GE PSH23SGNAFBS Series How to use

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PUB # 31-9090 02/02
MODEL SERIES:
PSH23SGNAFBS
TECHNICALSERVICE GUIDE
GE Consumer Home Services Training
Arctica Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Inverter Compressor
Low Noise - High Performance

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 Home Services Training
Technical Service Guide
Copyright © 2002
All rights reserved. This service guide may not be reproduced in whole or in part
in any form without written permission from the General Electric Company.
!

– 1 –
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................2
Specifications.......................................................................................................3
Nomenclature .......................................................................................................4
Component Locator Views..................................................................................5
Principals of Refrigeration..................................................................................6
Phases of Refrigeration .................................................................................. 6
Dryer..................................................................................................................8
Filter ..................................................................................................................8
Capillary ............................................................................................................9
Heat Exchanger................................................................................................9
Refrigeration System......................................................................................... 10
System Pressure............................................................................................ 11
Refrigerant Charge........................................................................................ 11
Inverter Compressor .....................................................................................12
Inverter ...........................................................................................................14
Adaptive Defrost ................................................................................................ 16
Fans..................................................................................................................... 18
Evaporator Fan...............................................................................................18
Condenser Fan...............................................................................................20
Fresh Food Fan .............................................................................................. 21
Main Control Board ........................................................................................... 22
Diagnostics .........................................................................................................29
Compressor Not Running Flowcharts .........................................................29
Fresh Food Warm - Freezer Normal Flowchart ........................................... 30
Fresh Food Too Cold - Freezer Normal Flowchart.....................................31
Fresh Food Warm - Freezer Warm Flowchart............................................. 32
Freezer Warm - Fresh Food Normal Flowchart ........................................... 33
Refrigerator Dead - No Sound, No Cooling Flowchart ..............................34
Damper Not Operating Flowchart ................................................................35
Heavy Frost on Evaporator Flowchart......................................................... 36
Evaporator Fan Not Running Flowchart......................................................37
Condenser Fan Not Running Flowchart......................................................38
Thermistors ....................................................................................................39
Schematic ...........................................................................................................40
Wiring Diagram ...............................................................................................41
Parts List............................................................................................................. 42
Warranty ..............................................................................................................43

– 2 –
Introduction
This new Arctica refrigerator is similar to previousArctica models with the following exceptions:
• Compressor type
• Compressor control
• 3-speed condenser fan
• 3-speed fresh food fan
The new inverter compressor has 3 speeds and is not controlled from the 120 VAC side of the main
control board. The compressor is controlled by an inverter that receives input from the low voltage DC
side of the main control board. The main control board still makes compressor decisions based on the
input of 4 thermistors, door-open time, and input from the temperature control panel.
The other significant difference from previous models is that the main control board now operates the
condenser fan and fresh food fan at three different speeds. Both fans are actually the same fans found
on previous models.
The new Arctica with inverter compressor is also more efficient than previous models. The increased
efficiency provided by the inverter compressor allows this refrigerator to receive an Energy Star rating.
The Energy Star rating means the refrigerator consumes 10% less energy than the Department of
Energy standard for the specific cabinet size.
This refrigerator is also 5 to 7 decibels quieter than previous models.
This technical service guide covers the new features of this new Arctica refrigerator. For information on
features and components that are common to previous Arctica refrigerators, refer to pub #31-9072.

