When you find your GE refrigerator warm but freezer cold you may start to wonder, “Can a freezer work if the refrigerator doesn’t?” The answer is yes, but pinpointing the problem can be just as confusing. Whether it’s frozen evaporator coils or a faulty thermistor, we’ll get to the heart of the matter to restore refrigerator function.
GE Refrigerator Warm But Freezer Cold?
Here’s Where to Start
Solving a problem when you don’t have a starting point can be time-consuming and frustrating. So, what do I do if my GE refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is working? Our troubleshooting guide tells you where to start with the simple solutions first.
Refrigerator or Freezer is Too Full
Sometimes too much food can be the reason you find a GE refrigerator warm but freezer cold. If there are too many items in the freezer they can block cold air that needs to flow to the refrigerator. Similarly, if the refrigerator is too full, items can block the air vents that allow cold air to reach the fridge’s interior.
If your fridge or freezer appears overloaded, dispose of any old or expired food. Make sure refrigerated items don’t block the air vents so cold air can flow freely. Consider rearranging shelves and containers to allow for better airflow between items.
Dirty Condenser Coils
A refrigerator’s condenser coils help cool refrigerant, providing cool air for the refrigerator. However, if the condenser coils become coated in dust and debris, they won’t be able to cool the refrigerant adequately. When this happens, you may find the freezer ok but refrigerator not cooling.
Here’s how to clean condenser coils to restore your refrigerator’s temperature:
- Locate the condenser coils. They’re typically on the back of the refrigerator or behind a base grille.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Vacuum dust and debris in and around the coils with a narrow hose vacuum attachment.
- Use an appliance brush to remove additional debris.
- Vacuum a second time, including the floor around the coils.
- Restore power to the refrigerator.
Defective Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan circulates cool air over the evaporator coils to also aid in cooling refrigerant. If the fan isn’t working, you’ll notice your GE refrigerator warm but freezer cold. This is because the refrigerant isn’t chilling enough to keep the fridge cool.
When the evaporator fan blades are hard to turn or the motor is noisy it’s likely the fan motor has failed. A lack of continuity with multimeter testing can be additional proof of malfunction. A defective evaporator fan motor cannot be repaired and requires replacement.
Faulty Thermistor
When you find your GE freezer cold but refrigerator is warm, a faulty thermistor could also be responsible. This component monitors the refrigerator’s internal temperature, communicating these readings to a control board. The control board regulates the compressor and evaporator, creating more cold air as needed.
If the thermistor is faulty it won’t provide accurate temperature readings and cool air won’t be produced when needed. If multimeter testing of the thermistor reveals a lack of continuity, it needs to be replaced.
Frosted Evaporator Coils
As refrigerant cools in the evaporator coils it may cause the coils to develop a coating of frost. While your refrigerator’s defrost system typically melts this frost, if it isn’t working appropriately frost will accumulate and block airflow within the coils. This will prohibit the refrigerant from cooling, leaving your GE refrigerator warm but freezer cold.
There are multiple defrost system failures that can result in frosted evaporator coils. We suggest that a professional servicer assess the defrost thermostat, timer, or control board to determine what’s responsible.
Same Day Appliance Repair can assist with any GE refrigerator repair to restore your fridge’s temperature. Give us a call to schedule an assessment!
