You open your GE freezer only to find that the food is not getting frozen cold. No matter how old or new your unit is, there could be a few causes affecting the freezing mechanism of your GE freezer.
If you are experiencing this issue and want to learn more about possible causes, keep reading for an in-depth guide on troubleshooting your GE freezer that isn’t freezing.
We will also present and explain the best methods of fixing your freezer once you’ve detected the root issue.
Why is your GE freezer not freezing?
If your GE freezer isn’t freezing correctly (or at all), it won’t be safe to store more food in it until you’ve solved the issue.
However, to get to the root cause, you must complete a troubleshooting process first – and our list of potential issues will make this process much easier.
1. Frost over the evaporator coils
If your GE freezer isn’t freezing correctly, it could be that there’s frost over the evaporator coils. When this happens, air can’t circulate properly, which will stop the freezer from keeping things cold.
The role of the evaporator coils is to circulate coolant through the freezer to cause it to freeze. The circulation stops when they get covered with frost, and so does freezing.
To fix this problem, you’ll need to defrost those coils by turning off your freezer, removing all the food inside, and thawing out the ice.
2. Condenser fan motor issue
Another possibility is that there is an issue with the condenser fan motor. If the condenser fan motor fails, it will stop turning and, therefore, will prevent the freezer from freezing.
The condenser fan motor is part of the refrigerator’s cooling system and is essential for transferring heat from the inside of your fridge to the outside. If it does not work correctly, your food will go bad faster than usual.
3. Start relay issue
If there is a problem with the start relay of your freezer, it can make the freezer stop freezing. The sole purpose of the start relay is to start the compressor, the part of your freezer that does the freezing.
If you have a problem with your start relay, it can cause your freezer not to freeze correctly or even completely stop working.
The most common symptom of a bad start relay is that the freezer will not keep cold after being unplugged for a few days.
This is because the start relay is needed to reset the electrical system’s timer, which controls when your compressor comes on.
Suppose you have noticed that your freezer no longer monitors for higher or lower temperatures and automatically turns off when these readings are encountered. In that case, this may indicate a problem with your start relay.
Other symptoms of a bad start relay include an inability to cool, a compressor that frequently shuts off before being able to cool the temperature of your freezer back down to where it should be, and an inability of your freezer to maintain cold temperatures.
4. Dirty or clogged condenser coils
Frost isn’t the only problem that can occur with condenser coils. If they’re dirty or clogged in any way, it can cause the freezer to stop freezing food or damage the evaporator coils in the bottom of the freezer.
To prevent these problems, it is recommended to give your freezer a regular cleaning every six months.
You should also check to ensure that there’s nothing blocking airflow into and out of your freezer, like objects that may have been left on the floor or blocking vents. If there’s no airflow into your fridge or freezer, it can’t properly cool or freeze food items.
Making sure that your condenser coils are clean and clog-free is one of the most important things you can do to keep your GE freezer functioning well over time.
5. Thermostat issue
The temperature control thermostat regulates the temperature in your GE freezer.
It ensures that food is frozen and safe to eat while preserving the life of your food-store freezer.
However, a faulty thermostat can cause problems, such as freezing issues or a complete shutdown of operation.
If you notice that your freezer’s temperature control thermostat isn’t working correctly, it might be time to call a repairer and replace it.
If your temperature control thermostat is not functioning correctly, you will likely see several warning signs, including:
- Freezing issues: If your freezer is not freezing your food correctly, especially ice cream, it could indicate a faulty thermostat. This can mean that the freezer isn’t getting cold enough or that its temperature is fluctuating, causing problems for your frozen foods.
- Complete shutdowns: If your freezer isn’t freezing correctly and you notice it is shutting itself off entirely, the problem might be related to the temperature control thermostat.
How to fix a GE freezer not freezing
If your GE freezer has a temperature control issue and the food isn’t cold enough, it is necessary to act fast and detect the core issue.
Here’s how you can fix your GE freezer or the GE refrigerator freezer compartment and ensure optimal freezer temperature.
