GE GFW655 (01) PDF Document

Step 1: Load clothes into your GE GFW655 washer and close the door.

Step 2: If the screen is dark, press the Power pad or turn the knob to “wake up” the display.

Step 3: Turn the knob to select the desired cycle (cycle options vary by model).

Step 4: Open the dispenser and add detergent, bleach and fabric softener, as desired. Models with SmartDispense™ only require that you select the SmartDispense pad once the tank has been filled.

Step 5: Press Start to begin the wash cycle. The machine will weigh your clothes and add the proper amount of water. When the wash cycle is finished, the door will unlock.

Step 6 (on some models): After the wash cycle is completed and the clothes unloaded, select ULTRAFRESH VENT™ to help eliminate the excess moisture in your GE GFW655 washer so you can close the door.

If an out-of-balance condition is detected by the GE GFW655 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 normal at the end of the cycle, redistribute the load evenly in the wash basket and run a Drain & Spin cycle. (See Extra Rinse in the Using the washer – Options section for details.)

Check your house water supply. Did you forget to turn on one or both supply valves after installation or coming back from vacation? As soon as the message starts to scroll, the GE GFW655 washer will initiate a 4 minute lock-out period. The washer controls won’t respond/change during this time. After the 4 minutes, you can begin your cycle again. If you try to bypass the lock-out period by unplugging the washer, the 4 minute timer will start over again.

“CAnCELEd” may scroll on the display if the GE GFW655 washer was paused for longer than 24 hours or if the machine has stopped itself before the cycle completed due to certain errors. As soon as the message starts to scroll, the washer will initiate a 4 minute lock-out period. The washer controls won’t respond/change during this time. After the 4 minute period, you can begin your cycle again. If you try to bypass the lock-out period by unplugging the washer, the 4 minute timer will start over again. If the problem persists, call GE Appliances at 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) for service.

“door” will be shown on the display if you try to start a cycle when the door is not fully closed. “door” will also be shown on display if 3 cycles have been started without opening the door. The GE GFW655 washer will not start another cycle until the door is opened. In either circumstance, try opening and closing the door, and then starting a new cycle. If the problem persists, call GE Appliances at 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) for service.

ULTRAFRESH VENT is available after the wash cycle is complete and you have removed your cleaned laundry. Once the door is closed, a notification tune will play and the ULTRAFRESH VENT pad LED will blink. Upon pressing the pad, ULTRAFRESH VENT will begin.

To select ULTRAFRESH VENT at any other point, power on the GE GFW655 washer, ensure a cycle is not actively running, and remove any garments from the basket, then press and release the ULTRAFRESH VENT pad so that the notification tune plays and the ULTRAFRESH VENT pad LED begins to blink. Then press the ULTRAFRESH VENT pad again to start the feature.

The ULTRAFRESH VENT feature may be cancelled at any time by pressing the POWER pad, turning the cycle knob, or pressing the ULTRAFRESH VENT pad.

To change the Soil level, press the Soil level pad until you have reached the desired setting. You can choose between Extra Light, Light, Normal, Heavy or Extra Heavy soil levels on most cycles for the GE GFW655 washer.

To change the wash temperature, press the Temp pad until you have reached the desired setting. You can choose between Tap Cold, Cold, Warm, Hot or Extra Hot on most cycles for the GE GFW655 washer. Extra Hot temperatures are enabled by the internal heater on models equipped with Steam capabilities.

To change the Spin speed, press the Spin speed pad until you have reached the desired setting. You can choose between No Spin, Low, Medium, High or Max for the GE GFW655 washer. Higher spin speeds are not available on certain cycles, such as DELICATES and ACTIVE WEAR.

The Self Clean cycle should be performed, at a minimum, once per month or about every 40 wash cycles for the GE GFW655 washer.

Step 1: Remove any garments or objects from the washer and ensure the washer basket is empty.

Step 2: Open the washer door and pour one cup or 250 ml of liquid bleach or other washing machine cleaner into the basket.

Step 3: Close the door and select the SELF CLEAN cycle. Push the Start pad.

Step 4: When the Self Clean cycle is working, the display will show the estimated cycle time remaining. The cycle will complete in about 90 minutes. Do not interrupt the cycle.

Step 5: After the cycle is complete (on some models), the washer will automatically start an ULTRAFRESH VENT operation so that the door can remain closed until the next time you use the washer.

IMPORTANT: Run Self Clean with one Cup (250 ml) of bleach once a month. After the completion of a Self Clean cycle, the interior of your washer may have a bleach smell. It is recommended to run a RINSE & SPIN or a light color load after the Self Clean cycle.

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 when loading the GE GFW655 washer.

