FF
GE Monogram Fresh Food Compartment Temperature Fault

Refrigerator compartment too warm; display shows FF or flashes FF; freezer may still be cold.

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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

Fresh food evaporator fan motor failure, Fresh food thermistor out of range, Air damper stuck closed, Control board temperature sensing circuit fault

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the dedicated circuit breaker before removing panels or handling wiring. Use insulated tools and avoid working on wet floors.

Step 1 – Verify actual temperature and airflow:

  • Place an appliance thermometer in the fresh food (refrigerator) section for at least 20 minutes. Confirm if the temperature is actually high (above 40°F / 4°C).
  • Open the fresh food door and listen for the evaporator fan (usually behind the rear interior panel). You should hear a small fan running when the compressor is on and the door switch is held closed.
  • Check for strong airflow from the top rear vents; weak or no airflow indicates a fan or damper issue.

Step 2 – Check for blocked vents and overloading:

  • Ensure food items are not pushed against the rear wall or covering the top vents.
  • Remove any large trays or boxes blocking airflow between freezer and fresh food sections.
  • Allow several hours for temperatures to stabilize after rearranging.

Step 3 – Inspect the fresh food evaporator fan (if no airflow):

  • Unplug the unit.
  • Remove shelves and the rear interior panel of the fresh food section (on many GE Monogram French-door models, the fan is behind this panel).
  • Check the fan blades for ice buildup or obstructions. Clear any ice with a hair dryer on low heat, keeping it moving to avoid warping plastic.
  • Spin the fan blade by hand; it should move freely. If seized, noisy, or not running when powered, the fresh food evaporator fan motor likely needs replacement.

Step 4 – Check the fresh food thermistor:

  • Locate the thermistor (small plastic-encased sensor clipped to the liner or behind a small cover in the fresh food section).
  • Inspect the wiring harness for damage or loose connections at the main control board (usually at the top or rear of the unit).
  • If you have a multimeter and the tech sheet, test the thermistor resistance at known temperatures. Replace if readings are out of GE specifications.

Step 5 – Inspect the air damper (if equipped):

  • Locate the air damper assembly between freezer and fresh food compartments (often behind a cover at the top left or top rear of the fresh food section).
  • Check if the damper door is stuck closed by ice or debris. Gently defrost any ice and verify the door can move freely.
  • If the damper does not move during operation or is physically broken, replace the air damper assembly.

Step 6 – Control board evaluation:

  • If fan, thermistor, and damper test good but FF persists, the main control board may not be reading temperature correctly.
  • Inspect the board for burnt components or corrosion. Replacement of the board is typically required if faults are found.

When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable testing thermistors or accessing the control board, or if FF returns after replacing the fan, contact a GE Monogram–qualified technician for advanced diagnostics.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Fresh Food Evaporator Fan Motor
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