–3 –
Specifications
DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING
IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GRO NDING 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.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Temperature Control (Position 5 ......................... 7-(-11 °F
Defrost Control .......................................... 60hrs @ 45 min
w/ no door openings
Overtemperature Thermostat .............................. 140-110°F
Defrost Thermistor ........................................................ 70°F
Electrical Rating: 115V AC 60 Hz ......................... 11.6 Amp
Maximum Current Leakage ................................... 0.75 mA
Maximum Ground Path Resistance .................. 0.14 Ohms
Energy Consumption . ..................................... 51 KWH/mo
NO LOAD PERFORMANCE
Control Position MID/MID
and Ambient of: ...............................................70°F90°F
Fresh Food, °F ................................................ 34-40 34-40
Frozen Food, °F .............................................. (-3 3 (-3 3
Run Time, % ...................................................... <80 <100
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Refrigerant Charge (R134a ............................... 6.0 ounces
Compressor ....................................................833 BTU/hr @
3000 RPM
Minimum Compressor Capacity ......................... 22 inches
Minimum Equalized Pressure
@ 70°F ....................................................................... 45 PSIG
@ 90°F ....................................................................... 57 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
Minimum clearance required for air circulation:
TOP ............................................................................................. 1"
SIDES ................................................................................... 0.125"
REAR ........................................................................................ 0.5"
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Temperature Control ...................................... WR55x10023
Inverter ............................................................. WR55x10155
Overtemperature Thermostat ........................ WR50x10015
Defrost Heater Harness & Thermostat ......... WR23x10142
Defrost Heater & Bracket ............................... WR51x10030
Condenser Fan Motor ..................................... WR60x10042
Evaporator Fan Motor .................................... WR60x10043
Main Board ...................................................... WR55x10156
Dispenser Board.............................................. WR55x10029
Thermistor (EV ............................................... WR55x10025
Thermistor (FZ ............................................... WR55x10026
Thermistor (FF ................................................ WR55x10027
Thermistor (FF ................................................ WR55x10028
Thermistor (CC ............................................... WR55x10030
Compressor ..................................................... WR87x10064
FF Fan Motor ................................................... WR60x10051
Damper ............................................................ WR60x10052
AIR FLOW

–4 –
Nomenclature
P S H 23 S G N A F BS
Brand/Product
G - GE
H- Hotpoint
P - Profile
E - Eterna
S - GE Select
Configuration
S - Side by Side
T-Top Mount
Depth/Power
H-InverterCompressor
S- StandardDepth
T-Tropical
G- Global
Capacity
(cubicfeet)AHAMRated Volume
Interior Features/Shelves
A- Leader Wire
D - Deluxe Wire
I - Deluxe Glass
K - Spillproof/Slideout Glass F - 6 Month filter
S - Stainless Steel Doors
Q-ShowcaseDerivative
U-AVBDerivative
W-HPSDerivative
X-RegionalDerivative
Door Type
F - Flat
R - Right
L- LeftDoor Swing
Exterior Color
BS - Black on Stainless
WW - White on White
AA-Almond onAlmond
BB - Black on Black
CC - Bisque on Bisque
WH - White on Black
Engineering
A- InitialDesign
B - 1st Revision
Model Year
N- 2002
Icemaker/Exterior
B- NonDispenser
IM Ready
D- Cubed Ice/Water
E-Cubed/Crushed/Water
F - 6-Month Filter
Cubed/Crushed
G - 1-Year Filter
Cubed/Crushed
I-In-line Filter/Indicator
Cubed/Crushed/Water
The rating plate, located on the upper left
wall of the fresh food compartment,
contains the model and serial numbers.
Additionally, the rating plate specifies the
minimum installation clearances,
electrical voltage, frequency, maximum
amperage rating, and refrigerant charge,
andtype.

–5 –
Component Locator Views
Main Control Board
Main Control Board
Current-Source
Circuit Board
Current-Source
Circuit Board
Inverter CompressorInverter Compressor
Inverter
Inverter
Accumulator
Evaporator
Evaporator
Accumulator

