GE Water Filter Alerts

[Sdodeezy]

Model Number

GYE22GYNIFS

Brand

GE

Age

Less than 1 year

I bought my refrigerator last November. Most info says the water filter should be changed every 6 months and I don't have a large family that uses a lot of water. The fridge alerted me to change the filter after only 4 months. I ignored it and changed it after 6 months with the official GE filter RPWFE which has an RFID chip. I figured the clock started when the fridge was manufactured, not when I got it. The warning light did not go off by itself and I reset it by pressing WATER for 5 seconds or so. The second filter also started to get the warning light after 4 months. So:

1) Can someone confirm that the warning is based on time, not amount of water used?
2) Assuming it is based on time, is the time established from the fridge or the chip on the filter? If it is the fridge, I probably have a defective timer or GE does this on purpose. Can this be repaired?
3) What does the RFID chip do?

 

[frunch]

No idea what the chip does, but as long as it continues to dispense water and make ice despite the "change filter" message... I would use it for at least a few more months before replacing it. I've had customers that rarely (if ever) change the filters in the refrigerators. Not suggesting it's not necessary to do so--it can eventually lead to problems if you never change it (usually due to diminished water pressure because of the clogged up filter)... But really--as long as you still get good water flow and the water tastes good you can probably get a year out of one without risking anything. Stick with the OEM filters though, the aftermarket stuff doesn't always work out.

 

[Sdodeezy]

No idea what the chip does, but as long as it continues to dispense water and make ice despite the "change filter" message... I would use it for at least a few more months before replacing it. I've had customers that rarely (if ever) change the filters in the refrigerators. Not suggesting it's not necessary to do so--it can eventually lead to problems if you never change it (usually due to diminished water pressure because of the clogged up filter)... But really--as long as you still get good water flow and the water tastes good you can probably get a year out of one without risking anything. Stick with the OEM filters though, the aftermarket stuff doesn't always work out.

Thanks...I called GE to try to see if I could get some knowledge from there...the rep really was not understanding the issue, but is sending me the bypass plug and a free filter. I think the problem is the fridge timer is off...for example, when the warning first came up it said replace in 8 days...the next day of so it said change in 5 days.

 

[bigbuck]

XWFE Water Filter and XWFE RFID System About the System:

Most SXS and bottom freezer refrigerators now utilize an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) water system. The RFID system is designed to alert a consumer when a filter should be replaced or if there is a leak at or around the water filter. When a leak is detected, operating voltage will not be sent to the water valve to dispense water and/or fill the icemaker. The RFID system consists of a RFID detection control board in the filter housing and a water filter with a RFID tag.
About the Water Filter
The RFID tag is an electronic chip which is built into the backside of the filter label. Each RFID filter tag has a unique serial number which the main control board will recognize and store for the life of the main control board. A wicking paper is also integrated into the label around the RFID chip to allow the chip to detect a leak.

So you buy their water filter. Sales gimmick.

 

[Dan O.]

So you buy their water filter. Sales gimmick.

I agree. I'd install the bypass and connect an external filter. it's be A LOT cheaper in the long run.

LINK > GE RFID Water Filter Bypass Plug

I'd probably do that with all internal water filters on any refrigerator make. They're a cash grab.

JMO

Dan O.

 

[Sdodeezy]

I agree. I'd install the bypass and connect an external filter. it's be A LOT cheaper in the long run.

Thanks everybody. Reading the posts and my manual closely, I think the fridge is working correctly. I probably am hitting 170 gallons, the water flow IS slowing and the filter should be replaced. The only problem now is the expensive filters every 4 months. GE is sending me a bypass plug. The water line to my fridge is tapped off a pipe in a drop ceiling in the basement. Any advice for how to install an external filter?

 

[jeff1]

Hi,

An inline filter may help...

LINK> One
LINK> Two
LINK> Three

jeff sr.

 

[bigbuck]

I found on our site were i posted this service
Bulletin:

 

[jeff1]

Thankx BB!!

jeff sr.

 

[Dan O.]

The water line to my fridge is tapped off a pipe in a drop ceiling in the basement. Any advice for how to install an external filter?

How and where will depend on your particular situation. It should be easily accessible for ease of changing the filter in the future... although that will likely be far less frequently than with an internal one.


Dan O.

 

[Sdodeezy]

I found on our site were i posted this service
Bulletin:

Thanks...my filter is the RPWFE, not the XWFE. Do you have the bulletin for the RPWFE?

 

[terracore]

We have a whole-house water filtration system so the water has already been filtered to 5 microns by the time it hits the fridge filter. My first filter change on GE fridge was after 7 years. I don't know how many gallons that is. Pretty much its just for the icemaker. But the "change filter" light was on for a good 6.5 years.