Advertisement

GE Appliances & Lighting
Technical Service Guide
November 2014
Top Freezer Refrigerator
HPS15BTHR
HPE15BTH
GTS15CTHR
GTE15CTHR
GPE16DTH
GIE16DGH
GTE16DTH
GTS16DTH
GTS16GTH
GTE16GTH
GTE16GSH
GTS16GSH
GIE16GSH
GE Appliances & Lighting
General Electric Company
Louisville, Kentucky 40225
HPS18BTH
GIE18HGH
GIE18HSH
GIE18GCH
GIE18GSH
GTE18LGH
GTE18LSH
GTE18LMH
GTE18GSH
GTE18GMH
GTE18GTH
GTE18CTH
GTS18GSH
GTS18GTH
31-9237

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for GE HPS15BTHR

  • Page 1 GE Appliances & Lighting Technical Service Guide November 2014 Top Freezer Refrigerator HPS15BTHR HPS18BTH HPE15BTH GIE18HGH GTS15CTHR GIE18HSH GTE15CTHR GIE18GCH GPE16DTH GIE18GSH GIE16DGH GTE18LGH GTE16DTH GTE18LSH GTS16DTH GTE18LMH GTS16GTH GTE18GSH GTE16GTH GTE18GMH GTE16GSH GTE18GTH GTS16GSH GTE18CTH GIE16GSH GTS18GSH GTS18GTH GE Appliances & Lighting...
  • Page 2 If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts, or washers used to complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must be returned to their original position and properly fastened. GE Appliances & Lighting Technical Service Guide Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Safety Requirements ..............................5 Introduction ..................................6 Key Features and Updates ............................6 Nomenclature .................................. 7 Product Specifications ..............................8 Use & Care Manuals and Mini Manuals ....................... 12 Refrigeration and Airflow Diagram ........................12 Installation Instructions .............................. 13 Product Specifications ..............................
  • Page 4 Machine Compartment ............................... 43 Machine Compartment Components ........................44 Sealed System ................................. 49 Sealed System - Evaporator ............................. 50 Sealed System - Evaporator ............................. 51 DPO Evaporator / LokRing Installation ........................ 52 Sealed System - Heat Exchanger ...........................55 Sealed System - Compressor ........................... 56 Sealed System - Condenser ............................
  • Page 5: Safety Requirements

    Safety Requirements GE Factory Service Employees are required to use safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves and steel toe shoes for all repairs. Electrically Rated Glove and Steel Toed Work Boot Dyneema®Cut Resistant Dyneema® Cut Resistant Glove Glove Keeper...
  • Page 6: Introduction

    2014 energy regulatory requirements. Along with meeting the new energy requirements, it has new appearance features such as , new designer door handles, GE badge and round doors that create an attractive external appearance. The interior has a Redesigned control housing, Z-style fresh food shelves (on some models), 8% larger vegetable pans and a 2 position freezer shelf.
  • Page 7: Nomenclature

    Nomenclature Serial Number The nomenclature breaks down and explains what the letters and numbers mean in the model number. The first two characters of the serial number identify the month and year of manufacture. The letter designating the year repeats every 12 years Example: LA123456S = June, 2013 The Model Serial ID Tag is located inside A –...
  • Page 8: Product Specifications

    Product Specifications Specification for 15, 16 Cu Ft Mechanical Timer REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Refrigerator Refrigerant Charge 4.6 ounces / 0.13 kg DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING (R134a) IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING Compressor @ 120 VAC 690 BTU/hr. / 202W DEVICES ~60 Hz Minimum Vacuum @ 2 19 inches / 48 cm...
  • Page 9 Specification for 15, 16 Cu Ft Energy Star REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Refrigerator Refrigerant Charge 4.5 oz (R134a) DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING Compressor @ 120 VAC 615 BTU/hr. /180W IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING ~60Hz DEVICES Minimum Vacuum @ 2 19 inches / 48 cm minutes DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES...
  • Page 10 Specification for 18 Cu Ft Mechanical Timer REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Refrigerator Refrigerant Charge Refer to Rating Plate DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING (R134a) Compressor Capacity 600 BTU/hr / 175.8W IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING (@ 10°F Evap and DEVICES 105°F Cond) All parts of this appliance capable of conducting Minimum Vacuum @ 2 19 inches / 48 cm...
  • Page 11 REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Specification for 18 Cu Ft Energy Star Refrigerator Refrigerant Charge Refer to Rating Plate DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING (R134a) IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING Compressor @ 115V 600 BTU/hr / 176W DEVICES ~60 Hz Minimum Vacuum @ 19 inches / 48 cm All parts of this appliance capable of conducting electrical current are grounded.
  • Page 12: Use & Care Manuals And Mini Manuals

