GE GSS20 Series How to use

C
PUB # 31-9110 4/04
MODEL SERIES:
TECHNICALSERVICE GUIDE
Profile/GE Side-by-Side
Refrigerators with Electronic
Touch Controls
GSS20
GSS22
GSS25
GE Consumer & Industrial

– 2 –
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information in this service guide is intended for use by
individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical,
electronic, and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a
major appliance may result in personal injury and property
damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the
interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any liability in
connection with its use.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury, disconnect power before servicing this
product. If electrical power is required for diagnosis or test
purposes, disconnect the power immediately after performing the
necessary checks.
RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES
If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts, or washers used
to complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must
be returned to their original position and properly fastened.
GE Consumer & Industrial
Technical Service Guide
Copyright © 2004
All rights reserved. This service guide may not be reproduced, in whole or in part,
or in any form, without written permission from the General Electric Company.
!

– 3 –
Table of Contents
Auger Does Not Work .................................................................................................................24
Circuit Board ............................................................................................................................... 8
Clad Door Panel......................................................................................................................... 10
Component Location .....................................................................................................................6
Components..................................................................................................................................8
Condenser Fan and Motor.............................................................................................................9
Condenser Fan Does Not Work..................................................................................................20
Control Panel.............................................................................................................................. 12
Damper Does Not Work..............................................................................................................19
Defrost Heater Does Not Work ...................................................................................................21
DiagnosticAid..............................................................................................................................14
Diagnostic Chart .........................................................................................................................15
Dispenser Trim..............................................................................................................................8
Door Gasket ............................................................................................................................... 11
Duct Door Does Not Open..........................................................................................................19
Evaporator Fan and Motor ...........................................................................................................13
Evaporator Fan Does Not Work ..................................................................................................20
Evaporator Thermistor Does Not Work.......................................................................................18
Freezer Light Does Not Work .....................................................................................................22
Freezer Thermistor Does Not Work............................................................................................18
Fresh Food Compartment Light and Switch .............................................................................. 10
Fresh Food Light Does Not Work................................................................................................22
Fresh Food Thermistors .............................................................................................................. 8
Fresh Food Thermistor Does Not Work......................................................................................18
Icemaker .......................................................................................................................................9
Icemaker Does Not Work............................................................................................................24
Illustrated Parts Catalog ............................................................................................................. 27
Mini-ManualLocation .....................................................................................................................5
No Communication Between the Main Control Board and the Dispenser Board ........................17
Nomenclature................................................................................................................................5
Schematic...................................................................................................................................25
Technical Data...............................................................................................................................4
Thermistor Values Chart .............................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................14
TroubleshootingChart .................................................................................................................16
WarrantyInformation ...................................................................................................................36
Water ChillingTube Repair..........................................................................................................13
Water Dispenser Does Not Work................................................................................................23
Wheel Assembly .......................................................................................................................... 9
Wiring Diagram ...........................................................................................................................26

