If you have a GE freezer, you may have noticed that it sometimes works off and on, meaning that it stops cooling for a while and then resumes normal operation. Is this normal or a sign of trouble? What causes this pattern and how can you fix it? In this blog post, we will explain the possible reasons behind this phenomenon and how to troubleshoot and resolve them.
A GE freezer works off and on when there is a problem with one or more of its components, such as the condenser coil, the evaporator fan, the start relay, or the defrost heater. These problems can affect the cooling efficiency of the freezer and cause it to cycle on and off more frequently or irregularly. To fix the problem, you need to identify the faulty component and replace or repair it as needed.
To understand why a GE freezer works off and on, you need to know how it works in the first place. A GE freezer has several components that work together to keep your food frozen. These include:
These components work in cycles to maintain a constant temperature inside the freezer. The compressor runs until the thermostat reaches the set temperature, then shuts off. The defrost timer activates the defrost heater periodically to prevent frost buildup on the evaporator coil. The start relay turns on and off the compressor depending on the cooling demand.
A GE freezer works off and on when there is a problem with one or more of these components. Some common problems are:
The condenser coil is located at the back or bottom of the freezer and helps dissipate heat from the refrigerant. If the condenser coil is clogged with dust or dirt, it can restrict airflow and cause overheating. This can make the freezer work harder to cool down and cycle on and off more frequently or irregularly. To prevent this problem, clean the condenser coil every few months using a refrigerator coil brush or a vacuum hose with a soft brush head.
The evaporator fan is located inside the freezer behind an access panel. It helps circulate cold air inside the freezer and ventilate the evaporator coil. If the evaporator fan is obstructed by ice or debris, or if it is damaged or worn out, it can reduce airflow and cooling efficiency. This can cause the freezer to warm up and cycle on and off more frequently or irregularly. To fix this problem, you need to unplug the freezer, remove any shelving and the access panel, and check the fan for any obstructions or damage. If the fan is faulty, you need to replace it.
The start relay is located at the back of the freezer attached to the compressor. It provides power to the compressor when needed. If the start relay is defective, it may not be able to start or stop the compressor properly. This can cause the freezer to cycle on and off more frequently or irregularly. To determine if the start relay is defective, you need to unplug the freezer, remove the back panel, and detach the start relay from the compressor. You can use a multimeter to test the start relay for continuity between the start and run terminals. If the start relay does not have continuity, or if it smells burnt, you need to replace it.
The defrost heater is located under or behind the evaporator coil inside the freezer. It melts any frost that accumulates on the evaporator coil during the defrost cycle. If the defrost heater is not working properly, it may not be able to melt the frost completely or at all. This can cause frost buildup on the evaporator coil, which can reduce airflow and cooling efficiency. This can cause the freezer to warm up and cycle on and off more frequently or irregularly. To fix this problem, you need to unplug the freezer, remove any shelving and the access panel, and check the defrost heater for any damage or continuity. If the defrost heater is faulty, you need to replace it.
Q: How do I access and clean the condenser coil on my GE freezer?
A: The condenser coil is located either at the back or bottom of your freezer. To access it, you need to unplug your freezer and move it away from the wall if it is at the back, or remove any screws or clips that secure the base grille if it is at the bottom. Then use a refrigerator coil brush or a vacuum hose with a soft brush head to gently clean the coil.
Q: How do I test the start relay and the defrost heater with a multimeter?
A: To test the start relay and the defrost heater with a multimeter, you need to set the multimeter to the lowest setting of resistance (ohms) and touch the probes to the terminals of the part. If the multimeter shows a reading close to zero, it means there is continuity and the part is working. If the multimeter shows a reading of infinity or no reading at all, it means there is no continuity and the part is defective.
Q: How do I prevent my GE freezer from working off and on in the future?
A: To prevent your GE freezer from working off and on in the future, you should:
A GE freezer works off and on when there is a problem with one or more of its components that affect its cooling efficiency. Some common problems are a dirty condenser coil, a faulty evaporator fan, a defective start relay, or a malfunctioning defrost heater. To troubleshoot and fix these problems, you need to identify the faulty component and replace or repair it as needed. If you need professional help, contact GE Appliances Factory Service for fast and reliable repairs.
