When it comes to household appliances, a functioning refrigerator is an essential cornerstone. It preserves our food, keeps our drinks cold, and helps us prepare meals. However, a common issue that many General Electric (GE) refrigerator owners face is the scenario where the GE Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Working perfectly. The refrigerator might appear to function correctly, the light turns on, and the freezer stays frosty, yet your food and drinks in the fridge are not cold, a problem that can lead to food spoilage.

In this article, we will explore the eight main reasons why a GE refrigerator may not cool while the freezer is working. Each section will provide in-depth explanations and solutions to address these common problems, ensuring optimal refrigerator performance.

Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the issue, enabling you to troubleshoot and potentially solve the problem without professional assistance. However, we also stress the importance of seeking professional help when needed.

Reason	Causes	Fixes
Faulty Thermostat	The thermostat isn’t signaling the compressor to start.	Replace the thermostat.
Inadequate Airflow	Obstructions are hindering airflow.	Ensure vents are not blocked and that there is enough space for proper airflow.
Defective Evaporator Fan	The evaporator fan isn’t circulating cold air.	Check the fan for any blockages or damage. Replace if necessary.
Faulty Damper Control Assembly	The damper isn’t allowing cold air to flow from the freezer to the refrigerator.	Inspect the damper control assembly and replace if it’s defective.
Malfunctioning Thermistor	The thermistor is not correctly gauging the temperature and signaling the control board.	Test the thermistor and replace it if needed.
Clogged or Frozen Coils	The coils are not allowing for adequate heat transfer.	Defrost and clean the coils.
Refrigerator is Too Full	Overloading the refrigerator is blocking airflow.	Organize items and avoid overloading the refrigerator.
Failed Compressor	The compressor is not circulating refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils.	Seek professional help to inspect and replace the compressor if necessary.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat is a crucial component of the refrigerator that regulates the temperature inside. If the thermostat malfunctions, it could lead to cooling issues, including the GE Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Working scenario.

Common signs of a faulty thermostat include the refrigerator running continuously without turning off, or the fridge not running at all. You may also notice irregular temperature swings, such as the refrigerator becoming too cold or not cold enough.

To troubleshoot this issue, you can test the thermostat by turning it from the lowest to the highest setting and listening for a click. If you hear the click, the thermostat is likely not the issue. If you don’t, the thermostat may be faulty and require replacement. Also, you could use a multimeter to test for continuity, a continuous electrical path in the thermostat.

In some cases, adjusting the thermostat settings might resolve the issue. However, if the problem persists, you might need to replace the thermostat. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual or seek professional help for detailed instructions on how to replace the thermostat.

Inadequate Airflow

Proper airflow plays a significant role in the cooling process of both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. A lack of proper airflow can lead to a scenario where the refrigerator is not cooling, while the freezer is working fine.

Obstructions or buildup of debris in the vents can hinder airflow, leading to the fridge not cooling as it should. Over time, dust, pet hair, or other debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, reducing their efficiency and the refrigerator’s cooling capacity.

Regular maintenance involves cleaning the coils and ensuring that the vents inside the fridge are not blocked by food items. It’s essential to ensure that there’s enough space for air to circulate freely in the fridge.

You can maintain proper airflow by periodically cleaning the condenser coils using a coil brush or a vacuum. Also, ensure you arrange the food items in your refrigerator in a way that allows for free movement of air. Refer to this article on why the fridge is not cold but the freezer is for more tips on maintaining proper airflow.

Defective Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan plays a crucial role in circulating cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator. When the evaporator fan is faulty, the freezer may still cool down after each defrost cycle, but the refrigerator compartment will start to warm.

Some common signs of a faulty evaporator fan include unusual noises coming from the back of the freezer compartment, frost buildup on the freezer’s back wall, and of course, the fridge not cooling while the freezer works fine.

You can troubleshoot a defective evaporator fan by manually activating the defrost mode on your GE

refrigerator and listening for the fan. If the fan isn’t running during defrost mode, it’s likely defective and needs replacement.

Replacing an evaporator fan might require some technical knowledge, as it involves disassembling parts of the refrigerator. Hence, if you’re not comfortable doing this, we recommend seeking professional assistance. You can find more information about issues related to the evaporator fan in this fridge compressor running but not cooling article.

Faulty Damper Control Assembly

The damper control assembly is an essential part of a refrigerator that regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment. If the damper doesn’t open properly, it might result in insufficient cold air reaching the refrigerator, thus leading to the GE refrigerator not cooling but freezer working problem.

A common sign of a malfunctioning damper control assembly is when you have the refrigerator set to the coldest setting, and yet it doesn’t get cold enough. Conversely, if the damper is stuck open, the refrigerator can become too cold.

To troubleshoot a faulty damper, you need to locate it inside your refrigerator (usually found in the fresh food section) and check if it’s opening and closing properly. If it’s stuck or broken, you’ll need to replace it.

Like many other components of a refrigerator, replacing a damper control assembly can be a bit technical. Thus, it may be best to get help from a professional if you’re unsure of the process. For a more detailed analysis of the issue, you can read our article about GE profile refrigerator temperature control problems.

