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GE Refrigerator runs constantly

If your refrigerator runs constantly or your fridge is running constantly and never seems to reach the right temperature, it usually means the appliance is working harder than it should to remove heat. Start by checking the room temperature since hot, humid air is the top reason a refrigerator runs more than normal. If ambient conditions are OK, verify the fans and sensors because an inefficient compressor can cause the refrigerator compressor running continuously. Also check the freezer temperature—if the freezer is too warm the fridge compartment will struggle to cool. Make sure doors are closing and sealing properly, since a door not fully closing lets warm air in. Less likely but common are defrost-system failures: a faulty defrost heater or defrost thermostat will allow frost to coat the evaporator and force the unit to run nonstop. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts for your refrigerator, from compressors and gaskets to defrost heaters and thermostats.

01 - Room Temperature is Hot

Normal operating temperatures for a refrigerator are between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 35 degrees Celsius). The hotter and more humid the air is the less efficient the refrigerator will be, causing it to run more. If possible, keep the refrigerator within the recommended operating temperatures and as cool as possible.
Top Solution

02 - GE Refrigerator Compressor

The compressor is the component that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system to cool the appliance. If you've determined the fan motors are all working and the thermistor is accurately monitoring the air temperature, it's possible the compressor itself is inefficient, resulting in it running continuously, although this is not a common problem.
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Highly Likely

03 - Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)

Since the refrigerator compartment gets its cold air from the freezer compartment for many model types ("Top Freezer", "Bottom Freezer", and "Side by Side" models, for example), the refrigerator compartment will take longer to cool down if the freezer is not cold enough. As a result, the compressor may run constantly. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius).
Highly Likely

04 - Door Not Fully Closing

Check to see that the doors are closing properly. If a door bin or food item is keeping the door open slightly the refrigerator may not cool properly, which can cause the refrigerator to run constantly.
Highly Likely

05 - GE Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly

The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the refrigerator will not defrost, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove the heat. As a result, the refrigerator will run constantly in an effort to cool down. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
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Common

06 - GE Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat

If the refrigerator runs constantly, the defrost thermostat might be defective. Several times a day the defrost heater turns on for a few minutes to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils. In order for this to work, the defrost thermostat has to sense that the coils are cold enough. If the coils are cold enough the defrost heater will turn on. If the thermostat is defective it may not be able to sense the temperature of the coils and then won't turn on the defrost heater. If the defrost heater doesn't turn on, the frost will build up on the coils and eventually no air ...will be able to travel through the coils to provide cooling . The defrost thermostat can be checked for continuity. It should have continuity when it reaches the low temperature of its operating range.
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Common

07 - GE Refrigerator Thermistor

The thermistor monitors the refrigerator temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If both the condenser fan motor and evaporator fan motor are running, you should test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator temperature. If the thermistor resistance does not change, it's possible the component is sending an inaccurate temperature reading to the control board resulting in the refrigerator running constantly. A new thermistor should be i...nstalled to solve the problem.
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Refrigerator runs constantly — what should I check first?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works — why is the refrigerator warm while the freezer is cold?
Refrigerator not defrosting — how can I test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat?
Refrigerator door not closing — could that make my fridge run constantly?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?