GE Refrigerator Model PVD28BYNFS Manual

The GE PVD28BYNFS is a 28 cubic foot French Door Refrigerator with bottom freezer, featuring advanced temperature management, external water and ice dispenser, adjustable glass shelves, humidity-controlled crispers, gallon door bins, and ENERGY STAR® certification. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Water Supply 7. Using Ice & Water Dispenser 8. Food Storage Guidelines 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: French doors with external dispenser, bottom freezer drawer, adjustable temperature controls, water filter system, and LED interior lighting.

FeatureDescription
External Ice & Water DispenserProvides filtered ice and water without opening doors
Temperature Management SystemPrecise digital controls for fridge and freezer compartments
Adjustable Glass ShelvesSpill-safe shelves that can be repositioned
Humidity-Controlled CrispersPreserves freshness of fruits and vegetables
Gallon Door BinsStorage for large bottles and containers
ENERGY STAR® CertifiedEnergy-efficient operation
Quick Freeze FunctionRapidly lowers freezer temperature for new items
Door AlarmAlerts if door is left open
Filter Status IndicatorShows when water filter needs replacement
Ice MakerProduces crescent-shaped ice cubes

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper location with adequate clearance.

  1. Position refrigerator: Allow at least 1 inch clearance on sides and back for ventilation.
  2. Level the unit: Adjust front leveling legs using a wrench.
  3. Connect water supply: Attach water line to shut-off valve (¾-inch copper or ¼-inch plastic tubing recommended).
  4. Plug into dedicated 115V, 60Hz grounded outlet.
  5. Remove shipping materials from doors, shelves, and interior.

WARNING! Refrigerator is heavy; use two people for movement. Ensure floor can support weight.

First-Time Setup

After installation, allow refrigerator to stabilize before adding food.

  1. Power on: Plug in unit; interior lights should illuminate.
  2. Set temperatures: Press TEMP buttons to set refrigerator to 37°F (3°C) and freezer to 0°F (-18°C).
  3. Prime water system: Dispense water for 3 minutes to clear air from lines.
  4. Activate ice maker: Lift wire signal arm to ON position.
  5. Load food: Allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize before filling.

CAUTION! Do not block air vents inside compartments. Ensure doors close completely.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access controls via external display panel and interior settings.

External Controls: Temperature buttons (Fridge/Freezer), Filter Reset, Quick Freeze, Lock, Light, Alarm Reset.

Temperature Settings: Fridge: 34°F to 46°F (1°C to 8°C); Freezer: -5°F to 5°F (-21°C to -15°C).

Special Functions: Quick Freeze (rapid cooling for 24 hours), Sabbath Mode (disables lights and alarms), Control Lock (prevents accidental changes), Door Alarm (sounds after 5 minutes).

Filter Indicator: Flashing light indicates filter replacement needed. Press and hold Filter Reset for 3 seconds after replacement.

Connecting Water Supply

Required for ice maker and water dispenser operation.

  1. Turn off main water supply.
  2. Connect ¼-inch copper or plastic tubing to cold water shut-off valve.
  3. Route tubing to refrigerator connection at bottom rear (avoid kinks).
  4. Connect tubing to refrigerator inlet valve; tighten compression nut.
  5. Turn on water supply; check for leaks at all connections.
  6. Install water filter: Insert RPWFE filter into housing; turn clockwise until it stops.

Tip: Flush water system for 3 minutes to remove air and carbon particles from new filter.

Using Ice & Water Dispenser

Dispenser offers ice (crescent cubes) and chilled filtered water.

  1. Activate: Press glass against paddle for water; press for ice.
  2. Ice selection: Use button to choose cubed or crushed ice (if equipped).
  3. Child lock: Press and hold Lock button for 3 seconds to disable dispenser.
  4. First ice production: May take 24 hours after activation. Discard first batch.
  5. Cleaning: Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean ice bin monthly.

WARNING! Do not use with wet hands. Keep children from playing with dispenser.

Food Storage Guidelines

Organize food for optimal freshness and energy efficiency.

LocationRecommended ItemsTemperature
Upper ShelvesReady-to-eat foods, leftovers, drinks37°F (3°C)
Lower ShelvesRaw meat, poultry, fish (in sealed containers)34°F (1°C)
Crispers (High Humidity)Leafy greens, herbs, broccoliHigh humidity setting
Crispers (Low Humidity)Fruits, peppers, mushroomsLow humidity setting
Door BinsCondiments, juices, butterLess cold area
Freezer DrawerFrozen foods, ice cream, meats0°F (-18°C)

Tip: Allow hot foods to cool before refrigerating. Keep freezer ¾ full for best efficiency.

Care & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Unplug before cleaning interior.
  2. Interior: Wash shelves, bins, and surfaces with warm water and mild detergent.
  3. Exterior: Clean stainless steel with grain using manufacturer-recommended cleaner.
  4. Condenser coils: Vacuum every 6 months (located at rear or bottom front).
  5. Door seals: Wipe with damp cloth; check for proper seal.
  6. Ice maker: Empty and clean ice bin monthly.
  7. Water filter: Replace every 6 months or when indicator light flashes.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or sharp objects. Never clean with flammable fluids.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL Standard 250. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. ENERGY STAR® Partner. California Proposition 65 Warning: Contains chemicals known to cause cancer. For support, visit www.GEAppliances.com or contact 1-800-GE-CARES (1-800-432-2737). Serial and model numbers located on interior side wall.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Refrigerator not coolingPower issue, door ajarCheck power cord; ensure door closes completely; verify temperature settings.
Water dispenser not workingFilter, water supplyReplace water filter; check water supply valve; clear kinks in line.
Ice maker not producing iceSignal arm, temperatureEnsure signal arm is down; freezer must be at 0°F; wait 24 hours.
Excessive frost in freezerDoor seal, defrost systemCheck door seals; ensure food isn't blocking vents; defrost manually if needed.
Unusual noisesLeveling, fan obstructionLevel refrigerator; check for items touching rear wall; ensure condenser fan is clear.
Water leaking on floorClogged defrost drainClear drain tube at rear of refrigerator compartment; check water connections.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic controls.

Service: 1-800-GE-CARES; www.GEAppliances.com

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