’s worth checking the defrost heater, thermostat, and defrost timer as they are all critical in defrosting. If there’s no defrosting, the evaporator coils will ice up, which means the fridge will warm up and not cool anything.
A faulty defrost thermostat, for example, shuts down the power supply to the defrost heater, preventing it from melting the ice.
On the other hand, a faulty heater won’t melt the ice as a faulty defrost timer stops the heater from advancing to the defrost cycle.
Fix
Test the defrost thermostat with a multimeter and change it if it has no continuity. Meanwhile, try turning the timer manually to see if it activates the defrost heater. If it doesn’t, replace it.
10. The Temperature Control Board Might Be Failing
Lastly, consider the probability of the temperature control board failing. If it is, then it’s likely to malfunction. It won’t supply the motors or compressor with the voltage they need to cool the unit.
Often, people misdiagnose this component, and that’s why it comes as the last suggestion.
Fix
Consider replacing the temperature control board as the last option. That’s after ruling out all the above nine possibilities. If you are hesitant, talk to a fridge expert near you. You can also contact GE, more so if your unit is pretty new.
People Also Ask
1. What Do I Do If My GE Refrigerator Is Not Cooling?
It’s essential to check the fridge door to ensure it’s not leaking air when your refrigerator is not cooling. Also, ensure you haven’t overstuffed the unit and that the evaporator coils are neither dusty nor are the evaporator coils iced up.
2. Why Is My Fridge Not Cold But Freezer Is Working?
Your fridge is not cold while the freezer is working because the evaporator coils might be ice up, condenser coils might be dirty, or the refrigerator could be overstuffed. If not, there could be an issue with a thermistor, start relay, or thermostat.
3. Why Is My GE French Door Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Is Fine?
If your GE French door refrigerator is not cooling, but the freezer is OK, check the door to ensure it’s not leaking air. Other possibilities include dirty condenser coils, ice-covered evaporator coils, overstuffing, or faulty fan motor.
Closing Thoughts On GE Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Working!
The above discussion clearly shows an underlying reason behind your warm GE refrigerator. In general, it’s sensible to start with the obvious culprits, such as dirty condenser coils, ice-covered evaporator coils, leaky doors, and fridge overstuffing.
Once you rule out the four, check the fan motor, thermistor, start relay, damper control, defrost unit, and temperature control board for faults.
Also Read:
Understanding GE Refrigerator Cooling Issues
Condenser Coil Maintenance
The GE refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine issue could be due to dirty condenser coils. Over time, these coils can accumulate dust and debris, hindering the refrigerator’s cooling efficiency. To address this, it’s crucial to regularly clean the condenser coils using a vacuum or brush. By ensuring proper airflow around the coils, you can optimize the refrigerator’s cooling performance.
If left unattended, dirt buildup on the condenser coils can lead to inadequate heat dissipation, causing the refrigerator section to lose its cooling capacity while leaving the freezer unaffected.
Evaporator Fan Function
Another potential cause of a GE refrigerator not cooling properly is a malfunctioning evaporator fan. This component plays a vital role in circulating cold air throughout the refrigerator compartment. It’s essential to check if the evaporator fan is running smoothly and quietly. Any unusual noise or lack of movement could indicate that the fan needs attention.
A faulty evaporator fan can disrupt proper airflow within the appliance, resulting in an imbalance between temperature zones and inadequate refrigeration in certain areas.
Thermistor Role
The thermistor in your GE refrigerator monitors internal temperatures and sends signals to regulate cooling cycles through its control board. If there are issues with this component, it may inaccurately assess temperature levels within different sections of your fridge.
To troubleshoot this problem effectively, testing the thermistor’s resistance using a multimeter is necessary for obtaining accurate readings about its functionality.
Damper Control Assessment
The damper control system regulates airflow between your GE refrigerator’s freezer and main compartments by opening and closing as needed. A malfunctioning damper control mechanism might disrupt temperature balance inside your appliance by impeding proper air circulation between both sections.