For a ‘Normal’ cycle using the Mixed Load type on the GE GFW655 washer, recommended contents include: 6 Dress Shirts, 3 Dress Pants, 3 Poly T-Shirts, 3 T-shirts, 4 Pairs of Shorts, or 6 Boxers. Alternatively, OR: 6 T-shirts, 4 Sweatpants, 4 Sweatshirts, 2 Hoodies, 7 Pairs of Socks.

For a ‘TOWELS’ cycle using the Towels & Sheets type on the GE GFW655 washer, recommended contents include: 4 Pillowcases, 2 Hand Towels, 2 Flat Sheets/ 2 Fitted Sheets, 2 Bath Towels/ 4 Washcloths. Alternatively, OR: 2 Flat Queen Sized Sheets, 2 Fitted Queen Sized Sheets, 4 Pillowcases.

For a ‘DELICATES’ cycle using the Delicates type on the GE GFW655 washer, recommended contents include: 7 Bras, 7 Panties, 3 Slips, 2 Camisoles, 4 Nightgowns. Using a nylon mesh bag for small items is recommended.

For a ‘JEANS’ cycle using the Work Wear type on the GE GFW655 washer, recommended contents include: 4 Jeans, 5 Work Shirts, or 3 Work Pants.

For a ‘Quick Wash’ cycle using the Small Load (2-5 items) type on the GE GFW655 washer, recommended contents include: 1 Pair Casual Pants, 2 Casual Shirts, OR 3 Soccer Uniforms.

The available wash cycles for the GE GFW655 washer include: Normal, Delicates, Towels, Bulky, Active Wear, Quick Wash, Whites, Rinse and Spin, Cold Wash, Power Clean, Heavy Duty, Jeans, Swim Wear, Sanitize with Oxi, Sanitize+ Allergen, and Self Clean.

Step 1. Using a small flathead screwdriver or coin, open the access door.

Step 2. Place a shallow pan or dish under the pump access door and towels on the floor in front of the washer to protect the floor. It is normal to catch about a cup of water when the filter is removed.

Step 3. Pull down the pour spout.

Step 4. Turn the pump filter counterclockwise and remove the filter slowly, controlling the flow of the draining water.

Step 5. Remove the filter and clean the debris from the filter.

Step 6. Replace the filter and turn clockwise. Tighten securely.

Step 7. Flip up the pour spout.

Step 8. Close the access door by hooking the bottom tabs first, then rotating the access door shut.

Residue should be removed once or twice a month from the dispenser drawer on the GE GFW655 washer.

Remove the drawer by first pulling it out until it stops. Then reach back into the rear of the drawer cavity and press down firmly on the lock tab, pulling out the drawer.

Rinse the 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.

Replace the dispenser drawer.

To reduce buildup in the Dispenser Drawer area: Use only HE High-Efficiency detergent.

The available Wash Settings options and their factory default settings (marked with a circle) for the GE GFW655 washer are summarized in the following table:

For the Extra Heavy soil level on the GE GFW655 washer, the available wash cycles are: Normal, Rinse and Spin, Power Clean, Heavy Duty**, and Sanitize+ Allergen*.

The available wash temperature settings for the ‘Normal’ cycle on the GE GFW655 washer are: Extra Hot, Hot, Warm, Cold, and Tap Cold.

The available spin speed selections for the ‘Delicates’ cycle on the GE GFW655 washer are: Low and No Spin.

The available wash options that can be selected with the ‘Whites’ cycle on the GE GFW655 washer are: Power Steam*, Prewash* or Auto Soak*, Time Saver, More Water, Extra Rinse, Tumble Care*, Soak Rinse for Sanitizer*, 1 Step Wash + Dry*, and Smart Wash & Rinse*.

Regularly use ULTRAFRESH VENT between uses for the GE GFW655 washer. In case of strong odor, you may need to run the Self Clean cycle more than once.

To save your favorite settings for a given cycle, set the desired options for Soil, Spin and Temp levels, extra rinse and other settings on the GE GFW655 washer. Hold down the My Settings pad for 3 seconds. A beep will sound to indicate the selections for this cycle have been saved. You can choose to create My Settings for other cycles.

To use the steam feature on the GE GFW655 washer:

Step 1. Press the Power pad to “wake up” the washer and select a wash cycle.

Step 2. Use the SmartHQ App or press the POWER STEAM pad (on some models) to activate steam.

Step 3. Press the Start/Pause pad.

You can lock the controls on the GE GFW655 washer 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/unlock the washer, press and hold the Control Lock pad for 3 seconds.

