Normal Operating Sounds; Troubleshooting Tips - GE GTE18M Owner's Manual & Installation 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
hear a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while it
is operating.
You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors
refrigerator.
You may hear cracking or popping sounds when
the refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as
the refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping
sound when attempting to restart (this could take
up to 5 minutes).
Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during
and after defrost can cause a cracking or popping
sound.
Troubleshooting Tips... Before you call for service
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service. If
needed, service can be scheduled by visiting us online GEAppliances.com or calling 800.GECARES 800.432.2737.
In Canada visit GEAppliances.ca or call 800.561.3344.
Problem
Refrigerator compartment
light does not work
Hot air from bottom of
refrigerator.
Food freezing in the
refrigerator
Orange glow in the freezer
Door bins do not fit in the
door
Controls do not light up
controls.
49-1000592 Rev. 2
Possible Causes
No power at outlet.
Light bulb burned out or loose.
Normal air flow cooling motor. In the
refrigeration process, it is normal that
heat be expelled in the area under
the refrigerator. Some floor coverings
will discolor at these normal and safe
temperatures.
Food too close to the air vent at the
back of the refrigerator.
Refrigerator control is set too cold.
Defrost heater is on.
The freezer door bins are a different
size than the refrigerator door bins.
Some models do not have lighted
controls.
Refrigerator light bulb burned out or
loose.
You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds.
This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in,
when the doors are opened frequently or when a large
compartments. The fans are helping to maintain the
correct temperatures.
may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.
A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost
cycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into
the drain pan.
Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to
What To Do
Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
See Replacing the light bulbs.
Move the food away from the air vent (near the
controls).
Move the refrigerator control to a warmer
Temperature setting one increment at a time.
This is normal.
Try to install the bins in both doors.
If you can read white numbers on the control
setting, the model does not have lighted
See Replacing the light bulbs.
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