–6 –
Phases of Refrigeration
The compressor is the heart of any refrigeration system. It serves as a pump to circulate the refrigerant
and create pressure within the system. When the compressor is operating, one side of the system is at
high pressure and the other side is at low pressure. This difference in pressure creates a temperature
difference that allows heat to be removed from inside the cabinet and transferred to the outside of the
cabinet.
The 3 phases of the refrigeration system are:
•Compression
•Condensation –occurs on the “high side”of the system
••
••
•Evaporation –occurs on the “low side”of the system
Compression
While the compressor is operating, refrigerant vapor is discharged into the condenser. A capillary (small
diameter tube) is connected to the outlet of the condenser. The capillary tube restricts the amount of
refrigerant that leaves the condenser. As the compressor continues to pump refrigerant into the
condenser, this restriction causes pressure to build in the condenser. Typical operating pressure in the
condenser in the inverter compressor system is 85 to 90 psig in an ambient temperature of 75 °F.
Condensation
The compressed refrigerant vapor entering the condenser is warmer than the temperature of the room.
As the refrigerant travels though the condenser, the heat from the high-pressure vapor is transferred to
the condenser, which transfers heat to the surrounding air (by convection). As heat is removed from the
high-pressure vapor, it begins to condense into a high-pressure liquid. This high-pressure liquid
refrigerant flows to the end of the condenser and is forced into the capillary tube.
Evaporation
High-pressure liquid refrigerant travels through the capillary and exits at a very high rate of speed into the
much-larger tubing of the evaporator. Low pressure in the evaporator, caused by the suction of the
compressor (typically 0 to 5 psig in the inverter compressor) causes the liquid refrigerant to vaporize.
Approximately 30% of the refrigerant will vaporize immediately upon exiting the capillary. The remaining
refrigerant will vaporize as it travels through the evaporator. As the refrigerant vaporizes, it absorbs
heat. Heat inside the cabinet is transferred (by convection) to the evaporator because the evaporator
temperature is lower than the cabinet air temperature. Refrigerant exiting the evaporator should have
completely vaporized so that only vapor is returned to the compressor through the suction line.
However, under certain conditions some refrigerant may remain in liquid form as it exits the evaporator.
The mixture of refrigerant (vapor and liquid) is known as “refrigerant quality.”Refrigerant that has a
higher ratio of vapor to liquid has a higher quality. Completely vaporized refrigerant has a quality rating of
100%. Refrigeration that is completely liquid has a quality rating of 0%. Refrigerant that is exiting the
evaporator should have a quality rating of 100%. Refrigerant that is exiting the condenser should have a
quality rating of 0%. Refrigerant quality is an important part of refrigeration system efficiency.
Principals of Refrigeration

–7 –
HIGH PRESSURE VAPOR
HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID
LOW PRESSURE LIQUID
LOW PRESSURE VAPOR
MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR
SINGLE-SPEED COMPRESSOR
70-135 PSIG
85-90 PSIG at
75 ˚F Ambient
0-5 PSIG
1-2 PSIG at
75 ˚F Ambient
COMPRESSOR
CONDENSER EVAPORATOR
CAPILLARY
FILTER-DRYER
GEA01261

–8 –
Dryer
The refrigeration system must be free from dirt
and moisture. A single particle of dirt, or one drop
of water, can cause the system to fail. For this
reason, a dryer is a necessary component of the
refrigeration system. The dryer consists of a
strainer at the inlet, a molecular sieve of beads,
and a screen at the outlet. The beads have the
ability to attract and absorb molecules of water but
reject the molecules of refrigerant, oil, nitrogen,
and most other substances. The strainer prevents
the beads from spilling into the inlet. The fine
mesh screen prevents particles (including crushed
beads) from plugging the capillary tube. The dryer
is normally located between the outlet of the
condenser and the inlet of the capillary.
GEA01257
CAPILLARY
CONDENSER
COMPRESSOR
SUCTION TUBE
EVAPORATOR
DRYER
STRAINER
MOLECULAR
SIEVE OF BEADS
SCREEN
GEA01258
Filter
A filter is provided in some refrigeration systems
and furnished with some replacement
compressors. The filter has the appearance of a
large diameter dryer. It has a very fine mesh
screen located at the outlet and a solid core, made
of a special porous material, that is capable of
chemically removing contaminants from the
system. An arrow, stamped on the body of the
filter, indicates the proper direction of flow.
A filter/dryer combination is furnished with
replacement compressors for systems using
R134a refrigerant. A new filter/dryer must be
installed any time an R134a system is repaired.
An additional 0.5 oz of refrigerant is required when
a filter/dryer is added to the high side of the
system.

