Official GE side-by-side refrigerator parts

How to fix your GE side-by-side refrigerator when it's not making ice

Several problems can interfere with making ice. The ice maker could be jammed or broken, a dirty water filter or kinked water line could be blocking water flow or the water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty. Check the ice maker for jammed cubes and clear any ice buildup that you find. Replace the ice maker assembly if it doesn't cycle when activated. Replace the water inlet valve if it's clogged or won't fill the ice maker when activated. Replace any damaged or clogged water system tubing.

No ice in the ice maker also could mean that your refrigerator isn't cooling; the ice maker won't cycle if the freezer is warmer than 5 degrees F. Try the troubleshooting tips in our refrigerator not cooling video to resolve freezer temperature problems. When you need professional [GE icemaker repair](https://www.searshomeservices.com/repair/ge/ice-maker-freestanding) to fix a problem, schedule an appointment with Sears Home Services.

How to troubleshoot your GE side-by-side refrigerator when it's not cooling well

If your refrigerator isn't cold enough, first check whether containers are blocking air flow at the vents; the owner's manual usually shows where the vents are.

If you see frost buildup on the inside back wall of your freezer, a failure in the automatic defrost system could be preventing the refrigerator from cooling properly. The defrost system has these main parts:

• The electronic control board starts the defrost cycle and regulates how often the freezer runs. If the control fails, your refrigerator can’t defrost automatically.
• The thermistor, also called the defrost temperature sensor, senses evaporator temperature and sends signals to the electronic control board. If the thermistor senses the wrong temperature, the electronic control board won’t turn on the defrost heater.
• The defrost heater melts frost off the evaporator fins. If the heater breaks, the frost stays put.
• If the defrost bi-metal thermostat is defective, then the heater won’t turn on. Follow the troubleshooting tips in this video to help you figure out what's wrong with the defrost system.

High temperatures inside your side-by-side refrigerator can also be caused by control system problems, a failure in the air control damper, low refrigerant charge and other malfunctions.