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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code 0116

Odor remover fan feedback present when fan is off.

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

Odor remover fan feedback present when fan is off.

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What 0116 means on a GE refrigerator

Error code 0116 indicates the control board is detecting a feedback signal from the odor remover fan circuit even though the board has commanded the fan to be off. In a properly functioning system, when the control board switches the odor remover fan off, the feedback line should read no signal. When the board instead reads an active signal during an off state, it logs 0116. This points to a fault in the fan motor itself, the wiring between the fan and the control board, or the control board's output relay or sensing circuit.

The odor remover fan is a small motor, typically located near an activated carbon filter assembly, that circulates air through the filter to reduce food odors inside the refrigerator compartment. When this fan malfunctions, it can send an unintended voltage or resistance back through its feedback wire to the control board, triggering this code.

The refrigerator's core cooling functions are generally unaffected by this fault since the odor remover fan is not part of the primary refrigeration circuit. However, the error should be addressed to prevent the control board from misreading other system states or experiencing related electrical stress over time.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 0116

  1. 01

    Shorted odor remover fan motor

    Part replacement

    An internal short in the fan motor can cause it to back-feed voltage or an unexpected resistance signal through the feedback circuit even when the control board has shut off power to the motor. This is the most common source of a false feedback signal in an off state.

  2. 02

    Damaged or pinched wiring harness to odor remover fan

    Part replacement

    A chafed, pinched, or partially shorted wire in the harness between the odor remover fan and the control board can create an unintended feedback signal. This can occur if the harness was caught during a drawer or shelf installation or has degraded over time from cold temperatures.

  3. 03

    Failed control board fan output relay or feedback sensing circuit

    Part replacement

    If the relay or sensing circuit on the control board responsible for the odor remover fan output has failed in a closed or leaking state, the board may read a false feedback signal even when no signal is actually present from the fan. This is less common but becomes a likely cause after the fan and wiring have been confirmed good.

  4. 04

    Loose or corroded connector at the fan or control board

    Wiring / connection

    Oxidized or poorly seated connector pins at either the fan motor or the control board can create intermittent or false continuity on the feedback line. Cleaning and reseating the connectors may resolve the code without replacing any parts.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 0116

What does error code 0116 mean on a GE refrigerator?
Code 0116 means the control board is detecting a feedback signal from the odor remover fan circuit while the fan is commanded off. The board expects no signal when it has shut the fan down, so any signal it reads in that state is flagged as a fault. The issue is most likely in the odor remover fan motor, its wiring harness, or the connectors between the fan and the board.
Can I still use my GE refrigerator with error code 0116 active?
Yes, the refrigerator's compressor, evaporator fan, and cooling system operate independently of the odor remover fan, so food safety is not immediately at risk. The unit will continue to cool normally in most cases. You should still address the fault within a reasonable timeframe to prevent any secondary electrical issues from developing in the control board.
How do I fix error code 0116 on a GE refrigerator?
Start by locating the odor remover fan, which is typically positioned near the activated carbon filter in the fresh food compartment. Inspect the wiring harness for pinching, chafing, or damage, and clean and reseat all connectors at both the fan and the control board. If the wiring checks out, test the fan motor for an internal short using a multimeter. A shorted fan motor will need to be replaced. If the fan and wiring are both confirmed good, the control board is the likely culprit and should be tested or replaced.
How much does it cost to fix GE refrigerator error code 0116?
If the fault is a loose connector, there is no parts cost. A replacement odor remover fan motor typically runs between $20 and $60 depending on the GE model. A replacement main control board costs between $100 and $250 for parts. Professional labor for diagnosing and replacing either component generally adds $80 to $150, making a full repair with a new board potentially $200 to $400 at a service center.
Will clearing the error code 0116 fix the problem on my GE refrigerator?
Clearing the code by unplugging the refrigerator for a few minutes will erase the stored fault, but the code will return if the underlying cause has not been fixed. A persistent or recurring 0116 code after a reset confirms there is a real electrical fault in the odor remover fan circuit that needs physical inspection and repair.

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