GE Refrigerator NC Error Code: Not Cooling Fault

Quick Answer

The GE NC error code means the refrigerator is not cooling. The compressor is either failing to start or is running but cannot build refrigerant pressure due to a leak. The start relay is the cheapest part to test first ($10-20) - it is a small component that gets the compressor motor running.

When I see NC on a GE display, I immediately listen for a clicking sound from the back of the unit. That clicking's usually the compressor trying to kick on and failing. This code's the ultimate red flag because it means your food's actively spoiling. While it can be a simple $20 relay, it often points to a sealed system issue that needs a certified tech.

GeRefrigeratorSeverity: criticalDifficulty: intermediate70% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–120 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$10 – $50

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flat-head screwdriver

What Does the NC Code Mean?

I call this the No Cooling code because that's exactly what's happening. On these GE units, the control board monitors the thermistors and notices the temperature's rising despite the compressor being commanded to run. It's a protective measure to keep the compressor from burning itself out. Repair costs are all over the map here, anywhere from a $15 relay swap to an $800 sealed system job, and you won't know which until you're back there with a multimeter.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Compressor failure - motor windings failed40%

Start relay failure - compressor cannot start24%

Refrigerant leak - system lost charge22%

Condenser fan blocked or failed causing compressor overload14%

Symptoms You May Notice

NC code showing solid on the display panel, sometimes cycling on and off every few minutes as the board keeps retrying the compressor
Everything in both compartments warming toward room temperature, ice cream going soft first since the freezer warms before the fridge section does
A single loud click or a brief hum from the back bottom of the unit every few minutes as the compressor tries and fails to start
The condenser fan dead silent when it should be running, or running fine but the compressor itself isn't making its usual low hum
Water pooling under the fridge as the freezer ice melts and drains down

Can you reset a Ge refrigerator to clear the NC code?

Unplug the fridge and wait a full 10 minutes, not two, not five. This lets the refrigerant pressures equalize so the compressor doesn't try to start against a pressurized system. Plug back in and watch the display. It should go through a startup sequence and the NC code should clear if this was a sensor glitch or a temporary thermal overload. If the compressor hums and clicks off within 30 seconds and NC comes right back, that's a hardware failure. A reset won't fix it.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriver1/4" nut driverMultimeter (auto-ranging or set to 200 ohm range)Vacuum with brush attachment for condenser coilsWork gloves

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range1–30 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Compressor Start RelayWR07X10099 · $10–$20	WR07X10099	$10 – $20
Condenser Fan MotorWR60X10220 · $25–$50	WR60X10220	$25 – $50

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the GE start relay do and why does it fail?

Think of the relay like the starter on your car. It gives the motor the high-current kick it needs to get spinning. On GE models, these relays take a ton of heat because they sit right next to the compressor. Over time, the internal ceramic disc gets brittle and cracks. When that happens, the compressor just sits there and hums until it gets too hot and shuts down. It's the most common cheap fix for the NC code, and I probably replace 4 or 5 of these a month on GE units. Part number WR07X10097 fits most of them, runs about $15 on Amazon.

How do I tell if my GE refrigerator has a refrigerant leak?

If the compressor's running and the fan's blowing but the fridge is still warm, you're probably out of refrigerant. I look for oily residue on the copper lines, which is a pretty reliable giveaway. GE units especially tend to develop leaks in the evaporator coil inside the freezer wall. Since these systems are sealed, you can't just top it off like your car's AC. It requires cutting into the lines, recovering the old refrigerant, finding and fixing the leak, evacuating the system, and recharging. That's a job for someone with EPA 608 certification, no way around it.

My GE refrigerator just started showing NC. How long before food spoils?

You've got less time than you think. A full freezer buys you some time since the ice mass keeps things cold, but the fridge section will hit the 40°F danger zone in under four hours. Don't keep opening the door to check on things. Every time you do, you're letting warm air in. Get an ice chest, grab the meat, dairy, and leftovers, and deal with the fridge. Your freezer stuff might last 24-36 hours if it was fully stocked and you leave the door shut. But don't gamble with raw meat.

Can I replace the GE start relay myself?

Yeah, totally DIY-able. It's honestly one of the easiest refrigerator repairs there is. Unplug the fridge, pull out the old relay, match the part number, plug the new one in. Takes maybe 20 minutes total including pulling the fridge out from the wall. Just make sure you match the part number because there are a few relay types depending on which compressor is in your unit. Check the label on the compressor itself for the model number, then look up the matching relay. WR07X10097 covers a lot of GE models but verify before you order.

The NC code came back after I replaced the relay. What now?

That happens more than you'd think. If you got a few days of normal cooling before NC came back, the compressor's probably drawing too much current to start cleanly and it's burning through relays fast. That's a sign the compressor itself is on the way out. If NC came back immediately after the new relay, check the condenser fan and then test the compressor windings with a multimeter. An open reading on any winding means the compressor's done. At that point you're deciding between a compressor replacement, usually $300-500 in parts and labor, or just buying a new fridge.

Related Ge Refrigerator Error Codes

Code: HUBGE Refrigerator Error Codes: Complete Profile and GFE Series Guide Code: ECGE Refrigerator EC Error Code: Evaporator Coil or Temperature Fault

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Ge shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience NC Errors

This repair applies to most Ge refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

PFE28KYNFS, GFE28GYNFS, GSS25GYPFS, GFE26JYMFS, PYE22KYNFS, GNE27JYMFS, GFE29HSDSS, GSS23GYPFS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026