GBE21DABE21D
2016 Artistry & GE Swing Door
Refrigerators
Technical Service Guide
March 2018
31-9285
– 2 –
Safety Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information in this service guide is intended for use by
individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical,
electronic, and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a
major appliance may result in personal injury and property
damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the
interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any liability in
connection with its use.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury, disconnect power before servicing
this product. If electrical power is required for diagnosis or test
purposes, disconnect the power immediately after performing the
necessary checks.
RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES
If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts, or washers used to
complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must be
returned to their original position and properly fastened.
GE Appliances, a Haier Company
Copyright © 2018
All rights reserved. This service guide may not be
reproduced in whole or in part in any form without written
permission from GE Appliances, a Haier Company.
For Warranty Information:
1. Go to http://products.geappliances.com
2. Search the model number.
3. Click on the Literature tab.
4. Click on Use and Care Manual.
5. Locate the Warranty page.
Warranty
– 3 –
(Continued next page)
Table of Contents
Safety Information ........................................................................................................................2
Warranty .......................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................................3
Safety Requirements ....................................................................................................................6
Nomenclature ...............................................................................................................................7
6SHFL¿FDWLRQV ...............................................................................................................................8
Installation ....................................................................................................................................9
Refrigerator Location ............................................................................................................9
Clearances ...........................................................................................................................9
$GGLWLRQDO 6SHFL¿FDWLRQV .......................................................................................................9
Leveling ................................................................................................................................9
Water Supply Line ................................................................................................................9
Operation ......................................................................................................................................10
$LUÀRZ ...........................................................................................................................................11
Refrigerator Door ..........................................................................................................................12
Refrigerator Door Handle .....................................................................................................12
Refrigerator Door Bins ..........................................................................................................12
Refrigerator Gasket ..............................................................................................................12
Refrigerator Door Removal ...................................................................................................13
Refrigerator Door - Bottom View...........................................................................................13
Freezer Door ................................................................................................................................14
Freezer Door Handle ............................................................................................................14
Freezer Gasket .....................................................................................................................14
Freezer Door Removal .........................................................................................................15
Freezer Door - Bottom View .................................................................................................15
Refrigerator ..................................................................................................................................16
Refrigerator Interior Component Locator ................................................................................16
Adjustable Shelves ...............................................................................................................17
Climate Controlled Pans (Drawers) ......................................................................................17
FF Door Switch .....................................................................................................................17
– 4 –
FF LED Board .......................................................................................................................18
FF Thermistor .......................................................................................................................19
Control Housing Assembly ...................................................................................................20
FF Temperature Board..........................................................................................................20
Back Light LEDs ...................................................................................................................21
Air Tower ...............................................................................................................................21
Freezer .........................................................................................................................................22
Freezer Interior Component Locator ....................................................................................22
Icemaker (Optional) ..............................................................................................................23
Wire Shelf .............................................................................................................................23
Basket ...................................................................................................................................24
Freezer LEDs .......................................................................................................................24
Freezer Light Switch .............................................................................................................24
Evaporator Fan Cover ..........................................................................................................24
Evaporator Cover .................................................................................................................25
Evaporator Fan .....................................................................................................................25
Icemaker Fill Tube ................................................................................................................26
Evaporator Components ..............................................................................................................27
Defrost Thermostat ...............................................................................................................28
Defrost Heater ......................................................................................................................28
Evaporator Thermistor ..........................................................................................................29
Evaporator ............................................................................................................................30
Defrost Operation .........................................................................................................................31
Adaptive Defrost ...................................................................................................................31
Pre-Chill ................................................................................................................................31
Defrost Heater Operation .....................................................................................................31
Dwell ....................................................................................................................................31
Post Dwell ............................................................................................................................31
Abnormal Defrost ..................................................................................................................31
Main Board ...................................................................................................................................32
Main Board Connector Locations .........................................................................................33
Machine Compartment .................................................................................................................34
Machine Compartment Cover Removal .................................................................................34
(Continued next page)
– 5 –
Condenser Fan .....................................................................................................................35
Condenser ............................................................................................................................36
Compressor Electricals (TSD) ..............................................................................................36
Compressor ..........................................................................................................................37
Drier ......................................................................................................................................37
Cooling System ............................................................................................................................38
Replacing Sealed System Components .......................................................................................39
Evacuation and Charging Procedure ....................................................................................39
Schematic .....................................................................................................................................40
Index .............................................................................................................................................41
– 6 –
Prior to disassembly of the refrigerator to access components, GE
Factory Service technicians are REQUIRED to follow the Lockout /
Tagout (LOTO) 6 Step Process:
Safety Requirements
Step 1
Plan and Prepare
Step 4
Apply LOTO device and lock
Step 2
Shut down the appliance
Step 5
Control (discharge) stored
energy
Step 3
Isolate the appliance
Step 6
“Try It” verify that the appliance
is
locked out
GE Factory Service Employees are required to use safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves and
steel toe shoes for all repairs.