    Use & Care Manuals and Mini Manuals Mini Manuals (available on website): • Pub. No. 31-51904 (245D1691P004): 18’, 28” Wide Mechanical Timer • Pub. No. 31-51898 (245D1691P001): 18’, 28” Wide EDC • Pub. No. 31-51875-4 1875D (245D1627P002): 15’ & 16’, 28” Wide Mechanical Timer •...
  • Page 13: Installation Instructions

    Installation Instructions REVERSING THE DOOR SWING Tools needed: • T20 Torx bit driver BEFORE START • 1/8 in. Allen wrench (provided in handle package) • Unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet. • #2 Phillips screw driver (some models) • Empty all door shelves, including the dairy compartment.
  • Page 14 REVERSING THE DOOR SWING PLASTIC HANDLE ASSEMBLY 6. Remove the handle screws from the top of the fresh food door. Remove the handle screws from the bottom of the freezer door. 7. Remove the door handle on the fresh food door by sliding the handle up off of the fastener.
  • Page 15: Product Specifications

    Product Specifications Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal. • The new high efficiency compressor may run • There may be sounds heard associated with faster and longer than an old refrigerator and the fans spinning at high speeds. This happens might produce a high-pitched hum or pulsating when the refrigerator is first plugged in, when sound while it is operating.
  • Page 16: Structure

    Structure Refrigerator Doors Fresh Food Door and Hinges All refrigerator doors have a galvanized treated Door Removal finish prior to painting. This treatment gives an added protection against rust, tropical 1. Remove all food items from the door(s). Note: environments, and is able to withstand highly Do not lose washers on the center hinge corrosive conditions.
  • Page 17 Door Stops Fresh Food Door Stop Freezer Door Stop Door Gasket Removal and Replacement Both the freezer and fresh food door gaskets are held in place by the inner door panel. Door Handles There are three types of handles, and they are model specific: •...
  • Page 18 Front Mobility Wheels and Leveling Legs Base Pan Removal The Base Pan is the foundation for the machine compartment and adds structural strength and Warning: Disconnect power to the refrigerator stability to the refrigerator cabinet. It also adds prior to servicing the mobility wheel assembly. Also, mobility, and is used for water evaporation.
  • Page 19: Control Panel

    Control Panel The control panel is attached to the ceiling of the fresh food section and houses the operational controls for the refrigerator. The control panel is a functional part that is designed as a conduit that supplies air to the refrigerator section, and returns the air to the freezer section.
  • Page 20: Fresh Food Compartment Air Ducts And Drain Tube

    Fresh Food Compartment Air Ducts and Drain Tube The air supply, freezer return, and control panel retainers are a single piece foamed in transition that connects the freezer to the fresh food section. This transition allows forced air to be directed from the freezer to the fresh food section and back to the freezer through the return.
  • Page 21: Control Panel

    Control Panel Light Switch Light Socket Warning: Disconnect power to the refrigerator prior Light Socket Removal to servicing. 1. Unscrew the light bulb and remove. Door Switch Removal 2. Use a small flat blade screwdriver and lift up on the light socket tab. The light socket can be 1.
  • Page 22: Cold Control

