One of the most important components of your refrigerator is the control panel. It displays the state of your GE refrigerator, and the control lets you adjust how you see it.
So when the GE refrigerator control panel stops working, it becomes a big problem. Usually, it happens because of a glitch or power supply disruption. However, the fridge is in demo mode, and the control panel might not respond.
You may need to repair or even replace some parts to fix the problem. However, we’ll help you determine where to replace anything with this list of reasons and solutions for the GE refrigerator control panel not working.
Why is your GE Refrigerator Control Panel not Working?
Dealing with the GE fridge control panel that doesn’t work could be challenging. Besides, there could be a handful of reasons why this issue appears. Still, you don’t have to worry, as not all seasons signify a problem.
The most important thing is understanding how your GE control panel works before jumping to conclusions. To understand how it works, you should set the temperature. Just plug the fridge in and shut the door firmly. This provides access to the digital display.
Press the “Colder” or “Warmer” buttons on any side of the panel to show the actual temperature. Then press the same buttons to turn the temperature to your desired range. Usually, your GE refrigerator wouldn’t display the temperature range of the screen.
That’s your sign the control panel is not working or is defective.
So, this section will help you better understand the problematic and non-problematic reasons why the control panel might not work.
1. Glitch
In particular, GE refrigerators use some high-tech electronic parts in their control panel. Unfortunately, like in all electronic devices, the control panel can experience short-term errors referred to as a bug or commonly a glitch.
But note that a glitch doesn’t necessarily mean the control panel is spoiled. It is just stuck, not responding, and needs to be restarted.
2. Power supply disruption
Power supply disruption is the other reason your GR refrigerator control panel is not working temporarily. You’ll know this is the case from the “Power Outage” indicator on the control panel.
The power outage will prevent your control panel from working, and the water dispenser functions will be disabled as well.
3. Enabled demo mode
Some GE refrigerators come with built-in demo or showroom mode. As you might have guessed, these modes are activated on digital display panel units at the store.
They are also useful when you want to keep the fridge’s light on but turn the rest of the functions off, especially when performing tests or repairs on your fridge.
All fridge functions, including the control panel, will be inactive during demo mode. Sometimes this mode could be active without your knowledge. So as a result, the GE refrigerator control panel might not be working when you try to use it.
You’ll see the “Showroom Mode” on display, which signifies the enabled demo mode.
4. A faulty dispenser control board
A dispenser control board is where you see the display with many buttons you use to control the unit. You can use it to adjust the temperature or activate the water dispenser.
Sometimes, the dispenser control panel may experience an electrical fault, like a short circuit which causes it to stop working. In this case, an entire board could become unresponsive. Or it could be that only some buttons need to be fixed.
Besides, excessive wear can also cause the control panel to fail if you’ve been using your GE fridge for years.
5. A faulty main control board
The main control board is like the brain of the GE refrigerator. It is a printed circuit board with many tiny components attached to it which control the fridge functions.
You can find it at the back of the fridge behind an access panel which you’ll have to remove to access the main control board.
However, the main control board is the last thing you should check if the GE refrigerator control panel is not working. Why? Since it’s the least likely reason why the issue with the control panel appears. Besides, it’s the most expensive part to replace.
The main control board could suffer electrical faults that damage some components. Correspondingly some of the fridge parts will malfunction, including the control panel.
How to fix a GE Refrigerator Control Panel not Working?
Now, you should be assured that if your GE refrigerator control panel is not working, it doesn’t necessarily mean the fridge is broken. It might mean you have to replace some parts.
Even some basic reset or disabling the demo mode could do the trick. However, there are also other solutions to try.
1. Do a basic reset
Sometimes when the control panel doesn’t work, it might be because the basic research hasn’t been done. To reset your refrigerator, unplug it for about a few minutes and let it rest. It gives your GE appliance a chance to clear its memory. Then, plug it back into the outlet.
The process should reboot automatically and restore the fridge to the default setting. If you have an active warranty, you can call the manufacturer to seek and expect advice and possible GE refrigerator repair.
Additionally, you should skim through the user manual instructions to get some helpful suggestions.
2. Check the power cord.
To check the power cord, you should locate and hold it first. Then trace it gradually to the switch and ensure there is no interruption, wear, tear or burn on it. In case there is, the power cord might malfunction, so you need an appliance repair.
To repair it, you should disconnect your GE Profile refrigerator from the power source, turn it to reveal the back, and trace the cord. After that, undo the screws and the back panel, and locate the disconnect or burnt area on the power cord.
Then reattach the wires, take note of the colors and cover up the patcher area with the black mending sellotape.
3. Check the power supply.
A power supply is one of the common reasons why your GE refrigerator control panel might not work, even though it is not a problem. The control panel will only work once you confirm that you’ve read the warning.
After you clean the notification, the control panel and dispenser should normally work again.
Unplug the refrigerator and remove the screws holding the control board’s rear panel to see if there are any more significant problems with the power supply.
Pull out the frame gently with the flat screwdriver and locate red and black wires on the board. Then check them with the multimeter.
If the result is less than 5 ohms, the voltage supply is insufficient to power the control panel. You may need to replace the board altogether.
4. Exit demo mode
Disabling the demo or showroom mode will help you get the control panel to work again. However, the steps might differ across different GE refrigerator models.
With some GE fridges, it is enough to unplug the cord and plug it back in. At the same time, some models require you to hold the control lock and precise fill buttons for about 7 seconds.
So, you must refer to the user manual to find which steps apply to your particular model.
5. Replace the dispenser control board
Since the dispense control board is a singular piece, you’ll have to replace the entire unit regardless of whether the whole board stops working or only one button.
Please pull out the existing board and disconnect their electrical connector. Then replace it with a new board.
6. Replace the main control board
Unfortunately, the main control board is not a serviceable part. It means you have to replace an entire unit. Once you have a replacement board, loosen the screen on the back panel and gently detach the wires on the old one.
Then, use the soldering iron to fix the wires to the nods on a new board. Remember to check the voltage supply with the multimeter again. The result should be at least 13-14 ohms.
However, the range might differ depending on the GE refrigerator model. So check the user manual for a more precise range.
7. Inspect the refrigerator door wiring
First, unplug your GE fridge and open the lower grill. Then check the waterline underneath and adjust it to the right position to ensure it is correctly connected to the refrigerator.
After that, check the top of the GE fridge and undo the screws on the hinge cover. You need to draw out the water dispenser wires and check if they’ve been burnt or disconnected. If so, you need to repair or reinstall the door wiring.
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.
