Frigidaire Water Filter Replacement Guide: All Models & Filter Types

To replace your Frigidaire water filter, first locate your refrigerator’s model number—usually on a label inside the fresh food compartment on the left wall. That number tells you which filter type your fridge uses and where it’s installed: behind the bottom grille, under a base grille cover, or inside the fresh food compartment. This guide covers all three locations, how to pick the right filter, and the exact steps for a swap that works the first time.

Quick answer

Turn off the ice maker, locate the old filter, remove it (twist or pull depending on location), install the new filter dry, and flush 3–4 gallons through the dispenser. Reset the indicator light after installation. The filter type depends on your model—match the part number printed on the existing filter, not just the brand name.

Tools and prerequisites

You need a towel and a shallow bowl to catch drips. No tools are required for most models. Before you start, run through this decision aid:

• Model number confirmed — Look inside the fresh food compartment (usually left wall). Write it down before ordering a filter.
• Correct replacement filter in hand — Match the part number printed on the old filter’s label. PurePour and PureAdvantage look similar but are not interchangeable.
• Ice maker turned off — Set it to Off or raise the arm so it does not try to dispense during the first flush.
• Water supply shutoff valve closed — If reachable behind the fridge, turn it off to cut leak risk while you work.
• Towel and shallow bowl ready — Catch the few ounces that drip out during the swap.

One counter-intuitive detail most guides skip: Do not soak the new filter in water before installation. Frigidaire owner manuals tell you to install the filter dry. Soaking releases carbon fines prematurely or damages the O-ring seal. Instead, flush the new filter after installation by running water through the dispenser.

Step-by-step plan

Frigidaire uses three main filter locations. Find yours, then follow the steps for that type.

Grille‑mount filters (twist‑off, bottom grille)

Used on many older side-by-side and some top-freezer models such as the FFSS2615TS or FRT21LR.

1. Locate the filter behind the bottom grille. It sits horizontally, often behind a small trap door or directly visible.

2. Turn the filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. Pull it straight out. Some water will drip—catch it with your towel.

3. Remove the two caps or rubber stoppers from the new filter if present. Insert the new filter into the housing with the arrow pointing toward the body of the fridge.

4. Twist clockwise until the filter locks into place. You will feel a definite stop, and the arrow should line up with the lock icon.

5. Run 3–4 gallons of water through the dispenser — see flushing instructions below.

Base grille filters (push‑in, behind grille cover)

Common on Gallery and Professional French door models such as the FGHS2631PF or FRXC2326AW.

1. Remove the front grille cover. On most models, pull the bottom of the grille outward; on others, press two release tabs at the top. Set the grille aside.

2. Grasp the old filter — it is a rectangular cartridge — and pull it straight out. It may require a firm tug. Expect a small spill.

3. Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the back of the fridge. Push it in until it clicks or seats flush.

4. Reinstall the grille cover by aligning the tabs and pressing until it snaps back.

5. Flush the system — see next section.

Interior filters (twist‑off or push‑release, inside fresh food compartment)

Found on a few Professional and top-freezer models such as the FPFU19F8WF or FRT18G5AW6.

1. Open the filter compartment door — usually upper right or left rear corner of the fresh food section.

2. Twist the old filter counterclockwise or press a release button on some versions, then pull it out.

3. Remove caps or stoppers from the new filter. Insert and twist clockwise until it stops. If your model uses a push-in design, push until it clicks.

4. Close the compartment door.

5. Flush the system.

Flushing the new filter (all types)

This step is critical to clear air pockets and carbon fines.

• Run 3–4 gallons of water through the water dispenser. That is about five 64-ounce cups or letting the dispenser run for 3–5 minutes.
• Discard all the flushed water. Do not drink it — taste or color may be off.
• If water sputters or flow is weak, air is likely still trapped in the line. Run another 1–2 gallons until the stream is steady.

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Verification and success check

After flushing, run a full glass of water and watch for these signs:

• Water comes out in a steady stream, not sputtering or spurting.
• Flow rate matches what you had before the old filter (not noticeably slower).
• No puddles or drips form around the filter housing or grille area.

Reset the indicator light (instructions below). If the water tastes or smells odd after 24 hours of normal use, the filter may not be fully seated or could be incompatible. Check the part number again.

Resetting the filter indicator light

If your refrigerator has a control-panel light or icon that reminds you when to change the filter, reset it after installation.

• Most models: Press and hold the Filter or Reset button for 3–5 seconds. The indicator will change from red or orange to green or turn off.
• Older LCD touch panels: Press the Options button, then select Water Filter and choose Reset.
• Models without a dedicated button: Unplug the refrigerator for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This may reset the timer in some units.

If the light stays red after a reset, you may have installed the wrong filter type. Re-check the part number.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
Water sputters or spurts	Air in the line	Continue flushing until a steady stream runs for 30 seconds.
Water tastes like plastic	Carbon fines not fully flushed	Flush another 2–3 gallons. If it persists after 24 hours, replace the filter with a genuine one.
Small leak at filter housing	O-ring not seated or filter not fully locked	Remove the filter, check the O-ring for damage, lubricate with water, reinstall, and twist until tight.
Indicator will not reset	Incorrect reset sequence or wrong filter	Confirm the reset procedure for your model. Check that the filter is genuine and compatible.

Common failure mode: wrong filter type

One mistake that trips up owners is installing a PureAdvantage filter (EPWF01) in a model that calls for PurePour (PWF‑1), or vice versa. The two cartridges are similar in diameter but differ in O-ring position and internal flow design. Symptom: the filter fits and locks, but water flow is weak or a slow leak develops after a few hours. Cause: the O‑ring does not align with the housing seal. Safer move: remove the filter, double‑check the part number printed on the old filter (not on the box), and install the correct type. If you have already run several gallons and the problem persists, do not try shimming or adding tape—obtain the correct filter.

When to stop and call a professional

Stop DIY replacement and contact a technician if you see any of these:

• Visible crack in the filter housing or grille-mount base.
• Water continues to sputter after flushing 5+ gallons steadily.
• The filter will not lock into place despite correct orientation.
• Leak reappears after you have reseated the O‑ring three times.

These signs often indicate a cracked housing, a worn quick-connect fitting, or debris inside the water line. A repair technician has the tools to diagnose internal damage, and trying to force a fix risks flooding your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change my Frigidaire water filter?

Every six months. If your household uses ice heavily or your water contains sediment, replace it every four months.

Can I use a third‑party off‑brand filter?

Many aftermarket filters meet the same specs and cost less. However, using a non‑certified filter may void the warranty on your ice maker or water valve. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53.

Why is my water pressure very low after the new filter?

Air trapped in the new filter cartridge is the usual cause. Flush 3–4 gallons of water. If pressure does not improve, remove the filter, flush the line for 10 seconds, reinstall, and try again. Persistent low pressure could indicate a clogged filter or an incompatible filter.

For more detailed preparation, check our step by step guide for frigidaire water filter replacement. If you need a visual walkthrough for a specific model, see our how to replace water filter on frigidaire refrigerator article.