–9 –
Capillary
The capillary is a very small diameter tube that is
about 6 to 8 feet long. Its primary function is to
control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.
The flow rate of a capillary is determined by its
diameter and is critical to the proper operation of
the refrigeration system. If a capillary is
shortened, the flow rate will increase. Likewise, if
it is lengthened the flow rate will decrease.
Therefore, when repairing a refrigeration system it
is very important to cut the capillary as close as
possible to the outlet of the dryer. The capillary is
not replaceable separately.
Heat Exchanger
The function of the heat exchanger is to transfer
heat from the warm liquid flowing through the
capillary to the cool vapor flowing through the
suction tube. The heat exchange occurs where
the capillary is soldered to the outside of the
suction tube. This arrangement improves the
efficiency of the system. By reducing the heat of
the capillary, the boiling point of the liquid entering
the evaporator is lowered. Increasing the heat of
the suction tube increases the density of the vapor
entering the compressor and also helps to prevent
the suction tube from sweating.
GEA01256
CAPILLARY
CONDENSER
COMPRESSOR
SUCTION TUBE
EVAPORATOR
DRYER

–10 –
Refrigeration System
EVAPORATOR FAN
ACCUMULATOR
EVAPORATOR
3-SPEED CONDENSER FAN
INVERTER
COMPRESSOR
INVERTER
CONDENSER
CONDENSER LOOP
GEA01262
The refrigeration system has several new components as well as several familiar ones. New
components include:
•Inverter compressor
•Inverter
•3-speed condenser fan
•Accumulator at the outlet of the evaporator
Familiar components include:
•Condenser
•Condenser loop
•Dryer
•Evaporator
•Evaporatorfan
The refrigeration system operates with optimum
efficiency and economy by changing the speed of
the compressor (and condenser fan) to meet
demand. During times of high usage, or in
extremely warm ambient conditions, the 3-speed,
inverter compressor will increase speed to meet
greater refrigeration requirements. When usage is
low, the compressor will operate at a slower
speed, reducing its energy requirement.
In the new system with the inverter compressor,
the flow of refrigerant through the components in
the system is the same as previous models with
the following exception: an accumulator has been
added to the outlet side of the evaporator.

–11 –
An accumulator has been installed at the outlet of
the evaporator to prevent liquid refrigerant (low
quality) from entering the suction line. Changes in
compressor speed (transition state) can
temporarily reduce refrigerant quality. The
accumulator compensates for this by collecting
and holding up to 2 oz of liquid while allowing
vapor to pass. Within minutes after the
compressor speed change, the system attains a
steady state (becomes stabilized), the liquid
refrigerant in the accumulator vaporizes, and
refrigerant quality returns to normal.
System Pressure
The refrigeration system should maintain a consistent pressure regardless of compressor speed.
Pressure variations, due to changing compressor speed, are minimized by matching the condenser fan
speed and evaporator fan speed to the compressor speed. The condenser and evaporator fans will
always operate at the same speed (low, medium, or high) as the compressor.
Low side system pressure should be between 0 and 5 psig dependant on ambient temperature.
System pressures in an ambient temperature of 75 °F should be:
••
••
•High Side – 85 to 90 psig
••
••
•Low Side – 1 to 2 psig
Refrigerant Charge
The refrigerant used in the sealed system is R134a. Proper system charge is 6 oz; however, an
additional 0.5 oz is required when adding a filter/dryer. Proper system charge is critical to the operation
of this unit.
Accumulator
HIGH PRESSURE VAPOR
HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID
LOW PRESSURE LIQUID
LOW PRESSURE VAPOR
MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR
INVERTER COMPRESSOR
0-5 PSIG
1-2 PSIG at
75 ˚F Ambient
70-135 PSIG
85-90 PSIG at
75 ˚F Ambient COMPRESSOR
CONDENSER EVAPORATOR
CAPILLARY
FILTER-DRYER
ACCUMULATOR
INVERTER COMPRESSOR
0-5 PSIG
1-2 PSIG at
75 ˚F Ambient
70-135 PSIG
85-90 PSIG at
75 ˚F Ambient COMPRESSOR
CONDENSER EVAPORATOR
CAPILLARY
FILTER-DRYER
ACCUMULATOR LIQUID ENTERS
THE ACCUMULATOR
GEA01263
Steady State Transition State