– 4 –
Technical Data
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Thermistor calibration: kilo-ohm resistance .......... @ 0°F 62.79
@ 37°F 24.48
@ 77°F 10.00
Defrost Control .............................................. adaptive system
Overtemperature Thermostat ................................. 140-110°F
ELECTRICAL RATING
Maximum Current Leakage ...................................... 0.75 mA.
Maximum Ground Path Resistance ...................... 0.14 Ohms
NO LOAD PERFORMANCE
Control Position 5/5 and Ambient of 65°F - 90°F
Fresh Food, °F .................................................................. 34-41
Frozen Food, °F ............................................................... (-3) -3
Run Time, % @ 65 Ambient ......................................... 23-35%
Run Time, % @ 90 Ambient ......................................... 48-60%
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Refrigerant Charge (R134a) ................................. 4.25 ounces
Compressor ............................................................ 980 BTU/hr
Minimum Compressor Capacity ............................. 23 inches
Minimum Equalized Pressure
@ 70°F ...........................................................................55 PSIG
@ 90°F ...........................................................................63 PSIG
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
This information is intended for use by individuals
possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical,
electronic and mechanical experience. Any attempt
to repair a major appliance may result in personal
injury and property damage. The manufacturer or
seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of
this information, nor can it assume any liability in
connection with its use.
INSTALLATION
Clearance must be provided for air circulation
AT TOP ............................................................................................... 1"
AT SIDES ....................................................................................... 0.13"
AT REAR ............................................................................................. 1"
REPLACEMENT PARTS
FF Temp Control Housing ................................. WR55X10276
PTCR .................................................................... WR07X10009
Overload ............................................................. WR08X10028
Capacitor ............................................................... WR62X0080
Heater and Bracket Asm.................................... WR51X10055
Motor DC Condenser Fan.................................. WR60X10053
Motor DC Evaporator Fan ................................. WR60X10043
Board Asm Main Control .................................. WR55X10037
Compressor Replacement Kit ........................... WR87X10041
Sensor Temperature .......................................... WR50X10027
Overtemperature Thermostat ........................... WR50X10015
AIR FLOW
DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING
IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES
All parts of this appliance capable of conducting
electrical current are grounded. If grounding
wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts or washers used
to complete a path to ground are removed for
service, they must be returned to their original
position and properly fastened.
FREEZER
EVAPORATOR
FRESH FOOD
COLD AIR MIXED AIR WARMER AIR
.110" Hub to Top
of Orifice

– 5 –
Nomenclature
TheMini-Manual islocatedin the
control console.
G S S 2 5 I F M A F W W
BRAND/PRODUCT
G = GE
DEPTH/POWER
H = ENERGYSTAR
L=CLEAN STEEL
S = STANDARD
W=FULLWRAPSTAINLESS
Z=STAINLESSINTERIOR
INTERIOR/SHELVES
A=LEADER WIRE
B= STANDARD WIRE
C= UPGRADE WIRE
D= DELUXE WIRE
E = PREMIUM WIRE
F= SUPERIOR WIRE
G=STANDARDGLASS
H= UPGRADE GLASS
I=DELUXEGLASS
J=SPILL-PROOFGLASS
K=SPILL-PROOFGLASS
L=SPILL-PROOFSLIDE-OUT GLASS
M=SPILL-PROOF/SLIDE-OUTGLASS
N= SPILL-PROOF/SLIDE-OUT
CUSTOM COOL GLASS
S=STAINLESS STEELDOORS
ICEMAKER/EXTERIOR
A = NOT ICE MAKER READY
B = ICE MAKER READY
C = FACTORY ICE MAKER
D= CUBED ICE/WATER
E= CUBED/CRUSHED ICE/WATER
F = 6 MO. FILTER/CUBED/CRUSHED ICE
G=1 YR. FILTER/CUBED/CRUSHEDICE
I= IN-LINE FILTER/INDICATOR&C/C/W
J = IN-LINE FILTER/REFRESHMENT CTR
S=STAINLESSSTEEL
EXTERIOR COLOR
AA= ALMOND/ALMOND
AD= ALMOND/BLACK
BB=BLACK/BLACK
BS=STAINLESS/BLACK
CC= BISQUE/BISQUE
CT=BISQUE/BLACK
SS=STAINLESS/STAINLESS
WH=WHITE/BLACK
WS-STAINLESS/WHITE
WW=WHITE/WHITE
CONFIGURATION
S= SIDE-BY-SIDE CUBIC FEET MODELYEAR
DOOR TYPE
F = FLAT DOOR (G-LINE)
(SPACE = FLAT DOOR (S- & T-LINE
K = RETROFIT DOOR
ENGINEERING
NOMENCLATURE
A= INITIAL DESIGN
B=1ST REVISION
ETC.
K= CONVERSION KIT
Mini-Manual Location
Nomenclature
Serial Number
The first two numbers of the serial number
identify the month and year of manufacture.
Example: AG123456S = January, 2004
A-JAN 2005 - H
D - FEB 2004 - G
F - MAR 2003 - F
G -APR 2002 - D
H-MAY 2001 -A
L-JUN 2000 - Z
M- JUL 1999 - V
R -AUG 1998 - T
S - SEP 1997 - S
T - OCT 1996 - R
V - NOV 1995 - M
Z - DEC 1994 - L
Note: The technical sheet is located under the
control panel.
The letter designating
the year repeats every
12 years.
Example:
T - 1974
T - 1986
T - 1998

