GE Refrigerator Error Code 0718

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.