To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION before operating this appliance.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
Step 1 (Appearance will vary) 
• Add fabric softener to the fabric softener dispenser; see page 10.
• Add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of detergent. GE Appliances recommends the use of High Efficiency detergents such as
in your energy efficient washer. Place detergent pods in the bottom of the wash basket before adding clothes.
Step 2 
• Loosely add items. Overloading may negatively impact wash performance. See page 11 for suggested loading examples.
• Close door.
NOTE: Washer will not start with door open.
Step 3 
• If the screen is dark, press the Power button to “wake up” the display.
• Select a wash cycle. (Defaults are set for each wash cycle. These default settings can be changed. See Control settings for more information.)
Step 4 
• Press the Start/Pause button.
Display and Status Lights
The display shows cycle status (FILL
WASH RINSE SPIN), the Estimated Time Remaining until the end of the cycle and the options selected. In addition, the display will show:
Controls locked on
End of cycle signal on.
Indicates Delay Wash set time is selected.
NOTE: If an out-of-balance condition is detected by the washer, the SPIN light will blink during the remaining portion of the cycle and will stay illuminated for a short time after cycle completion. When this occurs, the washer is taking actions to correct the out-of-balance condition and complete the cycle normally. In some cases, the washer may not be able to balance the load and spin up to full speed. If you notice the load is more wet than usual at the end of the cycle, redistribute the load evenly in the wash tub and run a drain and spin cycle. Select Rinse+Spin cycle and select no rinse by pressing Rinse until both Extra and Normal lights turn off.
Controls
Power
Press to “wake up” the display. If the display is active, press to put the washer into standby mode.
NOTE: Pressing Power does not disconnect the appliance from the power supply
Wash Cycles
The wash cycles are optimized for specific types of wash loads. The chart below will help you match the wash setting with the loads. The Gentle Wash™ lifters lightly tumble the clothes into the water and detergent solution to clean the load.
NOTE: The Sanitize cycle water temperatures CANNOT be changed. The Sanitize cycle is certified by NSF International, an independent third party testing and certification organization.
The Sanitize certification verifies that the cycle reduced 99.9% of bacteria typically found in residential laundry and that no significant contamination is transferred to subsequent washer loads. Only the Sanitize cycle has been designed to meet the requirements of NSF Protocol P172 for sanitizing effectiveness.
Soil
Changing the Soil level increases or decreases the wash time to remove different amounts of soil. To change the Soil level, press the Soil level button until you have reached the desired setting. You can choose between Extra Light, Light, Normal, Heavy or Extra Heavy soil.
Temp
Adjust to select the proper water temperature for the wash cycle. The rinse water is always cold to help reduce energy usage and reduce setting of stains and wrinkles. Follow the fabric manufacturer’s care label when selecting the wash temperature. To change the wash temperature, press the Temp button until you have reached the desired setting. You can choose between Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot or Extra Hot.
Spin
Changing the Spin setting changes the final spin speed of the cycles. Always follow the garment manufacturer’s care label when changing the Spin setting.
To change the Spin setting, press the Spin setting button until you have reached the desired setting. You can choose between No Spin, Low, Medium, High or Max. Higher spin speeds are not available on certain cycles, such as Delicates.
Higher spin speeds remove more water from the clothes and will help reduce dry time, but may also increase the possibility of setting wrinkles on some fabrics.
Rinse
Changing Rinse will change the number of rinses the cycle will use. To change the rinse option, press Rinse until you have reached the desired setting. You can choose between Normal, Extra and no rinse. In order to select no rinse, press the Rinse button until no lights are lit in the rinse window.
On Rinse+Spin cycle, a drain and spin cycle can be achieved by selecting no rinse.
My Cycle
To save a favorite cycle, set the desired settings for wash cycle, soil level, spin speed and wash temp settings and hold down the My Cycle button for 3 seconds. A beep will sound to indicate the cycle has been saved.
To use your custom cycle, press the My Cycle button before washing a load.
To change the saved cycle, set the desired settings and hold down the My Cycle button for 3 seconds.
NOTE: When using My Cycle, wash options cannot be modified after the cycle has been started.
NOTE: If you change wash options with My Cycle before starting the cycle, the My Cycle light will turn off and you will be returned to the base cycle.
PreWash
Prewash is an extra wash before the main wash. Use it for heavily soiled clothes or for clothes with a care label that recommends prewashing before washing. Be sure to add liquid or powder highefficiency detergent, or the proper wash additive to the prewash dispenser.
The PreWash feature will fill the washer with water (adding the prewash detergent), tumble the clothes, drain and spin. Then the washer will run the selected wash cycle.
