GEAppliances UseandCareGuide, Use And Care Manual

QUESTIONS?

USE THIS PROBLEM SOLVER

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

REFRIGERATOR

• May be in defrost cycle when motor does not operate for about 30 minutes.

DOES NOT OPERATE

• Temperature control set at OFF 

position.

• If interior light is not on, refrigerator may not be plugged in at wall outlet.
• If plug is secure and the refrigerator still fails to operate, plug a lamp or a small

appliance into the same outlet to determine if there is a tripped circuit breaker or
burned out fuse.

MOTOR OPERATES

• Normal when refrigerator is first delivered to your home—usually requires 24 

FOR LONG PERIODS

hours to completely cool down.

• Large amounts of food placed in refrigerator to be cooled or frozen.
• Hot weather—frequent door openings.
• Door left open.
• Temperature control is set too cold. Refer to instructions for 

use of the Temperature Control.

MOTOR STARTS &

• Temperature control starts and stops motor to maintain even temperatures.

STOPS FREQUENTLY

VIBRATION OR

• If refrigerator vibrates, more than likely it is not resting solidly on the 

RATTLING

floor and front leveling legs need adjusting or floor is weak or uneven. 
Refer to Leveling Legs.

• If dishes vibrate on shelves, try moving them. Slight vibration is normal.

FRESH FOOD OR

• Temperature control not set cold enough. Refer to Temperature Control.

FREEZER COMPARTMENT

• Warm weather—frequent door openings.

TEMPERATURE TOO

• Door left open for long time.

WARM

• Package may be holding door open.

NORMAL OPERATING SOUNDS

These sounds are normal and do not indicate a need for service.
The new high efficiency compressor runs faster and will have a higher 
pitch hum or pulsating sound while operating.
Defrost timer and refrigerator control clicks on and off.
The fan circulating air inside the freezer which keeps the 
temperatures throughout.
Water dropping on the defrost heater causing a 
sizzling, hissing or popping sound during the defrost cycle.
The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling 
coil sounds like boiling water or a gurgling noise.
Cracking or popping of cooling coils caused by expansion 
and contraction during defrost and refrigeration following defrost.
Water dripping as it melts from the evaporator 
and flows to the drain pan during the defrost cycle.

Reversing the Door Swing

Pr
oblem Solver

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