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Repair and additional information for the GE Profile Refrigerator PFE29PSD, a bottom freezer style fridge with automatic defrosting, and both drawer and door access for flexibility in storage. This page covers information for model numbers matching the pattern PFE29PSD****.

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GE PFE29PSDSS compressor not working - I know what it isn't

Hi. Six year old Profile French door fridge. Repairman swapped out the control panel, which didn’t get the compressor working. Then he swapped out the compressor inverter which also didn’t work. He said it either needed a new compressor or it’s a wiring issue, but in either case, he recommended getting a new fridge because those are big jobs. I hate to cut bait on a 6-year old fairly expensive fridge - do I get a second opinion? Is it worth it? Or do I bite the bullet and get a new one?

Answer this question I have this problem too

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@papabhos everything else works as it should? When they replaced the inverter did they check for any power to it?

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@papabhos I hate to give up and this sounds a bit wishy washy. I added some information from the SM and hope it makes sense to you. Read through it and see if that is something you’d tackle. For now as it is , it ain’t working so who knows. Check things out and let us know what you think.

Inverter

The inverter controls compressor speed by frequency variation and by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Changing frequency and PWM will cause an effective voltage between 80 and 240 VAC to be received at the compressor. Frequency will vary from 40Hz low speed up to 151Hz at high speed. The inverter receives commands from the main control board. The main control board will send a PWM run signal from the J9 connector pins 7 to 8 of 2-3 VDC (effective voltage) to the inverter (all wires must be connected). The inverter will select compressor speed (voltage output) based on this signal. The PWM run signal voltage can also be checked at the inverter harness. The main control board will only send a run signal to the inverter when the compressor should be on.

Note: When measuring signal voltage (from the main control board) at the inverter, a reading of 4-6 VDC will be measured with all wires connected. If the inverter wiring is disconnected, the board output will measure between 4-5 VDC.

The inverter will monitor compressor operation and if the compressor fails to start or excessive current draw (4 amps maximum) is detected, the inverter will briefly stop voltage output. The inverter will then make 12 consecutive compressor-start attempts (once every 12 seconds). After 12 attempts, if the compressor has not started, an 8-minute count will initiate. After the 8-minute count, the inverter will attempt to start the compressor again. If the compressor starts, normal operation will resume. If the compressor fails to start, this process will be repeated. Removing power to the unit will reset the inverter count. When power is restored, the inverter will attempt to start the compressor within 8 minutes.

The inverter has built-in circuit protection to guard against damage from a failed or shorted compressor. However, if a failed compressor is diagnosed, order a new compressor and inverter. Replace the inverter fi rst. If the compressor fails to start after inverter replacement, replace the compressor.

Inverter Compressor

Caution: Do not attempt to direct-start the compressor. The compressor operates on a 3-phase power supply. Applying 120 VAC to the compressor will permanently damage the unit. It is not possible to start the compressor without an inverter.

The compressor is a reciprocating, variable speed, 4-pole type. It operates on 3-phase, 80 to 240 VAC within a range of 55 to 130 Hz.

Note: Certain voltmeters will not be able to read voltage output or frequency from the inverter. Compressor wattages at various speeds are 60-180 watts.

The compressor is controlled by the inverter, which receives its signal from the main control board. Varying the frequency to the inverter changes the compressor speed. Compressor speed is based on the temperature set point in conjunction with the specific cabinet temperature. The use of 3-phase power eliminates the need for the relay, capacitor, and individual start and run windings; therefore, the start, run, and common pins found on conventional compressors are not applicable on this 3-phase model. Compressor pin functions are identical and compressor lead wire configuration is of no importance. A resistance of 9 ohm to 11 ohms should be read between any 2 of the 3 pins. Should an opening occur in the compressor winding or should one of the compressor lead wires become open or disconnected, the inverter will stop voltage output to the compressor. Compressor operation is extremely smooth and cool. The compressor exterior temperature may be slightly higher than room temperature while operating; therefore, it may be difficult to detect a running unit.

Run diagnostic 0-95 and see what you can come up with so far. GE PFE29PSDSS Diagnostics

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Check the compressor 1st! Our GE fridge compressor quit cooling at 4 years and it had an “Embraco” compressor

A MAJOR soda company (who supplies 10s of thousands of refrigerated vending machines every year…) choose to use compressors by Embraco but cancelled out to another supplier because Embraco was “Environmentaly Friendly” but they die prematurely….

If you bought a GE. With an Embraco compressor, you bought a lemon!!,

GE and Embraco know this…. We learned it the hard way…

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Today same model same problem, replace both inverter and condensation fan. Well done .

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BPH will be eternally grateful.
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