Steel Toed Work Boot
Electrically Rated Glove and
Dyneema® Cut Resistant Glove
Keeper
Dyneema®Cut Resistant
Glove
Cut Resistant Sleeve(s)
Plano Type Safety Glasses
Brazing Glasses
Prescription Safety Glasses
Safety Glasses must be
ANSI Z87.1-2003 compliant
– 7 –
Nomenclature
The nomenclature breaks down and explains what the letters and numbers mean in the model number.
Serial Number
7KH ¿UVW WZR FKDUDFWHUV RI WKH VHULDO QXPEHU LGHQWLI\ WKH PRQWK DQG \HDU RI PDQXIDFWXUH 7KH OHWWHU
designating the year repeats every 12 years.
Example: LL123456S = June, 2018
A – JAN
D – FEB
F – MAR
G – APR
H – MAY
L – JUN
M – JUL
R – AUG
S – SEP
T – OCT
V – NOV
Z – DEC
2024 – Z
2023 – V
2022 – T
2021 – S
2020 – R
2019 – M
2018 – L
2017 – H
2016 – G
2015 – F
2014 – D
2013 – A
Model Number
A B E 2 1 D G K A R B S
Brand
A: Artistry
G: GE
&RQ¿JXUDWLRQ
B: Bottom Freezer
Finish
G: High Gloss
Model
Year
2016
Handle Color
S: Stainless Steel
B: Black
W: White
Door Swing
R: Right
Engineering Digit
Energy Star
E: Energy Star
Capacity
21 Cubic Feet
Feature Pack
Exterior Color
S: Stainless Steel
B: Black
W: White
The Model Serial ID
Tag is located in the
upper left corner of
the refrigerator.
The Mini Manual is
located under the
right hinge cover.
– 8 –
6SHFL¿FDWLRQV
NO LOAD PERFORMANCE
Control Position @ Colder/Colder
& Ambient of 65°F to 90°F
Fresh Food, °F 34-40
Frozen Food, °F (-3) - (3)
Percent Running Time @ 65°F 80
Percent Running Time @ 90°F 50-80
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Defrost Control
w/no door openings 60 hrs @
40 min
Overtemperature Thermostat 95-65°F
Defrost Thermistor
Electrical Rating: 115V AC
60Hz
55°F
6 Amp
Maximum Current Leakage 0.75 mA
Maximum Ground Path
Resistance
0.14 ohms
Evaporator Fan 5 - 13 VDC
Condenser Fan 12 VDC
Compressor Windings 4 & 6 ohms
FF LED Board 12 VDC
FZ LED Boards 3 VDC
FF Temperature Board 2 - 5 VDC
21 CU. FT. SWING ELECTRONIC BOTTOM FREEZER - ABE21, GBE21
REFRIGERATION DIAGNOSIS
To access the low pressure side of the system,
install a WJ56X61 valve only on the process
tube extending from the compressor case.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Compressor 710 BTU/hr
Minimum Compressor Capacity
Vacuum 22 inches
Minimum Equalized Pressure
@ 70°F 40/45 PSIG
@ 90°F 48/60 PSIG
Refrig. Chg (R134a) 4.00 oz
Electrical Shock Hazard
Death or serious injury can result from failure
to follow these instructions.
6HUYLFH E\ D TXDOL¿HG VHUYLFH WHFKQLFLDQ
only.
Disconnect power before servicing this
product.
Reconnect all grounding devices after
service.
Replace all parts and panels before
operating.
WARNING
– 9 –
115 volt 60 Hz., 15 or 20-amp power supply is
required.
An individual properly grounded branch circuit
or circuit breaker is recommended.
NOTE: GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) is not
recommended.
Electrical Shock Hazard
It is required that the refrigerator be plugged
into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
Ground prong should not be removed.
Use of a 2-prong adapter or an extension
cord is prohibited.
Frayed or damaged power cord should
immediately be replaced.
WARNING
Installation
$GGLWLRQDO 6SHFL¿FDWLRQV
Refrigerator Location
The refrigerator should not be installed in the
following locations:
Where the temperature will go below 60°F
(16°C) because it will not run often enough to
maintain proper temperatures.
Where the temperature will go above 100°F
(37°C) because it will not perform properly.
