Bottom Freezer Refrigerator - Too Cold, Freezing Food

If foods in the fresh food section of your Bottom Freezer style Refrigerator are freezing, check the following things to see if it is something you can fix yourself or if your Refrigerator requires service. Often, a simple adjustment in temperature or food placement can solve the issue.
 

Temperature Settings

  • First, check the controls to make sure the Refrigerator is set to the proper temperature.
    • The temperature controls should be set at "C" and "5" or "5" and "5" if your model has a temperature control with knobs or dials.
    • On models with a digital display, the proper fresh food temperature is between 37 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer should be between 0 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • For model specific information on setting the temperature, please consult the Owner's Manual for the model you own.

Food Load

  • Food load is an important factor. The fresh food drawers and compartment should ideally be at least 1/2 full or more. Freezing is more likely to occur when the Refrigerator does not have enough food to absorb the cold air.
  • If foods in the crisper, deli and/or snack drawers are freezing:
    • Make sure the drawers/bins are at least 1/2 full.
    • If the drawer has an adjustable temperature feature and items are freezing, adjust the drawer to a warmer temperature setting.

Fresh Food Temperature Sensor

Most older, French-Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerators had a temperature sensor in the top of the fresh food compartment. If the Refrigerator temperature sensor is blocked, it may not be able to correctly sense the temperature to properly control cooling in the fresh food compartment. The temperature sensor is located in the fresh food compartment on the ceiling above the top shelf. The sensor looks like a dome with slats in it. For models with the dome-shaped sensor on the ceiling, move items so that there is a 6 inch air clearance around the sensor.
 

Additional Appliance Support

If these tips do not help to resolve the issue, service may be required. For service, please schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.