GE Refrigerator Error Code F304

F304 means the freezer temperature has exceeded 72.5°F under conditions where it should be cooling normally. The code is set only when the freezer door has been closed for at least one hour, defrost has not run in the past hour, and the freezer is reading above 20°F. This points to a genuine cooling failure rather than a temporary temperature spike from an open door or a defrost cycle.

No, it is not safe to assume frozen food is still properly stored when this code appears. The F304 code indicates the freezer has reached temperatures above 72.5°F, which is far above safe frozen food storage temperatures. Check the actual temperature inside the freezer and move perishables to another freezer or add ice if the unit cannot be repaired quickly.

Repair costs depend heavily on which component has failed. Thermistor replacement is typically on the lower end, ranging from around $50 to $150 including parts and labor. Fan motor replacement generally falls in the $100 to $250 range. Compressor replacement or sealed system repair is significantly more expensive, often ranging from $400 to $700 or more depending on the model and local labor rates.

Some causes of F304 are accessible to a knowledgeable DIYer, such as checking fan operation, clearing frost buildup from evaporator coils, or testing and replacing a thermistor. However, if the sealed refrigeration system is involved, including a refrigerant leak or compressor failure, a certified technician with proper equipment is required by law to handle refrigerants.

A power reset may temporarily clear the fault display, but the code will return if the underlying problem has not been corrected. Because the code sets based on specific conditions including temperature, door position, and defrost timing, the control board will detect the fault again once those conditions are met. Clearing the code without fixing the cause does not restore proper freezer operation.