– 6 –
Component Location
GEA00914
Fresh Food
Light Switch
Fresh Food
Light Switch
Tech Data Sheet
Location
Tech Data Sheet
Location
Temperature
Controls
Temperature
Controls
DamperDamper
Fresh Food
Thermistor
Fresh Food
Thermistor
Freezer Light
Switch
Freezer Light
Switch
Evaporator
Fan
Evaporator
Fan
Evaporator
Thermistor
Evaporator
Thermistor
EvaporatorEvaporator
Freezer
Thermistor
Freezer
Thermistor

– 7 –
GEA00917
Main
Control
Board
Main
Control
Board
Jelly Roll
Condenser
Jelly Roll
Condenser
CompressorCompressor
CapacitorCapacitor Overload
Overload
and Relay
(under cover)
Overload
and Relay
(under cover)
Condenser
Fan
Condenser
Fan
Water
Solenoids
Water
Solenoids

– 8 –
Circuit Board
The circuit board is located on the back side of
therefrigerator.
Removal and Replacement
To access the circuit board, remove 4 screws that
hold the circuit board cover in place and remove
the circuit board cover.
Pull the trim from the trim tab holes.
To install the dispenser trim, align the trim tabs
with the holes in the freezer door and press the
trim onto the freezer door.
Fresh Food Thermistors
The fresh food thermistors are located at the
upper and lower portions of the fresh food
compartment.
Removal and Replacement
With a small flat-blade screwdriver, unlock the
tabs and remove the assembly.
Remove the thermistor from the cover and
disconnect the wire connector.
Dispenser Trim
Removal and Replacement
To remove the dispenser trim, insert small flat-
blade screwdriver in the slots located at the
bottom of the trim and lift up.
Components
Disconnect 3 electrical connectors. Remove the 3
screws that hold the circuit board in place, then
remove the circuit board.
Cover
Connectors

– 9 –
Condenser Fan and Motor
Note: The condenser fan harness is 3 inches
longer to accommodate maintenance.
Removal and Replacement
Remove 6 screws, then remove the cover from
the rear of the refrigerator.
WheelAssembly
Removal and Replacement
Unplug the refrigerator and lay the refrigerator on
its back side.
Remove 3 screws from the bottom of the wheel
assembly.
Remove the fan motor and disconnect the
electrical connector.
Pull the fan blades off of the end of the fan shaft.
Caution: The grommet in the fan motor bracket
may fall out.
Remove 2 screws from the fan motor bracket,
then remove the fan motor bracket.
Remove the wheel assembly by guiding the wheel
adjustment screw through the wheel adjustment
screw hole.
Adjustment screw
Screw
Connector
Motor
Screws
Grommet
Blades
Bracket
Icemaker
The orange and brown wires at the icemaker will
read120 VAC.
Removal and Replacement
Switch
Bucket
Screw
Cover
Connector
Turn the icemaker switch to the OFF position.
Remove the icemaker bucket and cover.
Unplug the icemaker connector.
Remove 2 screws, then remove the icemaker.

– 10 –
Clad Door Panel
The clad door panel is not on all models. Models
with the clad door require special cleaning and
handling procedures.
Removal and Replacement
Note: The screws that secure the clad panel to
the door require a Torx-30 screwdriver.
Remove the hinge cover, 2 screws, and the upper
hingeplate.
Note: Upper and lower door hinge shafts are
1/2 inch longer. The toe plate grille and top hinge
covers have been modified to adapt to these
changes.
Lift the door off of the lower hinge.
Disconnect the electrical connector shown below.
Squeeze the tab and remove the light assembly.
Fresh Food Compartment
Light and Switch
The fresh food light socket will read 120 VAC with
the door open.
Removal and Replacement
Remove 2 screws securing the control panel to
the refrigerator ceiling.
Tab
Disconnect the electrical connector from the fresh
food compartment light switch. Squeeze the tab
and push the light switch through the control
panel.
Tab
Connector

– 11 –
Remove 6 screws from the top, bottom, and side
of the door. Remove the clad panel from the door.
Remove 2 screws and washers from the door
handle.
Door Gasket
The freezer and fresh food door gaskets are
installed in a form-fitted slot in each foam-
insulateddoor liner.
Removal and Replacement
Open the door. Grasp the gasket and pull until the
molded gasket separates from the door liner.