    Cold Control A Cold Control is used to regulate the operation of the compressor and thus maintain desired food temperatures. The Cold Control consists primarily of a capillary tube and bellows assembly, a set of normally closed contacts, and a mechanical linkage. The Cold Control is adjustable by means of a shaft, which rotates a cam to apply bias pressure against the bellows.
  • Page 23 NOTE: When reinstalling the Cold Control, reconnect Cold Control Removal the ground wire and fully insert the Cold Control capillary into the sleeve. 1. Remove the control console (see the Control Panel Removal section in this Guide). 2. Remove the temperature adjustment knob. 3.
  • Page 24: Electro-Mechanical Defrost Control

    Electro-Mechanical Defrost Control A defrost circuit is used on all models having the automatic defrost feature. This feature is often called NO FROST or FROST FREE, which simply means that frost is conveniently and automatically removed without any action required by the consumer.
  • Page 25: Defrost Controls

    Defrost Controls Defrost Control Electronic Defrost Control (EDC) Board Removal Mechanical Defrost Control Removal 1. Remove the control panel (see the Control Panel 1. Remove the control panel (see the Control Panel Removal section in this Guide). Removal section in this Guide). 2.
  • Page 26: Defrost Control Operations

    Defrost Control Operations Defrost Control and EDC Board Operations Electro-mechanical defrost control function during Electro-mechanical defrost control during defrost the cooling mode. mode. EDC board function during defrost mode. EDC board function during cooling mode. – 26 –...
  • Page 27: Adaptive Defrost

    Adaptive Defrost Introduction Adaptive defrost control for top mount, no-frost (TMNF) models was introduced in GE manufactured refrigerators in 2005. With the push for more energy efficient appliances, this type of defrost control is becoming more widespread on TMNF model refrigerators. The conventional defrost timer has been replaced by an electronic control defrost board.
  • Page 28: Electronic Defrost Control (Edc)

    Electronic Defrost Control (EDC) The EDC processes 1. The amount of time the compressor has run. 2. The number of times the fresh food door was open. 3. The length of time the defrost heater was on. During the defrost mode, the electronic control monitors the defrost heater operation (heater ON time). Once the heater operation is terminated by the Defrost Thermostat, the electronic control will allow a DWELL TIME before initiating the next cooling cycle.
  • Page 29: Edc Process Flow Chart

    EDC Process Flow Chart COOLING OPERATION (Abnormal Adaptive Defrost) At the end of an abnormal defrost, the electronic control will return the refrigerator to cooling operation. However, due to an abnormal amount of heater ON time that occurs during the defrost cycle, the control will initiate the next defrost operation after a fixed 12 hours of accumulated compressor run time (non- adaptive defrost operation).
  • Page 30: Edc Cooling

    EDC Cooling The compressor operation is controlled by the cold control, which is external to the EDC board. The EDC board is summing the compressor run time by monitoring the compressor voltage at pin CR. Freezer door monitoring is not used on these models since there are no lights in the freezer. NOTE: The 286 seconds of accumulated time per fresh food door opening takes in account for the lack of a freezer door switch.
  • Page 31: Edc Defrost

    EDC Defrost Defrost The compressor is turned off and the defrost heaters are turned on by energizing the K2 relay and sending 120 VAC through the DF terminal. During this time, the defrost termination is monitored through the DT terminal to determine when the defrost thermostat opens. If less than 25 minutes of defrost heater run time the control will immediately enter the dwell state.
  • Page 32: Edc Dwell

    EDC Dwell Dwell During the 15 minute dwell time, the K2 relay continues to keep the compressor off. When the defrost thermostat opens, the dwell time timer is activated. Except when the defrost heater on time exceeds 25 minutes. – 32 –...
  • Page 33: Freezer Components

    Freezer Components Ice Maker Electro-Mechanical Ice Maker To manually cycle the ice maker the switch needs Some 15’-18’ refrigerators have factory installed ice to be in the on position and the rake must be in the makers, but all are ice maker ready. home position.
  • Page 34 Service Diagnostics for Electronic Ice Maker Ice Maker continued During the first 15 seconds that power is first After the ice cubes harvest, the mold is pre-chilled to applied to the icemaker, the Service Diagnostic Test 35°F before starting the fill process. When the mold mode may be entered.
  • Page 35: Ice Maker Troubleshooting Chart

