Use and Care Manual
About the water filter. (on some models)  GEAppliances.com
7
Water Filter Cartridge
The water filter cartridge is located in the back upper right 
corner of the refrigerator compartment.
When to Replace the Filter on Models With a 
Replacement Indicator Light
There is a replacement indicator light for the water filter 
cartridge on the dispenser. This light will turn orange to tell you 
that you need to replace the filter soon.
The filter cartridge should be replaced when the replacement 
indicator light turns red or if the flow of water to the dispenser or 
icemaker decreases.
When to Replace the Filter on Models Without a 
Replacement Indicator Light
The filter cartridge should be replaced every six months or 
earlier if the flow of water to the water dispenser or icemaker 
decreases.
Removing the Filter Cartridge
If you are replacing the cartridge, first remove the old one by 
slowly turning it to the left. Do not pull down on the cartridge. A 
small amount of water may drip down.
Installing the Filter Cartridge
If you are replacing a SmartWater cartridge with an 
adapter, it must be removed before installing the cartridge. 
To remove the adapter, turn it to the left about 1/4 turn.
If you are replacing a Water by Culligan cartridge, leave the 
adapter in place. This adapter will stay in the refrigerator 
when you replace future cartridges.
On models ithout a replacement indicator light, apply the 
month and year sticker to the new cartridge to remind you 
to replace the filter in six months.
Fill the replacement cartridge with water from the tap to 
allow for better flow from the dispenser immediately after 
installation.
Line up the arrow on the cartridge and the cartridge holder. 
Place the top of the new cartridge up inside the holder. Do 
not push it up into the holder.
Slowly turn it to the right until the filter cartridge stops. DO 
NOT OVERTIGHTEN. As you turn the cartridge, it will 
automatically raise itself into position. The cartridge will 
move about 1/2 turn.
Run water from the dispenser 1-1/2 gallons (about three 
minutes) to clear the system and prevent sputtering.
 Press and hold the WATER FILTER pad (on some models) on 
the dispenser for 3 seconds.
 NOTE: A newly-installed water filter cartridge may cause water 
to spurt from the dispenser upon first use. 
Filter Bypass Plug
You must use the filter bypass plug when a replacement filter 
cartridge is not available. The dispenser and the icemaker will 
not operate without the filter or filter bypass plug.
To use the filter bypass plug on Water by Culligan models, you 
must first remove the filter adapter from the cartridge holder by 
turning it to the left.
For the maximum benefit of your filtration system, GE 
recommends the use of GE branded SmartWater filters only. 
Using GE branded filters in GE and Hotpoint refrigerators 
provides optimal performance and reliability. GE branded 
SmartWater filters are always the right choice because they 
are patented and designed specifically for GE products. GE 
SmartWater filters meet rigorous industry NSF standards for 
safety and quality that are important for products that are 
filtering your water. GE has not qualified non-GE branded 
filters for use in GE and Hotpoint refrigerators and there is no 
assurance that non-GE branded filters meet GE’s standards for 
quality, performance and reliability.
,I\RXKDYHTXHVWLRQV³YLVLWRXU:HEVLWHDWGEAppliances.com, 
or call 1.800.GE.CARES (1.800.432.2737).
Replacement filters:
To order additional filter cartridges in the United States, visit our 
Website at GEAppliances.com, or call GE Parts and Accessories, 
800.626.2002.
See filter label for type of filter to order (MWF or MSWF).
Customers in Canada should consult the yellow pages for the 
nearest Mabe Service Center.
Filter 
Bypass 
Plug
Filter 
Bypass 
Plug
SmartWater
Water by Culligan
(appearance may vary)
With adapter
Without adapter
Cartridge 
Holder
Some models 
use this type of 
water filter.