Troubleshooting the Evaporator Fan Motor
Identifying Motor Failures
Refrigerators rely on various components like fans and compressors to cool effectively. If your GE refrigerator isn’t cooling but the freezer is fine, it could indicate a problem with the evaporator fan motor. Listen for unusual noises or vibrations coming from the refrigerator, as these may signal motor failure. Using a multimeter to check for continuity and proper functioning can help identify issues with the motors in your fridge.
If you notice any irregular sounds or vibrations emanating from your GE refrigerator, it’s crucial to inspect its internal components promptly. Unusual noises often point towards underlying problems within refrigerators, which can impact their ability to cool properly. By using a multimeter, you can assess whether there are any disruptions in the electrical continuity of key components such as fans and compressors.
Testing Fan Operation
Ensuring that both the evaporator and condenser fans are operating correctly is essential when troubleshooting cooling issues in your GE refrigerator. These fans play critical roles in regulating temperature within the appliance. Check if they are spinning at appropriate speeds by observing their movement carefully.
When assessing fan operation in your GE refrigerator, pay close attention to how smoothly and consistently they spin. Malfunctioning fans can significantly impede proper cooling inside refrigerators, leading to inadequate temperature regulation across different compartments of the appliance.
Addressing Overloading in the Refrigerator Compartment
Airflow Restriction
When a refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is fine, it could be due to an airflow restriction within the refrigerator compartment. Check for any obstructions that might be blocking the vents, air ducts, or filters. These blockages can impede proper airflow and affect the cooling performance of the refrigerator. It’s crucial to ensure that there are no clogs preventing air from circulating efficiently inside the appliance.
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining optimal temperatures in both the fridge and freezer sections. Any hindrance to this airflow can lead to inadequate cooling in the refrigerator despite normal functioning of the freezer section. Therefore, inspecting and clearing any potential obstructions within these areas is vital for resolving issues related to uneven cooling performance.
Proper Storage Practices
Another aspect to consider when addressing a ge refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine issue is how food items are stored inside it. Overpacking shelves with food items can disrupt proper air circulation within the refrigerator compartment, leading to insufficient cooling. Organize your items strategically so they don’t block vents or obstruct fan operation.
Investigating the Impact of a Faulty Thermistor
Temperature Regulation
When your GE refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is fine, it’s crucial to check the temperature settings. Ensure that both the refrigerator and freezer controls are set at appropriate levels for optimal cooling. Incorrect temperature settings can lead to cooling issues. If the temperatures are too high in the refrigerator compartment, it may result in inadequate cooling.
Continuously monitor and adjust the temperature settings on both compartments to maintain an ideal balance between them. This will help prevent one section from affecting the other adversely. For instance, if there’s a significant disparity in temperatures between the two compartments, it could indicate a problem with airflow or a malfunctioning component.
It’s important to note that overloading in either compartment can also impact overall refrigeration performance by obstructing proper airflow circulation within these spaces.
Continuity Tests
To identify any faulty parts impacting cooling performance, use a multimeter to perform continuity tests on various electrical components such as thermostats, defrost heaters, fans, and particularly on thermistors. A faulty thermistor can disrupt temperature regulation inside your GE refrigerator.
By conducting continuity tests on these components using a multimeter, you can determine whether they are functioning properly or if they require replacement. If any of these components fail the continuity test, replacing them could potentially resolve issues related to insufficient cooling in your GE refrigerator while ensuring that its freezer continues operating effectively.
Performing regular checks and maintenance on these electrical components helps ensure their efficient operation while preventing potential malfunctions that could compromise refrigeration performance.
Frosted Evaporator Coils and Cooling Problems
Manual Defrosting
If your GE refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is fine, it could be due to frosted evaporator coils. One way to address this issue is by manually defrosting the freezer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe defrosting. Excessive ice buildup can obstruct airflow and reduce cooling efficiency, leading to temperature imbalances in different compartments.
To manually defrost the freezer compartment, start by removing all food items and placing them in a cooler with ice packs or another freezer if available. Turn off the refrigerator and leave the freezer door open to allow the ice to melt naturally. Avoid using sharp objects to chip away at the ice as this can damage the evaporator coils or other components.
