[terps02]

Refrigerator is slightly over 1 year old.

Randomly for the past couple weeks we have noticed the freezer temp fluctuate between 0 and 8 degrees. Then, for the past 2 days, the temp has been around 19-20 degrees F.

The compressor seems to be running all the time (I guess it is trying to catch up to the set point - 0 F).

The refrig is still working just fine.

I did not notice any ice build up in the freezer. I took off the back panel and made sure everything is clean. The fan is blowing air over the coils.

Any ideas?

[terps02]

Update:

I took all food out of the freezer. Now the temp is in the mid-30s.

The refrigerator is also now having problems staying at 37, it's been around 39-40.

Any ideas?

[Gene]

Remove the back panel in the freezer and check how much of the coils is covered in frost.

Post the result.

Gene.

[terps02]

None of the coils are covered in frost.

[Gene]

If the compressor is running and there is no frost on the coils, then the problem is with the compressor. If the fridge is less then 5 years old it could be under the manufacturer warranty. You have to call the GE. If it's not under the warranty, then the job has to be done by an authorized servicer.

Gene.

[terps02]

Tech finally came out to check out our unit.

Within 5-10 minutes he said it was the compressor. He said it was under warranty and said he would order one asap. He then left.

Two days later we get a call from the company (they are not local) and they tell us that we need to replace the main control board ($150). The tech mentioned nothing about the main control board.

What's the deal? It seems like they are trying to get more money out of us. I'm tempted to just have them replace the compressor and go from there.

Thoughts?

[Gene]

I do not think the main board is involved if the compressor is running but not pumping the Freon.

Try to get hold on the GE regional manager.

Gene.

[terps02]

Update:

We opted to replace only the compressor, we did not replace the main control board.

The refrig now cools much better, but the operation seems different. It seems to run for much longer periods of time. It has been running for over 45 minutes right now. Every time it turns on, it runs for 45+ minutes.
There is also a noticable trickling water sound often present.

Any ideas?

Could it be running the defrost cycle too often?

[terps02]

Another data point:

The refrig has now been running for over 2 hours straight. I knew it ran for extended periods of time, just never timed it. Ignore the 45min comment above, it's now over 2 hours! That can't be good.

[Gene]

As long as the temperature in the both compartments is fine (0°F in the freezer and between 36°F to 39°F in the fresh food) - there is nothing wrong with the fridge.

The length and the frequency of the defrost cycle operates by the main control board and depends on many different factors (frequency and time of the doors being open, outside temperature, temperature and amount of food inside etc).

Gene.