Common GE Appliance Repair Issues: Quick Fixes and Expert Solutions

ByRefiTech Kenya

Appliance Repair in Nairobi & Kenya › 0704843613

By Refitec Kenya – Your Trusted GE Appliance Repair Specialists

When your GE appliance breaks down, you need answers fast. Below are the most common GE appliance problems and their quick solutions, followed by detailed repair steps to get your appliances running smoothly again.

Quick Problem Solver

GE Refrigerator Not Cooling? Check the condenser coils for dust buildup, ensure the door seals properly, and verify the temperature settings are correct (37°F for fridge, 0°F for freezer).

GE Washer Won’t Drain? Clear the drain pump filter, check for kinked drain hoses, and ensure the drain hose isn’t inserted too far into the standpipe.

GE Dryer Not Heating? Clean the lint filter and exhaust vent, check the thermal fuse, and verify the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped (dryers need 240V).

GE Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Clean the spray arms, check water temperature (should be 120°F), use fresh detergent, and ensure the water inlet valve is functioning.

GE Oven Temperature Incorrect? Calibrate the oven temperature, test the heating elements, and check the temperature sensor for damage.

GE Microwave Not Heating? Check the door switches, examine the magnetron and high voltage capacitor (professional repair recommended), and ensure proper voltage supply.

GE Ice Maker Not Working? Verify water supply is on, check the water inlet valve and filter, ensure the freezer temperature is below 10°F, and inspect the ice maker assembly.

Detailed Repair Solutions

1. GE Refrigerator Repair Issues

Problem: Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

Symptoms: Food spoiling quickly, warm interior, frost buildup

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Check the condenser coils – Located at the back or bottom of the unit. Unplug the refrigerator and use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Dirty coils reduce cooling efficiency by up to 35%.
  2. Inspect door seals – Close the door on a piece of paper. If you can pull it out easily, the seal needs replacement. Clean seals with warm soapy water to remove debris that prevents proper sealing.
  3. Verify temperature settings – Set the fridge to 37°F and freezer to 0°F. Allow 24 hours for stabilization after adjusting.
  4. Check the evaporator fan – Open the freezer and listen for the fan. If silent, the fan motor may need replacement.
  5. Test the defrost system – Excessive frost on evaporator coils indicates a defrost system failure. Check the defrost heater, thermostat, and timer.

When to Call Refitec Kenya: If the compressor is faulty, refrigerant is leaking, or the control board needs replacement.

Problem: Water Leaking from Refrigerator

Common causes and fixes:

  1. Clogged defrost drain – Pour warm water mixed with baking soda down the drain tube to clear blockages.
  2. Damaged water line – Inspect the water supply line for cracks or loose connections. Replace if necessary.
  3. Overflowing drain pan – Check if the pan is cracked or if the defrost drain is clogged causing overflow.
  4. Ice maker leaks – Ensure water line connections are tight and the fill valve isn’t overfilling the ice tray.

2. GE Washing Machine Problems

Problem: Washer Won’t Drain or Spin

Immediate Checks:

  1. Clear the drain pump filter – Located at the front bottom of the machine. Place towels down, open the filter cover, and remove any coins, lint, or debris.
  2. Inspect the drain hose – Ensure it’s not kinked, clogged, or inserted more than 4.5 inches into the standpipe. Remove and flush with water.
  3. Test the lid switch – Top-load washers won’t spin if the lid switch is broken. Press the switch with a pen while the lid is open to test.
  4. Check for overloading – An unbalanced load prevents spinning. Redistribute clothes evenly.

Advanced Troubleshooting:

  • Drain pump failure – Listen for humming at the pump. If present but no draining occurs, the pump may be blocked or failed.
  • Drive belt issues – For older models, check if the belt is broken or loose.
  • Control board problems – Error codes on the display indicate specific issues. Note the code before calling for service.

Problem: Washer Making Loud Noises

Diagnosis by sound:

  • Grinding noise – Foreign objects in the pump or worn drum bearings
  • Squealing – Drive belt needs adjustment or replacement
  • Banging during spin – Unbalanced load or failed shock absorbers
  • Clicking – Faulty shifter assembly or clutch

Solutions: Remove objects from pump, balance loads properly, replace worn parts as needed.

3. GE Dryer Repair Issues

Problem: Dryer Not Heating

Critical Safety Note: Never run a dryer with a broken thermal fuse or thermostat.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis:

  1. Clean the entire venting system – Disconnect the vent hose and remove all lint. A clogged vent is the number one cause of dryer heating problems and a fire hazard.
  2. Check the thermal fuse – Located on the blower housing. Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If blown, it must be replaced and cannot be reset.
  3. Test the heating element – Remove the front panel and test the element with a multimeter. Replace if broken.
  4. Verify power supply – Electric dryers need 240V. Check both breakers in your electrical panel. One tripped breaker means the drum spins but no heat.
  5. Inspect the gas valve coils (gas dryers) – Use a multimeter to test the igniter and gas valve solenoids.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Clean the lint filter after every load
  • Deep clean the vent system twice yearly
  • Check the drum seal for wear annually

Problem: Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry

Quick fixes:

