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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code 0713

A refrigerator door open for 15 minutes without being closed.

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

A refrigerator door open for 15 minutes without being closed.

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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 0713 means on a GE refrigerator

Error code 0713 on a GE refrigerator indicates the control board has detected the freezer compartment (FF) door has remained open continuously for 15 minutes or longer. The board monitors door status through a door switch or door sensor, and when that switch reports an uninterrupted open state beyond the 15-minute threshold, this code is logged and displayed. The trigger is time-based, not temperature-based, so the code can appear even if the freezer has not yet warmed significantly.

For homeowners, this means the refrigerator's electronics have noticed the freezer door has been open for at least 15 minutes without closing. This could be a genuinely open door, a door that is not sealing correctly, or a faulty door switch that is falsely reporting the door as open even when it is physically closed. Warm air entering an open or unsealed freezer will cause frost buildup, compressor overwork, and food spoilage if left unaddressed.

Check the freezer door first. If it is physically closed and the code persists, the door switch or its wiring is the most likely culprit. A worn or torn door gasket can also allow the door to appear partially open to the switch even when pushed shut.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 0713

  1. 01

    Freezer door left physically open or ajar

    Wiring / connection

    The most basic cause is the freezer door being left open, propped open, or resting ajar due to an item blocking the door from closing fully. The control board simply reads what the door switch reports, and 15 minutes of continuous open-door status triggers the code.

  2. 02

    Worn or damaged freezer door gasket

    Part replacement

    A cracked, compressed, or warped door gasket can prevent the door from sealing tightly, leaving a gap that holds the door switch in the open position. This can occur even when the door appears visually closed.

  3. 03

    Faulty freezer door switch

    Part replacement

    The door switch mechanically detects whether the door is open or closed. If the switch fails internally or becomes stuck in the open position, the control board receives a continuous open-door signal regardless of the door's actual state.

  4. 04

    Damaged or disconnected door switch wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring between the door switch and the control board can develop a break, loose connection, or short that causes the board to read a constant open-door condition. This is less common but worth inspecting if the switch itself tests functional.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 0713

What does error code 0713 mean on a GE refrigerator?
Code 0713 means the control board detected the freezer (FF) door has been open continuously for 15 minutes or more. The board monitors the door through a door switch, and when that switch reports an uninterrupted open state for 15 minutes, the code is triggered. This could indicate the door is physically open, the gasket is not sealing, or the door switch has failed.
How do I fix error code 0713 on a GE refrigerator?
Start by confirming the freezer door is fully closed and nothing inside is blocking it. If the door is closed and the code returns, inspect the door gasket for tears, gaps, or deformation and press the gasket firmly against the door frame to check the seal. If the gasket looks intact, test the door switch by pressing it manually while watching for a response from the interior light. A switch that does not change the light state when pressed likely needs replacement, which is a low-cost repair most homeowners can do with basic tools.
Can I still use my GE refrigerator while error code 0713 is active?
You can continue using the refrigerator, but the situation should be addressed promptly. If the freezer door is genuinely open or not sealing, warm air is entering continuously, which causes frost buildup, forces the compressor to run harder, and will lead to food spoilage in the freezer. If the code is caused by a faulty door switch falsely reporting the door as open, the freezer may be maintaining temperature normally, but you lose the protection of the door-open alert system until the switch is replaced.
How much does it cost to fix error code 0713 on a GE refrigerator?
If the fix is simply closing or unblocking the door, there is no cost. A replacement door gasket for a GE freezer compartment typically runs $20 to $60 in parts, and installation is a DIY-friendly task that requires no special tools. A replacement door switch usually costs $10 to $30 in parts. If you hire a technician for a door switch or gasket replacement, expect a service call fee plus roughly 30 to 60 minutes of labor, bringing the total to $100 to $200 depending on your area.
Will code 0713 clear itself after I close the freezer door?
On most GE refrigerator models, the 0713 code will clear automatically once the door switch registers the door as closed and normal operation resumes. If the code does not clear after the door is fully closed, the door switch may be faulty and still reporting an open state. In that case, you can attempt to clear the code manually by pressing the reset sequence for your specific model (check the owner's manual), but the underlying switch issue will need to be resolved for the code to stay cleared.

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