    Ice Maker Troubleshooting Chart For more information about the Electronic Icemaker, refer to Technical Service Guide 31-9063. NOTE: Only the feeler arm, stripper and fill cup are servicable on the ice maker. – 35 –...
  • Page 36: Freezer Components

    Freezer Components Air Tower Removal 4. Remove the air baffle from the air duct. 1. Remove shelving. 2. Place a small flat blade screwdriver in the air tower slot and gently push up. The air baffle controls air distribution to the fresh food section.
  • Page 37: Evaporator Fan Motor

    Evaporator Fan Motor The evaporator fan motor is connected electrically in parallel with the compressor and condenser fan motor. When the cold control contacts are closed, the compressor and evaporator fan motor are energized simultaneously. The evaporator fan motor is a AC/DC motor, the motor converts AC voltage to DC voltage. The purpose of using this motor is for energy efficiency.
  • Page 38: Freezer Components

    Freezer Components Evaporator Fan Removal NOTE: When reinstalling the evaporator fan motor and fan blade. make sure the ground wire, fan 1. Remove freezer shelving. grommets, and evaporator fan motor connector are back in place and firmly connected. 2. Remove the ice maker, if one is installed (see Ice Maker Removal section in this Guide).
  • Page 39: Freezer Section Defrost System

    Freezer Section Defrost System Defrost Thermostat Defrost Thermostat Removal 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. The defrost thermostat consists of a single pole switch, a bimetal disc, and a transfer pin within a 2. Remove freezer shelving. metal and plastic case that is sealed with epoxy. Lead wires, welded to the internal terminals, extend 3.
  • Page 40 5 Amp Inline Fuse Defrost Heater The 5 Amp Fuse opens the line (120 VAC) side of the Defrost heaters are resistive loads and should be defrost circuit and protects the refrigerator from tested for proper resistance as indicated on the a shorted/grounded heater.
  • Page 41 Defrost Heater Removal 8. Carefully bend the aluminum tabs back (located at each end of the of the defrost heater) and 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. lower the heater out of the evaporator. 2. Remove freezer shelving. 3. Remove the ice maker if one is installed (see Ice Maker Removal section in this Guide).
  • Page 42: Defrost Circuit

    Defrost Circuit Defrost Circuit Timer Models Defrost Circuit EDC Models – 42 –...
  • Page 43: Machine Compartment

    Machine Compartment Machine Compartment Components Condensor Fan The purpose of the condenser fan is to efficiently remove heat from the condenser and compressor. The condenser fan motor is connected electrically in parallel with the compressor. When the cold control contacts are closed, the compressor and condenser fan motor are energized simultaneously. The condenser fan motor is a AC/DC motor;...
  • Page 44: Machine Compartment Components

    Machine Compartment Components Condenser Fan Assembly Removal 7. Release the plastic fastener from the baffle (condenser fan motor wire). 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. 2. Remove the four 1/4 in. hex head screws from the rear access cover. 3. Move the water valve out of the way (if applicable).
  • Page 45 Condenser Fan Assembly Removal continued Compressor Combo Device 11. Remove the condenser fan assembly from the The combo device is a combination relay/overload machine compartment by grasping the upper device. These combo devices are simply a PTC exterior corner and pulling the assembly out on (relay) and an overload made together and an angle, making sure to clear the refrigerant contained in one housing.
  • Page 46 Overload Combo Device Removal The overload provides protection to the compressor 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. motor by responding to both temperature and 2. Remove the four 1/4 in. hex head screws from current. The overload consists primarily of a bimetal the rear access cover.
  • Page 47 Machine Compartment Wire Harness The new machine compartment wire harness will come with canoe fasteners attached to harness. The machine compartment wire harness assembly comes with the power cord and wiring to the following machine compartment components: • Compressor combo device (black/white) •...
  • Page 48 Checking PTC Relay Checking Compressor Electrically 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. 2. Remove the combo device from compressor. 2. Remove combo device from the compressor. 3. Place meter on ohm’s scale. 3. Place meter on the ohm’s scale. 4.
  • Page 49: Sealed System

