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GE Refrigerator Error Codes – Fault Function Codes

GE refrigerator displaying an error code? Newer style GE refrigerators have built in diagnostic systems. If your profile refrigerator finds, sees, or detects a fault or error in the system, it will show an error or fault code. The error code will display where the usual numbers are on the display screen. When an error code is displayed, your refrigerator is telling you a specific fault.

GE fridge error codesGE fridge error codes

If the error or fault is not fixable by you, it will require a repair technician. There are many different model numbers of GE refrigerators with digital displays so if you see an error code write down what is flashing or displaying. Don’t pull the power from the fridge if it shows an error code. If you pull the power plug it will erase the fault code.

GE refrigerator dispenser and led lcd panelGE refrigerator dispenser and led lcd panel

A flashing green error, fault or function code will be displayed on the control panel when a failure has been detected. This will be accompanied by a beep. Here is a list of error, fault and function codes and what they mean.

GE Refrigerator Quick Error Code Definition (What Does The Error Code Mean?):
CC: Check the temperature controls as the temperature for the refrigerator is not correct.
CI: Check the ice maker for proper operation.
DF: No current flow through the defrost circuit in 48 hours.
dE: The defrost system has not been operating properly in the last 24 hours.
FF: Check frozen food for thawing because the temperature is rising excessively.
PF: The power to the refrigerator has been out from a power outage or similar.

The GE fridge codes below may seem to be error codes but are normal:

tC: If the temperature display shows a tC (could look like an EC, an upside down F with a C), this is not an error code, it is the Turbo Cool (tC) setting.
tF: If the temperature display shows a tF (Could look like an EF, an upside down F with an F), this is not an error code, it is the Turbo Freeze (tF) setting.

GE Refrigerator Replacement PartsWhen the error code tells you which part on your GE Refrigerator
has failed, here are GE Refrigerator Replacement Parts for less

These in depth GE error code descriptions can help you troubleshoot a problem with your GE refrigerator:

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = 88 or 89
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = Possible power surge/electrical issue.
Repair or Check = Clear the display by unplugging the refrigerator for 5 minutes and then plugging it back in. The control board may have experienced a power surge.
Replace Parts = Unplug to reset or Control Board faulty

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = CC
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = Freezer temperature is too warm
Repair or Check = Freezer temperature has been above normal temp for more than 120 minutes. Adjust the controls according to the instructions in your GE manual. Close the refrigerator and freezer doors completely. Replace the door gaskets if needed. Press the System Check button to clear the error code.
Replace Parts = Door gasket

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = CI
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = Ice maker not working properly
Repair or Check = Clear jammed ice cubes from the ice mold. If the ice mold isn’t filling with water, turn back on the water supply to the ice maker. If you turned off the water intentionally, also turn off the ice. Press the System Check button to clear the error code and check for other system failures. If the CI code reappears, replace the complete ice maker assembly.
Replace Parts = Ice maker assembly

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = dE
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = Defrost system error
Repair or Check = The defrost cycle has not run for more than 48 hours. Unplug the refrigerator and reconnect any loose wires in the defrost system. Replace the wire harness if needed. Replace the defrost heater if it is damaged. It may be normal for the refrigerator to operate without defrosting for more than 48 hours when operating in an area that’s below 55F degrees. Reset the code by pressing the System Check button.
Replace Parts = Defrost system components

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = DF
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = No current flow through the defrost circuit in 48 hours
Repair or Check = Check defrost heater, defrost thermostat and the defrost timer. Press the System Check button to clear the error code.
Replace Parts = Defrost heater, Defrost thermostat or Defrost timer

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = E2
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = Main control board error
Repair or Check = Check wire harness to Main control board
Replace Parts = Main control board

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = FF
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = Check frozen foods for thawing
Repair or Check = Freezer temperature has been above normal for more than 2 hours. Make sure that the refrigerator and freezer doors are closed. Replace the door gaskets if needed. Press the System Check button to clear the error code and check for other system failures. If the PF code appears, then the FF code, this was likely caused by a power failure. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to allow the interior temperatures to come back to normal.
Replace Parts = Door gasket

GE Refrigerator Fault Code = HRS
Refrigerator/Freezer Condition = Unit stuck in Defrost
Repair or Check = Main board / Check wire harnesses
Replace Parts = Main board or Wire harness

To clear an error code on your GE refrigerator, press the System Check button to clear the code. If the code comes back, then this means a component, part, or other problem is present in your refrigerator, refer to the codes above.

Do you know of any other GE refrigerator error codes we have not mentioned or are you having trouble with your GE fridge? Please leave a question or comment below and we can assist.

Keith Schneerer

Written by Keith Schneerer

Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com

Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.

More about Keith →

49 thoughts on “GE Refrigerator Error Codes – Fault Function Codes”

  1. I have a GE bottom freezer french door refrigerator model GFSS6KKYESS
    Control panel blinking, freezer side it says 88 and refrigerator side it blinks between 86 and 88.
    It seems freezer is working fine, refrigerator is not cooling as it supposed.
    I tried resetting the display by holding energy saver and Alarm/light.
    Nothing happened?
    I tried disconnecting the power, nothing changed on display…
    What could be the problem. can any on give me a little insight.

  2. Our GFE29HMEES quick letting us switch functions (not that we did that a lot). We unplugged the unit aand when we plugged it back in, the display scrolls though the following, several times
    02 02
    00 46 (just the bottom half of the 6 lights up)
    18 80
    It finally stops scrolling and the display stays on
    00 00
    none of the buttons work.

  3. I have the same exact problem with the same codes 88 and 6A. My model number is the same as your’s except for the last 3 digits PFSF6PKXCBB. We had a Sear’s Repairman come look at it and he couldn’t find either of the fault codes in his computer. Does anyone have any suggestions on which part(s) need to be replaced.

  4. We purchased our new GE refrigerator with a keurig. When I press start heating it shows the word error. How can we fix it?

  5. Did you guys every figure out the problem with this? I Am having the same issue. Thanks of your help.

  6. I have just replaced the main board on a GE profile PCE23NHTJFBB side by side refrigerator and it seems to work fine except the temp display is in F instead of C as i am in the UK. I would like to change it back as before if at all possible.

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