How to Troubleshoot General Electric Refrigerators

Store food in airtight containers or tightly-wrapped packaging if the refrigerator has an odor.

General Electric refrigerators can be troubleshot. Problems with the refrigerators are generally related to the refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment or ice maker. Modern refrigerators use high-efficiency parts; have more features; use newer technology; and tend to start and stop more frequently than older refrigerators. They also make different noises, all of which are normal. Try a few simple steps before calling for service.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Turn the controls on in both the refrigerator and the freezer compartment to start the cooling and freezing. Turn the ice maker on. The ice maker has an arm that should be in the down position. There may also be a switch for the icemaker---throw it. The water line should be turned on at the wall. The tap should be inline with the clear plastic tube.

2. Test the door to make sure it closes tightly. Pull on it; you should detect a certain amount of tack. Open the doors infrequently if the refrigerator's motor keeps kicking in. The fridge is working too hard. Frequent door opening can also cause frost or ice crystals on frozen food and excessive condensation. Apply petroleum jelly to the gasket seals to help the door close tightly. Beeping is an indication that the door isn't closed.

3. Set the temperature colder if, after 24 hours, the stored food isn't cold enough, or ice isn't being made.

4. Store food in airtight containers or tightly-wrapped packaging if the refrigerator has an odor. Place baking soda in the refrigerator and freezer compartment. Foul-tasting ice can be due to smells permeating from unwrapped food. Discard the ice, wrap the food, and try again.

References

• GE Profile Side-by-side Refrigerator: User Guide