GE Refrigerator Error Code TE — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

TE on a GE refrigerator means a temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed. The fridge can no longer accurately read the internal temperature. This can affect cooling — it needs to be fixed soon.

Affected Models

GE Profile Refrigerator
GE French Door Refrigerator
GE Side-by-Side Refrigerator
GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Common Causes

A faulty or failed thermistor (temperature sensor) in the fresh food section
A faulty or failed thermistor in the freezer compartment
A wiring harness to the thermistor has become loose or corroded
Moisture or ice buildup around the sensor has damaged it
The main control board has failed and is misreading sensor signals

How to Fix It

Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the control board.

Sometimes a temporary glitch causes TE. A reset often clears it if the sensor is actually fine.
After the reset, watch for the TE code to return. If it clears and stays gone, monitor the fridge temperature for 24 hours.

Use a refrigerator thermometer to verify the temperature is holding at 37 degrees F in the fresh food section.
If TE returns, locate the thermistor. It is usually clipped to the evaporator coil or mounted inside the refrigerator or freezer compartment wall.

Refer to your model's service manual for the exact thermistor location — it varies by model.
Inspect the thermistor wiring. Look for any visible damage, loose connectors, or corrosion on the wire harness.

A loose connector is a quick fix — push it firmly back into place and test.
Replace the thermistor if it tests out of range. A technician can test it with a multimeter to confirm it has failed.

Thermistors are inexpensive parts, usually under $20. Labor is the main cost of this repair.

When to Call a Professional

If the TE code returns after a reset, the thermistor needs to be replaced. This is a straightforward repair for an appliance technician. Do not ignore it — without an accurate temperature sensor, food safety is at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my GE fridge still cool with a TE error?

It may still run, but not reliably. Without a working temperature sensor, the compressor does not know when to cycle on and off. Food may get too warm or too cold — check temperatures frequently.

How much does it cost to fix a TE error on a GE refrigerator?

A thermistor part usually costs $15 to $30. With a technician's labor, expect $100 to $200 total. It is one of the less expensive refrigerator repairs.

Is TE the same as a thermistor fault on all GE models?

Yes — TE always refers to a temperature sensor issue on GE refrigerators. The exact sensor location varies by model. Your owner's manual will show which sensor triggered the fault.