mypros+
Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code F51

Cooling system was on and the compressor remained off for 6 hours.

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

Cooling system was on and the compressor remained off for 6 hours.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for F51.

  • 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
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What F51 means on a GE refrigerator

The GE refrigerator F51 error code indicates that the cooling system was actively calling for cooling, but the compressor failed to run for a continuous period of 6 hours. This means the control board detected a demand for refrigeration, sent the appropriate signals to engage the compressor, and yet the compressor never started or remained off throughout that window. The refrigerator tracks compressor runtime and cooling demand simultaneously, and when those two values fall out of sync for this duration, F51 is logged as a fault.

The compressor is the heart of the sealed refrigeration system. It pressurizes refrigerant and circulates it through the condenser and evaporator coils to produce cooling. When the compressor fails to respond to a cooling demand, the root cause could be electrical or mechanical. Common electrical culprits include a failed start relay, a defective overload protector, or a wiring fault between the control board and the compressor terminals. A faulty main control board that is not properly energizing the compressor circuit is also a possibility.

On the mechanical side, a seized or internally failed compressor will draw excessive current, trip the overload protector, and shut down repeatedly, effectively keeping runtime near zero. Technicians should also check for low voltage at the compressor terminals during a start attempt, inspect the start relay by shaking it for a rattle (indicating a failed internal component), and verify that the condenser fan is running, since an overheating compressor compartment can cause the thermal overload to trip.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F51

  1. 01

    Failed Start Relay

    Part replacement

    The start relay gives the compressor the initial electrical boost it needs to start. A failed relay is one of the most common reasons a compressor will not run, and it can often be identified by shaking the relay and listening for a rattling sound inside.

  2. 02

    Defective Compressor Overload Protector

    Part replacement

    The overload protector cuts power to the compressor if it overheats or draws too much current. If the overload protector has failed in the open position, the compressor will never receive power regardless of cooling demand.

  3. 03

    Failed or Seized Compressor

    Part replacement

    If the compressor motor windings have failed or the internal mechanical components have seized, the compressor will not run even when properly signaled. This is typically confirmed by checking resistance across the compressor terminals and listening for any humming or clicking at startup.

  4. 04

    Main Control Board Fault

    Part replacement

    The control board is responsible for sending the run signal to the compressor circuit. If the board is not outputting the correct voltage to the compressor relay or inverter board, the compressor will remain off despite an active cooling demand.

  5. 05

    Condenser Fan Motor Failure

    Part replacement

    If the condenser fan is not running, heat builds up around the compressor and can cause the thermal overload to trip repeatedly, preventing sustained compressor operation. Check that the condenser fan spins freely and runs when the compressor circuit is energized.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F51

What does F51 mean on a GE refrigerator?
F51 means the refrigerator's control system detected that cooling was needed but the compressor stayed off for 6 consecutive hours. The appliance was calling for cooling but the compressor never responded. This points to a problem with the compressor itself, its starting components, or the control circuitry that activates it.
Can I fix F51 on my GE refrigerator myself?
Some causes are DIY-friendly, such as replacing the start relay, which is an inexpensive part that clips onto the compressor and requires no special tools. However, diagnosing whether the issue is the relay, overload protector, control board, or the compressor itself requires electrical testing with a multimeter. If the compressor has failed, that repair involves the sealed refrigerant system and requires a certified technician.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when F51 is showing?
No, it is not safe to rely on the refrigerator for food storage when F51 is active. Because the compressor is not running, the unit is not cooling, and food temperatures will rise into the unsafe zone within a few hours. Transfer perishables to a working cooler or alternative refrigerator until the fault is resolved.
How much does it cost to repair a GE refrigerator showing F51?
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. A start relay is generally an inexpensive fix, typically in the range of $20 to $60 for the part alone. A control board replacement can cost $150 to $400 or more in parts. A compressor replacement is the most expensive outcome, often ranging from $400 to $700 or higher including labor, and may make older units not worth repairing.
Will resetting my GE refrigerator clear the F51 error code?
Resetting the refrigerator by unplugging it for several minutes may clear the code temporarily, but if the underlying problem is not fixed, the fault will return once the control system again detects 6 hours of compressor inactivity during a cooling demand. A reset should only be used as part of the diagnostic process, not as a permanent fix.

Related GE refrigerator codes

All GE refrigerator codes
View all 540 GE refrigerator codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass