My GE Fridge's Digital Thermostat Is Not Coming On

Common Problems

• Whenever a GE refrigerator's digital thermostat isn't functioning properly, you must rule out problems with the appliance itself. Before troubleshooting the thermostat, make sure the refrigerator and freezer sections are working properly. Make sure your refrigerator is powered on and is plugged into a wall outlet with the correct amount of amps. A humming or fan type noise indicates the refrigerator is running. Check that your refrigeration section is a cool temperature and none of its contents are frozen. Verify the freezer section is operating and its contents remain frozen. If your GE refrigerator isn't receiving power, the problem lies within the refrigerator itself and not the digital thermostat. If the contents in the refrigeration section are icy or frozen, the temperature is too low. If the freezer section is warm or its content are defrosting or unfrozen, the temperature is too warm. Any of these problems may be indicate your thermostat isn't operable. These conditions should be evaluated and repaired by a professional service technician.

Reset The Thermostat

• Resetting a digital thermostat allows its internal settings to return to the default setting and many times, restores the thermostat to working condition. Like most appliances, your GE refrigerator is reset by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet for several minutes then replugging the refrigerator in. Most refrigerator models with digital thermostats are run by control boards, which are easily reset by cutting off the refrigerator's power supply. Once the refrigerator is plugged in, check the digital thermostat to see if the temperature is displayed.

Testing the Digital Thermostat

• Before testing the digital thermostat's electrical current, make sure your refrigerator is unplugged from the wall outlet and the correct breaker is flipped in your home's breaker panel. Use a screwdriver to remove the visible digital thermostat's display box, usually held in place with four screws. Put the screws in a safe place and pop off the plastic box. The actual thermostat is located directly below the temperature display box. Find the two wires running into the thermostat and remove the wires by placing a pair of pliers around each of the wire's connectors and gently pulling outward. A volt-ohm meter, also known as a multitester or multimeter, tests the continuity of the digital thermostats electrical current and should be set to X1. Place the multimeter's probes onto the thermostat's two terminals. The refrigerator's current internal temperature determines the electrical testing results. If the refrigerator's current temperature is warm, an infinity symbol, resembling a horizontal "8", should display. If the refrigerator's current temperature is cold, the multimeter should display a "0". If neither of these readings display, the thermostat requires replacement and a professional should be contacted.

Other Digital Thermostat Problems

• If your GE refrigerator is working properly and the thermostat's electrical current reading is correct, the problem lies somewhere else within the appliance. While the thermostat is taken apart, check the terminals and wire connectors for corrosion. If corrosion is present, the terminals or connectors need replacing. Check the thermostat's wires for tears, cuts or burn marks. If tears or cuts are present, the wires need replacement. If black burn marks are visible, a professional needs to troubleshoot the refrigerator's electrical system to determine the cause. Also, check the refrigerator's power cord for cuts or tears, which will need replacing or repairing to maintain adequate power supply. For these repairs as well as diagnosing and repairing issues other than these, contact a professional to repair your digital thermostat. Ensure the GE refrigerator is powered by to the appropriate sized breaker in your home's breaker panel. If not, contact an electrician for assistance in changing the breaker. Without proper experience and knowledge, troubleshooting and repairing your refrigerator may lead to personal injuries and irreversible damage to the appliance.