GE GWE19JSLSS 18.6 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator

Operating Instructions

About the features.

French Door Models

Space-saving ice maker (on some models)

Ice maker and bin are located on the door creating more usable storage space.

LED lighting

LED lights in the fresh food compartment are located at the top center and on the left and right sides of climate zone pans. LED lights are also located in the freezer; see pages 12 and 13.

Full-width drawer

A full-width drawer that can accommodate larger items is located at the bottom of the fresh food compartment.

QuickSpace™ shelf (on some models)

Functions as a normal full-sized shelf when needed and easily slides back to store tall items below.

Removable/adjustable door bins

Can be moved up or down to accommodate your needs.

Climate zone drawers

Separate pans for produce storage.

Water filter

Accessible for easy replacement.

About the dispenser. (on some models)

Water & Ice Dispenser

Press the glass gently against the dispenser cradle.

The spill shelf is not self-draining. To reduce water spotting, the shelf should be cleaned regularly.

If no water is dispensed when the refrigerator is first installed, there may be air in the water line system. Press the dispenser paddle for at least five minutes to remove trapped air from the water line and to fill the water system. To flush out impurities in the water line, throw away the first six full glasses of water.

Laceration Hazard „

• Never put fingers or any other object into ice crusher discharge opening. Doing so can result in contacting the ice crushing blades and lead to serious injury or amputation „
• Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice. A delicate glass may break and result in personal injury.

To remove Dispenser Tray „

• Pull Dispenser Tray out.

To reinstall Dispenser Tray „

• Push in until it is firmly in place.

Door Ice Bin

1. Open left fresh food door.

2. Pull down latch to release bin door.

3. Using handhold, lift ice bucket up and out to clear locators in bottom of bin.

4. To replace the ice bucket, set it on the guide brackets and push until the ice bucket seats properly.

5. If bucket cannot be replaced, rotate the Ice Bucket Fork 1/4 turn clockwise.

Internal Water Dispenser (on some models)

The water dispenser is located on the left wall inside the refrigerator compartment.

To dispense water:

1. Hold the glass against the recess.
2. Push the water dispenser button.
3. Hold the glass underneath the dispenser for 2–3 seconds after releasing the dispenser button. Water may continue to dispense after the button is released.

If no water is dispensed when the refrigerator is first installed, there may be air in the water line system. Press the dispenser button for at least 5 minutes to remove trapped air from the water line and to fill the water system. During this process, the dispenser noise may be loud as the air is purged from the water line system. To flush out impurities in the water line, throw away the first 6 glassfuls of water.

NOTE: To avoid water deposits, the dispenser should be cleaned periodically by wiping with a clean cloth or sponge.

Important Facts About Your Dispensers

• Do not add ice from trays or bags to the door ice maker bucket. It may not crush or dispense.
• Avoid overfilling glass with ice and use of narrow glasses.
• Backed-up ice can jam the chute or cause the door in the chute to freeze shut. If ice is blocking the chute remove the ice bucket, poke it through with a wooden spoon.
• Beverages and foods should not be quick-chilled in the door ice maker bin. Cans, bottles or food packages in the storage drawer may cause the ice maker or auger to jam.
• To keep dispensed ice from missing the glass, put the glass close to, but not touching, the dispenser opening.
• Some crushed ice may be dispensed even though you selected CUBED ICE. This happens occasionally when a few cubes accidentally get directed to the crusher.
• After crushed ice is dispensed, some water may drip from the chute.
• Sometimes a small mound of snow will form on the door in the ice chute. This condition is normal and usually occurs when you have dispensed crushed ice repeatedly. The snow will eventually evaporate.

About the GE Appliances® MWF water filter cartridge.

Water Filter Cartridge

The water filter cartridge is located in 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. A red light will start blinking 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 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.

NOTE: To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage, read and follow instructions before installation and use of this system. Installation and use MUST comply with all sate and local plumbing codes.

If air has been trapped in the system, the filter cartridge may be ejected as it is removed. Use caution when removing.

Installing the Filter Cartridge

1. Fill the replacement cartridge with water from the tap to allow for better flow from the dispenser immediately after installation.
2. 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.
3. 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 a 1/2 turn.
4. Run water from the dispenser for 1-1/2 gallons (about three minutes) to clear the system and prevent sputtering.
5. Press and hold the RESET WATER FILTER pad (on some models) on the dispenser for three seconds.

NOTE: A newly installed water filter cartridge may cause water to spurt from the dispenser.

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.

