Close the GE Arctica refrigerator doors and leave them shut for at least two hours if the refrigerator does not seem to stop running, but the interior temperatures are fairly accurate. Note that the adaptive defrost system automatically runs the compressor when the door is opened. Wait for the defrost system to cycle off after two hours before opening the doors again.
Take all perishable food items out of the freezer and refrigerator and place in another cold location for temporary storage.
Press the “Warmer” button next to the “Freezer Temperature” display on the freezer door until “Off” is shown on the display. Press the “Warmer” button next to the “Refrigerator Temperature” display until “Off” shows on that display as well.
Put towels on the ground in front of the refrigerator and prop both the refrigerator and freezer doors open.
Let the appliance defrost completely, this can take up to 24 hours or more.
Wait for all the ice and frost in the refrigerator and freezer sections to melt completely. Push the “Colder” key pad next to the “Freezer Temperature” and “Refrigerator Temperature” displays until the desired temperature for both compartments is displayed. Press “Set” to confirm.
Allow the refrigerator and freezer to cool before placing food back into the unit and then monitor cooling for at least 24 hours. Contact GE for service if the refrigerator does not cool properly or the unit develops ice or frost in either section soon after the manual defrost.