After thoroughly defrosting, clean up any water that has accumulated in the bottom of the freezer before turning it back on. Once you’ve completed these steps, monitor whether there are improvements in cooling performance over time.
Checking Defrost Components
Another crucial step in addressing a GE refrigerator not cooling properly while maintaining a well-functioning freezer involves checking various defrost components for functionality. These include elements such as the defrost heater, thermostat, and timer which play vital roles in regulating frost buildup within your appliance.
Using a multimeter, test each component individually to ensure they are working correctly. A faulty defrost heater may fail to melt excessive frost accumulation on evaporator coils efficiently while an inaccurate thermostat reading might disrupt normal cooling cycles.
Inspect these components carefully for signs of wear or damage such as frayed wires or burnt-out heating elements that indicate potential malfunctions.
The Defrost System’s Role in Refrigerator Performance
Timer Functionality
The defrost timer plays a crucial role in regulating the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. If it malfunctions, it can disrupt the proper cooling and defrosting process. To check if the timer is functioning correctly, you can manually advance it through its cycle. Should you notice any irregularities or inconsistencies, such as prolonged periods between cycles, this could indicate an issue with the timer.
A malfunctioning defrost timer may cause inadequate cooling in the refrigerator while keeping the freezer at optimal temperature. This disparity results from frost buildup on the evaporator coils due to infrequent or incomplete defrost cycles initiated by a faulty timer.
Defrost Heater Operation
Another essential component of the defrost system is the defrost heater, responsible for melting frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils during each defrost cycle. It’s imperative to ensure that this heater is heating up as expected during operation. Using a multimeter, you can check for continuity in the heater element to verify its functionality.
If you find that your refrigerator’s freezer remains cold but not cooling, a defective or non-functioning defrost heater could be one of several culprits behind this issue. In such cases, despite maintaining freezing temperatures in your freezer compartment, insufficient heat transfer occurs due to frost accumulation on the evaporator coils within your fridge section.
Diagnosing Damper Control Assembly Issues
Airflow Regulation
Proper airflow is essential for keeping your refrigerator cool. If the air vents and ducts are blocked, the fridge may not cool properly. Check these areas to ensure they are clear of any obstructions that could hinder airflow. A simple blockage can disrupt the entire cooling process in your refrigerator.
A common issue with refrigerators is a build-up of ice or debris in the air vents or ducts, which can restrict airflow. Imagine if you were trying to breathe through a straw with something blocking it – it’s similar for your refrigerator! Clearing any blockages will allow cold air to circulate freely throughout the appliance, ensuring everything stays nice and cool.
Another thing to consider is how often you open and close the fridge doors. Every time you do this, warm air enters, affecting the internal temperature. Proper airflow helps counteract this by distributing cold air evenly throughout all compartments.
Damper Position Checks
The damper control assembly plays a crucial role in regulating temperature balance between different sections of your refrigerator. It controls how much cold air from the freezer is allowed into the fresh food compartment.
If there’s an issue with improper damper position, it can lead to uneven cooling within your appliance. This means while one section might be too warm, another could be excessively cold due to incorrect distribution of cold air.
Observing whether the damper opens and closes at appropriate times is key here; if not functioning correctly, it can result in temperature imbalances within your fridge. Ensuring smooth operation of this mechanism will help maintain consistent temperatures throughout both compartments.
Recognizing Defrost System Failures
Symptoms of Malfunction
When a GE refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is fine, there are specific symptoms to watch out for. The most common sign is a warm refrigerator compartment despite the freezer working correctly. You might notice excessive ice buildup in the freezer due to the defrost system failure. Unusual noises coming from the refrigerator and inconsistent temperature control can also indicate an issue with the defrost system. These symptoms are crucial indicators that something is amiss with your appliance.
Identifying these symptoms early on can be pivotal in pinpointing the cause of your GE refrigerator’s cooling problem. By paying attention to these signs, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot and address any issues effectively.