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To reduce the risk associated with choking, do not allow children under 3 years of age to have access to small parts during the installation of this product. The disposable filter cartridge should be replaced every 6 months at the rated capacity, or sooner if a noticeable reduction in flow rate occurs.

For the maximum benefit of your filtration system, GE Appliances recommends the use of GE Appliances-branded filters only. Using GE-branded filters in GE Appliances and Hotpoint® refrigerators provides optimal performance and reliability. GE Appliances filters meet rigorous industry NSF standards for safety and quality that are important for products that are filtering your water. GE Appliances has not qualified non-GE-branded filters for use in GE Appliances and Hotpoint refrigerators and there is no assurance that non-GE-branded filters meet GE’s standards for quality, performance and reliability.

If you have questions, or to order additional filter cartridges, visit our website at www.gewaterfilters.com or call GE Appliances Parts and Accessories, 877.959.8688 (Canada 1.800.661.1616)

About the shelves and bins

Not all features are on all models.

Rearranging the Refrigerator Shelves

Shelves in the refrigerator compartment are adjustable.

To remove the shelves:

1. Remove all items from the shelf.

2. Tilt the shelf up at the front.

3. Lift the shelf up at the back and bring the shelf out.

To replace the shelves:

1. While tilting the shelf up, insert the top hook at the back of the shelf in a slot on the track.

2. Lower the front of the shelf until the bottom of the shelf locks into place.

Quick Space Shelf (on some models)

This shelf splits in half and slides under itself for storage of tall items on the shelf below. This shelf can be removed and replaced or relocated.

NOTE: The back half of the Quick Space Shelf is not adjustable.

Adjustable Door Bins (on some models)

To remove: Lift the bin straight up; then pull out.

To replace: Engage the bin in the molded supports on the door and push down to lock in place.

Non-Adjustable Gallon Door Bins (on some models)

To remove: Lift the bin straight up; then pull out.

To replace: Engage the bin in the molded supports on the door and push down to lock in place.

About the pans.

Not all features are on all models.

Climate Zone Pans

Keep fruits and vegetables organized in separate compartments for easy access. Excess water that may accumulate in the bottom of the drawers or under the drawers should be wiped dry.

To remove pan:

Slide the pan out to the stop position, lift the pan up and past the stop position and pull forward.

Full -Width Pan (on some models)

To remove pan:

1. Pull the pan out to the stop position.

2. Lift the front of the drawer up and out.

To replace pan:

1. Place back of the drawer in first and rotate drawer front down to seat it on the slides.

2. Push the drawer in to the closed position.

How to Remove and Replace Drawer Divider

To remove:

1. Pull the drawer out to the stop position.

2. Slide pan divider to right to release it from pan.

To replace:

Reverse steps 1 and 2 to replace drawer divider.

Floating Snack Pan (on some models)

This pan can be moved to the most useful location for your family’s needs.

To remove, slide the pan out to the stop position, lift the pan up and past the stop position and lift it out.

About the freezer drawer. (on some models)

Not all features are on all models

FREEZER BASKETS

1. An ice bucket in the top basket (on some models).

2. A top full-width basket.

3. A bottom full-width basket (with divider - in some models).

NOTE: Do not fill baskets higher than the rim of the basket. This may cause baskets to stick or jam when opening or closing.

Top Basket Removal

To remove the top full-width basket on freezer drawer models:

1. Pull the basket out to the stop location.

2. Lift basket up to release it from the slides. When replacing the basket, make sure that the basket remains mounted on the side rails and over the slides of the bottom basket.

NOTE: Always be sure to fully close this basket.

Bottom Basket Removal

To remove the bottom full-width basket on freezer drawer models:

1. Open the bottom freezer drawer until it stops.

2. Remove the top freezer basket.

3. The bottom freezer basket rests on the inside tabs on the drawer slides.

4. Lift the front of the basket and pull forward.

5. Release the pin from the slot to remove the basket. When replacing the bottom full-width basket, tilt the basket back and lower it into the drawer. Rotate the basket to a horizontal position and press down. Make sure to place the pin back into the slot.

NOTE: Always be sure that the basket is seated on the bracket tabs before sliding the drawer back into the freezer.

About the freezer compartment. (on some models)

Not all features are on all models.

FREEZER SHELF AND BASKET

1. A full-width fixed wire shelf

2. A full-width sliding plastic basket

NOTE: Do not fill baskets higher than the rim. This may cause basket to stick or jam when opening or closing.

Basket Removal

To remove the full-width sliding basket on freezer door models:

1. Open the basket out to its full extension.

2. Lift up the front of the basket and pull straight out to remove.

When replacing the basket, insert the plastic basket into the lower liner rails and push back into place

Fixed Shelf Removal

NOTE: The full-width wire shelf is not intended to slide.

