GE GTS18GTHWW Repair Guide
GE’s rental-grade top-freezer: mechanical cold control, standard defrost system, modest ice maker option. Like all basic top-freezers it’s cheap to fix, and the decision math only gets interesting if the compressor goes.
Common problems & typical repair costs
| Problem | Likely cause | Typical fix | OEM part # | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not cold, clicking | Start relay | Replace relay | — | $100–$200 |
| Frost wall in freezer | Defrost heater/thermostat | Replace pair | — | $150–$320 |
| Runs nonstop | Coils matted or gasket leaking | Clean coils; gasket | — | $0–$250 |
| Fridge freezes food | Cold control | Replace control | — | $100–$250 |
Costs are national averages for professional repair (parts + labor). See the linked cost guides below for full breakdowns.
Error codes
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| (No display) | Symptom-based diagnosis |
Tech notes
On a box this inexpensive, the compressor is the only failure that justifies replacement — everything else prices like a service call plus a small part.
Sources
Where the safety, regulatory and warranty claims on this page come from. Repair costs are our own figures based on Arizona market rates and OEM parts pricing.
- Food Safety During a Power Outage FoodSafety.gov (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services) The 40°F threshold and the 2-hour rule for discarding perishable food.
- Stationary Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Section 608) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Refrigerant handling rules and the certification required to open a sealed system.
- Section 608 Technician Certification U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Which certification type covers household refrigerators and freezers.
Cost guides for this machine’s common repairs
DIY step-by-step instructions for this model
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