GE refrigerators are some of the most reliable appliances in the market. But even they can face some issues.
A faulty refrigerator can be a big annoyance in any household, especially if it is constantly stuck in a defrost mode.
Let’s take a look at some common reasons behind this and what you can do to fix them.
Some of the most common reasons behind your GE refrigerator being stuck on defrost mode includes improper spacing, an issue with the defrost timer, a faulty thermostat or a problematic heater. Some other reasons can also include a problem with the door seal, dirty condenser coils and a damaged evaporator fan motor.
Most of these are actually an easy fix and don’t require calling a professional. Let’s dive into how to fix these common issues….
Why Is Your GE Refrigerator Stuck in Defrost Mode?
Your refrigerator will go into defrost mode to melt off any ice formation on its internal components.
Without this function, your fridge can get permanently damaged as well.
But at the same time, if the defrost function doesn’t stop, it can lower the cooling capacity of your refrigerator, spoiling any food items in the process.
Improper Spacing
if your Opal Ice Maker is going into Defrost mode too frequently (ex. every day), or goes into Defrost but there are no audible sounds indicating that the auger is frozen. If this happens, it’s highly likely the air vents are blocked. If airflow is constricted, the machine will not produce ice normally.
Make sure there is a minimum of 3″ inches clearance on the back and the sides of the unit to ensure proper airflow.
Check to ensure that the side tank is not blocking either of the side vents. It should be pulled forward, in line with the front of the ice maker.
Issue With the Defrost Timer
The defrost timer regulates the frequency and the intervals for turning on the defrost timer. If the timer is not working properly, the system will not be informed about when the heater should be switched on or off.
It can impact your defrost settings in both ways, either your appliance will be stuck on defrost mode permanently or not defrost at all. In older models, the defrost timer will be a mechanical dial while in newer models, it will be controlled electronically.
With mechanical models, turn the dial around and check whether it is turning on the compressor or not. While turning the dial, you can also check whether the dial has been damaged or if it stuck.
In case of damage, you will have to get the part replaced. And if the compressor is not turning on, contact a professional to get it repaired.
In case of electrical models, you will have to get it checked by a professional. The system might also show an error code which you can check for the exact issue.
Unplug the fridge from the power source and remove the timer by unscrewing the screws and carefully removing any connected wires.
If you are not used to handling electrical appliances, make sure to call a professional for this. Handling an expensive appliance in the wrong way can end up permanently damaging it.
You should first test the timer using a multimeter and testing the connection between pin 1 and 4. Usually the pins are labelled so it will be easy to find them. After this, test an open circuit between pin 1 and 2 as well.
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Problematic Heater
The defrost heater is responsible for melting the frozen components during the defrosting process.
If the heater is malfunctioning, it can either turn itself on permanently which will stop the compressor from cooling the fridge or not turn itself on at all.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat acts like a thermometer for your fridge. It notifies the system when to turn on the defrost heater based on the temperature inside the appliance.
In case the thermostat is damaged, it can read the wrong temperature and wrongly inform the system to turn on the defrost mode.
Other Reasons for Your GE Refrigerator to Continuously Keep Defrosting
Some of the other reasons for your refrigerator to continually defrost includes:
Improper Door Seal
If your refrigerator door isn’t making a proper seal with the appliance, it will constantly let hot air inside the fridge while at the same time letting the cold air out.
This will make the compressor work harder and can significantly shorten its lifespan. It might also lead to a continuous defrost cycle.
You can test out the door seal by placing a piece of paper between the door gasket and the fridge. If you can pull out the paper easily, it indicates an improper seal.
Check for any damage, dirt or obstruction in the door or in the gasket and the seal. Try cleaning it if possible or it might need to be replaced.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils can accumulate dirt over time, this will not only impact their performance but can also reduce their lifespan.
Try to clean the coils once every 6 months using a damp cloth.
Damaged Evaporator Fan Motor
There is a relay switch in the freezer of your fridge which gets activated every time you open the door.
It shuts off the fan motor whenever the door is open and turns it on whenever you close it.
If you don’t hear the fan turn on while closing the door, it might indicate a damaged fan motor.
How to Reset Your GE Refrigerator?
The easiest way to reset your GE refrigerator is to simply unplug it from the power source for about 10 minutes before plugging it back in.
This method is also known as a hard reset.
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How To Turn Off Defrost Mode on Your GE Refrigerator?
One way to turn off the defrost mode is to simply reset the refrigerator. This will also work if you are facing some error codes along with the stuck defrost mode.
Another method which you can use is by first unplugging and plugging the fridge back into the electrical socket, followed by switching off the small shutoff switch in the freezer of the appliance.
Turn this switch back on after 30 seconds. After this, push the shutoff arm in the ice maker up and down 3 times.
If this also doesn’t do the trick, you can follow these steps by simultaneously pressing “energy saving” and “lighting” buttons for about 10 seconds.
How Long Does It Take for a Refrigerator to Cool After Defrosting?
If your Fridge has been stuck on defrost mode for quite some time, it can take up to 4-6 hours for it to cool back to its normal operating temperature
Why is Your Refrigerator Not Cooling After Turning Off Defrost Mode?
There can be a lot of reasons behind this, but one of the common issues is lack of refrigerant or a faulty compressor.
In case of the latter, you will have to get it checked by a professional and in most cases, get it replaced.
How To Reset Defrost Timer?
Once you have made sure that the defrost timer is not damaged and is working properly, assemble it back into the refrigeration.
Find the circular notch on the timer and turn it anti clockwise using a flathead screwdriver. Keep turning it until you hear the fan switch off.
This will reset the defrost timer. The fan will turn on after some time and it will be a confirmation that the timer has been reset.
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Conclusion…
Some of the most common reasons behind your refrigerator constantly defrosting can include an issue with the defrost timer, a faulty thermostat or a problematic heater.
While newer models can indicate an issue through a specific error code, you will have to get the parts checked in older models.
Other reasons behind the issue can also include a problem with the door seal, dirty condenser coils and a damaged evaporator fan motor.
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