If your GE refrigerator is not running (at all, and the light doesn’t work), the first to check is that the refrigerator is plugged in properly, that a fuse hasn’t blown and that the appliance hasn’t tripped the circuit breaker.

It may be that the refrigerator is not running but the light inside works when you open the door, which indicated that the appliance is drawing power OK and is having problems elsewhere. Check the temperature settings, the controls can often be knocked accidentally to the wrong setting. Ensure there is enough room around the edges of the refrigerator to allow sufficient air-flow and cooling. Make sure the condenser coils are clean. Try unplugging the appliance for a couple of hours and then turning it on again. If it works fine for a while before encountering the same problem then there may well be an overheating issue – possibly the compressor.

The refrigerator light not working is very common. Before replacing the bulb (which is as simple a process as it sounds), make sure that the door switch is not stuck and moves freely when the door is opened and closed.

If the refrigerator is working but not cooling sufficiently then check the temperature setting, that there are no restrictions of airflow in the vents, that the condenser coils are clean and that the door is closing properly. The door seal may need realigning or have become cracked which prevents the refrigerator from getting cold enough. You could also have a look at the drain tube to make sure it isn’t blocked.

Refrigerators can sometimes smell bad – obviously make sure there is no spoiled food lurking inside. Bad odors can also be caused by dirty door seals. If there is water either inside or outside the refrigerator make sure that the appliance is level. Ice-makers are also common culprits for leaks so ensure the inlet hose to make sure it is sealed tightly and there is no water coming from the water inlet valve.