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Fridge won't hold temperature settings, freezes on refrigerator side

I have a 14 year old GE Monogram side-by-side refrigerator that recently started freezing in the lower trays on the refrigerator side. I tried multiple times to adjust the temperature settings higher using the touch controls but will not hold. Temp on freezer side remains at 0; and on the fridge side 28 - 30 degrees. It is an old machine but as an ifixit person prefer to first repair. any fix recommendations or understanding of the problem is appreciated.

Update (04/26/2016)

i came across the helpful tip (image attached,

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can't find the link), "expert Barry G" was right – it turned out to be a broken damper that was letting a continuous flow of cold air into the fridge section. i found a used damper on ebay for 28 dollars. fixed!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I also had this problem when we cleaned the fridge but did NOT put the climate control drawer back into the right position. Just the regular veg draw and that draw swapped spots. Then when a not vented draser is in lowest position it doesn't allow freezer air to circulate into that drawer but air movement pushes drawer open and then circulatets freezer air into the lower portion of the fridge freezing the lower half.

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I had the same problem and decided to repair the broken door. I made a short video that shows how. https://youtu.be/1HooSxEUMkI

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My problem is the temperature dose not stay set on what I put it on

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Yolanda, Did you ever figure out why your setting would change all by itself? I'm having the same problem as you.

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I am having the same problem with my GE Monogram side-by-side. It too, is about 14 years old and over-cooling in the refrigerator. I tried installing two new thermistors (there was an upper and a lower one on the fridge side), but that did not solve the problem. I have it set to 42 degrees (digital), and this morning, the fridge was at 33 degrees.

Also, when I wired in the new thermistors, I could not see any markings on the wires coming from the fridge. I assume that means you cannot wire them incorrectly?

Maybe the thermostat?

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1 Answer

Chosen Solution

Cause 1

Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may cause the refrigerant system to run longer than necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature control thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.

Cause 2

Thermistor

The thermistor monitors the air temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board then regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may run too frequently. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator temperature. If the thermistor resistance does not change, or the thermistor does not have continuity, replace the thermistor.

Cause 3

Temperature Control Board

The temperature control board provides voltage to the compressor and fan motors. If the control board is faulty, it may send continuous voltage to the compressor or fan motors. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of the other components are defective, consider replacing the temperature control board.

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4 Comments:

thanks for your recommendations. it turned out to be a broken damper that was letting a continuous flow of cold air into the fridge section. found a used damper on ebay for 28 dollars. fixed!

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Glad you found the problem, but it's definitely not one of the common causes.

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my Problem is that my fridge turns off and stops cooling until I punch the Thermostat controls I have replaced the thermostat defrost board but has not fixed the issue

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My digital thermostat goes to 53 for several hours and then back to 37. having this issue for 2 weeks now. I relaced controller compressor and relay. still having this problem

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