GE PFWS4600L0 How to use

GE Appliances
General Electric Company
Louisville, Kentucky 40225
31-9218
Profile Front Load
Washer
PFWS4600L0
PFWS4605L0
PFWS4400L0
PFWS4405L0
Technical Service Guide
September 2011
GE Appliances
WASH
TEMP
A
CTIVE
W
EAR
S
PEED
W
ASH
S
TART
P
OWER
D
RAIN &
S
PIN
B
ASKET
C
LEAN
H
ANDWASH
STEAM
CYCLES
D
ELICATES
P
OWER
W
RINKLE
F
REE
N
ORMAL
W
HITES/
P
ERMANENT
P
RESS
S
TEAM
R
EFRESH
S
PECIALTY
C
YCLES
SOIL
LEVEL
SPIN
SPEED
Profile

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IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information in this service guide is intended for use by
individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical,
electronic, and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a
major appliance may result in personal injury and property
damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the
interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any liability in
connection with its use.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury, disconnect power before servicing
this product. If electrical power is required for diagnosis or test
purposes, disconnect the power immediately after performing the
necessary checks.
RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES
If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts, or washers used to
complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must be
returned to their original position and properly fastened.
GE Appliances
Technical Service Guide
Copyright © 2011
All rights reserved. This service guide may not be reproduced in whole or in part
in any form without written permission from the General Electric Company.

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Table of Contents
(Continued Next Page)
Basket Light.........................................................................................................................................................................36
Belt...........................................................................................................................................................................................46
Bulk Dispenser Switch ....................................................................................................................................................34
Circuit Board Connections............................................................................................................................................23
Component Locator Views...........................................................................................................................................21
Control Board......................................................................................................................................................................27
Control Features..................................................................................................................................................................7
Control Panel.......................................................................................................................................................................26
Dampers ...............................................................................................................................................................................52
Demo Mode.........................................................................................................................................................................20
Dispenser Assembly........................................................................................................................................................31
Dispenser Motor................................................................................................................................................................33
Door.........................................................................................................................................................................................49
Door Hinge...........................................................................................................................................................................50
Door Lock..............................................................................................................................................................................29
Door Strike............................................................................................................................................................................29
Drain Pump..........................................................................................................................................................................41
Error Codes ..........................................................................................................................................................................62
Front Panel...........................................................................................................................................................................30
Heater Assembly...............................................................................................................................................................43
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................................6
Inverter ..................................................................................................................................................................................45
Line Filter...............................................................................................................................................................................28
Motor Assembly ................................................................................................................................................................47
Nomenclature ......................................................................................................................................................................5
Outer Tub Assembly and Suspension.....................................................................................................................55
Overnight Ready Fan Motor ........................................................................................................................................39
Power Board Assembly..................................................................................................................................................35
Schematics ..........................................................................................................................................................................65

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Service Panel.......................................................................................................................................................................25
Service Test Mode.............................................................................................................................................................58
Steam Generator ..............................................................................................................................................................40
Thermistor............................................................................................................................................................................44
Top Panel .............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Tub Gasket (Boot)..............................................................................................................................................................51
VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display)...........................................................................................................................28
Warranty .............................................................................................................................................................................67
Wash Basket ....................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Wash Basket Pulley .........................................................................................................................................................46
Washer Components......................................................................................................................................................25
Water Level Control.........................................................................................................................................................37
Water Valve Assembly ...................................................................................................................................................41

