Owning a General Electric side by side fridge is usually easy. Until it suddenly isn’t. One day everything is cold and running fine, and the next the freezer is icing up, the fridge feels warmer than it should, or the ice maker stops working with no warning at all. That shift is what frustrates people the most, because problems like this always seem to show up at the worst time.

Here’s the reality. Most fridge issues are not complex disasters. They’re small things that add up. Airflow gets blocked, settings get bumped, parts wear down slowly, and maintenance gets skipped because life is busy. A few basic checks can often tell you exactly what’s wrong before you spend money or panic.

This blog walks you through the most common GE side-by-side fridge problems, shows you how to troubleshoot them in a logical order, and helps you decide when a quick fix makes sense and when it’s time to stop guessing and take the next step.

Fridge or Freezer Not Cooling Right

Here’s the classic. The fridge is warm. The freezer is lukewarm. Something’s off. First thing, check the settings. Your refrigerator must be placed at approximately 37–40F. The freezer? 0°F. Easy to overlook. Human beings keep hitting these dials every day, and then they become confused as to why everything turns out badly.

Next, check the vents inside the fridge. Those little slots aren’t decoration; they move cold air around. Plug them up with huge amounts of old stuff, and one side will freeze as the other one is hardly cool.

Then, take a look at the condenser coils. These coils are like your fridge’s lungs. Dusty? Clogged? Your fridge is suffocating. The vast majority of GE models have them at the bottom or behind. Take a vacuum, shake them off, and see the fridge relax once more. Every six months or so. Seriously, it helps.

Ice Maker Problems

Ice makers are amazing. Until they’re not. Now your morning smoothie will hurt, as it has no ice. First, check the water supply. Make sure the valve is open. Ensure that it is not a bent or kinked line. Easy fixes are often the solution.

Next, inspect the ice maker itself. Sometimes cubes get stuck, and the whole thing jams. Clear it out. Still nothing? The water inlet valve might be worn out. Not fun, but it’s usually a simple part swap. You don’t need to call a pro for every little thing; just a little patience, a screwdriver, and a replacement part, and you’re back in business.

Weird Noises

Is the fridge making noise? Don’t panic. Humming is normal. It’s the compressor doing its thing. Clicking? Probably the defrost timer. Rattling? Maybe items are touching each other. Maybe the fridge isn’t level. A fridge that rocks back and forth is not happy. Grab a level, adjust the feet, and suddenly that annoying rattle disappears.

And yes, some sounds are weird. However, there is nothing unusual that is necessarily broken. In the majority of cases, it only implies that something is wrong. Listen, check, fix, and proceed.

Frost Buildup

Nothing ruins a freezer faster than frost. Ice everywhere. Freezer full of chunks. Usually, this means the defrost system is acting up. Modern fridges do this automatically, but heaters, timers, and thermostats can fail.

Manual defrosting works temporarily. Turn it off. Let the ice melt. Wipe down the freezer and move on. However, when you continue doing so, then that is an indication that there is a defrost component that is malfunctioning and should be changed. Please don’t ignore it. The accumulation of frost causes your fridge to work harder, consumes power, and could cause greater damage in the long term.

Water Dispenser Not Working

Water should flow. Cold, refreshing, steady. But sometimes it doesn’t. Start simple: make sure the water line is connected, and the valve is open. Check for leaks, kinks, anything that blocks flow.

Next, check the filter. A clogged filter is the culprit more often than not. Most GE fridges have a filter indicator light. Replace it on time, and suddenly your water flows as it should.

Door Seal Problems

Here’s a sneaky one. Cold air escapes. You don’t notice it at first. Then your fridge runs constantly. Energy bills rise. Food spoils. Why? Worn, cracked, or dirty door gaskets.

Inspect the rubber around the doors. Clean it with warm, soapy water. Check for cracks or warping. If it’s shot, replace it. Door seals are cheap, but a failing gasket can ruin fridge performance faster than anything else.

Electrical Problems

Sometimes the fridge just…doesn’t turn on. Dead as a doornail. Start with the obvious: is it plugged in? Did the breaker trip? Sounds simple, but it happens.

If the basics check out and nothing happens, it could be a control board or the start relay. Now we’re talking electrical stuff. Dangerous if you’re not careful. Call a pro. Don’t risk frying yourself or the fridge.

Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Healthy

• Don’t overload it. Crowding blocks airflow and messes with cooling.
  

• Keep the condenser coils clean. Seriously. Twice a year minimum.
  

• Replace the water filter on schedule. A clogged filter kills the dispenser.
  

• Keep it level. Uneven fridges make noise, leak water, and stress the seals.
  

• Close doors quickly. Every second the door is open, cold air escapes, and the fridge works harder.
  

Small stuff such as this works wonders. Consider it as rudimentary maintenance. Take care of your fridge, and it will last longer.

Call a Professional When Needed

Some problems? You can’t DIY them. Bad compressors, broken defrosts, and electricity problems are the professional ones. You are free to poke and prod, but some things can only be fixed through training, tools, and experience. Don’t risk making it worse.

Thinking About Upgrading?

The thing is, that it is more economical to change than fix. In case your fridge is old, is always on the verge of breaking down, or is simply ineffective anymore, it is wise to upgrade.

Four door refrigerators and GE side by side fridges today are more energy efficient, smarter, and just plain better. Bigger storage, better cooling, lower bills. And if you’re worried about cost, check out St. Louis Appliance Outlet. 

They’ve got new and scratch-and-dent models that are reliable and affordable. You can walk away with a fridge that works right, doesn’t waste energy, and won’t drain your wallet.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a General Electric side by side fridge doesn’t have to be a headache. Start simple: check the temperature, vents, and water supply. Clean the coils. Inspect the seals. Replace filters. Most problems? You can fix them yourself.

For bigger issues, call a professional. And if your fridge is old or keeps giving you trouble, maybe it’s time to upgrade. A modern four door refrigerator can make life easier and save money in the long run. St. Louis Appliance Outlet has you covered with options that won’t break the bank.

Take care of your fridge. It takes care of your food. And trust me, that’s worth a little effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common problems with GE refrigerators?

Cooling issues are most common, followed by ice maker failures, water dispenser problems, frost buildup, and worn door seals.

What are the issues with side-by-side refrigerators?

Uneven cooling happens often, usually caused by blocked airflow, freezer frost buildup, or ice maker and dispenser issues.

How do you run a diagnostic on a GE refrigerator?

Most GE models enter diagnostic mode by pressing specific temperature buttons, depending on the control panel design.

How to reset a GE side by side refrigerator that is not cooling?

Unplug the fridge for five minutes, plug it back in, then reset temperatures to recommended factory settings.