– 12 –
Control Panel
Control panels in the fresh food section and on
the freezer door are fitted with tactile control
buttons. The main control board will have 120
VAC on the connectors from pins J-11 to J7-9.
Removal
Disconnect power. Remove 2 screws from
bottom of control panel.
Remove 4 tactile buttons from control panel
housing.
Remove electrical connector from circuit board.
Replacement
Connect electrical connector to circuit board.
Install 4 tactile buttons in the control panel
housing.
Set circuit board in groove aligning the two
7-segment LEDs in their slots.
Note: Make sure circuit board is firmly seated in
control panel groove.
Install 4 spring clips with arrow pointing toward
circuit board. Push spring clip into groove until it
snaps into place.
Position the tactile control panel inside the
refrigerator.
Connect the electrical connectors to the light
switch.
Install the 2 screws in the bottom of the tactile
control panel.
Note: Four spring clips hold the tactile buttons in
place between the control panel housing and the
circuit board. The tactile buttons will fall from their
positions when the circuit board is removed.
Remove the 4 spring clips as follows:
Insert the head of a small flat-blade screwdriver
under the spring clip and against the circuit board.
Pull the control panel down and disconnect the
electrical connector to the light switch.
Note: Springs clips are retained in place under
tension. Cover spring clips with your hand to
prevent them from springing loose.
Carefully twist and lift the point of the spring clip
from the retaining notch of the circuit board.
Set the control panel face down on a flat surface
and remove the circuit card from the control
panel.
Note: Be careful not to lose the four tactile
buttons.

– 13 –
Evaporator Fan and Motor
Removal and Replacement
Remove the shelves and drawers from the fresh
food compartment.
Remove 4 screws from the rear panel and
remove the rear panel.
Pull the fan blade off of the fan blade shaft.
Remove 2 screws from the motor brackets and
remove the brackets.
Insertthe fruit/vegetabledrawer.
Remove the fan motor.
Note: The grommets on the fan motor brackets
are pressed into place and may come off.
Water Chilling Tube Repair
The water tank has been replaced with a water
chilling tube. The water chilling tube allows the
cooled air to contact a greater amount of water
surface. The 36 feet of 5/16-in. plastic tubing can
be repaired using the quick connector
WR02X10471.
Removal and Replacement
Turn the water supply off and unplug the
refrigerator.
Lift the front of the fresh-produce shelf and slide it
to the back of the refrigerator.
Remove the fresh-produce shelf glass from the
refrigerator.
Lift and remove air deflector/light shield.
Remove the fruit/vegetable drawer.
Locate the damaged area in the water tube.
Note: If there is only one leak, cut one loop from
the water tube roll containing the damaged area. If
there is more than one leak, cut the water tube roll
at both ends and replace the entire roll.
Insert the cut end of the water tube into a quick
disconnect until it stops, then insert the other cut
end of the water tube into the other side of the
quick disconnect until it stops.
Plug in the refrigerator, turn the water source on,
and check the chilled drinking water system for
leaks.
Replace the fruit/vegetable drawer, fresh-produce
shelf glass, and the air deflector/light shield.
Motor Bracket
Fan Blade
Motor
Screw
Motor Bracket

