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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code F104

FF icemaker mold heater not heating (mold thermistor does not detect a 2°F temperature rise within 120…

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

FF icemaker mold heater not heating (mold thermistor does not detect a 2°F temperature rise within 120 seconds).

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What F104 means on a GE refrigerator

The F104 error code on a GE refrigerator indicates a failure in the freezer compartment (FF) icemaker mold heater circuit. During a normal harvest cycle, the mold heater energizes to warm the ice tray just enough to release the ice cubes. The control board monitors this process through the mold thermistor, which must detect a temperature rise of at least 2°F within 120 seconds of the heater activating. If that threshold is not met within the allotted time, the board flags F104 and halts the harvest cycle to prevent mechanical damage to the ejector mechanism.

The two primary components involved are the mold heater element and the mold thermistor. The heater is a resistive heating element embedded in or attached to the ice mold, and the thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor that reports mold temperature back to the control board. A fault in either component can trigger this code. A failed or open-circuit heater will produce no heat, so the thermistor never registers a rise. Conversely, a thermistor that has drifted out of calibration or failed entirely may report a static temperature even if the heater is functioning correctly.

Wiring and connection integrity between the control board, the heater, and the thermistor are also common culprits. Loose terminals, corroded connectors, or damaged wiring in the icemaker harness can interrupt power delivery to the heater or corrupt the thermistor signal. In some cases, the icemaker module itself may be at fault if the internal relay controlling heater power has failed. A systematic check of heater continuity, thermistor resistance values, supply voltage at the heater terminals, and wiring harness condition is the recommended diagnostic approach.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F104

  1. 01

    Failed mold heater element

    Part replacement

    The resistive heater embedded in the ice mold may have burned out or developed an open circuit. Check for continuity across the heater terminals; a good heater should show measurable resistance rather than an open line.

  2. 02

    Faulty mold thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor that monitors mold temperature may have failed or shifted out of its calibrated resistance range, causing it to report no temperature change even when the heater is working. Comparing its resistance reading to the specified value at a known temperature will confirm or rule out this cause.

  3. 03

    Damaged or loose wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    Corroded connectors or broken wires in the icemaker harness can cut power to the heater or disrupt the thermistor signal to the control board. Inspect all connectors in the icemaker wiring circuit for corrosion, backed-out terminals, or visible damage.

  4. 04

    Defective icemaker module

    Part replacement

    The internal relay within the icemaker module controls power delivery to the mold heater. If that relay has failed in an open state, the heater will never receive voltage regardless of heater or thermistor condition.

  5. 05

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    If the main control board is not sending the correct voltage signal to energize the mold heater during the harvest cycle, the heater will not activate. This is less common but should be considered after all other components have been tested and found to be functional.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F104

What does F104 mean on a GE refrigerator?
F104 indicates that the freezer icemaker mold heater is not heating properly. The control board runs a check during the harvest cycle and expects the mold thermistor to detect a temperature rise of at least 2°F within 120 seconds of the heater activating. When that rise is not detected in time, the board stores F104 and stops the harvest cycle. Ice production will not resume until the underlying fault is resolved.
Can I fix the F104 error myself?
Some aspects of this repair are within reach for a knowledgeable DIYer. Inspecting and reseating wiring connectors, and testing the mold heater for continuity with a multimeter, are straightforward tasks. Replacing the mold thermistor or the icemaker module is also manageable with basic tools. However, if the control board is suspected, board replacement or repair is more complex and may warrant a professional technician.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator with an F104 code?
The refrigerator itself will continue to cool and freeze food normally while displaying F104, so food safety is not immediately at risk. The icemaker harvest cycle will be interrupted, meaning ice production stops. It is advisable to address the fault reasonably soon to avoid prolonged strain on the icemaker mechanism and to restore ice production.
How much does it cost to repair an F104 error on a GE refrigerator?
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. A mold thermistor is typically an inexpensive part, often in the range of $10 to $30. A replacement icemaker module or mold heater assembly can range from $40 to $120 in parts. If a professional technician is needed, labor fees will add to the total, with complete repairs commonly falling in the range of $100 to $300 depending on the specific components replaced and local labor rates.
Will resetting my GE refrigerator clear the F104 error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the F104 code from the display, but the code will return if the underlying hardware fault has not been corrected. The control board will re-run the harvest cycle check and log the error again as soon as it detects that the mold thermistor is not registering the required temperature rise. A permanent fix requires diagnosing and replacing the defective component.

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