  1. Reduce load size to allow proper air circulation
  2. Sort by fabric weight
  3. Ensure adequate 240V power supply
  4. Check that the outdoor vent flap opens freely
  5. Replace moisture sensor if clothes feel dry but sensor disagrees

4. GE Dishwasher Issues

Problem: Dishes Not Getting Clean

Comprehensive Solution:

  1. Clean spray arms – Remove upper and lower spray arms. Use a toothpick to clear clogged holes. Rinse under running water.
  2. Check water temperature – Run hot water at the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher. Water should reach 120°F for proper cleaning.
  3. Inspect the filter – Remove and clean the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub. Food particles here reduce cleaning performance.
  4. Use proper detergent – Expired or clumped detergent doesn’t clean effectively. Store in a dry place and replace every 3 months.
  5. Verify water pressure – Low water pressure affects fill levels. Ensure the water inlet valve screens aren’t clogged.
  6. Load dishes correctly – Avoid blocking spray arms. Place larger items on the bottom rack, facing the center.

Problem: Dishwasher Won’t Drain

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check the drain hose for kinks
  2. Clean the air gap (if installed)
  3. Inspect the garbage disposal connection
  4. Test the drain pump for obstructions
  5. Examine the check valve for proper operation

5. GE Oven and Range Problems

Problem: Oven Temperature Inaccurate

Calibration Process:

  1. Test actual temperature – Use an oven thermometer placed in the center rack. Preheat to 350°F and compare readings.
  2. Calibrate the control – Most GE ovens allow ±35°F adjustment. Access calibration mode through the control panel (consult your model’s manual).
  3. Check the temperature sensor – Located at the back of the oven. Test resistance with a multimeter (should read about 1,100 ohms at room temperature).
  4. Inspect heating elements – Visual inspection for breaks or blistering. Test with multimeter for continuity.
  5. Examine the relay board – If elements test good but don’t heat, the relay board may need replacement.

Problem: Oven Won’t Heat at All

Electric ovens:

  1. Check circuit breaker (requires 240V)
  2. Test bake and broil elements
  3. Verify temperature sensor readings
  4. Test the control board

Gas ovens:

  1. Ensure gas supply is on
  2. Check the igniter (should glow bright white)
  3. Test the safety valve
  4. Inspect the control thermostat

6. GE Microwave Repair

Problem: Microwave Runs But Doesn’t Heat

Warning: Microwave repair involves high voltage components. Professional service is strongly recommended.

Safe diagnostics:

  1. Test with water – Heat a cup of water for 1 minute. It should be very hot.
  2. Check the door switches – Faulty switches prevent the magnetron from operating. Listen for clicking when closing the door.
  3. Verify power settings – Ensure the microwave isn’t set to a low power level.

Professional repair needed for:

  • Magnetron failure (the component that generates microwaves)
  • High voltage capacitor issues
  • Diode or transformer problems

Safety reminder: Never attempt to repair microwave high-voltage components yourself. Even when unplugged, capacitors can store dangerous electrical charges.

Preventive Maintenance Tips from Refitec Kenya

For all GE appliances:

  1. Regular cleaning – Prevents 60% of common issues
  2. Proper loading – Extends appliance lifespan by years
  3. Timely filter replacement – Maintains efficiency
  4. Professional annual inspection – Catches problems early
  5. Use correct settings – Prevents unnecessary wear

Red flags requiring immediate professional attention:

  • Burning smells
  • Electrical sparking
  • Water pooling around appliances
  • Unusual loud noises
  • Error codes that persist after basic troubleshooting
  • Gas odors (turn off gas and call immediately)

Why Choose Refitec Kenya for GE Appliance Repair?

At Refitec Kenya, we specialize in GE appliance repair across all models and types. Our certified technicians have:

  • Factory-trained expertise in GE appliances
  • Same-day service available in Nairobi and surrounding areas
  • Genuine GE replacement parts for lasting repairs
  • 90-day warranty on all repairs and parts
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
  • Over 10 years serving Kenyan homes and businesses

Service areas: Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and throughout Kenya

Contact Refitec Kenya Today:

  • Phone: 0704843613
  • Location: Nairobi, Kenya
  • Working Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Don’t let appliance problems disrupt your daily routine. Whether it’s a refrigerator that won’t cool, a washer that won’t drain, or any other GE appliance issue, Refitec Kenya has the expertise to get your appliances working like new again.

Remember: While many repairs can be done yourself, complex issues involving electrical systems, gas connections, or refrigerant require professional service. When in doubt, call Refitec Kenya for safe, reliable repairs.

Last updated: February 2026

This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult your appliance manual and consider professional repair for complex issues. Refitec Kenya is not affiliated with GE Appliances but specializes in their repair and maintenance.

RefiTech Kenya provides convenient Fridge Repair in Narobi, Television Repair, Washing Machine Repair, Oven Repair, Home Appliances and Electronics Repair Servics. Get Affordable Television Repair Services, Microwave Repair, Fridge & Freezer Services, Electric Cooker Maintenance, Home Theatre Repair in Nairobi, Electronic Appliance Installation, maintenance, and parts replacement service!