–12 –
Inverter Compressor
The new inverter compressor is not controlled by
120 VAC output from the main control board, as in
previous models. The compressor is controlled by
theinverter.
Warning: Disconnecting the 6-pin connector
does not disconnect power (120 VAC) from the
inverter. The refrigerator must be unplugged
before servicing the inverter or compressor.
Caution: Do not attempt to direct-start the
compressor. The compressor operates on a
3-phase power supply. Applying 120 VAC to the
compressor will permanently damage the unit.
It is not possible to start the compressor
without an inverter.
The compressor is a reciprocating, variable speed,
4-pole type. It operates on 3-phase, 80 to 230 VAC
within a range of 57 to 104 Hz. Compressor speed
is controlled by voltage frequency and pulse width
modulation. Increasing frequency from the inverter
will produce an increase in compressor speed.
•Frequency of 57 Hz will produce low speed operation at 1710 rpm.
•Frequency of 70 Hz will produce medium speed at 2100 rpm.
•Frequency of 104 Hz will produce 3120 rpm.
Note: Certain voltmeters will not be able to read voltage output or frequency from the inverter.
Compressor wattages at various speeds are:
•LOW - 65 watts
•MED - 100 watts
•HIGH - 150 watts
BTU rating also varies according to operating speed.
Compressor speed is based on the temperature setpoint in conjunction with the cabinet temperature.
Speeds are selected according to the following cabinet temperatures:
•8 °F to 19.5 °F above setpoint = high speed
•3.5 °F to 7.5 °F above setpoint = medium speed
•1 °F to 3 °F above setpoint = low speed
Note: The compressor will run at medium speed if the cabinet temperature is 20 °F or more above the
setpoint.
The use of 3-phase power eliminates the need for the PTCR relay, capacitor, and individual start and run
windings; therefore the start, run, and common pins found on conventional compressors are not
applicable on this 3-phase model. Compressor pin functions are identical and compressor lead wire
configuration is of no importance. Aresistance of 9 to 11Ωshould be read between any 2 of the 3 pins.
Should an open occur in the compressor winding or should one of the compressor lead wires become
open or disconnected, the inverter will stop voltage output to the compressor.
J4-3 J4-2
J3-10
BLACK
BROWN
BLUE
BLACK
BLUE
BROWN
ORANGE
ORANGE
ORANGE
PURPLE
COMPRESSOR INVERTER
TAB 4
BROWN
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
LOW VOLTAGE DC
CLASS 2 CIRCUITS
MAIN CONTROL BOARD
AC
CURRENT-SOURCE
CIRCUIT BOARD
LINE VOLTAGE
6-PIN
CONNECTOR
+12VDC
COMMON
GEA01260

