F4
GE Compressor Discharge Temperature Sensor Failure

GE heat pump water heater shows F4 and the compressor will not run.

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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

Failed discharge thermistor, sensor not properly clamped to discharge line, wiring harness damage from heat, control board sensor circuit failure

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn OFF power at the breaker. Components near the compressor can be hot; allow time to cool.

Steps to address F4:

  • Locate discharge sensor: Find the sensor clipped to the small-diameter copper line leaving the compressor (discharge line).
  • Inspect attachment: Ensure the sensor is firmly clamped and insulated as designed. A loose sensor can cause incorrect readings.
  • Check wiring: Look for melted insulation or brittle wires near the hot discharge line. Repair or replace damaged harness sections.
  • Test sensor: Disconnect and measure resistance with a multimeter. Compare to GE’s chart for the approximate line temperature. Replace if open/shorted or out of range.
  • Control board check: If the sensor is good, inspect the control board connector and traces. Reseat the plug and look for discoloration.
  • Power up and test: Restore power and see if F4 clears. If not, the control board may require replacement.

Note: Persistent high discharge temperature without a sensor fault may indicate a sealed system problem and should be handled by an EPA-certified technician.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Compressor Discharge Thermistor
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