Check to see if the gasket is seated and not torn on the GE GFW655 washer. Objects left in pockets may cause damage to the washer (nails, screws, pens, pencils). Water may drip from the door when the door is opened. This is a normal operation. Carefully wipe off rubber door seal. Sometimes dirt or clothing is left in this seal and can cause a small leak.

If the load is out of balance on the GE GFW655 washer, redistribute the clothes and run Rinse & Spin. Increase the load size if washing a small load containing heavy and light items.

Check if the pump filter may be clogged. See the Care and Cleaning section on how to clean the Pump Filter.

Straighten the drain hose and make sure the washer is not sitting on it if the drain hose is kinked or improperly connected.

Check household plumbing if the household drain may be clogged. You may need to call a plumber.

Ensure there is an air gap between the hose and drain, and the drain hose is not inserted more than 7” into the drain pipe if the drain hose is siphoning or pushed too far down the drain.

If the load is out of balance on the GE GFW655 washer, redistribute the clothes and run Rinse & Spin. Increase the load size if washing a small load containing heavy and light items.

The machine will slow the spin speed down to 410 rpm if it has a hard time balancing the load. This speed is normal.

Check if the pump filter may be clogged. See the Care and Cleaning section on how to clean the Pump Filter.

The dry weight of the load should be less than 16 lbs if the load is overloading.

Straighten the drain hose and make sure the washer is not sitting on it if the drain hose is kinked or improperly connected.

Check household plumbing if the household drain may be clogged. You may need to call a plumber.

Ensure there is an air gap between the hose and drain, and the drain hose is not inserted more than 7” into the drain pipe if the drain hose is siphoning or pushed too far down the drain.

Slowly open the dispenser drawer by pulling it out until it stops on the GE GFW655 washer. After adding laundry products, slowly close the dispenser drawer. Closing the drawer too quickly could result in early dispensing of the bleach, fabric softener or detergent.

You may see water in the detergent, bleach and fabric softener compartments 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.

Do NOT put detergent packets in the dispenser drawer.

NOTE: Use only liquid or powder HE detergents and additives in the dispenser drawer. Laundry detergent packets should only be added directly to the wash basket following the manufacturer’s directions.

If it is desired to manually add detergent for a particular load on the GE GFW655 washer:

Step 1. Press the SMART DISPENSE pad on the control panel until its light turns off which indicates the SmartDispense feature has been turned off.

Step 2. Set the flap in the detergent compartment to the type of detergent to be used – Powder or Liquid. See the Detergent Compartment section.

Step 3. Add the desired amount of detergent into the detergent compartment.

If the display indicates that the SmartDispense tank is estimating there is insufficient detergent to wash a load on the GE GFW655 washer, the SmartDispense light will flash. The washer can still run a cycle, but it suggested that you add detergent in the manual detergent compartment or refill the SmartDispense tank.

Only use the prewash compartment on the GE GFW655 washer if you are selecting the PreWash cycle for heavily soiled clothes. Add measured detergent or prewash additive to the back left prewash compartment of the dispenser drawer.

Detergent or prewash additive is flushed from the dispenser in the PreWash (if selected).

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 as it can lead to over sudsing and detergent residue being left on the clothes.

If desired, measure out the recommended amount of liquid bleach, not to exceed 1/3 cup (80 ml) and pour into the compartment labeled “LIQUID BLEACH” marked with the symbol on the GE GFW655 washer.

It is recommended to use High-Efficiency (HE) bleach in this front-load washer.

Do not exceed the maximum fill line. Overfilling can cause early dispensing of the bleach which could result in damaged clothes.

NOTE: Do not use powdered bleach or laundry detergent/additive packets in the dispenser.

If desired, pour the recommended amount of liquid fabric softener into the compartment labeled “FABRIC SOFTENER” on the GE GFW655 washer.

Use only liquid fabric softener in the dispenser.

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.

The fabric softener compartment will be siphoned in the final rinse of the wash cycle. This compartment can also be used to accommodate other liquid rinse aids such as sanitizers and fabric enhancing liquids. The use of these other products must be certified by the liquid manufacturer for safety in the use of a residential washing machine and combination washer/dryer. Please check carefully, as certain liquids may invalidate the warranty on your Washer.

Open the washer door on the GE GFW655 washer. Using both hands, press down the door gasket.

While holding down the door gasket, inspect the interior fold. 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, release it and the gasket will return to the operating position.

This is normal for the GE GFW655 washer. During spin the washer may need to rebalance the load sometimes to reduce vibrations. When this happens, the estimated time is increased causing time left to increase or jump.

If there is not enough detergent, use the correct amount of detergent on the GE GFW655 washer.

If not using HE (high efficiency) detergent, use only HE detergent.

If there is hard water, use the hottest water safe for fabric. Use a water conditioner like Calgon brand or install a water softener.

