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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code 0106

Refrigerator (FF) fan feedback missing when fan is running.

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

Refrigerator (FF) fan feedback missing when fan is running.

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What 0106 means on a GE refrigerator

Error code 0106 on a GE refrigerator indicates the control board has detected a missing feedback signal from the freezer fan (FF fan) while the fan motor is commanded to run. The FF fan, also called the evaporator fan, is responsible for circulating cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Modern GE refrigerator fan motors send a tachometer or Hall-effect feedback pulse back to the control board to confirm the motor is actually spinning. When that signal is absent during a run cycle, the board logs 0106.

For homeowners, think of it this way: the refrigerator told the freezer fan to turn on, but never got confirmation that the fan started moving. This usually means the fan motor has failed, the wiring between the motor and the control board is broken or disconnected, or ice buildup has physically jammed the fan blade. Without the evaporator fan running, cold air cannot circulate properly, and both the freezer and fresh food sections will warm up over time.

This code is specific to the FF (freezer/evaporator) fan circuit and should not be confused with condenser fan codes. The feedback signal is a low-voltage pulse, so even a small wiring fault or corroded connector can interrupt it and trigger the error.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 0106

  1. 01

    Failed FF evaporator fan motor

    Part replacement

    The fan motor itself has burned out or the internal Hall-effect sensor that generates the feedback pulse has failed. This is the most common cause; the motor may hum without spinning or may be completely dead.

  2. 02

    Ice blockage jamming the fan blade

    Wiring / connection

    Ice accumulation around the evaporator fan blade can physically prevent it from spinning, so the motor runs but produces no feedback signal. This can also happen if a foreign object has lodged against the blade.

  3. 03

    Damaged or disconnected wiring harness to the FF fan

    Wiring / connection

    The low-voltage feedback wire running from the fan motor to the main control board can become pinched, corroded, or disconnected, interrupting the signal even when the motor is functioning normally.

  4. 04

    Faulty main control board

    Part replacement

    If the fan motor and wiring both test good, the control board may have lost the ability to read the feedback signal on that input circuit. This is the least likely cause but should be evaluated after ruling out the motor and wiring.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 0106

What does error code 0106 mean on a GE refrigerator?
Code 0106 means the control board is not receiving a feedback signal from the freezer evaporator fan (FF fan) while the fan is supposed to be running. The board commands the fan to start, but the expected confirmation pulse never arrives. This points to a failed fan motor, a jammed blade, or a wiring problem in the fan circuit.
How do I fix error code 0106 on a GE refrigerator?
Start by accessing the evaporator fan in the freezer compartment and checking for ice buildup around the blade. If ice is present, manually defrost the area and clear the obstruction. If the blade spins freely, test the fan motor for continuity and check the wiring harness connector at both the motor and the control board for corrosion or damage. A failed motor will need to be replaced with the correct OEM part for your model number.
Can I still use my GE refrigerator while code 0106 is active?
Short-term use is possible but not advisable for more than a few hours. Without the evaporator fan running, cold air cannot circulate properly and temperatures will rise in both compartments. Food safety becomes a concern once refrigerator temperatures exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit or freezer temperatures rise above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Address the fault as quickly as possible to avoid food spoilage.
How much does it cost to fix GE refrigerator error code 0106?
If the repair requires a new evaporator fan motor, the part typically costs between $25 and $75 depending on the GE model, and the job takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes for someone comfortable with basic appliance repair. A service call from an appliance technician will add $100 to $200 in labor. If the cause turns out to be only an ice blockage or a loose connector, there is no parts cost at all.
Will unplugging my GE refrigerator reset error code 0106?
Unplugging the refrigerator for a few minutes may clear the code from the display temporarily, but if the underlying fault is still present the code will return once the control board attempts to run the FF fan again. A reset does not fix the root cause. It is only useful to confirm whether the fault is persistent or intermittent.

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