Brand: GE
Category: Refrigerator
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Manual for TBX18
Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 8:07 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 1989-01-01
Warranty Information
One-year full warranty on parts and labor; five-year full warranty on the sealed refrigerating system.
Operating Your Refrigerator
Set the Temperature Controls
Your refrigerator has two controls for the fresh food and freezer compartments. Initially, set the FRESH FOOD control to 5 and the FREEZER control to C. Adjust one letter or number at a time for desired temperatures. Allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
Energy Saver Switch
Push the switch to the left to reduce electricity usage. This turns off heaters that prevent exterior moisture. Pushing to the right keeps heaters on, preventing moisture in most conditions.
No Defrosting
Your refrigerator defrosts itself automatically.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY |
|---|---|
| REFRIGERATOR DOES NOT OPERATE | • In defrost cycle (approx. 35 mins). • Temperature control in OFF. • Not plugged in; check outlet, breaker, or fuse. |
| MOTOR OPERATES FOR LONG PERIODS | • Normal for modern refrigerators; requires 24 hrs to cool down initially. • Large amount of food added. • Hot weather/frequent door openings. • Door left open. • Temperature controls set too cold. • Grille and condenser need cleaning. • Check Energy-Saving Tips. |
| MOTOR STARTS & STOPS FREQUENTLY | • Temperature control adjusts for even temperatures. |
| VIBRATION OR RATTLING | • Not resting solidly on floor; adjust rollers/leveling legs or floor. • Slight vibration on shelves is normal. |
| OPERATING SOUNDS | • High-speed compressor. • Normal fan airflow. • Defrost timer clicks. • Defrost water dripping. • Temperature control clicks. • Refrigerant boiling/gurgling. • Cracking/popping of cooling coils. • Ice cubes dropping/icemaker refilling. |
| FOODS DRY OUT | • Foods not covered, wrapped, or sealed properly. |
| HOT AIR FROM BOTTOM OF REFRIGERATOR | • Normal air flow cooling motor; heat expelled under refrigerator. |
| FRESH FOOD OR FREEZER COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE TOO WARM | • Temperature control not set cold enough. • Warm weather/frequent door openings. • Door left open. • Package blocking door or air duct. |
| FROST OR ICE CRYSTALS ON FROZEN FOOD | • Door ajar or package holding door open. • Too frequent/long door openings. • Frost within package is normal. |
| AUTOMATIC ICEMAKER DOES NOT WORK | • Feeler arm in OFF position. • Water supply off or not connected. • Freezer compartment too warm. • Water shutoff valve clogged. |
| SLOW ICE CUBE FREEZING | • Door ajar. • Turn freezer compartment temperature colder. |
| ICE CUBES HAVE ODOR/TASTE | • Old cubes need discarding. • Ice storage container needs cleaning. • Unsealed packages transmitting odor/taste. • Interior needs cleaning. |
| MOISTURE FORMS ON OUTSIDE OF REFRIGERATOR | • Not unusual during high humidity. Move Energy Saver Switch to the right. |
| MOISTURE COLLECTS INSIDE | • Too frequent/long door openings. • Humid weather. |
| REFRIGERATOR HAS ODOR | • Foods with strong odors not tightly covered. • Check for spoiled food. • Interior needs cleaning. • Defrost water system needs cleaning. • Keep open box of baking soda inside. |