GE Frost-Free Refrigerator

The "over and under" (aka top-freezer refrigerator) as opposed to "side by side" refrigerators discussed in this section will have the evaporator cooling coils located bottom of the freezer section and the condensor coils will be located underneath the refrigerator. The refrigerant gas-filled components such as the condensor coils and the evaporator coils will be discussed to understand the theory of refrigeration but no repair information will be provided for them. Repair information will be provided for the electrical components where most of the failures occur.

GE also manufactures refrigerators sold under the Penneys brand names. Many of the electrical components in a General Electric refrigerator are interchangeable with those in a Whirlpool refrigerator. For example the defrost timers and thermostats and the condensor fan motors are frequently interchangeable. Defrost heaters are never interchangeable between brands. As a consequence, the "Proper Operation" section will be generic for all brands and many of the repair procedures will be generic to all brands.

Cleaning Condensor Coils

Cleaning condensor coils is a form of problem prevention and therefore will not be covered in the Problem Diagnostic section.

Problem Diagnostics

Most of the problems a refrigerator will experience over its life span are common and are caused by just a few of its functional (ie. operating) components. Once the actual symptom is confirmed, narrowing down the possible culprits and then replacing the failed one is often all that is needed to correct the malfunction. Even very old appliances may only require a simple repair to keep them operational for years to come.

Warming Up (Abnormal Cooling)

The condensor fan may not be carrying the heat away from the condensor coils
The evaporator fan may not be carrying cold air away from the evaporator coils
The condensate drain may be blocked and water is collecting in the bottom of the refrigerator section.
The defrost system is not working right and the evaporator coils are filled with frost.

Cooling OK but Hear Strange Noise

If a screaching sound is coming from the back of the freezer section, the evaporator fan bearing may be starting to sieze.
If a clattering sound is coming from underneath, a piece of paper may be stuck in the condensor fan.