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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 Profile PSE25VGXICSS #AV406510. It is flashing ‘zero’ and after while the flashing zero stops (thus diagnostics finished) and the display panel keeps switching on and off and the compressor does not stay on enough for the refrigerator to function optimally.

  2. anthony buckenberger

    my ge model number gle12hslarss panel is displaying what looks like a 56 or maybe an Sb, the light is out inside, does anyone know what I should do

  3. Refrigerator model GYE22KMHHES, 18 months old.
    Refrigerator has started going into Turbo freeze mode on its own.
    Frig and freezer are both fairly full.
    Temp in both freezer and frig appear to be normal (set at 1 degree and 34 degrees).
    Is it possible that we have blocked a fan outlet or is this an indication that the frig is starting to fail.
    I know that literature indicated turbo freeze is not an error but there is no explanation as to what triggers turbo freeze.
    We never experienced this in the first 18 months and we are not keeping the doors open any more than before.
    As far as I know there are no coils to clean on this model.
    What other factors would cause this other than keeping doors open.
    (Could we be loosing Freon, what other possibilities?)
    How would vegetable and fruit setting on drawers affect temperature in frig?
    Does one of these settings make the drawers colder than the other?

  4. GE Refrigerator #TFX27F has been working perfectly, maintaining proper temperatures in freezer and frig.
    DE error code came up on control panel, went out when I defrosted refrigerator for several hours.
    Temperature is maintained throughout.
    Light returned to flash DE after 48 hours.
    I checked temperatures again and they are at proper temperatures.
    Service department at local store advises me to purchase a new refrigerator, as this model is 25+ years.
    It operates well except for the flashing red DE.
    Can I ignore this warning or is there a way to remove the flashing letters?

  5. Ge fridge freezer code 88. 88. The last 8 flashes 8 and a capital A. Fridge cool freezer not even close. Had fridge frozen so defrosted but now this is it. I dont think the frezzer was working before this either. Display resets when pressing top two buttons but no freezer.

  6. I have GE bottom freezer French door refrigerator, model # GFSS6KKYESS Serial No: HZ900156 and having problem with my control panel which shows freezer side 88 and refrigerator side blinking 86 and 88.
    I tried to reset the panel by holding energy saver alarm light for 30 secs with no use, the second one.
    I tried plugging of from power, nothing happened, what should be
    The problem I’m confused can you suggest me what is happening here?

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