In a location exposed to water (rain, etc.) or
direct sunlight.
7KH UHIULJHUDWRU VKRXOG EH LQVWDOOHG RQ D ÀRRU
strong enough to support it fully loaded.
Clearances
The refrigerator should have the following
clearances for ease of installation, proper
air circulation and plumbing and electrical
connections.
Sides: 1/8 in. (3 mm)
Top: 1 in. (25 mm) cabinet/hinge cover
Back: 2 in. (50 mm)
Leveling
The refrigerator has two leveling legs. Each front
corner has a leveling leg to help adjust the side
WR VLGH KHLJKW DQG ¿UPO\ SRVLWLRQ WKH UHIULJHUDWRU
which prevents it from moving. Leveling legs
should be set so the front of the refrigerator is
raised just enough that the doors close easily
when opened half way.
Water Supply Line
A water supply line will be needed for
the installation of the optional icemaker.
Recommended copper water supply kits are
WX8X2, WX8X3 or WX8X4, depending on the
amount of tubing needed.
Approved plastic water supply lines are GE
SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing:
WX08X10006
WX08X10015
WX08X10025
When connecting the refrigerator to a GE
Reverse Osmosis Water System, the only
approved installation is with a GE RVKit. For
other reverse osmosis water systems, follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
This water line installation is not covered
under warranty by the refrigerator or icemaker
manufacturer. Instructions should be carefully
followed to minimize the risk of expensive water
damage. Water hammer (water banging in the
pipes) in house plumbing can cause damage to
refrigerator parts and lead to water leakage or
ÀRRGLQJ &DOO D TXDOL¿HG SOXPEHU WR FRUUHFW ZDWHU
hammer before installing the water supply line to
the refrigerator.
All installations must be in accordance with local
plumbing code requirements.
NOTE: Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas
where temperatures fall below freezing.
– 10 –
Operation
Freezer Compartment Temperature Control
Adjust freezer compartment temperature. The freezer temperature is preset in the factory at the Colder
position. Allow 24 hours for temperature to stabilize to the preset recommended setting.
Refrigerator Temperature Control
Adjust fresh food compartment temperature. The fresh food temperature is preset in the factory at the
Colder position. Allow 24 hours for temperature to stabilize to the preset recommended setting.
NOTE: 7KH FRROLQJ V\VWHP FDQ EH WXUQHG Rႇ E\ WXUQLQJ WKH UHIULJHUDWRU WHPSHUDWXUH FRQWURO NQRE WR WKH
2ႇ SRVLWLRQ
Knob Position Temperature Guide
Refrigerator Freezer
Coldest 34°F (1.1°C) Coldest -6°F (-21.1°C)
Colder 37°F (2.8°C) Colder 0°F (-17.8°C)
Cold 44°F (6.7°C) Cold 6°F (-14.4°C)
Freezer
Coldest
Colder
Cold
Coldest
Colder
Cold
2ႇ
Refrigerator
– 11 –
$LUÀRZ
– 12 –
Refrigerator Door
Refrigerator Door Handle
There are two types of door handles depending
RQ WKH PRGHO %RWK KDYH D GLႇHUHQW UHPRYDO
method.
Horizontal ABE21 Door Handle Removal
1. Remove the chrome end cap that is on the
ÀDW SDUW RI WKH KDQGOH DGKHUHG ZLWK GRXEOH
sided tape) to reveal two Phillips head screws.
2. Loosen the 1/8 in. set screw in the bottom
or top (depends on the door swing) of the
handle. The set screw will be located at the
end of the handle, which is in the middle of
the door.
3. Remove two Phillips head screws previously
covered by the chrome end cap.
4. Pull the handle away from the door.
NOTE: The handles, end caps, and handle
screws come as a handle pack assembly. Once
end caps are removed, a new handle pack will be
required to get new end caps.
Vertical GBE21 Door Handle Removal
1. Slide the handle up to release it from the
mounting fasteners.
2. Pull the handle away from the door.
Refrigerator Door Bins
Door bins are removable by lifting up on the
desired bin.
Refrigerator Gasket
The refrigerator door gasket is a push in style
gasket which allows for easy removal and
installation into a retainer channel molded into
the door. The gasket features a magnetic surface
that helps to ensure a proper seal to the metal
surface of the refrigerator.
Fresh Food Gasket Removal/Replacement
1. Soak the new gasket in warm water to make
it more pliable and to smooth out any wrinkles
from the shipping packaging.
2. Pull the old gasket out of the retainer channel.
Starting in any corner of the door, push the
barbed edge of the gasket into the retaining
channel.
