GE
Short Cycling / Improper Control or Sizing
GE air conditioner frequently turns on and off (short cycling)
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Unit oversized for room, Thermistor located too close to cold air discharge, Dirty filter or restricted airflow, Control board or thermostat malfunction
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug before moving sensors or opening panels.
Steps:
- Check sensor placement: Ensure the room temperature sensor is in the return air path, not directly in the cold air stream. If it is, reposition slightly away from the discharge.
- Clean filter and coils: Restricted airflow can cause rapid temperature swings near the sensor. Clean as needed.
- Verify mode and setpoint: Avoid setting the temperature extremely low; moderate settings reduce cycling.
- Board/thermostat: If cycling is extreme and not related to room size or sensor placement, the control board or thermostat may be faulty and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Main Control Board
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