If the water is not hot enough, make sure the water heater is delivering water at 120°–140°F (48°–60°C).

If detergent is not dissolving or using too much fabric softener, try a liquid HE detergent and use less fabric softener.

If there is dye transfer, sort clothes by color. If a fabric label states wash separately, unstable dyes may be indicated.

Check that the water supply is turned on. Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on for the GE GFW655 washer.

If the water valve screens are stopped up, turn off the water source and remove the water connection hoses from the upper back of the washer. Use a brush or toothpick to clean the screens in the machine. Reconnect the hoses and turn the water back on.

If the inlet hose screen washers are stopped up, turn off the water source and remove the inlet hoses from the wall faucets. Use a brush or toothpick to clean the screen washers in the end of the hoses. Reconnect the hoses and turn the water back on.

Check if the pump filter may be clogged. See the Care and Cleaning section on how to clean the Pump Filter.

Check that fill hoses are not kinked or clogged.

If energy efficiency is a concern, be aware that the temperature settings for this washer may be different than for a non-energy efficient washer due to its energy-efficient design.

If there is insufficient water supply, make sure that the water supply is turned on and that the water faucets are turned to their completely open position.

The washer door must be closed for all washer cycle operations. If the door is opened during the washer operation, all functions will stop, including water filling.

Make sure that the fill hoses connect the hot water supply to the hot inlet on the washer and the cold water supply to the cold inlet on the washer (hot to hot, cold to cold) if there is an incorrect fill hose connection.

Avoid mixing heavy items (like work clothes) with light items (like blouses) for improper sorting on the GE GFW655 washer.

Load your washer so clothes have enough room to move freely if the load is overloading.

Match the cycle selection to the type of fabric you are washing (especially for easy care loads) for an incorrect wash cycle.

Wash in warm or cold water if you have repeated washing in water that is too hot.

Read all instructions before using the GE GFW655 washer.

Follow all fabric care instructions and warnings to prevent melting of garments or damage to the appliance.

DO NOT wash or dry articles that have been previously cleaned in, washed in, soaked in or spotted with gasoline, dry-cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances, as they give off vapors that could ignite or explode.

DO NOT add gasoline, dry-cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances to the wash water. These substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode.

Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot-water system that has not been used for 2 weeks or more. If the hot water system has not been used for such a period, before using a washing machine, turn on all hot-water faucets and let the water flow from each for several minutes. This will release any accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is flammable, DO NOT smoke or use an open flame during this time.

Risk of suffocation and injury from entrapment: DO NOT allow children to play on or in this appliance. Close supervision of children is necessary when this appliance is used near children. Before the washer is removed from service or discarded, remove the door or lid. Failure to follow these instructions may result in death or injury to persons.

DO NOT reach into the appliance if the tub or agitator is moving to prevent accidental entanglement.

DO NOT install or store this appliance where it will be exposed to the weather.

DO NOT tamper with controls, repair or replace any part of this appliance or attempt any servicing unless specifically recommended in the user maintenance instructions or in published user repair instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out.

DO NOT climb or stand on this unit.

DO NOT operate this appliance if it is damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled, or has missing or broken parts including a damaged cord or plug.

Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker before servicing. Pressing the Power pad DOES NOT disconnect power.

See “ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS” located in the Installation Instructions for grounding instructions.

DO NOT use replacement parts that have not been recommended by the manufacturer. (e.g. parts made at home using a 3D printer).

This GE GFW655 washer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

Ensure that the hot water hose is connected to the “H” valve and the cold water hose is connected to the “C” valve.

Install or store where it will not be exposed to temperatures below freezing or exposed to the weather, which could cause permanent damage and invalidate the warranty.

Properly ground washer to conform with all governing codes and ordinances. Follow details in the Installation Instructions.

Ensure washer is properly leveled and washer legs are adjusted such that unit is stable.

Optional drain hose extension recommended for discharging heights from 60” – 96”.

GE Appliances strongly recommends the use of factory specified parts. A list of factory hoses available for purchase are listed. These hoses are manufactured and tested to meet GE Appliances specifications.

GE Appliances strongly recommends the use of new water supply hoses. Hoses degrade over time and need to be replaced every 5 years to reduce the risk of hose failures and water damage.

Consider recycling options for your appliance packaging material.

The GE GFW655 washer will automatically drain any time the door is left open for more than 15 minutes and water is present.

The GE GFW655 washer will automatically drain if left in a paused state with the door closed for more than 24 hours and water is present.

Turn off water faucets to minimize leakage if a break or rupture should occur on the GE GFW655 washer.

Check the condition of the fill hoses; GE Appliances recommends changing the hoses every 5 years.