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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code 0515

Door board relay driver is shorted (replace door board).

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

Door board relay driver is shorted (replace door board).

First step from the service manual

Replace door board.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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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 0515 means on a GE refrigerator

Error code 0515 indicates the GE refrigerator's control board has detected a hot water thermistor reading that falls outside the expected resistance range. The hot water thermistor is a temperature-sensing component that monitors water temperature in refrigerator models equipped with a hot water dispenser system. The control board continuously monitors the thermistor's resistance output; when that reading is too high, too low, or absent, the board flags a 0515 fault. This typically points to an open circuit, a short in the sensor circuit, or a thermistor that has drifted out of its calibrated resistance range.

For homeowners, the hot water thermistor is a small sensor that tells your refrigerator how hot the water in the hot water dispenser actually is. When this sensor stops sending a believable signal, the refrigerator's computer throws the 0515 code to prevent the system from overheating water or operating blind without temperature feedback. Your refrigerator's core cooling functions, such as keeping the freezer and fresh food sections cold, are generally not affected by this fault.

Common triggers include a failed thermistor, damaged wiring between the thermistor and the control board, or a loose or corroded connector in the hot water circuit. In less frequent cases, the main control board itself may be misreading an otherwise functioning sensor.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 0515

  1. 01

    Failed hot water thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has failed internally, producing a resistance value outside the acceptable range or no signal at all. This is the most common cause of a 0515 code and requires replacing the thermistor.

  2. 02

    Damaged or broken wiring harness to the hot water thermistor

    Part replacement

    A pinched, chafed, or broken wire in the harness connecting the thermistor to the control board causes the board to read an open or shorted circuit. Inspecting the harness for visible damage or testing continuity with a multimeter will confirm this cause.

  3. 03

    Loose or corroded thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector joining the thermistor to the wiring harness can loosen over time or develop corrosion, resulting in an intermittent or absent signal. Reseating and cleaning the connector may resolve the fault without replacing parts.

  4. 04

    Faulty main control board

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board itself misinterprets a valid thermistor signal or has a failed input circuit for the hot water thermistor. This should only be considered after the thermistor and wiring have been confirmed good through testing.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 0515

What does error code 0515 mean on a GE refrigerator?
Code 0515 means the control board detected a hot water thermistor reading that is outside the normal operating range. The hot water thermistor monitors temperature in the refrigerator's hot water dispenser system. The fault is triggered when the sensor's resistance is too high, too low, or completely absent, which usually points to a failed thermistor, damaged wiring, or a loose connector.
Can I still use my GE refrigerator when error code 0515 is showing?
Your refrigerator's primary cooling functions, including the freezer and fresh food compartments, are typically not affected by the 0515 code. However, the hot water dispenser should not be relied upon while this fault is active, since the control board cannot accurately monitor water temperature. Continued use of the hot water function without a functioning thermistor could lead to overheating the water system.
How do I fix error code 0515 on a GE refrigerator?
Start by unplugging the refrigerator and locating the hot water thermistor, then inspect the connector and wiring harness for any loose, corroded, or damaged connections. Reseating the connector and clearing the code will confirm if a connection issue was the cause. If the code returns, use a multimeter to test the thermistor's resistance against the spec in your service manual. A reading that is open or shorted indicates the thermistor needs replacement.
How much does it cost to fix error code 0515 on a GE refrigerator?
A replacement hot water thermistor typically costs between $20 and $60 for the part alone. If the repair requires a service technician, expect to add $100 to $200 in labor for a single-visit diagnosis and repair. If the fault traces to the main control board instead, that part ranges from $150 to $350 depending on the model, making that repair significantly more expensive.
How do I test the hot water thermistor on a GE refrigerator showing code 0515?
Disconnect power to the refrigerator, then unplug the thermistor connector and measure the thermistor's resistance across its two terminals with a multimeter. At room temperature, most GE thermistors read in the range of 5,000 to 20,000 ohms, but check your specific model's service data for the correct value. A reading of zero ohms indicates a short, while an open line (no continuity) confirms the thermistor has failed and needs replacement.

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