GE Refrigerator Flashing HRS: Reset or Replace the Board

The Logic Verdict

The creator demonstrates three escalating ways to reboot a stubborn GE control: pull power for a full minute and hold Start/Reset for five seconds, perform the soft Start hold while the panel is still responsive, or press Start + Select Cycle together for 5–10 seconds on touchpad models. HRS flashes when the main board is confused—work through those resets in order before condemning hardware.

What It Means

HRS (often interpreted as “hardware reset”) shows up when the fridge’s main control can’t finish its boot sequence after a brownout or keypad fault. The video’s techniques wipe volatile memory and reload the firmware. If the code returns immediately after a clean reset, the control board (WR55X10942-family) is no longer processing inputs correctly and needs replacement.

Common Causes

• Power flickers or surges that leave the board frozen mid-cycle; a one-minute power drop usually clears it.
• Stuck or wet keypads that keep the Start key engaged, confusing the logic until you perform the soft reset shown.
• Aging main boards with failing relays or regulators—if all three reset methods fail, the board itself is corrupt.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Hard power reset (video method 1). Unplug the refrigerator or flip the breaker for a full 60 seconds. Restore power, then immediately hold Start/Reset for five seconds to discharge the logic and let the board reload.
2. Soft keypad reset (method 2). If the display is awake, press and hold Start alone for five seconds. Listen for the confirmation beep or watch for lights to flash; that indicates the software acknowledged the command.
3. Start + Select combo (method 3). On touchpad/hidden-top panels, hold Start and Select Cycle together for 5–10 seconds. The video shows the panel beeping or changing LEDs when the reset succeeds.
4. Monitor operation. After resets, give the fridge a few minutes to restart fans and the compressor. If it still flashes HRS or never cools, inspect the board for scorched components.
5. Replace the main control if needed. Kill power, remove the rear access cover, transfer the harnesses to a new WR55X10942-series board, and reinstall the cover before powering up.

Parts & Tools

• GE WR55X10942 main control board

Watch the Fix