Resetting your GE refrigerator is an easy process that can help resolve a number of issues. A reset restores the refrigerator’s settings to factory default and clears any glitches in the system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to reset your GE fridge quickly and correctly.
Quick Solution
| Steps | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Locate the model and serial numbers | 2 minutes | Easy |
| 2. Unplug refrigerator | 2 minutes | Easy |
| 3. Leave unplugged for 5 minutes | 5 minutes | Easy |
| 4. Plug the refrigerator back in | 1 minute | Easy |
| 5. Open both doors to cancel any alarms | 1 minute | Easy |
| 6. Adjust settings as needed | 5-10 minutes | Easy |
Certainly! If you’re experiencing issues with the light in your GE refrigerator, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem.
Why Reset a GE Refrigerator?
Resetting your GE refrigerator can fix a number of common issues:
- The display panel is frozen or unresponsive
- Temperature fluctuations
- Persistent error codes
- Unusual noises or refrigerator cycling on and off
- Cooling issues like the fridge not being cold enough
- The ice maker is not working properly
- Problems after power outage
- General troubleshooting step
Resetting clears any glitches and restores factory settings. Try a reset before calling for service.
Before You Reset
Locate model and serial number: You’ll need these to reprogram the settings. The numbers are printed on a label inside the fridge or freezer compartment.
Remove food: Take out all food and shelves so the fridge can warm up faster during the reset.
Have settings handy: Note current settings like temp and modes so you can reprogram them later.
Give it time: Allow at least 5 minutes to unplug before plugging back in. This gives time for voltages to discharge.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to reset your GE refrigerator successfully:
1. Unplug the Refrigerator
– Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. For french door models, you may need to pull the unit forward to access the plug.
– Leave unplugged for at least 5 minutes. This allows the computer board to reset.
2. Plug the Refrigerator Back In
– After 5 minutes, plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet.
– The refrigerator will go into a reset mode, running diagnostics. Allow several minutes for it to reset.
3. Open Both Doors
– Once powered on, open both the refrigerator and freezer doors.
– This will cancel any alarms going off after the reset.
– Keep doors open until any alarms stop.
4. Reset Control Panel
– On the control panel, hold down the refrigerator and freezer buttons together for 3 seconds.
– This resets the control panel and clears any glitches.
– The display may show “P” flashes to confirm reset.
5. Program Temperature Settings
– Use the panel buttons to program the refrigerator and freezer temperatures back to the desired settings.
– Refer to your model’s manual if needed for instructions on adjusting temperature.
– Allow a few hours for temperatures to stabilize.
6. Reset Other Functions
– For models with specialty modes like turbo cool or energy saver, you may need to reprogram these.
– Ice makers may need to be reset after a reset by lifting the wire shutoff arm.
– Check manual for any other model-specific functions.
– Allow 24 hours for the ice maker to start making ice again.
Helpful Tips
Still not working? Try unplugging for a full 24 hours before plugging back in and resetting. This gives the computer board more time to reset completely.
If temperature settings revert back after resetting, contact GE for service. This could indicate a control board malfunction.
Don’t keep resetting over and over. Calling for service is best if the first reset does not resolve issues.
After resetting, allow 24 hours of normal operation to see if issues are resolved before resetting again.
If the refrigerator goes into quick freeze mode after reset, allow time for it to exit this. Do not continue resetting.
After any power outage, resetting your GE refrigerator is a good idea. Power spikes can scramble the computer.
Write down current settings before resetting so you can easily reprogram them afterward.
Still not cooling? Try manually setting the temperature to colder than desired after resetting. Then, gradually increase to reach optimal temperature.
FAQs
How long should I leave the refrigerator unplugged?
Leave unplugged for at least 5 full minutes, longer if possible. This allows the computer to discharge voltage.
Do I need to reset both fridge and freezer temperatures?
Yes, reset both compartments to your desired settings. The fridge and freezer have separate temperature controls.
Why does my fridge go into a quick chill mode after resetting?
This is normal operation after some resets. Allow time for it to exit this mode and resume normal operation.
My ice maker still doesn’t work after resetting. What should I check?
Lift the shutoff arm up and down to reset. Check supply line valve is open. May need to replace the water filter or inlet valve if the issue persists.
What causes the need to reset fridges frequently?
Frequent resets can indicate a control board issue or an unstable power supply to the unit. Contact GE if it persists after troubleshooting power issues.
Conclusion
Resetting your GE refrigerator is a simple process that most homeowners can easily do. Follow the step-by-step instructions above to reset your GE fridge successfully. Be sure to allow sufficient time to reset and reprogram your temperature settings afterward.
Reset before calling for repairs, as it resolves many common issues. Refer to the tips and FAQs for more troubleshooting advice. With some patience, resetting your fridge will likely have it back cooling and working normally.
