By Steel City Appliance Repair
If your GE refrigerator has stopped cooling and you’re hearing a clicking or relay-cycling sound, this specific combination of symptoms points to one culprit almost every time: a failing main control board. This is a DIY-friendly repair that takes about 20 minutes and costs a fraction of a service call.
Why a Failing Control Board Causes Clicking and No Cooling
The main control board is the brain of your GE refrigerator. When the board begins to fail, it often causes a relay on the board to rapidly cycle on and off — creating that distinctive clicking sound — while also losing the ability to properly signal the compressor to run.
Symptoms of a Failing GE Control Board (WR55X10942)
One control board causes many different symptoms. All of the following can be caused by the same failing WR55X10942 control board:
- Refrigerator not cooling or barely cooling
- Clicking or relay-cycling sound coming from the fridge
- Evaporator fan motor not running
- Compressor not starting
- Blank or no display on the control panel
- Fridge running but freezer not freezing
Which GE Models Use the WR55X10942?
The WR55X10942 is used across a wide range of GE and GE Profile refrigerator models. Check your model number on the label inside the fridge and cross-reference it with the part listing.
👉 Order the WR55X10942 GE Control Board on Amazon (affiliate link)
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How to Diagnose a Bad GE Refrigerator Control Board
Listen for clicking. A rapid clicking or relay-cycling sound that repeats every few seconds is a strong indicator. Check the compressor at the back bottom — if it’s clicking and stopping rather than running continuously, the board is likely failing. Check the evaporator fan — if completely silent while the fridge is on, the board may have lost the ability to power it. Check the display — a blank or flickering display is another sign of control board failure.
How to Replace the GE Refrigerator Control Board
Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator
Always disconnect power before working on any appliance. Pull the fridge away from the wall and unplug it.
Step 2: Access and Replace the Board
The control board is located at the back of the refrigerator in a protective cover panel. Remove the panel screws, photograph all wire harness connectors, disconnect them, unscrew the board, and install the new one. Reconnect all harnesses, replace the cover panel, and plug the fridge back in. Give it 2–4 hours to reach full temperature.
Watch the Full Repair Video
👉 GE Refrigerator Not Cooling and Clicking — Control Board Fix
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| WR55X10942 Control Board | ~$40–$60 |
| Professional repair call-out | $200–$350 |
| Your savings | $160–$310 |
Still Having Issues?
Drop your GE model number in the comments below — if the clicking persists after replacement, a secondary component like the compressor or start relay may also need attention. Subscribe to Steel City Appliance Repair for weekly DIY appliance repair tutorials.