Troubleshooting Steps
To resolve a GE refrigerator not cooling issue while ensuring that the freezer continues functioning properly, it’s essential to follow a systematic approach when troubleshooting. Begin by checking fundamental elements such as power supply and temperature settings before delving into more specific parts.
Start by verifying if your fridge has an adequate power supply and that it’s receiving electricity as required. Next, ensure that both compartments’ temperature settings are appropriate for normal operation; this ensures they’re not set too high or low inadvertently causing cooling issues.
After confirming these basic factors, progress towards inspecting more specific components like the evaporator fan motor, condenser coils, and thermostat among others. Testing each part systematically will help you identify any underlying problems accurately.
Evaporator Coils Frosting and Its Consequences
Visual Inspection
When your GE refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is fine, start by conducting a thorough visual inspection of both the interior and exterior. Look for any visible damage, loose connections, or signs of wear. Pay close attention to the evaporator coils located behind the back panel of the freezer compartment. These coils play a crucial role in cooling your refrigerator.
Visual cues can provide valuable insights into potential cooling issues. If you notice excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coils, it could indicate a problem with the defrost system. Frost accumulation prevents efficient heat transfer between the refrigerant and the air inside your refrigerator, leading to inadequate cooling.
Inspecting other components such as the condenser fan, compressor, and door seals is also essential during this process. Any malfunction or damage to these parts can contribute to cooling problems in your GE refrigerator.
Preventative Measures
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your GE refrigerator is vital to prevent cooling problems caused by frosted evaporator coils. Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance tasks like coil cleaning and defrosting to ensure optimal performance.
Implement good storage practices to ensure proper airflow and cooling efficiency within your fridge. Avoid overloading shelves or blocking air vents with food items as this can disrupt airflow circulation across all sections of your refrigerator.
Make sure that there’s adequate space around your GE refrigerator for proper ventilation. Dust and debris accumulation around its external components like condenser coils can hinder heat dissipation, affecting overall cooling performance.
Summary
You’ve now got the lowdown on why your GE refrigerator might not be cooling as it should. From troubleshooting the evaporator fan motor to understanding the consequences of frosted evaporator coils, you’ve delved into the nitty-gritty of potential issues. Don’t let these problems leave you hot under the collar – armed with this knowledge, you can take action to diagnose and address the cooling woes of your refrigerator.
Got a fridge that’s not cooling? Time to put on your detective hat and get to the bottom of it. Armed with the insights from this guide, you’re ready to tackle the issue head-on and bring cool, crisp air back into your refrigerator. Get to work and say goodbye to lukewarm fridges for good!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my GE refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is fine? ///
When your GE refrigerator isn’t cooling but the freezer works, it could be due to issues with the evaporator fan motor, a faulty thermistor, or frosted evaporator coils. These components play crucial roles in maintaining proper temperature balance within the appliance.
How can I troubleshoot the evaporator fan motor?
If your GE refrigerator’s evaporator fan motor malfunctions, it can lead to cooling problems. Check for any obstructions that may be hindering its operation and listen for unusual noises coming from the fan. Ensure that the fan blades are not damaged or obstructed.
What should I do about frosted evaporator coils causing cooling problems?
Frosted evaporator coils can impede proper airflow and cause cooling issues in your GE refrigerator. To address this problem, you’ll need to defrost the coils manually and then investigate potential causes such as a malfunctioning defrost system or a faulty thermistor.
How does overloading in the refrigerator compartment affect cooling performance, freezer cold, refrigerant, access?
Overloading your GE refrigerator’s compartments can restrict airflow and prevent efficient circulation of cold air. This can result in uneven temperature distribution and inadequate cooling throughout the appliance. It’s important to maintain balanced loads to optimize refrigeration performance.
What role does the defrost system, freezer cold, and refrigerant play in my refrigerator’s performance?
The defrost system is critical for preventing frost buildup on your GE refrigerator’s evaporator coils. If this system fails, it can lead to excessive frosting, which hampers proper heat exchange and compromises overall cooling efficiency within the appliance.