NOTE: The PreWash is not selected automatically and must be selected before starting the cycle.
Delay Wash
Use to delay the start of your washer.
1. Choose your wash cycle and any options.
2. Press Delay Wash button. You can change the delay time in 1-hour increments (up to 24 hours) each time you press the Delay Wash button. Stop pressing the button when your desired time is displayed.
3. Press the Start/Pause button to start the countdown. The countdown time will be shown in the Est Time Remaining (Estimated Time Remaining) display.
NOTES:
• If the door is opened while the washer is in Delay Wash, the countdown time will stop the count down and the display will say “door”. The door must be closed and the Start/Pause button must be pressed to continue the delay time count down.
• You can delay the start of a washer cycle up to 24 hours. The light on the button will light up when Delay Wash is on.
Start/Pause
Press to start a wash cycle. If the washer is running, pressing it once will pause the washer and unlock the door. This function can be used to add garments during a cycle. Press again to restart the wash cycle.
NOTE: If the washer is paused and the cycle is not restarted within 15 minutes, the current wash cycle will be cancelled.
NOTE: In some cases the washer will drain first, then unlock the door when it is paused.
NOTE: The washer performs automatic system checks after pressing the Start/Pause button. Water will flow in 45 seconds or less. You may hear the door lock and unlock before water flows; this is normal.
Lock
You can lock the controls to prevent any selections from being made. Or you can lock or unlock the controls after you have started a cycle.
Children cannot accidentally start the washer by touching pads with this option selected.
To lock the washer, press and hold the Soil and Temp buttons together for 3 seconds.
To unlock the washer controls, press and hold the Soil and Temp buttons together for 3 seconds. A sound is made to indicate the lock/unlock status.
The control lock icon on the display will light up when it is on.
NOTE: The Power button can still be used when the machine is locked.
Signal
When the light is on, the washer will beep at the end of the cycle and every time you press a button on the control panel. To turn the signal off, press and hold the Temp and Spin buttons together for 3 seconds. A sound is made to indicate the lock/unlock status.
Slowly open the dispenser drawer by pulling it out until it stops.
After adding laundry products, slowly close the dispenser drawer. Closing the drawer too quickly could result in early dispensing of the fabric softener or detergent.
You may see water in the fabric softener compartment at the end of the cycle. This is a result of the flushing/siphoning action and is part of the normal operation of the washer.
• Only use high-efficiency detergent in this washer. Use the detergent manufacturer’s recommended amount. DO NOT fill above the MAX line.
• Detergent is flushed from the dispenser at the beginning of the wash cycle. Either powdered or liquid high-efficiency detergent can be used.
• Detergent usage may need to be adjusted for water temperature, water hardness, size and soil level of the load. Avoid using too much detergent in your washer since it can lead to oversudsing and detergent residue being left on the clothes
Cup and Cavity Drawer System (on some models)
The detergent compartment is in the left side of the dispenser drawer. The detergent cavity (cup removed) is used for powder detergent, and the detergent cup is used for liquid detergent.
• Powder Detergent – Remove the detergent cup and pour the suggested amount of powder detergent into the detergent cavity.
• Liquid Detergent – Leave the detergent cup in the drawer and pour liquid detergent into the cup. Do not fill above the MAX line.
Divider Drawer System (on some models)
The detergent compartment is in the front left of the dispenser drawer.
• Powder Detergent – Lock the detergent card flat into its top position in the compartment. Make sure the card is locked, then pour the suggested amount of powder detergent into the detergent dispenser.
• Liquid Detergent – Lock the detergent card vertically into its center position in the compartment. Make sure the card is locked, then pour the suggested amount of liquid detergent into the detergent dispenser.
If desired, pour the recommended amount of liquid fabric softener into the compartment labeled “Fabric Softener.”
Use only liquid fabric softener in the dispenser.
Dilute with water to the maximum fill line.
Do not exceed the maximum fill line. Overfilling can cause early dispensing of the fabric softener, which could stain clothes.
NOTE: Do not pour fabric softener directly on the wash load.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Sorting Wash Loads
Sort by color (whites, lights, colors), soil level, fabric type (sturdy cottons, easy care, delicates) and whether the fabric produces lint (terry cloth, chenille) or collects lint (velveteen, corduroy). Wash lint producers such as cotton towels and socks separate from lint collectors including synthetic garments and dress pants.
- Fire Hazard
DO NOT wash fabrics soiled with flammable liquids or cleaning solvents.
No washer can completely remove oil.