To remove for cleaning, push the shelf to one side while then pull up on the opposite side and out to remove.

To replace the full-width wire shelf, insert one side of the shelf into the supports, pushing the shelf to that side until the opposite side will fit into its supports.

About the automatic ice maker.

A newly installed refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice.

Automatic Ice maker (on some models)

The ice maker will produce seven cubes per cycle approximately cubes in a 24-hour period, depending on freezer compartment temperature, room temperature, number of door openings and other use conditions.

If the refrigerator is operated before the water connection is made to the ice maker, set the power switch in the OFF position.

When the refrigerator has been connected to the water supply, set the power switch to the ON position.

The ice maker will fill with water when it cools to 15°F (–10°C). A newly installed refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice cubes.

You may hear a buzzing sound each time the ice maker fills with water.

Throw away the first few batches of ice to allow the water line to clear.

Be sure nothing interferes with the sweep of the feeler arm. When the bin fills to the level of the feeler arm, the ice maker will stop producing ice. It is normal for several cubes to be joined together.

If ice is not used frequently, old ice cubes will become cloudy, taste stale and shrink.

NOTE: In homes with lower-than-average water pressure, you may hear the ice maker cycle multiple times when making one batch of ice.

To minimize the risk of personal injury, avoid contact with the moving parts of the ejector mechanism, or with the heating element that releases the cubes. Do not place fingers or hands on the automatic ice making mechanism while the refrigerator is plugged in.

For Refrigerator Models with Ice Maker in the Door

Ice Bucket and Dispenser

• Open the ice box door on inside of the left door.
• Pull up and out on the ice bucket in the left hand door to remove it from the compartment .
• To replace the ice bucket, set it on the guide brackets and push until the ice bucket seats properly.
• If bucket cannot be replaced, rotate the ice bucket fork 1/4 turn clockwise.
• Ice maker can be turned on and off using this display (see About the controls on pages 6 and 7.)

For Refrigerator Models with Ice Maker in the Freezer Compartment

Some models come with an ice maker installed in the freezer compartment. For those models that come ice-maker ready, you can purchase Kit IM-4D or IM-5D, depending on your model. Visit our website at GEAppliances.com or call GE Appliances Parts and Accessories, 877.959.8688 (in Canada call 1.800.661.1616).

There is ice storage in the freezer compartment located on the left side of the upper basket. Pull the upper basket forward to remove the ice bucket.

Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.

Cleaning the Outside

The stainless steel panels, door handles and trim.

Do not use appliance wax, polish, bleach, or other products containing chlorine on stainless steel. Stainless steel can be cleaned with a commercially available stainless steel cleaner. A spray-on stainless steel cleaner works best.

Silver-accented plastic parts.

Wash parts with soap or other mild detergents. Wipe clean with a sponge, damp cloth or paper towel. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing bleach because these products can scratch and weaken the paint finish.

Should spill tray need cleaning use lime remover.

Cleaning the Inside

Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.

If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning around switches, lights or controls. Use an appliance wax polish on the inside surface between the doors.

Use warm water and baking soda solution- about a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter) of water. This both cleans and neutralizes odors. Rinse and wipe dry.

Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. Glass shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact such as bumping or dropping. Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many small pieces if it breaks.

Behind the Refrigerator

Be careful when moving the refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.

Raise the leveling legs located at the bottom front of the refrigerator.

Pull the refrigerator straight out and return it to position by pushing it straight in. Moving the refrigerator in a side direction may result in damage to the floor covering or refrigerator.

Lower the leveling legs until they touch the floor.

When pushing the refrigerator back, make sure you don’t roll over the power cord or water supply line.

Preparing for Vacation

For long vacations or absences, remove food and unplug the refrigerator. Clean the interior with a baking soda solution of one tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to one quart (1 liter) of water. Leave the doors open.

If the temperature can drop below freezing, have a qualified service technician drain the water supply system to prevent serious property damage due to flooding.

1. Turn refrigerator off (pages 6 and 7) or unplug the refrigerator.
2. Empty ice bucket
3. Turn water supply off

If you cut the water supply off, turn off the ice maker (pg. 14).

Upon returning from vacation:

1. Replace the water filter.
2. Run 2 gallons of water through the cold water dispenser about 5 minutes) to flush the system.

Preparing to Move

Secure all loose items such as shelves and drawers by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

When using a hand truck to move the refrigerator, do not rest the front or back of the refrigerator against the hand truck. This could damage the refrigerator.

