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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code 0117

Odor remover fan cannot reach target speed.

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

Odor remover fan cannot reach target speed.

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  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
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What 0117 means on a GE refrigerator

Error code 0117 is set by the GE refrigerator control board when the Odor Remover Fan fails to reach its target RPM within the expected time window. The control board monitors fan motor speed via a feedback signal, and when the actual speed falls below the programmed threshold, this fault is logged. The Odor Remover Fan is a small motor-driven fan that circulates air through an activated carbon filter or similar odor-neutralizing media inside the refrigerator compartment.

For homeowners, this means the small fan responsible for filtering and deodorizing the air inside your refrigerator is not spinning fast enough or may not be spinning at all. You might notice persistent odors inside the fridge as a result, since the air is no longer being actively cycled through the odor-removal system. The refrigerator's core cooling functions are typically unaffected by this fault.

This code can be triggered by a failed or seized fan motor, a blockage physically preventing the fan blade from spinning, a wiring problem between the fan and the control board, or a faulty control board that is misreading the speed signal. Identifying which of these is the root cause requires checking the fan for physical obstructions first, then testing the motor and wiring.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 0117

  1. 01

    Failed Odor Remover Fan motor

    Part replacement

    The fan motor itself has worn bearings or a burned-out winding, preventing it from reaching target speed or spinning at all. This is the most common hardware failure behind code 0117.

  2. 02

    Fan blade obstruction or seized blade

    Wiring / connection

    Debris, ice buildup, or a dislodged component can physically block the fan blade from rotating freely, causing the motor to stall or run well below its target RPM.

  3. 03

    Wiring harness fault to the Odor Remover Fan

    Wiring / connection

    A broken, corroded, or disconnected wire between the fan motor and the control board can interrupt the power supply or the speed feedback signal, causing the board to log a speed fault even if the motor itself is functional.

  4. 04

    Faulty main control board

    Part replacement

    If the control board is misreading or not receiving the fan speed feedback signal due to a failed onboard component, it may incorrectly trigger code 0117 even when the Odor Remover Fan is operating normally.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 0117

What does error code 0117 mean on a GE refrigerator?
Code 0117 means the control board detected that the Odor Remover Fan could not reach its target speed. The Odor Remover Fan circulates air through the refrigerator's odor-filtering system. The fault points to a problem with the fan motor, an obstruction blocking the blade, a wiring issue, or in rarer cases the control board itself.
Can I still use my GE refrigerator while error code 0117 is active?
Yes, in most cases. The Odor Remover Fan is part of the air filtration system and is separate from the primary cooling and evaporator fan circuits. Your refrigerator should continue to cool normally with 0117 active. The main consequence is reduced odor control inside the compartment. You should still address the fault to prevent any related components from being overworked and to restore full functionality.
How do I fix error code 0117 on a GE refrigerator?
Start by locating the Odor Remover Fan, typically found inside the fresh food compartment, and check for any visible obstructions blocking the blade. Clear any ice or debris and test if the code clears. If the fan blade spins freely but the motor does not run or runs slowly, the fan motor likely needs replacement. Also inspect the wiring harness connector at the fan motor for damage or corrosion before ordering parts.
How much does it cost to fix error code 0117 on a GE refrigerator?
If the fix is clearing a physical obstruction, the cost is nothing. An Odor Remover Fan motor replacement part typically runs $20 to $60 depending on the GE model, and it is a relatively accessible DIY repair on most models requiring basic tools. If the control board turns out to be the cause, board replacements range from $100 to $250 or more for parts, and professional labor will add to that cost.
Will clearing the error code 0117 fix the problem on my GE refrigerator?
Clearing the code without fixing the underlying cause will result in the code returning once the refrigerator runs through its next diagnostic cycle. The control board will keep logging 0117 as long as the Odor Remover Fan fails to reach target speed. Diagnose and repair the root cause first, then clear the code to confirm the fault does not return.

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