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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code 0718

Freezer drawer open for 60 total minutes in the last 24 hours.

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Freezer drawer open for 60 total minutes in the last 24 hours.

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What 0718 means on a GE refrigerator

Error code 0718 on a GE refrigerator is a door monitoring alert generated by the control board after detecting that the freezer door has been open for a cumulative total of 60 minutes within the last 24-hour period. The board tracks door-open time using the freezer door switch signal, and once that threshold is reached, it logs and displays this code. This is a usage-based alert rather than a component failure code, though a faulty door switch or door gasket issue can cause it to trigger even when the freezer is not actually being left open by the user.

For homeowners, this code is the refrigerator telling you the freezer door has been open long enough over the past day to potentially affect food safety and energy efficiency. This can happen from normal heavy use, a door left ajar accidentally, a weak door gasket that is not sealing properly, or a door switch that is falsely reporting the door as open when it is actually closed. The code does not mean the refrigerator has broken down, but it does mean the freezer compartment may have experienced temperature rises during those open periods. Check your freezer temperature and inspect food for any signs of partial thawing to assess whether food safety is a concern.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 0718

  1. 01

    Door left ajar or held open during heavy use

    Wiring / connection

    Frequent or extended access to the freezer, such as during meal prep, restocking groceries, or a door not pushed fully closed, can accumulate enough open time to trigger the 60-minute threshold within 24 hours. No repair is needed if this is the cause.

  2. 02

    Worn or damaged freezer door gasket

    Part replacement

    A gasket that has cracked, torn, or lost its magnetic seal can allow the door to appear closed while actually sitting slightly open, causing the door switch to continuously register an open-door state and accumulating time toward the 60-minute threshold.

  3. 03

    Faulty freezer door switch

    Part replacement

    The door switch signals the control board whether the door is open or closed. A switch that is stuck in the open position or intermittently failing will cause the board to count time against the threshold even when the freezer door is fully closed.

  4. 04

    Freezer door hinge or alignment issue

    Part replacement

    A bent or worn hinge can prevent the freezer door from closing flush against the cabinet, leaving a small gap that keeps the door switch partially or fully triggered throughout normal use.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 0718

What does error code 0718 mean on a GE refrigerator?
Code 0718 means the control board has detected that the freezer door was open for a cumulative total of 60 minutes during the last 24 hours. The board tracks this using the freezer door switch. It may reflect actual user behavior, or it can point to a door gasket, door switch, or alignment problem if the door appeared to be closed during that time.
How do I fix error code 0718 on a GE refrigerator?
Start by checking whether the freezer door closes and latches fully on its own. Inspect the door gasket for cracks, tears, or weak spots by running your hand around the perimeter of the closed door to feel for cold air escaping. If the gasket feels compromised, replace it. If the gasket looks fine, test the door switch by pressing and releasing it manually while watching the interior light. A switch that does not respond correctly should be replaced. If the code was triggered by heavy normal use, no repair is needed and the code will not recur if door usage returns to normal.
Is it safe to use my GE refrigerator when error code 0718 is showing?
The refrigerator will continue to operate with this code active, so it is generally safe to keep using it. However, you should check the freezer temperature and inspect any temperature-sensitive food for signs of partial thawing, since 60 minutes of cumulative open time can cause temperature rises in the freezer compartment. If your freezer is maintaining its set temperature and food appears unaffected, continued use is fine while you investigate the root cause.
Will error code 0718 clear itself on a GE refrigerator?
The code will typically clear once a new 24-hour monitoring window passes without the freezer door accumulating another 60 minutes of open time. If the underlying cause is a faulty door switch or bad gasket, the code will continue to return until the defective component is replaced.
How much does it cost to fix a GE refrigerator showing code 0718?
If the cause is user behavior, the fix costs nothing. A replacement freezer door gasket for a GE refrigerator typically runs between $30 and $80 for the part, and most homeowners can install one without tools. A door switch is usually $15 to $40 for the part and is also a DIY-friendly repair. If the door hinge is bent or the cabinet frame is out of alignment, professional diagnosis and repair may cost $100 to $200 or more depending on labor rates in your area.

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