NOTE: $ WKLQ FRDW RI SHWUROHXP MHOO\ RU SDUDႈQ
wax can be applied to the hinge side of the
gaskets to improve closure across the cabinet.
– 13 –
Refrigerator Door Removal
1. Remove door bins.
2. Remove two Phillips head screws securing
the right hinge covers to the case.
3. Flip the covers over to access the top hinge.
4. Remove three 5/16 in. hex head screws.
5. /LIW WKH XSSHU KLQJH Rႇ WKH GRRU DQG OLIW WKH
GRRU Rႇ WKH PLGGOH KLQJH
Refrigerator Door - Bottom View
Closure
Hinge
Bushing
Door Stop
– 14 –
Freezer Door
Freezer Gasket
The freezer gasket is a push in style gasket
which allows for easy removal and installation
into a retainer channel molded into the door. The
gasket features a magnetic surface that helps to
ensure a proper seal to the metal surface of the
refrigerator.
Freezer Gasket Removal/Replacement
1. Soak the new gasket in warm water to make
it more pliable and to smooth out any wrinkles
from the shipping packaging.
2. Pull the old gasket out of the retainer channel.
3. Starting in any corner of the door, push the
barbed edge of the gasket into the retaining
channel.
NOTE: $ WKLQ FRDW RI SHWUROHXP MHOO\ RU SDUDႈQ
wax can be applied to the hinge side of the
gaskets to improve closure across the cabinet.
Freezer Door Handle
There are two types of door handles depending
RQ WKH PRGHO %RWK KDYH D GLႇHUHQW UHPRYDO
method.
Horizontal ABE21 Door Handle Removal
1. Remove the chrome end cap that is on the
ÀDW SDUW RI WKH KDQGOH DGKHUHG ZLWK GRXEOH
sided tape) to reveal two Phillips head screws.
2. Loosen the 1/8 in. set screw in the bottom
or top (depends on the door swing) of the
handle. The set screw will be located at the
end of the handle which is in the middle of the
door.
3. Remove two Phillips head screws previously
covered by the chrome end cap.
4. Pull the handle away from the door.
NOTE: The handles, end caps, and handle
screws come as a handle pack assembly. Once
end caps are removed a new handle pack will be
required to get new end caps.
Horizontal GBE21 Door Handle Removal
1. Slide the handle to the left to release it from
the mounting fasteners.
2. Pull the handle away from the door.
Mounting Fasteners
– 15 –
Freezer Door Removal
1. Follow refrigerator door removal steps 1 to 5.
2. Use a 1/4 in. Allen wrench to remove the
hinge pin from the middle hinge.
3. Tilt the door away from the cabinet then lift the
GRRU Rႇ WKH ERWWRP KLQJH
Freezer Door - Bottom View
Closure
Hinge
Bushing
Door Stop
– 16 –
Refrigerator
Refrigerator Interior Component Locator
FF LED
Board
Adjustable
Shelves
FF Door Switch
Control
Housing
Assembly
Air Tower
Climate
Controlled
Pans
FF Thermistor
Vegetable Pan
Cover
– 17 –
Adjustable Shelves
The full width adjustable shelves can be
lowered or raised to meet the preferences of the
consumer.
Adjustable Shelf Removal
1. Tip the rear of the shelf up while pulling
forward.
Climate Controlled Pans (Drawers)
The drawers allow fruits and vegetables to have
separate climate controlled areas. The climate
for the drawers can be adjusted by moving the
slide controls built into the vegetable pan cover.
Any excess water that may accumulate in the
bottom of the drawers or under the drawers is
normal and should be wiped dry.
Climate Controlled Pan Removal
1. Slide the drawer out to the stop position.
2. Lift the drawer up and past the stop position
and pull forward.
FF Door Switch
The refrigerator (FF) door switch is located under
the right hinge covers. When the refrigerator
door is opened, the normally closed contacts of
the switch close permitting 120 VAC to reach J7
pin 6 on the main board. Once the voltage is
sent to the main board, voltage is then supplied
to the FF LED board.
FF Light Switch Diagnosing
Main Board with Door Open
J7 pin 6 (purple) to J7 pin 9 (orange): 120
VAC
Main Board with Door Closed
J7 pin 6 (purple) to J7 pin 9 (orange): 0 VAC
FF Door Switch Removal
1. Remove two Phillips head screws securing
the right hinge covers to the case.
2. Flip the covers over.
3. Disconnect the 2-pin connector.
4. Push in on the plunger of the switch while
sliding the switch out of the hinge cover.