DO NOT wash or dry anything that has been soaked in or spotted with any type of oil (including cooking oils).
DO NOT reach into the washer until all moving parts have stopped.
Doing so can result in death, explosion, fire or amputation.
Loading the Washer
The wash drum may be fully loaded with loosely added items.
To add items after the washer has started, press Start/Pause and wait until the door is unlatched. The washer may take up to 30 seconds to unlock the door after pressing Start/Pause, depending on the machine conditions. Do not try to force open the door when it is locked. After the door unlocks, open gently. Add items, close the door and press Start/Pause to restart.
The wash drum may be fully loaded with loosely added items.
Loading Examples
Hoses connecting washer to faucet should be replaced every 5 years.
Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe with damp cloth. Wipe or dust spills or washing compounds with a damp cloth. Washer control panel and finishes may be damaged by some laundry pretreatment and stain remover products. Apply these products away from the washer. The fabric may then be washed and dried normally. Damage to your washer caused by these products is not covered by your warranty. Do not hit surface with sharp objects.
Dry around the washer door opening, flexible gasket (including attached hoses) and door glass. These areas should always be clean to ensure a watertight seal.
It is recommended to rinse the washer at least once per month with 1 cup of bleach (or other commercially available product manufactured for this purpose, such as Tide® Washing Machine Cleaner) poured directly into the basket without clothes and using the Tub Clean Cycle.
Clean EVERY MONTH to remove any items that may have been caught in the filter or housing.
Due to the nature of the front-load washer, it is sometimes possible for small articles to pass to the pump. The washer has a filter to capture lost items so they are not dumped to the drain. To retrieve lost items, clean out the pump filter.
1 Open the door on the bottom right of the front of the unit.
2 Twist the small white cap counterclockwise a quarter turn and unhook the small rubber hose. Pull the hose out of the hole and remove the white drain hose plug above a small pan to capture any water that may drain. Drain the excess water. Replace.
3 Unscrew the pump filter. Rinse off any debris. Replace.
4 Close the access door.
Open the washer door. Using both hands, press down the door gasket. Remove any foreign objects if found trapped inside the gasket. Make sure there is nothing blocking the holes behind the gasket.
While holding down the door gasket, inspect the interior of the gasket by pulling it down with your fingers. Remove any foreign objects if found trapped inside this gasket. Make sure there is nothing blocking the holes behind the gasket.
When you are finished cleaning the door gasket, remove your hands and the gaskets will return to the operating position.
Detergent and fabric softener may build up in the dispenser drawer. Residue should be removed once or twice a month.
• Remove the drawer by first pulling it out until it stops. Then reach back into the rear center of the drawer cavity and press down firmly on the lock tab, pulling out the drawer.
• Remove all cups and inserts from the dispenser drawer. Rinse the inserts, cups and drawer with hot water to remove traces of accumulated laundry products.
• To clean the drawer opening, use a small brush to clean the recess. Remove all residue from the upper and lower parts of the recess.
• Return inserts to the proper compartments. Replace the dispenser drawer.
• To reduce buildup in the Dispenser Drawer area:
. 
Ask the service technician to remove water from drain pump and hoses. Do not store the washer where it will be exposed to the weather. When moving the washer, the tub should be kept stationary by using the shipping bolts removed during installation. See Installation Instructions in this manual. If these parts are not available, they can be ordered by visiting our Website at GEApplianceparts.com or by calling GE Appliances at 877.959.8688. In Canada, visit your local GE Appliances parts distributor or call 800.661.1616 or GEAppliances.ca/en/products/parts-filters-accessories.
Be sure water supply is shut off at faucets. Drain all water from hoses and water filter pump area if weather will be below freezing.
DO NOT Install the Washer:
1. In an area exposed to dripping water or outside weather conditions. The ambient temperature should never be below 60°F (15.6°C) for proper washer operation.
2. In an area where it will come in contact with curtains or drapes.
3.On carpet. The floor MUST be a hard surface with a maximum slope of 1/2” per foot (1.27 cm per 30 cm).
To make sure the washer does not vibrate or move. you may have to reinforce the floor.
NOTE: If floor is in poor condition. use 3/4” impregnated plywood sheet solidly attached to existing floor covering.
IMPORTANT:
Minimum Installation Clearances
CONNECTION DIMENSIONS
ROUGH-IN DIMENSIONS
*NOTE:
Washer leveling legs retracted = 33-1/4” (84.5 cm)
Washer leveling legs extended = 33-3/4” (85.5 cm)
Stacked = 66-1/2” (169.0 cm)
Recycle or destroy the carton and plastic bags after the washer is unpacked. Make materials inaccessible to children. Children might use them for play. Cartons covered with rugs, bedspreads or plastic sheets can become airtight chambers causing suffocation.
