FF, PF, DE: two letters on the display and no idea whether the food is at risk. It is a stressful moment, especially if you are standing in front of an open freezer and wondering what to keep. The good news is that several of the codes on a GE Monogram refrigerator are reporting an event, such as a power interruption, rather than announcing a breakdown.
This guide explains what GE says each common code means, what to check first, and how to use the CDC’s food-safety limits to decide what is safe to keep. Codes can vary by model, so always check the owner’s manual for your exact refrigerator as well.
GE’s published codes
GE publishes a list of common refrigerator codes. The table below repeats GE’s wording so you can match what you see on the display. Pay attention to capitalization, because dE and DE are two different codes.
| Code | What GE says it means | What GE advises |
|---|---|---|
| FF | Temperature is rising too high | Check frozen food for thawing |
| PF | Power to the refrigerator was interrupted | None specified |
| CI | Icemaker needs checking | Check the icemaker for proper operation |
| CC | Refrigerator temperature is incorrect | Check the temperature controls |
| dE | Defrost system has not operated properly in the last 24 hours | None specified |
| DE | Demo mode: lights and controls work, cooling is disabled | Unplug for a minute or two and plug back in; if DE remains, contact GE with the model number |
| tC | Not an error: TurboCool setting indicator | None |
| tF | Not an error: TurboFreeze setting indicator | None |
Source: GE Appliances support.
FF: check the food first
GE says FF means the temperature is rising too high, and its advice is to check frozen food for thawing. Start there, before anything else. Look at the freezer contents and note whether items are still solid, softening or fully thawed. Then confirm that the doors and drawers are fully closed, because a door that is slightly open is a simple reason for a rising temperature.
To decide what is safe, use the CDC limits. A full freezer stays safe for about 48 hours without power, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours. Perishable food in the refrigerator section that was above 40°F for more than 4 hours should be discarded, and the CDC says never to taste food to test it (CDC). If the code stays on after the doors are closed and some time has passed, note how long it has been showing so you can tell a technician.
PF: a record of lost power
GE defines PF as power to the refrigerator having been interrupted. In other words, the refrigerator is telling you it lost power at some point. That can follow an outage, a tripped breaker or the unit being unplugged.
If PF appears after an outage and the refrigerator is cooling, the code is reporting the event. If PF keeps returning, write down when it appears and how long the refrigerator was without power, and mention both to a technician. Also check the food against the CDC limits above, since the real question after any power interruption is how long the food was warm.
DE versus dE
Uppercase DE is Demo mode. In this mode the lights and controls work, but cooling is disabled, so the refrigerator looks normal while it warms up. GE’s step is to unplug the refrigerator for a minute or two and plug it back in. If DE still shows, GE says to contact them with the model number.
Lowercase dE is a different message. It means the defrost system has not operated properly in the last 24 hours. GE does not list a customer step for dE, so note the code and how long it has been showing, and arrange service if it appears more than once.
CI and CC
CI means the icemaker needs checking, and GE’s advice is to check the icemaker for proper operation. CC means the refrigerator temperature is incorrect, and GE’s advice is to check the temperature controls. Both point you to a setting or a component to look at first rather than to a confirmed failure.
tC and tF are not errors
These two look like fault codes but are not. tC indicates that the TurboCool setting is on and tF indicates that TurboFreeze is on. If you see either one, a feature is running, and nothing is broken.
General reset guidance
GE says disconnecting power for a minute or two may reset the control panel and clear a code. If the issue persists after that, GE advises scheduling service (GE Appliances support). Before you reset, write down the exact code. A reset can clear the message, and the note will help a technician if the code returns.
When to have it looked at
- FF or CC returns after a reset and food temperatures stay high
- dE appears more than once
- DE remains after GE’s unplug step
- PF keeps returning without an outage
- The refrigerator runs constantly but does not get cold
What to have ready
- The model and serial number
- The exact code, with attention to upper and lower case
- How long it has been showing and whether the unit is cooling
- When the power went out, if it did, and for how long
- The reading from a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer
Frequently asked questions
What does FF mean on a GE refrigerator?
GE says FF means the temperature is rising too high, and its advice is to check frozen food for thawing. Look at the freezer contents first, make sure the doors are fully closed, and then use the CDC limits to decide what is safe to keep. If FF stays on after a reset, have the refrigerator looked at.
What does PF mean?
PF means power to the refrigerator was interrupted. It is a record of the event rather than a fault by itself. If the refrigerator is cooling normally, PF is reporting the interruption. If it keeps coming back without an outage, note when it appears and mention it to a technician.
Is DE the same as dE?
No. Uppercase DE is Demo mode, where the lights and controls work but cooling is disabled. GE says to unplug the refrigerator for a minute or two and plug it back in, and to contact GE with the model number if DE remains. Lowercase dE means the defrost system has not operated properly in the last 24 hours.
Are tC and tF errors?
No. tC shows that TurboCool is on and tF shows that TurboFreeze is on. They appear when those features are active and do not mean anything is broken.
How long can food stay in a refrigerator without power?
The CDC says a refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer holds for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours. Perishable food above 40°F for more than 4 hours should be discarded, and you should never taste food to test it.
Can I refreeze food that thawed?
The CDC says refreezing or cooking thawed food is acceptable if it still has ice crystals or is at or below 40°F. When in doubt, throw it out.
Will unplugging the refrigerator clear a code?
GE says disconnecting power for a minute or two may reset the control panel and clear a code. If the code returns or the refrigerator is still warm, arrange service. Write down the exact code before you reset.
What should I have ready when I contact a technician?
The model and serial number, the exact code with upper and lower case, how long it has been showing, whether the unit is cooling, and when the power was last interrupted. A thermometer reading from the refrigerator and freezer helps as well.
Related reading
See our guide GE Monogram After the Storm: Safety Steps for Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley, our refrigerator repair page, or the Contact Us page.
About GE Monogram Repair Expert
GE Monogram Repair Expert services GE Monogram appliances in Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley. If a code keeps returning, you can send us the model number and what the display shows, and we will help you work out the next step.