GE Refrigerator Error Code R-SENSOR

R-SENSOR indicates a fault in the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor circuit. The main control board has detected either an open circuit, a short circuit, a connector issue, or a temperature reading outside the range of -58°F to 122°F. The board monitors sensor voltage and expects a signal between 1.0V and 4.5V during normal operation. When that signal falls outside this range, the error is triggered.

It is not recommended to rely on the refrigerator for storing perishables while this error is active. Because the control board cannot accurately read the compartment temperature, it may not regulate cooling correctly, which could lead to food spoilage. Short-term use is possible if you monitor the internal temperature with a separate thermometer, but the fault should be repaired promptly.

A reset may temporarily clear the error from the display, but the code will return if the underlying fault in the sensor circuit has not been corrected. Resetting does not fix a failed thermistor, broken wire, or faulty connector. The voltage at the main PCB sensor terminals should be measured and the root cause corrected before the error will stay cleared.

A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose this error by checking the sensor connector for looseness or corrosion and testing the voltage at the main PCB sensor terminals with a multimeter. If the voltage is outside the 1.0V to 4.5V range, the next step is to test thermistor resistance to determine whether the sensor has failed. Replacing a thermistor is generally a straightforward repair, though accessing the connector at the PCB requires care to avoid damaging other components.

If the fault is a loose connector, the repair may cost nothing beyond your time. A replacement thermistor sensor typically ranges from $15 to $50 in parts cost. If the main PCB is at fault, board replacement can range from $100 to $300 or more depending on the model, plus labor if a technician is hired. Wiring harness repairs fall somewhere in between depending on severity.