Handle only from the sides of the refrigerator.

Be sure the refrigerator stays in an upright position during moving.

Replacing the lights

Refrigerator Lights (LEDs)

There is LED lighting in the fresh food compartment at the top center and on the left and right sides above the climate zone pans on the french door models. LED lighting is located at the top of the fresh food compartment on the single door models.

LED lights are also located at the top of the left and right sides of the freezer in all models.

An authorized technician will need to replace the LED light.

If this assembly needs to be replaced, call GE Appliances Service at 1.800.432.2737 in the United States or in Canada.

Normal operating conditions.

Newer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features and use newer technology.

Do you hear what I hear? These conditions are normal.

HUMMM...

WHOOSH...

• The new high efficiency compressor may run faster and longer than your old refrigerator and you may hear a highpitched hum or pulsating sound while it is operating. „
• You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close. This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.

• You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds. This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in, when the doors are opened frequently or when a large amount of food is added to the refrigerator or freezer compartments. The fans are helping to maintain the correct temperatures.
• The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal cooling and energy savings.

CLICKS, POPS, CRACKS and SNAPS

• You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
• Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.
• On models with an ice maker, after an ice making cycle, you may hear the ice cubes dropping into the ice bucket.
• On models with a dispenser, during water dispense, you may hear the water lines move at initial dispense and after dispenser button is released.

WATER SOUNDS

• The flow of refrigerant through the cooling coils may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.
• Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a sizzling, popping or buzzing sound during the defrost cycle.
• A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost cycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain pan.
• Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to pressure equalization.

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Water filter indicator light remains lit after replacing filter (on some models)

Water filter indicator must be reset

• Press WATER FILTER pad for 3 seconds to reset the water filter.

Water filter indicator light is not lit (on some models)

This is normal. This indicator will turn on to tell you that you need to replace the filter soon.

• See About the Water Filter for more information.

Handle is loose/handle has a gap.

Handle needs adjusting

• See Attach Fresh Food Handle and Attach Freezer Handle sections for detailed instructions.

Refrigerator beeping

This is door alarm

• Turn off or disable with door closed. If door open and alarm is sounding, you can only snooze the alarm.

Not cooling

The cooling system is off

• See About Controls.

Water has poor taste/odor (on some models)

Water dispenser has not been used for a long time

• Dispense water, until all water in system is replenished.

Water in glass is warm (on some models)

Normal when refrigerator is first installed

• Wait 24 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool down.

Water dispenser has not been used for a long time

• Dispense water, until all water in system is replenished.

Water system has drained

• Allow several hours for replenished supply to chill.

Water dispenser does not work (on some models)

Water supply line turned off or not connected

• See Installing the Water Line.

Water filter clogged or filter/bypass plug not installed

• Replace filter cartridge or remove filter and install bypass plug.*

Air may be trapped in the water system

• Press the dispenser arm for at least 5 minutes.

Water in reservoir is frozen because the controls are set too cold

• Set the refrigerator control to a warmer setting and wait 24 hours. If the water does not dispense after 24 hours, call for service.

Water spurting from dispenser (on some models)

Newly installed filter cartridge

• Run cold water from the dispenser for 5 minutes (about 2 gallons)..

No water or ice cube production (on some models)

Supply line or shutoff valve is clogged

• Call a plumber

Water filter is clogged

• Replace filter cartridge or remove filter and install bypass plug*.

Filter cartridge not properly installed

• Remove and reinstall filter cartridge, being certain that it locks in place.

Ice maker is turned off

• Check that the ice maker is turned on. See About the Automatic Ice Maker.

Water is leaking from dispenser (on some models)

Air may be present in the water line system, causing water to drip after being dispensed

• Dispense water for at least 5 minutes to remove air from system.

Freezer cooling, fresh food not cooling

Normal, when refrigerator first plugged in or after extended power outage

• Wait 24 hours for temperature in both compartments to reach selected temperatures.

Ice dispenser opens after closing freezer drawer (on some models)

Normal

• The ice dispenser door may open after closing freezer door to allow access.

SERVICE

Before you call for service, review the detailed troubleshooting tips in the Owner’s manual. If needed, service can be scheduled by visiting us online GEAppliances. com or calling 800.GE.CARES 800.432.2737

Truth or Myth

The refrigerator water filter may require replacement, even though the filter indicator has not turned red, or reads “Filter Expired.”

TRUE

• The water filter indicator will indicate the need to replace the water filter every six months. Water quality varies from city to city; if water flow from the dispenser slows, or ice production decreases, the water filter should be replaced, even though the filter indicator may not indicate the need for replacement.