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Model Number
Nomenclature
The nomenclature tag is located in
two places: behind the door and near
the bottom, front corner on the right
side of the cabinet.
Note: The technical sheet is located
behind the service panel on the right
side.
Nomenclature
Configuration
F = Front Load
P F W S 4 6 0 0 L 0 W W
Feature Package
P = Profile
Product
W = Washer
Key Feature
S = Steam
Engineering Revision
Specific Color
WW = White
MV = Vermilion Red
MG = Champagne
MS = Metallic Silver
Model Year
Control
Features
Serial Number
The first two characters of the serial number
identify the month and year of manufacture.
Example: VV123456S = November, 2011
V- NOV
Z - DEC
A - JAN
B - FEB
F - MAR
G - APR
H - MAY
L - JUN
M - JUL
R - AUG
S - SEP
T - OCT
2011 - V
2010 - T
2009 - S
2008 - R
2007 - M
2006 - L
2005 - H
2004 - G
2003 - F
2002 - D
2001 - A
2000 - Z
The letter designating
the year repeats every
12 years.
Example:
V - 2011
V - 1999
V - 1987
Color
0 = White
5 = Color

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Introduction
The new Profile Front Load Washer has the following features:
• Overnight Ready – A small load is washed and ready to wear in 8 hours or less without needing to move the load
from the washer to the dryer.
• Steam Refresh, which helps reduce wrinkles and odors and rejuvenates fabrics, and Steam Assist, which
penetrates fabrics to dissolve soils and help remove tough stains.
• ENERGY STAR
®
qualified and CEE Tier III rated, it meets or exceeds federal guidelines for energy efficiency for year-
round energy and money savings.
• Adaptive Vibration Control (AVC), which adapts and optimizes spin patterns, reducing vibration and sound no
matter where your laundry room is located.
• Specialty cycles – Pre-set cycles take specific care of 24 types of specialty loads, including performance fabrics,
fleece, pet bedding, and bras and hosiery.
• Energy-saving eWash option, which uses a cold water wash on select cycles without sacrificing performance.
• Ten wash cycles, which include a variety of fabric-specific settings, from Extra-Heavy Cottons to Easy-Care Colors.
• My Cycle selection, which saves a favorite cycle for future use.
• A nozzle that sprays water on the inner door glass to reduce detergent and mineral buildup.
• A built-in Service test mode that can operate specific washer components and record any associated error codes.
This diagnostic feature can be accessed on the control panel's VFD ( Vacuum Fluorescent Display).
• A two-piece plastic outer tub, which is formed from tough, lightweight polypropylene.
• A wash tub that is constructed of durable stainless steel.
• Two suspension springs and four dampers that provide maximum off-balance load protection with minimal
vibration transfer to the floor.
• An intricate door lock that keeps the door locked
during operation.
• Blackout protection, which resumes the wash cycle
when power is restored after a power loss. This
protection eliminates restarting the entire wash cycle.
• Flush door handle.
• UV stabilizers that are utilized on the control panel,
top cover, and door outer panel to prevent yellowing
when exposed to sunlight.
• The capability of installing the GE Profile dryer on top
of the washer. An optional stacking kit is available
under the accessory number GEFLSTACK.
• The capability of stacking the washer and dryer on a
pedestal, which is ordered separately.
SPSD157JMG - Champagne (Non-Bulk Dispenser)
SPSD157JWW - White (Non-Bulk Dispenser)
SPBD880JMG - Champagne (Bulk Dispenser)
SPBD880JWW - White (Bulk Dispenser)

