GE Refrigerator Error Codes

Below are the most common GE refrigerator error codes (also applies to Hotpoint, Haier). Each code includes what it means, step-by-step DIY fixes, when to call a professional, and repair cost estimates.

Safety Warning

3 high-urgency code(s) should be addressed promptly. If you smell gas, hear unusual sounds, or see sparks, turn off the system and call a professional immediately.

Quick Navigation — 10 Error Codes

Code CC Code FF Code CI Code PF Code DF Code DE Code HRS Code dSP Code TF Code WF

GE Code CC: Refrigerator compartment too warm — temperature above setpoint

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $700

Common Causes

  • Door left open for an extended time
  • Dirty condenser coils reducing cooling efficiency
  • Evaporator fan not running
  • Sealed system issue (low refrigerant)

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Ensure the refrigerator door is fully closed and the seal is making good contact all around.
  2. Pull the unit away from the wall and vacuum the condenser coils (underneath or on the back).
  3. Check that the temperature is set correctly (recommended: 37 degrees F for fridge).
  4. Ensure air vents inside the fridge and freezer are not blocked by food.

Call a professional when: Coils are clean and doors seal properly but the fridge remains warm — the evaporator fan, compressor, or sealed system needs professional diagnosis.

GE Code FF: Freezer compartment too warm — temperature above normal for 2+ hours

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $700

Common Causes

  • Freezer door not sealing properly
  • Frost buildup blocking evaporator (defrost system failure)
  • Evaporator fan motor failure
  • Compressor or sealed system issue

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check the freezer door seal — close the door on a dollar bill and pull. If it slides out easily, the seal is worn.
  2. Check for excessive frost on the back wall of the freezer — this indicates a defrost failure.
  3. Ensure the temperature is set to 0 degrees F.
  4. Do not overpack the freezer — air needs to circulate.

Call a professional when: The door seals well and the unit is set correctly, but the freezer will not get cold — the defrost system, fan motor, or compressor needs professional service.

GE Code CI: Ice maker error — ice production failure

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $400

Common Causes

  • Water supply line frozen or kinked
  • Clogged water filter restricting flow to the ice maker
  • Failed water inlet valve
  • Ice maker module failure

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check that the ice maker is turned on.
  2. Ensure the freezer is set to 0 degrees F — the ice maker needs temperatures below 10 degrees F to produce ice.
  3. Replace the water filter if it is more than 6 months old.
  4. Check the water supply line behind the refrigerator for kinks or ice blockages.

Call a professional when: Water supply is good and the freezer is cold but ice is not being produced — the ice maker module or water inlet valve needs professional replacement.

GE Code PF: Power failure — recent power outage detected

Low Urgency

Common Causes

  • A power outage occurred
  • The refrigerator was unplugged and plugged back in
  • A breaker tripped temporarily

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Press any button on the display to acknowledge and clear the code.
  2. Check the internal temperature — if it has risen above 40 degrees F, check food for spoilage.
  3. The refrigerator will resume normal cooling automatically.

Call a professional when: The refrigerator does not resume cooling within 4 hours — there may be a compressor or control issue.

GE Code DF: Defrost failure — defrost system not working for 48+ hours

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $175 – $450

Common Causes

  • Failed defrost heater
  • Defective defrost thermostat (bi-metal)
  • Faulty defrost timer or adaptive defrost control
  • Control board defrost relay failure

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check the freezer for excessive frost buildup on the back wall.
  2. Unplug the refrigerator for 24-48 hours with doors open to manually defrost (remove all food first).
  3. After defrosting, plug back in and monitor. If frost returns within a few days, the defrost system has failed.

Call a professional when: Frost returns quickly after a manual defrost — the defrost heater, thermostat, or control board needs professional replacement.

GE Code DE: Defrost error — defrost malfunction in last 24 hours

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $175 – $450

Common Causes

  • Same causes as DF code but detected more recently
  • Failed defrost heater or thermostat
  • Defrost timer or control malfunction

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check for frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer.
  2. Unplug for 24 hours to manually defrost.
  3. Plug back in and monitor for recurrence.

Call a professional when: Ice returns quickly — the defrost system needs professional service.

GE Code HRS: System malfunction — sealed system failure

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $400 – $1,200

Common Causes

  • Compressor failure
  • Refrigerant leak in the sealed system
  • Condenser or evaporator coil damage
  • Failed compressor start relay or overload protector

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Unplug for 10 minutes to reset, then plug back in.
  2. Check if the compressor is running — place your hand on the side of the fridge. You should feel warmth and slight vibration.
  3. Vacuum the condenser coils to ensure the compressor is not overheating.

Call a professional when: The compressor is not running or the code persists — this indicates a sealed system failure requiring a licensed refrigeration technician. This is a major repair.

GE Code dSP: Dispenser error — dispenser component fault

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $100 – $350

Common Causes

  • Ice chute door stuck open or frozen shut
  • Failed dispenser switch or actuator
  • Wiring issue at the dispenser
  • Control board fault

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check the ice chute door flap — it may be stuck open or frozen. Gently free it if frozen.
  2. Press each dispenser button to check if any are stuck.
  3. Unplug for 5 minutes to reset.
  4. Check for ice buildup in the dispenser area.

Call a professional when: The dispenser will not function after resetting — the dispenser switch, actuator, or control board needs replacement.

GE Code TF: Temperature sensor fault — thermistor failure

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $125 – $300

Common Causes

  • Failed refrigerator or freezer thermistor
  • Loose or corroded wiring at the sensor
  • Control board not reading the sensor

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes to reset.
  2. Check if the unit is cooling normally despite the code.
  3. Ensure vents are not blocked by food items.

Call a professional when: The code persists or temperature control is erratic — the thermistor needs professional testing and replacement.

GE Code WF: Water filter reminder — filter change needed

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $25 – $55

Common Causes

  • Water filter has reached its usage limit (typically 6 months)
  • Filter indicator was not reset after last replacement

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Replace the water filter with a genuine GE replacement filter.
  2. After installing the new filter, reset the indicator by pressing and holding the filter reset button for 3 seconds.
  3. Run 2-3 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush the new filter.

Call a professional when: This is a maintenance reminder. No service call needed unless you cannot locate or remove the filter.

Need GE Repair in Central Texas?

Texas Temp Masters provides expert appliance repair for GE , Hotpoint, Haier, and all major brands in Killeen, Waco, Temple, and surrounding areas. Call (817) 704-0706 for fast, reliable service, or contact us online.

Error code information cross-referenced from manufacturer documentation, HVAC/appliance professional resources, and verified repair databases. Codes can vary by specific model and control board revision. Always verify against your unit's diagnostic label or owner's manual. Repair costs are estimates based on national averages. Last updated February 2026.

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