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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code F6

Fresh food evaporator thermistor invalid

GE codesGE refrigerator codes

Fresh food evaporator thermistor invalid. If open/short, all FF heater defrosts will be 20 minutes and the FF abnormal defrost flag will also be set.

First step from the service manual

Check thermistor resistance; replace if shorted or open.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What F6 means on a GE refrigerator

The F6 error code on a GE refrigerator indicates that the fresh food compartment evaporator thermistor has been detected as invalid, meaning the control board is reading either an open circuit or a short circuit from that sensor. The fresh food evaporator thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor mounted near the evaporator coil in the fresh food section. It provides the control board with real-time temperature data used to manage defrost cycles in that compartment. When the sensor fails in either direction, open or shorted, the board loses its ability to accurately monitor evaporator conditions.

Because the fresh food compartment can no longer report accurate evaporator temperatures, the control board falls back to a fixed default behavior: all fresh food heater defrosts will be forced to run for exactly 20 minutes regardless of actual conditions. In addition, the board will set the FF abnormal defrost flag alongside the F6 code. This means defrost cycles may be too short or too long for the actual frost accumulation present, which can eventually lead to frost buildup on the evaporator, reduced airflow, and compromised cooling performance in the fresh food section.

The most direct diagnostic step is to check the thermistor's resistance value and compare it to the expected range for that sensor. A shorted thermistor will read near zero ohms, while an open thermistor will show infinite resistance with no continuity. Either reading confirms sensor failure. The wiring harness and connector between the thermistor and the control board should also be inspected for damage, corrosion, or loose connections before replacing the thermistor itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F6

  1. 01

    Failed thermistor (open or shorted)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has failed internally, resulting in either an open circuit with no resistance reading or a short circuit near zero ohms. This is the most common cause and is confirmed by checking resistance directly at the sensor terminals.

  2. 02

    Damaged wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring between the thermistor and the control board may be pinched, cut, or chafed, causing an intermittent or permanent open circuit. Inspect the harness routing through the refrigerator cabinet for any visible damage.

  3. 03

    Corroded or loose connector

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the refrigerator compartment can cause corrosion at the thermistor connector pins, increasing resistance or breaking the circuit entirely. Disconnect and inspect the connector for green corrosion, bent pins, or a loose fit.

  4. 04

    Thermistor displaced from mounting location

    Wiring / connection

    If the thermistor has slipped out of its proper mounting clip near the evaporator, it may read temperatures inconsistent with what the control board expects, sometimes triggering an invalid reading. Verify the sensor is seated correctly in its bracket.

  5. 05

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the main control board may incorrectly interpret a valid thermistor signal as out of range due to a board-level component failure. This should only be considered after the thermistor and wiring have been confirmed to be in good condition.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F6

What does F6 mean on a GE refrigerator?
F6 indicates that the fresh food evaporator thermistor is reading as invalid, either open or shorted. The control board cannot get a usable temperature signal from that sensor. As a result, the refrigerator defaults to fixed 20-minute fresh food defrost cycles and sets an abnormal defrost flag until the problem is resolved.
Can I fix the F6 error myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can often diagnose and fix F6 by testing the thermistor resistance with a multimeter and checking the wiring harness for damage or loose connections. If the thermistor reads open or shorted, replacing it is a straightforward repair that typically involves disconnecting a plug connector and removing a mounting clip. If the wiring and thermistor both test good, a control board issue is more likely and may require a technician.
Is it safe to keep using my GE refrigerator while F6 is showing?
The refrigerator will continue to operate with F6 active, but defrost cycles in the fresh food section will run on a fixed 20-minute timer rather than adapting to actual conditions. Over time, this can lead to frost accumulation on the evaporator and reduced cooling performance. Food safety is not immediately at risk, but the issue should be repaired in a timely manner to prevent further complications.
Will resetting my GE refrigerator clear the F6 code?
Resetting the refrigerator by unplugging it or cycling the power may temporarily clear the code, but it will return if the thermistor or wiring fault is still present. The control board will detect the invalid sensor reading again on the next diagnostic cycle. A permanent fix requires repairing or replacing the faulty thermistor or correcting the wiring issue.
How much does it cost to repair an F6 error on a GE refrigerator?
If only the thermistor needs replacement, parts typically cost in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the specific model, making it one of the more affordable refrigerator repairs. If a technician is needed for diagnosis and installation, labor charges will add to that cost, generally bringing the total into the range of $100 to $250. Control board replacement, if required, is significantly more expensive and can range from $200 to $400 or more including labor.

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