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Control Features
(Continued Next Page)
About the washer control panel.
You can locate your model number on a label on the side of the washer.
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.
1
WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance.
2
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5
6
10
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8
9
11 14
16 13
12
PFWS4600, PFWS4605 – Profile HA Steam Washer w/ SmartDispense™
PFWH4400, PFWS4405 – Profile HA Washer w/o Steam, w/ SmartDispense™
Quick Start
If the screen is dark, press the POWER button to “wake up”
the display.
1Press the
POWER button.
2Select a wash cycle
or Steam Refresh cycle.
(Defaults are set for each cycle.
These default settings can be
changed. See Control settings
for more information.)
3If you selected a cycle other
than the SPECIALTY CYCLE,
press the START/PAUSE button.
If you selected SPECIALTY CYCLE, choose between Rinse
and Spin, Garments, Bed and Bath, and Other Specialty
for your specific needs before pressing START/PAUSE. Se
e
specialty cycles for more information."
2
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3
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5
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10
8
7
13
11 14
16 17
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Control settings. GEAppliances.com
2
While in the Specialty Cycle, use the ▲and ▼
arrow keys to scroll between the different options.
Press ENTER to select the cycle. Press BACK to go
to the previous menu.
Specialty Cycles Rinse & SPIN
Quickly rinse out any
items at any time.
GARMENTS
Coats
Dress Shirts
Hosiery/Bras
Jeans
Khakis
Sweaters
BED and BATH
Blankets (cotton)
Comforters
Sheets
Towels
SPECIALIZED CYCLES
Athletic Shoes
Energy Savings
Fabric Refresh
Fleece
Fragile Cottons
Performance Fabrics
Pet Bedding
Play Clothes
Single Item Wash
Sleeping Bag
Soak
Super Clean
Throw Rugs
WHITES/HEAVY DUTY For heavily to lightly soiled white cottons, household linens, work and play
clothes. Can use the STEAM ASSIST option with this cycle.
COLORS/NORMAL For heavy to lightly soiled colorfast cottons, household linens, work and play
clothes. Can use the STEAM ASSIST option with this cycle.
WRINKLE FREE
(PERMA PRESS) For heavy soiled colorfast cottons, household linens, work and play clothes.
STEAM REFRESH
(some models)
To de-wrinkle 1 to 5 cotton blend items. This is not a wash cycle, but a cycle
that applies only steam to the garments. Select the correct number of
garments using the arrow keys and press Enter.
The washer will beep upon completion of the cycle, and will continue to
tumble for 30 minutes to keep wrinkles from setting in. Press Start/Pause to
remove clothes.
If clothes are slightly damp after completion of the cycle, hang dry clothes for
10 minutes before wearing.
HANDWASH For items labeled hand-washable with light soils. Provides gentle rocking to
mimic the handwashing action.
DELICATES For lingerie and special-care fabrics with light to normal soil. Provides gentle
tumbling and soak during wash and rinse.
ACTIVE WEAR For active sports, exercise and some casual wear clothes. Fabrics include
modern technology finishes and fibers such as spandex, stretch and micro-
fibers.
WASHABLE WOOL
(some models) For the washing of machine washable wool products, provided that they are
washed according to the instructions on the garment label. When selecting
this cycle, you must use a detergent suitable for washing wool.
SPEED WASH For lightly soiled items that are needed in a hurry. Cycle time is approximately
30 minutes, depending on selected options.
DRAIN & SPIN To quickly drain and spin out any items at any time.
BASKET CLEAN Use for cleaning the basket of residue and odor. Recommended use of once
per month.
SPECIALTY CYCLES For unique garments that may need special treatment.
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 GentleClean
™
lifters lightly tumble the clothes into the water and
detergent solution to clean the load.

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GEAppliances.com
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 high-efficiency
detergent, or the proper wash additive
to the prewash dispenser.
The prewash feature will fill the washer
(adding the prewash detergent), tumble
the clothes, drain and spin. Then the
washer will run the selected wash
cycle.
NOTE: In some special cycles,
the prewash is selected automatically
as the default. You can modify this
selection at any time.
8
Extra Rinse
Use an extra rinse when additional
rinsing is desired to remove excess dirt
and detergent from soiled loads.
NOTE: In some special cycles, the extra
rinse is selected automatically as the
default. You can modify this selection at
any time. Some cycles have additional
rinses done automatically.
9
Delay Start
You can delay the start of a wash cycle
for up to 24 hours. Press the
DELAY START button to choose the
number of hours you want to delay
the start of the cycle. Use the Sand
T(up and down) arrows to find the
desired delay time; then press ENTER to
select the delay time. Finally, press the
START button after the desired cycle is
selected. The machine will count down
and start automatically at the correct
time.
NOTE: If you forget to fully close
the door, a reminder signal will beep
reminding you to do so.
NOTE: If you open the door when the
delay is counting down, the machine
will enter the pause state. You must
close the door and press START again
in order to restart the countdown.
10
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 LOCK button for 3
seconds. To unlock the washer controls,
press and hold the LOCK button 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.
11
BASKET LIGHT
The basket light will turn on and remain
on for 5 minutes when the door opens,
start/pause button is pressed, or by
pressing and holding the basket light
button for 3 seconds. The basket light
can be turned off by pressing and
holding the basket light button for 3
seconds. The basket light can not be
turned off while the unit is idle.
12