– 14 –
Press and release any pad (other than the
temperature pads) to activate the test mode.
Then, enter the display numbers as shown in the
Diagnostic Chart for the test desired.
Press and release any pad (other than the
temperature pads) to activate that test.
Note: Selected models have limited test
capability. See the COMMENTS column for
clarification.
)
Troubleshooting
DiagnosticAid
Note: Not all diagnostic tests are available on all
models. See Diagnostic Chart, on next page, for
details.
The purpose of the diagnostic aid is to allow,
through a touch control board, the operation of
individual components and test circuits on
electronic refrigerators that do not contain built-in
diagnostics. This includes all electronic models
with a 4-pad touch control and electronic models
with temperature knobs.
The following 3 parts are required to assemble the
diagnostic aid:
•WX05X14999 Wiring harness
•WR55X10092 Temperature control board
•WR55X10068 Touch control membrane
and housing
Mount the temperature control board in the touch
control housing and connect the ribbon cable.
Connect the long (single connector) end of the
test harness to the J2 connector on the
temperature control board.
Enter the diagnostic mode by pressing both the
freezer temperature (colder and warmer) pads
and the refrigerator temperature (colder and
warmer) pads simultaneously.
Note: All 4 pads must be held for approximately 3
seconds.Ablinking "0" in both displays indicates
the refrigerator has entered the test mode.
Enter the appropriate display numbers
as shown below and press any pad other
than the temperature pads to activate
that test mode. Not all test modes are
available on all models.
0FISRECOMMENDED
ADJUST FREEZER TEM P
CO LDER W A RM ER
SET RESET W HEN LIT
HOLD
3SECS
SET
Expre ssTha w SelectTemp ExpressChi ll
Custom
Cool
COLDER WA RMER
ADJUST REFRIGERATOR TEMP
37 F IS REC OM M EN DED SET
15 M IN
30 M IN
45 M IN
0.5 LB S
1.5 LB S
3.0 LB S
CITRUS
PRODUC E
MEAT
REPLACE FreshSaver FILTE R
Connect the other end of the test harness to the
refrigerator using the appropriate plug for the
model being tested.
Note: On steel liner models with a 4-pad
temperature control (no filter reset), you must
disconnect the original touch control and plug the
cabinet harness directly onto the diagnostic aid
control board.

– 15 –
Diagnostic Chart
FREEZER
DISPLAY FRESH FOOD DISPLAY DIAGNOSTICS RESULTS COMMENTS
0 2
Communication check between
Temperature Control and Main Control “P” on freezer display if OK, “F” if problem is found.
0 4
Communication check between
Dispenser Control and Main Control “P” on freezer display if OK, “F” if problem is found. Dispenser models only.
0 5 Encoder Test As the knob is rotated, the display will show the
corresponding setting.
Only for models with
temperature control
knobs.
0 7 Control and Sensor System Test Checks each thermistor and
displays “P” for pass and “0”
for fail. See Note 1.
0 8 Duct Door Test Opens the dispenser duct door
for 10 seconds, then closes. Only for dispensers with
5 or more touch pads.
1 0 Dampers Test Opens each damper, pauses
briefly, and then closes. Includes Custom Cool dampers if applicable.
1 1 Fan Test Cycles through each fan for 10
seconds.
1 2 100% Run Time Sealed system on 100% of the
time. Times out after 1 hour.
1 3 Prechill Test Starts Prechill mode. Unit
returns to normal on its own.
1 4 Defrost Test Toggles on the Defrost cycle.
See Note 2. Must press again to turn
heaters off. See Note 2.
1 5 Main Control Reset Causes a system reset.
1 6 Exit Diagnostic Mode Causes a temperature control
board reset.
Note 1. Display order is: #1 = Fresh Food 1, #2 = Fresh Food 2, #3 = Custom Cool, #4 = Evaporator, #5 = Freezer.
Thermistor test results are: P = Pass, 0 = Fail, S = Short to 5 VDC, B = Bad amplifier (replace main control).
Note 2. You must enter the defrost test again to toggle the defrost heater off at the end of the test.
The heater will not come on if the evaporator thermistor is warm.
Refer to Service Guide 31-9072 for additional information.

