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Maintaining a GE Profile PFCF1NFW Refrigerator

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Key Points

Required Materials

  • Compressed Air Cans – Use a can of compressed air to gently blow hard to reach areas; I normally buy falcon dust-off electronics compressed gas duster 4 cans / pack; I do not recommend using air compressors as it’s pressure it can actually cause damage to the refrigerator components
  • Wood or plastic shims – I stack couple of these underneath the front of the refrigerator to gain 1/2″ or more for better access; you can buy any kind but I prefer the plastic shims (2 packs)
  • Pipe Cleaners – to reach small crevices and between coils (just buy some inexpensive pipe cleaners like this one)
  • Condenser Coil Brush for Refrigerator – you don’t want a long, inflexible handle; instead you want a soft-tipped, long brush head like this Flexible Dryer Vent Cleaner Refrigerator Condenser Coil Brush Auger Lint Remover

Required Tools

  • Vacuum
  • Rags
  • 3/8″ Socket and wrench
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Clorox/Lysol wipes
  • Flashlight

Optional Tools

Step-by-Step Instructions (Machine Compartment)

The compressor and condenser + condenser fan are the hardest working components in your refrigerator. They are intricately tied together to provide cooling for both fresh food and freezer compartments.

  • Step # 1 – Run internal diagnostics to check that all components are present (Don’t know how? Read my post “Troubleshooting GE PFCF1NFW Refrigerator Using the Temperature Display Control to Access Self-Diagnosis Mode“)
  • Step # 2 -Gently roll out your refrigerator to gain space so that you can access the rear panel
  • Step # 3 – Unplug the refrigerator
  • Step # 4 – Using a 3/8″ socket, remove the metal screws holding the cardboard panel to expose the machine compartment; Please remember that the screws with plastic washers are for the top screws (slightly wider diameter); in addition the EMI filter is NOT part of PFCF1NFW model
    • 1 – Compressor
    • 2 – Inverter (relay)
    • 3 – Condenser Fan + Shroud
    • 4 – Condenser
  • Step # 5 – Examine the floor pan; this is where water from the freezer (after defrosting) ends up to be evaporated; you may see some brown stains which are probably water stains; but if you see any black or oily residue, you may potentially have a problem with your refrigerant system; stop and refer to the Troubleshooting section in the Reference Guide
  • Step # 6 – vacuum as much dirt and dust as possible
    • A – use your condenser cleaning brush to brush off dirt in hard to reach places; for stubborn dirt caught between coils, use a pipe cleaner to get them out (just make sure you bend the pipe cleaner tip so that it is not sharp)
    • B – if your coil is extremely dirty (see below), you will need to remove the condenser fan shroud assembly to clean the inside of the coil (watch a YouTube video below titled, “GE REpair Refrigerator – How to replace the Condenser Fan Motor” to learn how; it’s not the exact model but very similar to PFCF1NFW)
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Very Dirty Condenser Coil (not mine)
  • Step # 7 – Use Clorox / Lysol wipes to wipe down the condenser coil
  • Step # 8 – Gently wipe down the compressor with a moist rag; using a can of compressed air, gently blow off any hair or debris around the inverter; then examine the inverter with a flashlight to detect any discoloration or cracks; once a year, the inverter casing is NOT completely enclosed so once a year, I remove the inverter to examine the innards (to learn about removing a inverter, read my post “How to Fix a GE Profile Refrigerator that is Not Cooling Again
  • Step # 9 – Using a can of compressed air, gently blow off any hair or debris around the inverter; then examine the inverter with a flashlight to detect any discoloration or cracks; once a year, the inverter casing is NOT completely enclosed so once a year, I remove the inverter to examine the innards (to learn about removing a inverter, read my post “How to Fix a GE Profile Refrigerator that is Not Cooling Again
  • Step # 10 – Re-install the cardboard access panel; as I stated before, this access panel is critical in cooling off the compressor so if your access panel is damaged, please replace it (refer to the GE Profile PFCF1NFW Refrigerator Parts page to check the latest price and availability)

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Step-by-Step Instructions (Ambient Thermistor)

Ambient thermistor provides temperature data so that your refrigerator can adjust internal temperatures for optimal operation.

Due to freezer door being somewhat in the way, the ambient thermistor maintenance work is easier if you do it in conjunction with the freezer maintenance work.

  • Step # 1 – remove the toe kick panel by unscrewing two screws using a Phillips screwdriver
  • Step # 2 – using a vacuum, remove as much dirt and dust bunnies as possible; please note that the plastic center divider must not be damaged as it works to provide cold air to the condenser and channel away hot air from the compressor area
  • Step # 3 – make sure that the ambient thermistor is clean

Step-by-Step Instructions (Fresh Food Compartment)

Fresh Food compartment has multiple airflow channels to supply cold air and return warm air (back to the freezer compartment). Our primary objective is to inspect all airways to ensure that they are not blocked in any way.

  • Step # 1 – Remove all food stuff
  • Step # 2 – Remove all shelves, starting from top shelf down the vegetable crisp drawer
  • Step # 3 – Place your hand near the top vent to feel cold air blowing out
  • Step # 4 – Using a 3/8″ socket or screwdriver, remove the screw holding down the air tower
    • A – gently shimmy and lift the air tower (there are two small studs on the bottom)
    • B – disconnect the power cable
    • C – check the damper opening – door mechanism is motorized so you should be able to gently push open then close the door; if resists opening, the motor will need to be replaced

Step # 5 – There are two floor return vents (one on each side; marked in orange in the picture below) on the bottom of the fresh food compartment (usually hidden underneath the vegetable crisp drawer). Place a tissue paper on the vent; due to negative pressure, it should stick to the vent (if it does not, you may have an obstruction; stop and refer to the Troubleshooting section in the Reference Guide)

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Maintenance Work on the Freezer Compartment

Because we have to remove pretty much the entire freezer parts, including the door, all work should be completed under the Troubleshooting section in the Reference Guide

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Reference Links