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HomeRepair HelpGE A/C RepairGE A/C is short cycling Repair

GE Air Conditioner is short cycling

If your GE air conditioner is short cycling, meaning the AC turns on and off quickly or the air conditioner keeps cycling before the room reaches the set temperature, start with the controls that manage power and temperature signals. The most likely causes are a failed control board, main control board, or user control and display board, all of which can interrupt voltage to the fan, compressor, and other components. A bad thermistor or temperature sensor can also make a GE window AC short cycle by sending the wrong room-temperature reading to the board. The temperature control thermostat is another common cause, especially if it shuts the compressor off without allowing the normal five-to-ten-minute delay needed for refrigerant pressure to equalize. Before replacing a board, test the thermistor, sensor, and thermostat with a multimeter when possible, since control boards are easy to misdiagnose. Enter your GE air conditioner model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact control board, thermistor, temperature sensor, thermostat, or other replacement part that fits your unit.

01 - GE Air Conditioner Control Board

The control board regulates the voltage to all of the air conditioner components. If the control board fails, the air conditioner may short cycle. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the control board.
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Highly Likely

02 - GE Air Conditioner Main Control Board

The main control board regulates the voltage to all of the air conditioner components. If the control board fails, the air conditioner may short cycle. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the main control board.
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Highly Likely

03 - GE Air Conditioner User Control and Display Board

The user control and display board allows the user to operate the unit by selecting fan speeds and cooling temperatures. If the board is defective, the air conditioner may short cycle. If the temperature sensor or thermistor tests appropriately with a multimeter, it's possible the user control and display board is malfunctioning and will need to be replaced.
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Highly Likely

04 - GE Air Conditioner Thermistor

The thermistor is a sensor connected to the control board that detects the temperature of the air. The resistance value of the thermistor changes in conjunction with the air temperature. If the air temperature rises, the resistance value will decrease. A malfunctioning thermistor may cause the air conditioner to short cycle. To determine if the thermistor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermistor does not have continuity, or if the resistance of the thermistor does not change with a change in temperature, replace the thermistor. (To find specific temperature and resistance values, try check...ing your user’s manual.)
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Common

05 - GE Air Conditioner Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor is connected to the control board and detects the temperature of the air. The resistance value of the sensor changes in conjunction with the air temperature. If the air temperature rises, the resistance value will decrease. A malfunctioning temperature sensor may cause the air conditioner to short cycle. To determine if the sensor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the sensor does not have continuity, or if the resistance of the sensor does not change with a change in temperature, replace the component. (To find specific temperature and resistance values, try checking your us...er’s manual.)
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Common

06 - GE Air Conditioner Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat is a sensor which monitors the temperature of the air and activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor when the air temperature drops below a set point. If the thermostat isn’t working, the air conditioner may short cycle. When the thermostat shuts the compressor off there needs to be approximately a five to ten minute delay to let the refrigerant equalize before the compressor will start again. If the refrigerant has not had time to equalize the compressor may not start. If the thermostat is short cycling it will need to be replaced. To determine if the temperature contr...ol thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE air conditioner short cycling?
How do I test a GE air conditioner thermistor for an AC that turns on and off quickly?
Can a bad temperature control thermostat cause my GE window AC to short cycle?
Should I replace the control board if my GE AC keeps cycling?
How do I find the right replacement part for a GE air conditioner that is short cycling?

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