The automatic ice maker in my refrigerator will produce ice when the refrigerator is plugged in to a power receptacle.

MYTH

• The refrigerator must be connected to water, and the ice maker must be turned on. Make sure the ice maker is turned on, only after the water line is connected and water is turned on. The ice maker can be turned on/ off from the controls and ensure the ice maker is on, as indicated on the refrigerator control panel. See About the Automatic Ice Maker.

After the refrigerator has been plugged in and connected to water, I will immediately have unlimited chilled water available from the water dispenser.

MYTH

• The water dispenser tank located inside the refrigerator stores water for dispensing. The water in this tank requires 24 hours to chill after installation. High usage conditions will not allow time for the water to chill.

After water dispenses, a few drops of water are normal.

TRUE

• A few drops of water may fall from the dispenser, after the dispenser paddle has been released. To minimize the drops, remove the glass slowly from the dispenser.

I will never see frost inside the freezer compartment.

MYTH

• Frost inside the freezer typically indicates that the door is not properly sealed, or has been left open. If frost is found, clear the frost using a plastic spatula and towel, then check to ensure that no food packages or containers are preventing the freezer door from closing. Check the refrigerator control panel to ensure the door alarm is on.

When the refrigerator is installed, or after replacing the water filter, I must dispense water for five minutes.

TRUE

• A newly installed refrigerator or water filter contains air in the water lines. Press the dispenser paddle and dispense cold water for at least 5 minutes to remove air from the water line, and flush the filter.

To fill the ice bucket to the maximum capacity, I should dispense 12 and 18 hours after installation.

TRUE

• Dispensing 3-4 cubes 12 hours and 18 hours after installation, allows ice to disperse within the ice bucket, which in turns calls on the ice maker to produce additional ice. Normal ice production = 100 cubes in 24 hours.

I can use the water filter bypass plug to determine if the filter requires replacement.

TRUE

• Decrease in flow from the water dispenser, or decreased ice production, may indicate the need to replace the water filter. Install the water filter bypass plug (provided with the refrigerator on some models*), and check flow from the dispenser. If water flow returns to normal with the bypass plug in place, replace the water filter.

The top of the refrigerator doors will always be aligned.

MYTH

• Several things can affect the fresh food door alignment, including the floor the refrigerator is installed on and loading of doors. If the top of the fresh food doors are not aligned, use a 1/4” allen wrench to adjust the right/left hand door. The adjustment screw is located on the bottom right or left hand side of the door; open the freezer door to access the screw. On some models, the left hand fresh food door may be raised using spacers. Call 800-GECARES to obtain the spacers.

Refrigerator door handles can be easily tightened.

TRUE

• If door handles are loose or have a gap, the handle can be adjusted using a 1/8” allen wrench, on set screws located on the ends of the handles.

There may be odor and taste problems with your ice.

TRUE

• After starting the ice maker throw away 24 hours of ice production to avoid odor and taste problems.

I can make fine adjustments to the fresh food doors to align them.

TRUE

• If the fresh food doors are not aligned, use a 1/4” Allen wrench to adjust the right hand door. The adjustment screw is located on the bottom of the right door. Open the freezer door to access. The left hand fresh food door may be raised using spacers. Call 800-GECARES to obtain the spacers.

Door handles should always be removed for installation.

MYTH

• Check chart on reverse side of this instruction. If the doors must be removed do not remove the handles, or if the refrigerator will fit easily through the passage way opening. Adjust handles that are loose or have a gap, by adjusting 1/8” set screws on either end of handles.

Door removal is always required for installation.

MYTH

• Check chart on reverse side of this instruction. Doors should only be removed when necessary to prevent damage from passage way or access to final location.

Refrigerator doors that won’t close after installation, can be adjusted to close properly.

TRUE

• Door mechanism works best if installed at 90°+. If installed at 180°, remove the door from the mid hinge, and swing the door 180° before reinstalling. See Reinstalling the Refrigerator Doors.

There is an adjustment to rear wheels.

MYTH

• Front leveling legs are adjustable and should be used to balance the refrigerator. Leveling legs are used to make initial fresh food door adjustment.

Check for leaks after all water connections are made.

TRUE

• While purging the air from the water system, check all water line connections for leaks. Check the connection to the household water supply at back of refrigerator, and door water line connect.

Any packaging residue can be cleaned off the refrigerator using any cleaner.

MYTH

• Do not use wax, polish, bleach, or other products containing chlorine on Stainless Steel panels, door handles and trim. Check this instruction under Cleaning the Outside” for full details.

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