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14
GEAppliances.com
SMART DISPENSE™– optional accessory (on
some models)
If you have purchased the PROFILE
SMART DISPENSE System, refer to the
Owner’s Manual that comes with the
SMART DISPENSE System.
If you have not purchased the PROFILE
SMART DISPENSE System, you will not
have bulk-dispensing capability. If you
select the SMART DISPENSE option,
a message will be displayed advising
that your unit does not have the
capability. You should then put
detergent and other selected additive
in the flow-through dispenser drawer
located at the top left of
the unit. To purchase the PROFILE
SMART DISPENSE System, go online to
GEAppliances.com or contact your local
retailer.
15 STEAM ASSIST
(on some models)
STEAM ASSIST adds steam into the
washer during WHITES/HEAVY DUTY,
COLORS/NORMAL, WRINKLE FREE or
ACTIVE WEAR cycles.
To use:
1. Turn power ON and select a wash
cycle.
The STEAM ASSIST option is only
available on WHITES/HEAVY DUTY,
COLORS/NORMAL, WRINKLE FREE or
ACTIVE WEAR cycles.
2. Select the STEAM ASSIST button to
activate Steam.
3. Press the START/PAUSE button.
16 ENERGY SAVINGS WASH
Use "e" WASH to save energy on
specified wash cycles. "e" WASH cannot
be used with STEAM REFRESH, ENERGY
SAVING, ATHLETIC SHOES, BASKET
CLEAN, and WASH CARE w/ SOAK.
17 OVERNIGHT READY
(on some models)
OVERNIGHT READY is intended for
smaller loads only. This feature is
intended for use when clothes need
to be washed and ready to hang or
finished the next morning. This feature
will tumble clothes and introduce a
constant stream of air into the machine
compartment upon completion of select
wash cycles. Clothes can be removed
at any time by pressing pause. To
use the feature, press the Overnight
Ready button and follow the prompts
on the screen. After use, check the lint
filter located at the top of the rubber
door gasket, cleaning as needed.
High wear or delicate articles are not
recommended for this cycle.
The table below describes example
loads that can be used with this
feature:
2-3 athletic uniforms
2 sets of scrubs
2 sets of baby's crib sheets
1 dress shirt, 1 pair of dress pants
3 dress shirts
(Continued Next Page)