5. Remove the switch harness from the switch.
– 18 –
FF LED Board
The FF LED board is located at the top of the
refrigerator cabinet. The LED board uses 12
VDC from the main board to operate. The 12-
volt supply is also shared with the evaporator
and condenser fans and one of the freezer LED
boards.
FF LED Board Diagnosing (From Main Board)
Door Open:
J4 pin 2 (red/yellow) to J2 pin 6 (pink/black):
12 VDC
FF LED Board Removal
1. Push in on the back side of the light shield to
release two tabs at the rear of the shield and
remove the light shield.
2. Remove two 1/4 in. hex head screws from the
front of the LED board.
3. Pull the LED board towards the front of the
cabinet to release the rear tabs that are
inserted into the top of the cabinet.
4. Disconnect the two pin connector and pay
attention to the FF thermistor and thermistor
IRDP EORFN DV WKH IRDP EORFN PD\ IDOO Rႇ
the thermistor into the cabinet during LED
removal.
NOTE: It is very important to reinsert the
thermistor into the foam block when reinstalling
the LED board.
Thermistor &
Foam Block
Connector
– 19 –
FF Thermistor
The FF thermistor is located in a foam block in the
back rear of the FF LED board. The thermistor is
used by the main board to monitor and maintain
proper temperatures in the refrigerator. To access
the thermistor, it is necessary to remove the FF
LED board.
FF Thermistor Diagnosing
To accurately test the thermistor, place
the thermistor in a glass of ice and water
(approximately 33°F) for several minutes and
check for approximately 16k ohms. Testing
points are listed to the right and thermistor values
chart is listed below.
J1 on Main Board:
Pin 4 (white/green) to pin 1 (white/black)
FF Thermistor Removal/Replacement
1. Follow FF LED Board Removal steps 1
through 4, under FF LED Board in this
section of the service guide.
2. Remove the thermistor from the foam block.
3. Cut the thermistor wiring as close to the
thermistor as possible.
4. Using two bell connectors (Part #:
WR01X10466), splice the wiring. After the
VSOLFHV DUH FRPSOHWH ¿OO WKH EHOO FRQQHFWRUV
fully with silicone grease (Part #: WR97X163).
5. Reinsert the thermistor into the foam block
and reinstall the FF LED board.
Silicone Grease
Thermistor Values
Temperature
Degrees
(°F)
Temperature
Degrees
(°C)
Resistance
in Kilo-
Ohms
-40 -40 Nȍ
-31 -35 Nȍ
-22 -30 Nȍ
-13 -25 Nȍ
-4 -20 Nȍ
5-15 Nȍ
14 -10 Nȍ
23 -5 Nȍ
32 0 Nȍ
41 5 Nȍ
50 10 Nȍ
59 15 Nȍ
68 20 Nȍ
77 25 Nȍ
86 30 Nȍ
95 35 Nȍ
104 40 Nȍ
113 45 Nȍ
122 50 Nȍ
131 55 Nȍ
140 60 Nȍ
– 20 –
FF Temperature Board
The FF temperature board is located inside the
refrigerator behind the control housing assembly,
and can only be replaced as part of the assembly
(see Control Housing Removal in the previous
section). The temperature board informs the
main board of the set temperature for the
refrigerator by sending 2 to 5 VDC to the board.
Voltage to the main board will increase the colder
that the setting is. If the main board does not
receive this voltage, the compressor and fans will
not operate, and only the lights will be on. The
temperature board also provides the operating
voltage to the FF back light LEDs.
Control Housing Assembly
The control housing assembly is made up of
two back light LEDs, control knobs, a freezer
manual damper, control housing cover, and a FF
temperature control board.
Freezer temperature is not electronically
controlled. When the freezer control knob is
turned to a colder position, it is lowering a manual
GDPSHU WR UHVWULFW WKH DLU ÀRZ LQWR WKH UHIULJHUDWRU
VHFWLRQ 7KH UHGXFHG DLUÀRZ FDXVHV WKH ))
thermistor in the refrigerator section to take
ORQJHU WR EH VDWLV¿HG WKXV LQFUHDVLQJ WKH UXQ
time and making the freezer colder.
The refrigerator knob turns a shaft on the
temperature control board which informs the
main board what the set temperature is (see FF
Temperature Board in this section).
Control Housing Removal
1. Remove the control housing cover by pushing
in on the bottom of the cover while rotating
the bottom of the cover up.
2. Remove two 1/4 in. hex head screws.
3. /LIW WKH FRQWURO KRXVLQJ XS Rႇ RI WKH GXFW
tower and remove the 6-pin connector from
the FF temperature board.
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
/
