GE Profile Arctica Side-by-Side won't cool, no temp display

[ChrisW]

Hi! Our GE Profile Arctica side-by-side refrigerator/freezer (Model No. PSC23SGRDSS) is on the fritz and I'm hoping maybe someone can help? The fridge came with the house and we definitely don't have the Bill of Sale for the fridge, so the warranty doesn't apply. I assume it's about 3-4 yrs old (there's a sticker inside the freezer with "11/2005" on it).

It keeps trying to "start up" (cycle "on"? Sorry for lack of better description) every 30 seconds or so, but never manages to actually cycle on. The inside lights are working. The outside panel (water/ice/etc) was broken when we bought the house, so we had turned off the water. This problem started last night and both the fridge and freezer are losing cold now. The fridge and freezer temperatures won't display, but "HRS" is blinking steadily (I don't think the problem has anything to do with "hours" though because that's just part of the "Custom Cool" option for one of the fridge drawers-- you can set the hours you want to thaw for. I just think "HRS" is the only part of the LED that's working?). I unplugged it and let it sit for a while but after I plugged it back in, the same problems continue. From what I've googled, it sounds like the circuit board (whatever that means...Please excuse my ignorance.)?

Any help/guidance would be most appreciated! I know we can call GE, but without the warranty (and in these tough times), it'll probably be kind of expensive. If we can fix it ourselves, that would be great...
Thanks a lot!

[Dan O.]

It keeps trying to "start up" every 30 seconds or so, but never manages to actually cycle on.

By "it" I assume you mean the compressor at the rear? (see the following link)

LINK > My refrigerator is making strange sounds. What is wrong with it?

This problem started last night and both the fridge and freezer are losing cold now.

Without the compressor running no cooling can take place as explained at the following link:

LINK > My frost free refrigerator is not cooling properly. What might be the problem?

I unplugged it and let it sit for a while but after I plugged it back in, the same problems continue.

If the compressor is failing to get running, the fridge should be turned off or disconnected from power for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the compressor a chance to cool. If it didn't start right up when turned back on, it should be left off until it can be serviced. Allowing the compressor to continually click on and off can cause damage to the compressor ($$$+)... if it isn't already the cause.

The compressor getting power but failing to stay running could be caused by a problem in its starting relay/overload protector (see the following link) or in the compressor itself. Specialized tools are required to directly test the compressor which most homeowners wouldn't have access to.

LINK > GE PSC23SGRDSS Relay/Overload Asm.

From what I've googled, it sounds like the circuit board

Not for just the compressor clicking on and off.

The control circuit board would not usually cause the compressor to just fail to start up. It might prevent power from getting to it altogether or cause erratic temperatures. As long as the compressor is getting power and trying to start, the control board is likely doing its job. Only if all power stopped going to the compressor was the reason it wasn't running would your fridge's circuit board be a possibility.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[ChrisW]

By "it" I assume you mean the compressor at the rear? (see the following link)

Yes, that's it! Well, at least that's what the sounds seem to be? Not a "knocking" or "clicking" exactly, just trying to cycle on but not being able to. Like a car trying to start.

Without the compressor running no cooling can take place...If the compressor is failing to get running, the fridge should be turned off or disconnected from power for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the compressor a chance to cool. If it didn't start right up when turned back on, it should be left off until it can be serviced. Allowing the compressor to continually click on and off can cause damage to the compressor ($$$+)... if it isn't already the cause.

I left the fridge unplugged all day yesterday. When I got home from work, I plugged it in again just to see. It turned on, temperatures displayed, no failed-cycling-attempts from the compressor. We thought, "Hmm... maybe it's fixed? Hooray!" Then this a.m., the compressor cycling issue was back, no temps displayed, and "HRS" blinking. BUT, both the fridge and freezer were cold. We don't have a thermometer so I'm not sure how cold they were, but I'd guess they were close to regular running temperatures (0 and 37)?

The compressor getting power but failing to stay running could be caused by a problem in its starting relay/overload protector (see the following link) or in the compressor itself. Specialized tools are required to directly test the compressor which most homeowners wouldn't have access to. LINK > GE PSC23SGRDSS Relay/Overload Asm. Not for just the compressor clicking on and off.

The control circuit board would not usually cause the compressor to just fail to start up. It might prevent power from getting to it altogether or cause erratic temperatures. As long as the compressor is getting power and trying to start, the control board is likely doing its job. Only if all power stopped going to the compressor was the reason it wasn't running would your fridge's circuit board be a possibility.

It sounds like a service call is the only option, in which case, would you suggest that we plug it back in the night before the repairman comes so we can show him the problem? If we wait for him to plug it in, won't it just function normally (the way it did when I plugged it in last night) and then start the cycling on problems hours after he leaves (like it did by this morning)?

Thank you SO very much for your help, Dan!
Christy

[Dan O.]

It sounds like a service call is the only option, in which case, would you suggest that we plug it back in the night before the repairman comes so we can show him the problem?

That's the right thought but check with the service company. They may be able to call you just ahead of service to tell you to plug it in or they may want it plugged in for longer... or not at all. Hopefully the dispatcher appreciates the situation and knows which way to suggest and to inform the technician about it.

BTW. You really should call a GE *factory authorized* service depot for service because if some parts are covered by one of GE's secret 'field rework program' (fixes for known problem areas like the motherboard, etc. - often repaired even after the normal warranty expires), they will be the only ones able to make concessions on parts or labor needed.

Let us know how you make out.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[GradyWhite]

GE Profile Artica PSS26SGRB side by side SS Stop running!!

Hello friends... I hope someone can help
my refrig stop working on both sides!!!! the compressor neither fans are working!!! however the lights works and the only info on the digital screens on top shows the word "HRS" blinking... I already unplug it and wait even a day and plug it back on and nothing.... This unit is located outside of US and there are no GE service for it... someone told me that might be the mother board... or main control board.. I checked with a Tester and there is power going in thru the wiring... but I dont want to keep going deeper without knowledge...
HELP

[Dan O.]

the compressor neither fans are working!!! someone told me that might be the mother board... or main control board

The compressor and fans not running could be caused by either, yes.

LINK > GE PSS26SGRB 'Mother Board'

the digital screens on top shows the word "HRS" blinking

Inability to program the control might be more likely to be caused by a problem in the user interface board (see the following link).

LINK > GE PSS26SGRB User Interface

This unit is located outside of US and there are no GE service for it.

You could check with GE about getting a service manual for it?

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~