1. Defrost the evaporator coils
If you’re dealing with frost over the evaporator coils, it is time to defrost them. This process is relatively straightforward and can be accomplished using three common tools.
The first tool you will need is a hairdryer. Make sure that when using the hairdryer, you do not place it directly inside the freezer.
For safety, place a towel around the opening to prevent any moisture from getting into the electrical system of your freezer.
While using the hair dryer to defrost your coils, keep moving them back and forth over them until the ice has completely melted away.
The second tool that you will need is a handheld plastic scraper. This tool will help you eliminate stubborn chunks of ice that may remain after using the hairdryer.
Simply scrape away at the ice until it is completely gone, and then wipe down your coils with a clean towel to remove any excess moisture left behind.
Lastly, you will need some warm water and a sponge to complete the defrosting process. Pour a small amount of warm water onto your sponge, then gently run it over the coils to remove any excess frost or ice.
Use a clean towel to dry off the remaining moisture, and then turn on your freezer to see if it works as it should.
If you are having trouble defrosting your freezer coils, it may be a good idea to consult a professional to help you get your freezer back up and running as quickly as possible.
2. Check the condenser fan motor
If your GE freezer isn’t freezing due to a condenser fan motor issue, you can try several steps before calling appliance service. First, check that the motor is the problem.
If it’s not spinning, ensure it’s connected to power, and then check its wiring. If you’re still having issues, try replacing the motor with a new one.
Replacing a condenser motor can be a bit tricky, as there is usually a fair amount of wiring involved in the process.
If you’ve never replaced one, it’s best to consult the manual or call a professional to get the job done right.
To help prevent future issues with your GE freezer, ensure you regularly clean any dust or debris off the condenser coils and keep your freezer full at all times.
Although this might be inconvenient, leaving space in the freezer could lead to your fan motor failing again.
3. Fix the start relay issue
Fixing the start relay issue will help your GE freezer to freeze food again. It is necessary first to locate the relay and inspect it for problems.
If you do not know how to find the relay, the user manual should include instructions specific to your model GE freezer.
Once you have located the relay, switch it off and allow it to cool down for a few minutes before turning it back on.
This will allow the relay to reset, and your freezer should begin to cool down again. If it does not, some relays may simply be faulty, so you may need to replace the relay for your GE freezer to function correctly again.
4. Clean the condenser coils
If the condenser coils are clogged and dirty, here is how to clean them. First, unplug your freezer from the wall outlet.
Use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove loose debris and dust near the coils. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt stuck between the condenser’s fins.
To prevent having your hands freeze while you are cleaning the coils, use a long-handled brush or a handheld vacuum cleaner.
After you have cleaned the condenser coils, plug in your freezer and check whether it is freezing correctly.
If it isn’t, there might be another underlying issue causing your GE freezer to stop working correctly. In this case, we advise you to contact a professional technician for help.
5. Inspect the thermostat
As we’ve already mentioned, the temperature control thermostat plays a vital role in the functioning of any freezer.
If it breaks down, the freezer won’t be able to cool properly. Luckily, fixing it is not a complicated process and can be done by anyone with a basic understanding of mechanical systems.
The first thing you need to check when your GE freezer isn’t freezing as expected is whether or not the temperature control thermostat is correctly installed.
You need to ensure that the connection between the thermostat and the compressor isn’t loose. To do this, you need to shut off the power supply in your freezer.
Next, remove the cover of your GE freezer’s evaporator box by removing all screws. After that, disconnect all wires from the compressor.
Repeat these steps and this time, disconnect the wires from the thermostat. Then, remove the screws that hold it in place.
It would be best to inspect the connection between your GE freezer’s compressor and its temperature control thermostat for any loose connections or wiring issues.
Check for any damage on both parts paying particular attention to any wiring that appears to be frayed or damaged. If you find any problems, try repairing the issue using electrical tape or replacing those particular wires if necessary.
Once you have repaired the temperature control thermostat on your GE freezer and ensured that it is working correctly, turn the power supply back on and test it out by setting a temperature slightly higher than your preferred freezing temperature.
You have successfully fixed the issue if the thermostat does not kick in and the freezer starts cooling down.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