–13 –
High compressor torque enables the compressor to start against high pressure in the sealed system.
When power has been disconnected from an operating unit, the high torque will enable the compressor
to start immediately upon power restoration.
Compressor and sealed system operation is extremely smooth and cool. The compressor exterior may
be room temperature while operating; therefore a running unit may be difficult to detect.
To verify that the compressor is running:
Disconnect power from the unit and place a hand on the compressor. Reconnect power and feel for a
vibration when the compressor tries to start. It may take up to 8 seconds before the compressor
attempts to start.
To determine motor rpm:
Measure the frequency of the voltage being applied to the compressor and multiply this number by 30.
For example, a frequency measurement of 70 Hz would show a compressor speed of 2100 rpm (30 x
70 = 2100).
Note: If the compressor fails to start, the inverter will briefly stop voltage output. The inverter will make
12 consecutive attempts to start the compressor (once every 12 seconds). If, after 12 attempts, the
compressor has not started, an 8-minute count will occur. After 8 minutes, the inverter will attempt to
start the compressor again. If the compressor starts, normal operation will resume. If the compressor
fails to start, the process will be repeated.
Removing power from the unit will reset the
inverter count. When power is restored, the
inverter will attempt to start the compressor within
8 seconds.
Note:
•When ordering a replacement compressor,
order both the compressor and inverter.
Replace the compressor first. If, after
compressor installation, the compressor fails
to start, replace the inverter.
•When servicing the compressor, it is important
to dress the wiring to keep low voltage DC
wiring and 120 VAC wiring separate.
J4-3 J4-2
J3-10
BLACK
BROWN
BLUE
BLACK
BLUE
BROWN
ORANGE
ORANGE
ORANGE
PURPLE
COMPRESSOR INVERTER
TAB 4
BROWN
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
LOW VOLTAGE DC
CLASS 2 CIRCUITS
MAIN CONTROL BOARD
AC
CURRENT-SOURCE
CIRCUIT BOARD
LINE VOLTAGE
6-PIN
CONNECTOR
+12VDC
COMMON
GEA01260

–14 –
Inverter
Warning:Disconnecting the 6-pin connector does not disconnect power (120 VAC) from the
inverter. The refrigerator must be unplugged before servicing the inverter.
Note: Certain voltmeters will not be able to read voltage output from the inverter. If no voltage or erratic
voltage is measured, it does not necessarily indicate a faulty inverter.
The inverter receives 120 VAC line-in from the power supply. The inverter converts this single-phase,
60 Hz, 120 VAC into 3-phase, 230 VAC, with frequency variations between 57 Hz and 104 Hz. This
voltage is delivered to the compressor through 3 lead wires. Each wire will carry identical voltage and
frequency. When checking inverter voltage output, connect the test-meter leads to any 2 of the 3
compressor lead wires. The same reading should be measured between any 2 of the 3 wires.
Note: The compressor leads must be connected to measure voltage output. If the compressor wires
are not connected, or if an open occurs in one of the 3 lead wires or in the compressor, the inverter will
stop voltage output.
The inverter controls compressor speed by frequency variation and by pulse width modulation (PWM).
Changing frequency and PWM will cause an effective voltage between 80 and 230 VAC to be received at
the compressor.
•Low speed (1710 rpm) - 57 Hz
•Medium speed (2100 rpm) - 70 Hz
•High Speed (3120 rpm) - 104 Hz
The inverter receives commands from the main control board. The main control board will send a
Current-Source
Circuit Board
Current-Source
Circuit Board
(PWM) run signal between 1.5 and 3.5 VDC
effective voltage to the inverter. In the circuit
between the main control board and the inverter, a
current-source circuit board is used to amplify the
pulse width modulated voltage. The signal voltage
at the inverter should be higher than the signal
voltage sent by the main control board. The
inverter will select compressor speed (voltage
output) based on this signal. Asignal voltage from
the main control board (J3-10 to J2-3) lower than
1.5 VDC or greater than 3.5 VDC indicates a faulty
main control board. The main control board will only send a run signal to the inverter when the
compressor should be on.
Note: When measuring signal voltage (from the main control board) at the inverter, disconnect the wire
harness connector at the inverter and measure the voltage at the connector.
The inverter will monitor compressor operation and if the compressor fails to start or excessive current
draw (4 amps maximum) is detected, the inverter will briefly stop voltage output. The inverter will then
make 12 consecutive compressor start attempts (once every 12 seconds). If after 12 attempts the
compressor has not started, an 8-minute count will initiate. After the 8-minute count, the inverter will
attempt to start the compressor again. If the compressor starts, normal operation will resume. If the
compressor fails to start, this process will be repeated. Removing power to the unit will reset the
inverter count. When power is restored, the inverter will attempt to start the compressor within 8
seconds.
The inverter has a built-in circuit protection to guard against damage from a failed or shorted
compressor. However, if a failed compressor is diagnosed, order a new compressor and inverter. If the
compressor fails to start after replacement, replace the inverter.

