GE Refrigerator Error Code 0

Error code 0 is a fail result from the refrigerator's thermistor/sensor system self-test. It means the main control board detected that a thermistor, a temperature sensor, is returning resistance values outside the acceptable range or is not responding at all. The control board uses these sensors to regulate cooling, so a failed thermistor can affect temperature control throughout the refrigerator.

Using the refrigerator with error code 0 active carries a food safety risk. Because the thermistor provides temperature data to the control board, a failed sensor can prevent the refrigerator from accurately maintaining safe temperatures in the fresh food or freezer compartment. Check the actual internal temperatures with a separate thermometer. If temperatures are not holding at 37 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the fresh food section and 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the freezer, move perishables and arrange for repair promptly.

Yes, this is a repair most mechanically inclined homeowners can attempt. Disconnect power to the refrigerator, locate the thermistor harness connector at the main control board, and use a multimeter set to measure resistance (ohms). Compare the reading to the thermistor resistance chart in your model's service manual, which lists expected ohm values at specific temperatures. A reading that is open, shorted, or far outside the charted range confirms the thermistor has failed and needs to be replaced.

Start by checking the resistance of the thermistor at the main control board connector using a multimeter and the thermistor values chart for your specific model. If the resistance reading is out of range or reads open (infinite resistance) or shorted (near zero ohms), the thermistor needs to be replaced. Also inspect the wiring harness and connector for damage or corrosion before ordering parts. If the thermistor resistance checks out correctly, the main control board may be the source of the fault.

A replacement thermistor for a GE refrigerator typically costs between $10 and $40 for the part, making it one of the less expensive repairs if the sensor is the only failed component. If the wiring harness is damaged, a harness repair or replacement adds some cost and labor time. A main control board, the least likely cause, ranges from $100 to $300 or more depending on the model. A technician's labor for a thermistor replacement usually runs one to two hours at standard appliance repair rates.