GE Freestanding freezer Parts — Browse All Models

Troubleshooting your GE freestanding freezer when it isn't cooling properly

If you hear the compressor running but the freezer doesn't cool, a sealed system problem such as a refrigerant leak or a failed compressor pump may be causing the problem. A service technician will need to fix a sealed system failure because the repair involves the recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.

If the freezer cools but doesn't cool down to 0 degrees, a failed thermistor may be inaccurately detecting freezer temperature or the electronic control board in the freezer may be inaccurately detecting the thermistor signal. Using the freezer's tech sheet as a guide, unplug the freezer and check the resistance of the thermistor using a multimeter. Replace the thermistor if its resistance differs from its expected resistance. If thermistor resistance is okay, check the resistance of the thermistor circuit from the wires that connect the thermistor circuit to the electronic control board. If you measure the same resistance through the wires that connect to the control board as you measured directly at the thermistor, then you'll need to replace the electronic control board because it isn't accurately detecting the thermistor signal. If the thermistor circuit resistance differs from the thermistor resistance, then a wiring failure in the thermistor circuit is interfering with the thermistor signal going to the control board. Find and repair the bad wiring. If your freezer uses a dial control, the cold control thermostat may not be sensing and controlling freezer temperature properly.

What to do when the high-temperature alarm sounds on your GE freezer

The high-temperature alarm sounds when the temperature inside the freezer rises 15 degrees above the set temperature so that you can fix the cooling problem and prevent food spoilage. (The exact temperature rise that triggers the alarm varies by model.)

When you hear the alarm, check the freezer electrical outlet for power because the control uses a battery as back-up power to sound the alarm (on most models) when the outlet power fails. Restore power to the freezer by resetting the house circuit breaker for the electrical outlet and the freezer will resume cooling if a power failure caused the alarm.

If the alarm goes off and you hear the compressor running, a sealed system problem such as a refrigerant leak or a failed compressor pump may be causing the problem. Have a service technician examine the freezer if you suspect a sealed system failure. A service technician will need to diagnose and fix a sealed system failure because the repair involves the recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.