–15 –
Note: When servicing the inverter, it is important
to dress the wiring to keep low-voltage DC wiring
and 120 VAC wiring separate.
To remove the inverter:
1. Unplugthe unit.
2. Remove the rear access cover.
3. Remove the screw securing the water valve
and position to access the inverter.
4. Remove 1 screw (1/4 in) securing the inverter.
Slide the inverter forward to release the back
tab from the machine compartment bottom.
Note: It may be necessary to bend the process
tube in order to remove the inverter. If it is
necessary to bend the process tube, use extreme
care.
5. Turn the inverter horizontally and slide out of
the machine compartment.
To remove the inverter cover:
Use a small screwdriver to release the two small
tabs and carefully remove the inverter cover.
Compressor Lead
Wires
Compressor Lead
Wires
Signal Wire Connector
(From Main Control Board)
Inverter
Inverter
Signal Wire Connector
(From Main Control Board)
Line-In (L1)
Line-In (L1)
Tabs
Water Valve
Inverter

–16 –
Adaptive Defrost
Adaptive Defrost can be described as a defrost
system that adapts to a refrigerator’s surrounding
environment and household usage.
Unlike conventional defrost systems that use
electromechanical timers with a fixed defrost cycle
time,Adaptive Defrost utilizes an intelligent,
electronic control to determine when the defrost
cycle is necessary. In order to accomplish the
correct defrost cycle time, the main control board
monitors the following refrigerator operations:
•Length of time the refrigerator doors were open
since the last defrost cycle
•Length of time the compressor has run since
the last defrost cycle
•Amount of time the defrost heaters were on in
the last defrost cycle
Adaptive Defrost is divided into 5 separate cycles.
Those operations are:
•CoolingOperation
•Pre-Chill Operation
•Defrost Heater Operation
•Dwell Period
•Post Dwell
(See Pub. #31-9062 for more information on
AdaptiveDefrost.)
Adaptive Defrost (Cooling Operation)
During the cooling operation, the main control
board monitors door opening (fresh food and
freezer doors) and compressor run times. The
length of time between consecutive defrosts is
reduced by each door opening. If the doors are not
opened, the compressor will run up to 60 hours
between defrosts. If the doors are opened
frequently and/or for long periods of time, the
compressor run time between defrosts will be
reduced to as little as 8 hours.
Adaptive Defrost (Pre-Chill Operation)
When the main control board determines that
defrost is necessary, it will force the refrigerator
into a continuous cool mode (pre-chill). During pre-
chill, the freezer temperature may be driven below
the set point. However, the fresh food temperature
will be regulated by the damper. Pre-chill will
continue until one of the following 3 conditions
have been met.
•freezer temperature of -9 °F
•evaporator temperature of -25 °F
•110 minutes of continuous run time with no
door openings
The average pre-chill is complete within 30 to
40 minutes. This model does not have a defrost
holdoff.
Adaptive Defrost (Defrost Heater Operation)
After pre-chill has concluded, the main control
board turns off the compressor, condenser fan,
and evaporator fan.
During defrost operation, the main control board
monitors the evaporator temperature using
evaporator thermistor inputs. Typically, the
evaporator thermistor will sense a temperature of
70 °F within 20 to 30 minutes. When the
thermistor senses 70 °F, the main control board
will terminate defrost heater operation. Maximum
defrost cycle (heater on) time is 40 minutes (main
control board time out).
The defrost system is protected by a defrost
termination thermostat (bimetal switch). The
thermostat opens when the evaporator
temperature raises to 140 °F and closes when the
evaporator temperature lowers to 110 °F.
Adaptive Defrost