– 16 –
Troubleshooting Chart
Page 19
Page 19 Page 20 Page 20 Page 21
Page 22
Page 22
Page 23 Page 24
Page 18
Page 18
Page 17
Page 18
Page 24
Damper does not work
Evaporator fan does not work
Condenser fan does not work
Defrost heater does not work
Fresh food light does not work
Freezer light does not work
Water dispenser does not work
Icemaker does not work
Auger does not work
Freezer thermistor does not work
Duct door does not open
No Comm between the Dispenser and Main Control Boards
Evaporator Thermistor does not work
MainControl Board
Dispenser Board
Evaporator Thermistor
Freezer Thermistor
Fresh Food Thermistor
Duct Door Magnet
Evaporator Fan
Condenser Fan
Defrost Heater
Fresh Food Door Switch
Fresh Food Light Bulb
Overtemperature Thermostat
Freezer Door Interlock
Freezer Light Bulb
Dispenser Water Valve
Icemaker
WaterValve
Auger
Fresh food thermistor does not work
Damper

– 17 –
Does Continuity exist between:
Main Control Board J4-1 to Dispenser Board J4-1?
Main Control Board J4-2 to Dispenser Board J4-2?
Main Control Board J4-3 to Dispenser Board J4-3?
Main Control Board J4-4 to Dispenser Board J4-4?
Main Control Board J4-5 to Dispenser Board J4-5?
Replace the dispenser control board.
Does the main control board
communicate with the dispenser board?
Yes
No Repair faulty
wiring.
Replace the main
control board.
No
No Communication Between the Main Control Board and the Dispenser Board

– 18 –
Fresh Food Thermistor Does Not Work
Freezer Thermistor Does Not Work
Evaporator Thermistor Does Not Work
Does the proper resistance exist between
Main Control Board J1-4 to J1-5?
Use the chart provided to verify the correct resistance.
Yes No
Repair faulty wiring
or replace thermistor.
Replace the main
control board.
Does the proper resistance exist between
Main Control Board J1-3 to J1-5?
Use the chart provided to verify the correct resistance.
Yes No
Replace the main
control board. Repair faulty wiring
or replace thermistor.
Does the proper resistance exist between
Main Control Board J1-2 to J1-5?
Use the chart provided to verify the correct resistance.
Yes No
Replace the main
control board. Repair faulty wiring or replace thermistor.
Thermistor Values
Temperature
Degrees (C) Temperature Degrees (F) Resistance in Kilo-Ohms
-40 -40 166.8 KΩ
-35 -31 120.5 KΩ
-30 -22 88 KΩ
-25 -13 65 KΩ
-20 -4 48.4 KΩ
-15 5 36.4 KΩ
-10 14 27.6 KΩ
-5 23 21 KΩ
0 32 16.3 KΩ
5 41 12.7 KΩ
10 50 10 KΩ
15 59 7.8 KΩ
20 68 6.2 KΩ
25 77 5 KΩ
30 86 4 KΩ
35 95 3.2 KΩ
40 104 2.6 KΩ
45 113 2.2 KΩ
50 122 1.8 KΩ
55 131 1.5 KΩ
60 140 1.2 KΩ

– 19 –
Does Continuity exist between:
Main Control Board J3-1 to Damper Blue/Yellowwire?
Main Control Board J3-2 to Damper White/Brown wire?
Main Control Board J3-3 to Damper Red/Black wire?
Main Control Board J3-4 to Damper Yellow wire?
Replace the damper.
Does the damper work?
Yes
No Repair faulty
wiring.
Replace the main control board.
No
Damper Does Not Work
Does 13 ohms of resistance
exist betweeen the dispenser
board J1-1 and J1-2?
Replace the duct solenoid.
Does the duct door operate?
Yes
No Repair faulty
wiring.
Replace the main
control board.
No
Duct Door Does Not Open

– 20 –
Does Continuity exist between:
Main Control Board J2-1 to Evaporator Fan Blue wire?
Main Control Board J2-3 to Evaporator Fan White wire?
Main Control Board J2-4 to Evaporator Fan Yellow wire?
Main Control Board J2-8 to Evaporator Fan Red wire?
Replace the evaporator fan.
Does the damper work?
Yes
No Repair faulty
wiring.
Replace the main control board.
No
Evaporator Fan Does Not Work
Does Continuity exist between:
Main Control Board J2-3 to Condenser Fan White wire?
Main Control Board J2-5 to Condenser Fan Yellow wire?
Main Control Board J2-8 to Condenser Fan Red wire?
Replace the condenser fan.
Does the condenser fan work?
Yes
No Repair faulty
wiring.
Replace the main control board.
No
Condenser Fan Does Not Work