1. Cut and remove all packaging straps.
2. While it is in the carton, carefully lay the washer on its side. DO NOT lay the washer on its front or back.
3. Turn down the bottom flaps. Remove all base packaging including the styrofoam base.
4. Carefully return the washer to an upright position and remove the carton by lifting it upward.
5. Carefully move the washer to within 4 feet (122 cm) of the final location.
6. Remove the following from the back side of the washer: 4 bolts 4 plastic spacers (including rubber grommets)
NOTE: Do NOT remove the screw or clip holding the hose.
7. Insert shipping bolt hole covers into shipping bolt holes.
NOTES:
• Failure to remove the shipping braces can cause the washer to become severely unbalanced.
• IMPORTANT: Save all bolts for future use. If you must transport the washer at a later date, you must reinstall the shipping support hardware to prevent shipping damage. Keep the hardware in the plastic bag provided.
- Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
DO NOT remove ground prong.
DO NOT use an adapter.
DO NOT use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire or electrical shock.
CIRCUIT – Individual, properly polarized and grounded 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.
POWER SUPPLY – 2 wire plus ground, 120 Volt, single phase, 60 Hz, alternating current.
Outlet Receptacle – Properly grounded 3-prong receptacle to be located so the power cord is accessible when the washer is in an installed position. If a 2-prong receptacle is present, it is the owner’s responsibility to have a licensed electrician replace it with a properly grounded 3-prong grounding type receptacle.
Washer must be electrically grounded in accordance with local codes and ordinances, or in the absence of local codes, with latest edition of the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, ANSI/NFPA NO. 70 or CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE, CSA C22.1. Check with a licensed electrician if you are not sure that the washer is properly grounded.
This appliance must be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of electric shock by providing a path of least resistance for electric current. This appliance is equipped with a cord having an equipment- grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances
Improper connection of the equipmentgrounding conductor can result in a risk of electrical shock. Check with a qualified electrician, or service representative or personnel, if you are in doubt as to whether the appliance is properly grounded. DO NOT modify the plug on the power supply cord. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
If required by local codes, an external 18 gauge or larger copper ground wire (not provided) may be added. Attach to washer cabinet with a #10-16 x 1/2” sheet metal screw (available at any hardware store) to rear of washer.
- Electrical Shock Hazard
Disconnect power supply before servicing. Replace all parts and panels before operating. Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.
- Shock Hazard
Certain internal parts are intentionally not grounded and may present a risk of electric shock only during servicing.
Service personnel – DO NOT contact the following parts while the appliance is energized: Electrical Valve, Drain Pump, NTC and Motor Control Unit.
Hot and cold water faucets MUST be installed within 42 inches (107 cm) of your washer’s water inlet. The faucets MUST be 3/4” (1.9 cm) garden hose-type so inlet hoses can be connected. Water pressure MUST be between 10 and 120 pounds per square inch. Your water department can advise you of your water pressure. The hot water temperature should be set to deliver water at 120° to 140°F (48°–60°C) to provide proper Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) performance.
1. Drain capable of eliminating 9.5 gals (36 L) per minute.
2. A standpipe diameter of 1-1/4” (3.18 cm) minimum.
3. The standpipe height above the floor should be: Minimum height: 36” (91.4 cm) Maximum height: 58” (147 cm)
1. Run some water from the hot and cold faucets to flush the water lines and remove particles that might clog the water valve screens.
2. Remove the inlet hoses from the plastic bag. Remove black rubber washers from bag and insert into hose fitting before connecting to unit.
3. (90° elbow end) Carefully connect the inlet hose marked HOT to the outside “H” outlet of the water valve. Tighten by hand; then tighten another 2/3 turn with pliers. Carefully connect the other inlet hose to the inside “C” outlet of the water valve. Tighten by hand; then tighten another 2/3 turn with pliers. Do not crossthread or overtighten these connections.
4. Connect the inlet hose ends to the HOT and COLD water faucets tightly by hand; then tighten another 2/3 turn with pliers. Turn the water on and check for leaks.
5. Carefully move the washer to its final location. Gently rock the washer into position. It is important not to damage the rubber leveling legs when moving your washer to its final location. Damaged legs can increase washer vibration. It may be helpful to spray window cleaner on the floor to help move your washer into its final position.
NOTE: To reduce vibration, ensure that all four rubber leveling legs are firmly touching the floor. Push and pull on the back right and then back left of your washer.