    Sealed System WARNING Evacuation and Charging Procedure • Be careful when using a torch inside the plastic 1. Attach the hose from the R-134a charging cabinet. Use approved safety equipment and cylinder to the process tube port on the protect the liner from damage with the heat compressor.
  • Page 50: Sealed System - Evaporator

    Sealed System - Evaporator Evaporator Removal • Protect wiring from heat during unbrazing and re-brazing. 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. 12. Cut the suction line off of the evaporator (see 2. Recover refrigerant. image below). 3. Remove freezer shelving (if applicable). 13.
  • Page 51: Sealed System - Evaporator

    Sealed System - Evaporator Evaporator (LOKRING Method) 12. Replace the evaporator using the LOKRING method (see Pub # 31-9067). Removing Evaporator: • Cut the copper lines of the old evaporator 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. as close as possible to the aluminum evaporator tubes.
  • Page 52: Dpo Evaporator / Lokring Installation

    DPO Evaporator / LokRing Installation IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 7. Disconnect the power cord. Before cutting or using a torch on refrigerant 8. Remove the evaporator fan assembly by tubes, recover the refrigerant from the system taking out both screws and disconnecting using approved recovery equipment.
  • Page 53 12. Cut the copper evaporator tubing as far 14. Deburr the tubing ends (see previous from the epoxy joints as possible. Do not illustration) to remove any residue left from remove the epoxy joint. See illustration the tubing cutters, using ScotchBrite or below.
  • Page 54 17. Compress the LokRings by placing the jaws of the LokRing tool against the outer edges of the LokRings, as shown below. Then squeeze the handles of the assembly tool together, driving the LokRing connectors together to the external stop. Allow approximately 5 minutes prior to pressurizing the system.
  • Page 55: Sealed System - Heat Exchanger

    Sealed System - Heat Exchanger The heat exchanger consist of a suction line and a capillary tube that are brazed together. The heat exchanger is the means that connects the evaporator to the compressor through the suction line and to the outlet of the drier by way of the capillary tube.
  • Page 56: Sealed System - Compressor

    Sealed System - Compressor Compressor Motor 9. Reposition the new compressor. The compressor motor drives a piston to compress 10. Braze or Lokring the discharge tube to the refrigerant gas. As the piston travels downward compressor discharge port. it creates a vacuum to the suction line drawing 11.
  • Page 57: Sealed System - Condenser

    Sealed System - Condenser Condenser Removal There are two types of condensers, one for Estar, and one for Non-Estar. 1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. • Energy star has 8 condenser tubing passes 2. Remove the five 1/4 in. hex head screws from •...
  • Page 58: Sealed System - Dryer

    Sealed System - Dryer Drier Condenser continued Rear view of the condenser, and the condenser The drier is part of the refrigerators sealed system. strap connected to the base pan The purpose of the drier is to remove non- condensable such as moisture and small debris that may have been introduced into the system during production or sealed system repairs.
  • Page 59: Sealed System Brazed Joints

    Sealed System Brazed Joints Joint Connecting Tubing Joint Size Connecting Tubing Joint Size Material (Replacement) Dryer 0.251 HGL (O.D.) 0.156 Copper/Copper (Replacement) Dryer 0.251 Cap Tube (O.D.) 0.076 Copper/Copper HGL Jumper (I.D.) 0.170 HGL (O.D.) 0.156 Copper/Copper HGL Jumper (I.D.) 0.194 Condenser (O.D.) 0.188...
  • Page 60: Top Mount Electronic Defrost

    Top Mount Electronic Defrost – 60 –...
  • Page 61: Top Mount Electronic Defrost

    Top Mount Electronic Defrost – 61 –...
  • Page 62: Top Mount Mechanical Timer

    Top Mount Mechanical Timer – 62 –...
  • Page 63: Top Mount Mechanical Timer

    Top Mount Mechanical Timer – 63 –...
  • Page 64: Warranty

    Warranty – 64 –...

Table of Contents