GE 20 Normal operating sounds, Before you call for service…, Hummm Whoosh, Clicks, Pops, Problem

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Safety Instructions

Normal operating sounds.

Newer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features and use newer technology.

Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.

HUMMM...

WHOOSH...

■The new high efficiency compressor may run faster

	and longer than your old refrigerator and you may	■	You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds.
	hear a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while
			This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged
	it is operating.
			in, when the doors are opened frequently or when
■	Sometimes the refrigerator runs for an extended period,
			a large amount of food is added to the refrigerator
	especially when the doors are opened frequently. This		or freezer compartments. The fans are helping to
	means that the Frost Guard™ feature is working to		maintain the correct temperatures.
	prevent freezer burn and improve food preservation.	■	If either door is open for over 3 minutes, you may
■	You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close.
			hear the fans come on in order to cool the light bulbs.
	This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator. ■ The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal
			cooling and energy savings.

CLICKS, POPS,	WATER SOUNDS
CRACKS and CHIRPS
■ You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the
refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the	■ The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling
refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
	coils may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.
■ Electronic dampers click open and closed to provide
optimal cooling and energy savings.	■ Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a
■ The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping	sizzling, popping or buzzing sound during the
sound when attempting to restart (this could take	defrost cycle.
up to 5 minutes).	■ A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost
■ The electronic control board may cause a clicking
	cycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into
sound when relays activate to control refrigerator
	the drain pan.
components.
	■ Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to
■ Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and
after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.	pressure equalization.
■ On models with an icemaker, after an icemaking
cycle, you may hear the ice cubes dropping into
the ice bucket.

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Problem	Possible Causes	What To Do
Refrigerator does not	Refrigerator in defrost cycle.	• Wait about 30 minutes for defrost cycle to end.
operate
	Freezer control	• Move the freezer control to a temperature setting.
	in 0 (off) position.
	Refrigerator is unplugged.	• Push the plug completely into the outlet.
	The fuse is blown/circuit	•Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
	breaker is tripped.
Refrigerator or freezer	Temperature control not set	• See About the controls.
compartment too warm	cold enough.
	Warm weather or frequent	• Set the temperature control one step colder.
	door openings.	See About the controls.
	Door left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door open.

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