Malfunctioning Thermistor

The thermistor is a crucial component of the refrigerator. It senses the refrigerator’s temperature and sends signals to the control board, which in turn regulates the compressor and evaporator fan. If the thermistor is faulty, it might send incorrect signals, leading to cooling issues in the refrigerator.

Symptoms of a faulty thermistor might include the fridge not cooling adequately, or the refrigerator cycling on and off more frequently than usual.

To diagnose a malfunctioning thermistor, you may need a multimeter to test it for continuity. Typically, the resistance of the thermistor should change with changes in the refrigerator’s temperature. If the resistance doesn’t change, or the reading doesn’t match the temperature, the thermistor may be faulty and needs replacement.

Keep in mind that diagnosing and replacing a thermistor might require technical expertise and professional equipment. If you’re not confident in doing this yourself, consider seeking help from a professional.

Clogged or Frozen Coils

Clogged or frozen evaporator coils can also lead to cooling issues in the refrigerator. The coils contain refrigerant and are responsible for absorbing heat from inside the fridge. If the coils are clogged or frozen, they can’t absorb heat effectively, thus the fridge might not cool properly.

Common symptoms of this issue might include a fridge that is not cooling properly, or the presence of frost on the outside of the coils or the back wall of the freezer compartment.

To resolve this issue, you may need to defrost the coils. Turn off your fridge, unplug it, and let it sit for a few hours to allow any frost to melt. If the coils are dirty, clean them using warm soapy water and a brush, then rinse and dry them thoroughly.

This issue is well explained in this article on GE Profile Refrigerator Troubleshooting.

Refrigerator is Too Full

Overloading the refrigerator can also hinder

proper airflow, leading to cooling issues. If there isn’t enough space for cold air to circulate, the fridge might not cool properly, while the freezer might still be working fine.

To ensure that your fridge cools efficiently, try not to stuff it too full. Leave some space between items to allow for proper air circulation. Also, ensure the vents inside the fridge are not blocked by food items.

It’s a good practice to organize items in the fridge correctly. Store leftovers in airtight containers and keep fruits and vegetables in designated drawers. Avoid storing hot food in the refrigerator, as it can raise the overall temperature inside the fridge, making the appliance work harder to cool down.

For more tips on how to organize your refrigerator for efficient cooling, you can check our article on GE French door refrigerator problems.

Failed Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator’s cooling system. It compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the evaporator and condenser coils. If the compressor is not working correctly, it can affect the cooling efficiency of your refrigerator.

Symptoms of a failing compressor might include the refrigerator not cooling enough, the compressor not running, or the compressor running continuously. You might also hear clicking sounds from the back of the refrigerator.

Identifying compressor issues can be quite challenging. If you suspect that the compressor might be the issue, it’s recommended to get help from a professional. Compressors are complex and expensive components, and handling them requires technical expertise.

For more information about compressor issues and when to seek professional help, you can check this GE bottom freezer refrigerator problems article.

FAQs

1. Why is my GE refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is working?

This issue can arise due to several reasons, such as a faulty thermostat, inadequate airflow, a defective evaporator fan, damper control assembly, or thermistor, clogged or frozen coils, an overloaded fridge, or a failed compressor.

2. What should I do if my refrigerator is not cold enough?

First, check the thermostat settings and ensure it’s set at the correct temperature. If that’s not the issue, it might be due to problems with airflow, the evaporator fan, or the damper control. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional assistance.

3. How can I test the functionality of my fridge’s evaporator fan?

To test the functionality of your evaporator fan, locate the fan in the freezer compartment and listen for any unusual noises or complete silence, which may indicate a problem. In such a case, professional help might be needed for replacement.

4. What should I do if I suspect a compressor issue?

Compressor issues can be quite complex and often require professional assistance. If you notice the compressor running continuously, hear clicking sounds, or the refrigerator is not cooling sufficiently, contact a professional for help.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance and understanding of your GE refrigerator’s functioning are essential for optimal performance. Many reasons could lead to your GE Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Working, including a faulty thermostat, inadequate airflow, a defective evaporator fan, damper control assembly, or thermistor, clogged or frozen coils, an overloaded fridge, or a failed compressor.

While this article provides practical tips to diagnose and possibly fix these issues, some problems might require professional assistance. If your DIY solutions fail to resolve the problem, or if you’re unsure of any part of the process, it’s essential to seek professional help.

External Resources

Here are some useful external resources where you can find more information and support for your GE refrigerator:

1. General Electric Company’s official website
2. Fixya, a Q&A platform for troubleshooting appliances
3. ApplianceBlog, a forum for discussing appliance issues
4. Home Repair Forum, a forum for discussing home repairs including appliances
5. GE Appliances Service and Support page
6. PartSelect, a site offering parts and troubleshooting guides

Remember, maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and effective performance of your appliance. Keep your refrigerator clean, avoid overstuffing it, and ensure the air vents are not blocked. Most importantly, always seek professional help if you’re unsure about any aspect of the repair process. Your safety and the functionality of your appliance should always come first.