GE GARF19XXYK User Guide

Troubleshooting Tips 
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following
pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Refrigerator in defrost cycle.

• Wait about 30 minutes for defrost cycle to end.

Freezer control 

• Move the freezer control to a lower temperature setting.

in 0 (off) position.
Refrigerator is unplugged.

• Push the plug completely into the outlet.

The fuse is blown/circuit 

• Replace fuse or reset the breaker.

breaker is tripped.

Temperature control not set 

• See About the controls.

cold enough.
Warm weather or frequent 

• Set the temperature control one step colder. 

door openings.

See About the controls.

Door left open.

• Check to see if package is holding door open.

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Newer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have
more features and use newer technology.

The new high efficiency compressor may run faster and

longer than your old refrigerator and you may hear a

high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while 

it is operating.

Sometimes the refrigerator runs for an extended period,

especially when the doors are opened frequently. This means

that the Frost Guard™ feature is working to prevent freezer

burn and improve food preservation.

You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close. This

is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.

You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds. 

This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in,

when the doors are opened frequently or when 

a large amount of  food is added to the refrigerator or

freezer compartments. The fans are helping to maintain

the correct temperatures.

If  either door is open for over 3 minutes, you may hear the

fans come on in order to cool the light bulbs.

The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal

cooling and energy savings.

You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the

refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the

refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.

Electronic dampers click open and closed to provide

optimal cooling and energy savings.

The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping sound

when attempting to restart (this could take 

up to 5 minutes).

The electronic control board may cause a clicking sound

when relays activate to control refrigerator components.

Expansion and contraction of  cooling coils during and

after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.

On models with an icemaker, after an icemaking cycle,

you may hear the ice cubes dropping into 

the ice bucket.

The flow of  refrigerant through the freezer cooling coils

may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.

Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a sizzling,

popping or buzzing sound during the defrost cycle.

A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost cycle

as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain

pan.

Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to

pressure equalization.