GE Refrigerator Error Code R-1- (segment f)

The R-1- (segment f) code indicates a refrigerator defrost heater error. It can be triggered by a housing separation, wiring disconnection, short circuit, blown temperature fuse, or the defrost heater running continuously for more than 80 minutes. The error points to a fault somewhere in the defrost heater circuit, which is responsible for periodically melting frost off the evaporator coil.

A power reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but the underlying fault in the defrost heater circuit will remain. If the root cause is not repaired, the code will return the next time the control board attempts a defrost cycle. A proper repair requires identifying and replacing the failed component.

Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A replacement defrost heater element typically costs between $20 and $60 for the part, while a thermal fuse or bimetal cutout is usually in the $5 to $25 range. Adding professional labor, total repair costs generally fall between $100 and $300 depending on your location and the extent of the fault.

Start by disconnecting connectors CN70 and CN71 from the main PCB and measuring resistance between the CN70 white wire and the CN71 orange wire. A correct reading is 102 ohms plus or minus 7%. A reading of 0 ohms means the heater is shorted, and an infinite reading means there is an open circuit in the heater, bimetal, thermal fuse, or wiring. Repair or replace the failed component based on your measurement results.

It is not recommended to continue using the refrigerator without addressing this error. Without a functioning defrost heater, frost will accumulate on the evaporator coil and eventually block airflow entirely, causing the refrigerator to lose cooling ability. A shorted heater can also pose an electrical risk if left unrepaired.