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Adaptive Defrost (Dwell Period)
After defrost heater operation has been terminated
by the main control board, a 5-minute dwell period
occurs. During this period, the compressor,
condenser fan, and evaporator fan remain off. The
remaining frost melting from the evaporator will
continue to drip and drain so that, prior to the
cooling operation, the evaporator will be totally
clear of any moisture. After the 5-minute dwell
period, the unit goes into post dwell.
Adaptive Defrost (Post Dwell)
The post dwell period is designed to cool the
evaporator before circulating air within the
refrigerator. This prevents any residual heat on the
evaporator from being distributed in the freezer.
During this period, the compressor and the
condenser fan are on, but all interior fans are off
and the damper is closed. Post dwell will last 20
minutes or until the evaporator temperature
reaches 0 °F on this model.
Normal Operating Characteristics ThatAre
Different from Previous Models
•Compressor changes speed.
•Condenser fan changes speed.
•Fresh food fan changes speed.
•Compressor and fans can run continuously for
more than 8 hours.
Abnormal Operating Characteristics
(Incorrect Operation)
•Rapid fan speed changes. Fan takes at least
1 minute to change speeds.
•Compressor running without the condenser
fan. The compressor and condenser fan
should always run at the same time.
Liner Protection Mode
The liner protection mode will activate if either of
the doors has been open for 3 minutes. This
mode will start the evaporator fan on high speed.
This mode is controlled by 2 timers. Timer #1
monitors door-open time. A3-minute door-open
count begins when the door is opened. If
3 minutes elapse before the door is closed, the
liner protection mode will become active. Once
the door is closed, timer #1 resets and liner
protection mode goes into standby. In standby,
normal fan and damper operations resume and
timer #2 begins a 3-minute door-closed count.
If 3 minutes elapse without a door opening, liner
protection mode will completely deactivate. If a
door is opened within the timer #2 door-closed
count, the remaining time in the door-closed count
will be deducted from the timer #1 door-open
count.

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Evaporator Fan
The position of the fan blade in relation to the shroud is important. Refer to illustration for specifications.
5/16" ± 0.03
Blade tip
1.0" ± 0.05 Target
Motor
Air Flow Orifice
GEA01149
The evaporator fan is the same fan used on previous models; however a significant difference is that the
main control board does not require, nor receive, input from the fan feedback/rpm (blue) wire. The fan
utilizes a permanent magnet, 4-pole, DC motor that operates at three different speeds: high, medium,
and low. The speed of the fan is controlled by the voltage output from the main control board. Voltage
output from the control board to the fan is 13.2 VDC; however to regulate the speed of the fan, the main
control board uses pulse width modulation (PWM). When operating, voltage is sent in pulses (much like
a duty cycle) as opposed to an uninterrupted flow. This pulsing of 13.2 VDC produces effective voltage
being received at the motor, which is the equivalent to a reduction in voltage. Fan speed will be selected
and maintained by the main control board regulating the length and frequency of the 13.2 VDC pulse.
One complete revolution of the motor is comprised of all 4 poles. To determine the rpm of the fan, do
the following: Measure the frequency being applied to the motor. Multiply this number by 15 (60 seconds
divided by 4 poles). For example, a frequency measurement of 200 Hz multiplied by 15 would show a
fan speed of 3000 rpm (15 x 200 = 3000). Temperature may cause some fan speed variation. Fan
speed may vary +/- 5%, depending on the temperature, with higher temperatures causing slightly higher
speeds.
Fans
High Speed (9.5 VDC measured)
Medium Speed (8 VDC measured)
Low Speed (6.5 VDC measured)
9.5 VDC
8 VDC
6.5 VDC
12 VDC
0 VDC
0 VDC
0 VDC
12 VDC
12 VDC