Common replacement parts for GE upright freezers
- Control panel. The control panel houses the selection buttons and the display for the freezer. The control panel connects to the electronic control board through a wire cable that communicates button presses and display functions.
- Electronic control board. The freezer electronic control board controls the major electro-mechanical components in the freezer. When the electronic control board senses the compressor needs to run to cool the freezer, it sends voltage to the compressor and fans. It then receives input from temperature sensors to monitor the temperatures inside the freezer. With this information, the electronic control board controls the defrost cycle.
- Defrost heater. This heating element is mounted on the evaporator. When the electronic control board activates the automatic defrost system, this heater melts the frost and ice off the evaporator fins to increase the heat-exchange efficiency during the normal cooling process.
- Overload/PTC relay. The overload/PTC relay starts the compressor motor. It has 2 components: an overload protector that trips when the compressor motor overheats or locks up, and a relay. The relay manages the start-up of the compressor and keeps the compressor running until the compressor cycles off.
Troubleshooting your GE upright freezer when it won't run
If the freezer has electrical power-the inside light turns on-but the compressor won't run, a failed cold control thermostat could be the problem. If your freezer has electronic controls instead of a dial, a failed relay on the electronic control board or a bad control panel can prevent the compressor from getting power.
If the compressor is getting power from the cold control thermostat or the electronic control board, a failed start relay on the compressor may be keeping the compressor from running. Replace the compressor start relay if it doesn't start the compressor.
If you hear the compressor clicking constantly about every 30 seconds but the compressor motor won't run, the compressor pump may be locked up. The clicking noise is caused by the overload tripping when the motor overheats because it can't spin the locked up compressor pump. Replace the compressor if it won't run when activated. A service technician will need to replace the compressor if it's bad because that repair requires recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.
When you need GE service to fix an appliance problem, schedule your repair though Sears Home Services. We fix GE appliances fast.