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Loading and using the washer.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Sorting Wash Loads
Loading the Washer
The wash drum may be fully loaded with loosely
added items. Do not wash garments containing
flammable materials (waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.).
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
the door open when it is locked. After the door
unlocks, open gently. Add items, close the door
and press START/PAUSE to restart.
Colors
Whites
Lights
Darks
Soil
Heavy
Normal
Light
Fabric
Delicates
Easy Care
Sturdy Cottons
Lint
Lint Producers
Lint Collectors
Combine large and small items in a load. Load large items first. Large items should not be more than half
the total wash load.
Washing single items is not recommended. This may cause an out-of-balance load. Add one or two
similar items.
Pillows and comforters should not be mixed with other items. This may cause an out-of-balance load.
Sort dark-colored clothes from light-colored clothes to prevent dye transfer. This is a high-efficiency
washer, so it uses less water, making dye transfer more common.
WORKWEAR
4 Jeans
5 Work Wear Shirts
5 Work Wear Pants
LINENS
2 Bath Sheets
10 Bath Towels/
12 Washcloths
7 Hand Towels/
2 Terrycloth Bath
Mats
OR
2 Flat Queen-Sized
Sheets
2 Fitted
Queen-Sized
Sheets
4 Pillowcases
MIXED LOAD
4 Pillowcases
2 Hand Towels
2 Flat Sheets/
2 Fitted Sheets
2 Bath Towels/
4 Washcloths
OR
6 Shirts (Men’s
or Women’s)
4 Pair Pants
(Khakis
or Twills)
5 T-shirts
7 Pairs of Boxers
4 Pairs of Shorts
OR
6 T-shirts
4 Pairs of
Sweatpants
4 Sweatshirts
2 Hoodies
7 Pairs of Socks
DELICATES*
7 Bras
7 Panties
3 Slips
2 Camisoles
4 Nightgowns
*Using a nylon
mesh bag for
small items is
recommended.
SPEED WASH
(2–4 GARMENTS)
2 Casual Wear
Work Shirts
1 Pair Casual Wear
Work Pants
OR
3 Soccer Uniforms
Loading Examples*
*Using a nylon mesh bag for small items is recommended.

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Care and Cleaning/General Maintenance
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering. GEAppliances.com
Cleaning the Door Gasket
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 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.
Cleaning the Pump Filter
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. Using a small flathead screwdriver,
open the access door.
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.
3. Pull down the pour spout.
4. Turn the pump filter counterclockwise
and remove the filter slowly, controlling
the flow of the draining water.
5. Remove the filter and clean the debris
from the filter.
6. Replace the filter and turn clockwise.
Tighten securely.
7. Flip up the pour spout.
8. Close the access door by hooking the
bottom tabs first, then rotating the
access door shut.
Pump
filter
(Continued Next Page)

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Dispenser Drawer Area: 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
right rear corner of the drawer cavity and press down firmly on the lock tab,
pulling out the drawer.
Remove the insert from the bleach and fabric softener compartments and the
detergent insert. Rinse the inserts and 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.
Return inserts to the proper compartments. Replace the dispenser drawer.
To reduce buildup in the Dispenser Drawer area:
Use only HE
High-Efficiency
detergent.
Lock tab is visible only after
drawer has been pulled out
Loading and using the washer.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
(Continued Next Page)

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Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering. GEAppliances.com
Fabric Care Labels
Machine
wash
cycle Normal Permanent Press/
wrinkle resistant
Gentle/
delicate Hand wash Do not wash Do not wring
Water
temperature
Hot
(50°C/120°F)
Warm
(40°C/105°F)
Cold/cool
(30°C/85°F)
WASH LABELS
Bleach
symbols
Any bleach
(when needed) Only non-chlorine bleach
(when needed)
Do not bleach
BLEACH LABELS
Below are fabric care label “symbols” that affect the clothing you will be laundering.
DETERGENT LABELS
Use only HE High-Efficiency detergent.
Profile Smart Dispense System
The Profile SMART DISPENSE System lets
you store laundry detergent and fabric
softener to be dispensed automatically
during the wash and rinse cycles of this
washer. NO BLEACH may be used in
this dispense system. See the Owner‘s
Manual that is included with the Profile
SMART DISPENSE System for installation
instructions.
Pedestal
There is a pedestal available for your
washer. This pedestal gives the washer
more height and gives storage for your
washing necessities. Included with the
pedestal is a divider that allows you
to store liquid laundry detergent out
of sight. See the pedestal installation
instructions.
Available accessories.
(Continued Next Page)

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Demo Mode
In demo mode, the only components that will function are the control LEDs. No other components will
operate. The countdown display will run much faster than normal.
To Enter Demo Mode To Exit Demo Mode
1. Turn off the unit.
1. Unplug the washer.
2. Open the door.
3. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Restore power to washer.
5. Press START/PAUSE 4 times within 30 seconds
of applying power.
Use same procedure as entering demo mode.
Note: Removing power from washer will not exit
demo mode.