NOTE: Do not use the dispenser drawer or door to lift the washer.
NOTE: If you are installing into a drain pan, you can use a 24-inch-long 2x4 to lever the washer into place.
6. With the washer in its final position, place a level on top of the washer (if the washer is installed under a counter, the washer should not be able to rock). Adjust the front leveling legs up or down to ensure the washer is resting solidly. Turn the locknuts on each leg up toward the base of the washer and snug with a wrench.
NOTE: Keep the leg extension at a minimum to prevent excessive vibration. The farther out the legs are extended, the more the washer will vibrate. If the floor is not level or is damaged, you may have to extend the rear leveling legs.
7. Attach U-shaped hose guide to the end of the drain hose. Place the hose in a laundry tub or standpipe.
NOTE: If the drain hose is placed in a standpipe without forming a U shape, a siphoning action could occur. There must be an air gap around the drain hose. A snug hose fit can also cause a siphoning action.
NOTE: Do not place drain hose deeper than 7” into the drain. 4” - 7” is suggested. Deeper than 7” can cause a siphoning action.
8. Plug the power cord into a grounded outlet.
NOTE: Check to be sure the power is off at the circuit breaker/fuse box before plugging the power cord into an outlet.
9. Turn on the power at the circuit breaker/fuse box.
10. Read the rest of this Owner’s Manual. It contains valuable and helpful information that will save you time and money.
11. Before starting the washer, check to make sure:
12. Run the washer through a complete cycle. Check for water leaks and proper operation.
13. If your washer does not operate, please review the Troubleshooting Tips section before calling for service.
14. Place these instructions in a location near the washer for future reference.
Not draining
Not spinning
Not tumbling
Load is out of balance
Pump filter may be clogged
Drain hose is kinked or improperly connected
Household drain may be clogged
Drain hose siphoning; drain hose pushed too far down the drain
Leaking water
Door gasket is damaged
Check back left of washer for water
Fill hoses or drain hose is improperly connected
Household drain may be clogged
Dispenser clogged
Incorrect use of detergent
Clothes too wet
Load is out of balance
Pump filter may be clogged
Overloading
Drain hose is kinked or improperly connected
Household drain may be clogged
Drain hose siphoning; drain hose pushed too far down the drain
Incomplete cycle or timer not advancing
Automatic load redistribution
Pump filter may be clogged
Drain hose is kinked or improperly connected
Household drain may be clogged
Drain hose siphoning; drain hose pushed too far down the drain
Loud or unusual noise; vibration or shaking
Cabinet moving
All rubber leveling legs are not firmly touching the floor
Unbalanced load
Pump filter may be clogged
No power/washer not working or dead
Washer is unplugged
Water supply is turned off
Circuit breaker/fuse is tripped/blown
Automatic self system checks
Snags, holes, tears, rips or excessive wear
Pens, pencils, nails, screws or other objects left in pockets
Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp buttons, belt buckles, zippers and sharp objects left in pockets
Control time wrong or changes
This is normal
Not enough water
This is normal
Washer pauses or has to be restarted, or washer door is locked and will not open
Pump filter may be clogged
Door unlocks or press Start and machine doesn’t operate
This is normal
Incorrect operation
Water does not enter washer or enters slowly
Automatic self system checks
Water valve screens are stopped up
Inlet hose screen washers are stopped up
Pump filter may be clogged
Fill hoses may be kinked
Water supply is turned off
Energy efficiency
Insufficient water supply
The washer door is open
Incorrect fill hose connection
Wrinkling
Improper sorting
Overloading
Incorrect wash cycle
Repeated washing in water that is too hot
Grayed or yellowed clothes
Not enough detergent
Not using HE (high efficiency) detergent
Hard water
Water is not hot enough
Detergent is not dissolving
Dye transfer
Colored spots
Incorrect use of fabric softener
Dye transfer
Water temperature is incorrect
Water supply is improperly connected
House water heater is not set properly
Slight variation in metallic color
This is normal
Bad odor inside your Washer
Washer unused for a long time, not using recommended quality of HE detergent or used too much detergent
Detergent leak
Incorrect placement of detergent insert
This is normal
Improper dispensing of softener
Dispenser clogged
Softener is filled above the max line
Softener cap issue
Dispenser drawer not dispensing properly
Laundry detergent packet placed in dispenser drawer
Pump running while washer is not in use
Clog in sump drain
Reference file: GE GFW148SSMWW 24" 2.4 Cu. Ft. ENERGY STAR Front Load Washer
Additionally, the document applies to other GE - General Electric models: GFW148
