How to remove bottom grille on GE refrigerator?
On the GE PFE28PMKBES bottom-mount refrigerator, the bottom grille (base grille) typically comes off by releasing its retaining tabs or removing any securing screws, then pulling the grille straight out from the front. Use the handling notes in the PFE28PMKBES owner's manual to avoid damaging trim and flooring.
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker (safer when working near wiring and fans).
- Pull the refrigerator straight out a few inches if you need better access; avoid rolling over the power cord or water line.
- Look along the top edge of the grille for screws; remove them if present.
- If there are no screws, grip the grille near the ends and pull straight outward to pop it free from clips.
- Tilt the grille slightly and lift it away from the bottom edge to fully remove it.
- Reinstall by lining it up with the slots/clips and pressing it back into place; reinstall screws if your grille uses them.
The grille area is where we often find the condenser coil and condenser fan airflow path. If the grille feels stuck, stop and check for hidden fasteners.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips-head screws | Grille is screw-secured | Remove screws first, then pull out |
| No screws, firm resistance | Clip-on grille | Pull straight out near the clips, not from the center |
| Grille flexes a lot | You are pulling from a weak spot | Re-grip near corners/ends |
Removing the bottom grille the right way prevents cracked plastic tabs, keeps the refrigerator level, and helps protect the floor when you move the unit for cleaning or service.
- Vacuum dust from the grille openings.
- If you are cleaning behind or moving the refrigerator, raise the leveling legs first and pull the unit straight out.
- If cooling performance is poor, cleaning the condenser area can help; if symptoms persist, check common airflow and defrost components listed for this model on the parts list, such as the refrigerator evaporator fan motor and blade WR60X10352 or refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WR50X10108.
You can also find model-specific replacement parts for PFE28PMKBES on the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the main 5 parts of a refrigerator?
The main five parts that make a refrigerator cool are the compressor, condenser, expansion device, evaporator, and a temperature-sensing control (thermistor/temperature sensor). In your GE PFE28PMKBES bottom-mount refrigerator, these parts work together to move heat out of the fresh food and freezer compartments.
- Compressor: pumps refrigerant through the sealed system and creates the pressure difference needed for cooling.
- Condenser coil: releases heat to the room as hot refrigerant cools and condenses.
- Expansion device: drops refrigerant pressure so it can get cold before entering the evaporator.
- Evaporator coil: absorbs heat from inside the refrigerator and freezer.
- Thermistor/temperature sensor: tells the control board when to run cooling based on compartment temperature (a common example is the refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025).
These parts support cooling and are often involved in symptoms like warm temperatures, frost buildup, or poor airflow:
- Evaporator fan motor (moves cold air through the compartments)
- Defrost heater and defrost thermostat (prevents the evaporator from icing over)
- Main control board (runs the compressor, fans, and defrost logic)
- Door gaskets (keep warm, humid air out)
| Category | Examples | What you notice when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Core cooling system | Compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, temperature sensor | Not cooling, unstable temps, long run times |
| Support components | Fans, defrost system, control board, gaskets | Frost buildup, warm fresh food, noisy operation, moisture/condensation |
Knowing the “core 5” helps you troubleshoot faster. For example, if temperatures drift from the recommended settings (typically 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer), a sensor or airflow/defrost issue is often more likely than a sealed-system failure. For model-specific control features and temperature settings, use the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What does a GE model number tell me?
A GE model number identifies the exact refrigerator design family and configuration so we can match the correct parts and documentation to your appliance. For GE bottom-mount models like PFE28PMKBES, the starting letters also indicate the style group (for example, PFE models are standard-depth in the manual). See the PFE28PMKBES owner's manual for where to find the model and serial label.
Your refrigerator’s label gives you two different kinds of information:
- Model number: the platform and feature set (doors, dispenser style, electronics, filter type, etc.) used to select compatible parts
- Serial number: the unit-specific production code used for manufacturing date and warranty documentation
- Brand and series: confirms you are working with a GE refrigerator family (helpful when comparing parts lists)
- Depth class (for many GE bottom-freezer models): the manual groups model prefixes into standard-depth vs counter-depth families
On this GE refrigerator, we look for the rating label:
- Inside the fresh food compartment
- Left side wall, near the middle
- Record both the model and serial before ordering parts or troubleshooting
The prefix is often the fastest way to confirm the family:
| What you see | What it typically indicates | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| PFE (like PFE28PMKBES) | Standard-depth model family (per the manual grouping) | Helps ensure the right doors, drawers, and internal covers match |
| Different prefix (GYE, PYE, etc.) | Often a different depth or platform family | Parts like shelves, gaskets, and boards may not interchange |
Using the exact model number prevents wrong-part returns and speeds up diagnosis. For example, electronics and sensors can vary by platform; if you are chasing temperature issues, the correct refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 depends on matching the model family.
If you are troubleshooting symptoms instead of shopping, we also use the model number to pull the right diagnostic info such as GE refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a GE refrigerator?
The most common problem we see on GE refrigerators like model PFE28PMKBES is a cooling complaint (warm fresh food section, warm freezer, or temperature swings). In many cases, the root cause is restricted airflow or heat transfer, or a failed cooling component such as the evaporator fan motor.
- Dirty or blocked condenser area (can make the compressor run longer and temps rise)
- Air vents blocked by food packages (prevents proper circulation)
- Frost buildup from a defrost problem (air cannot move through the evaporator)
- Evaporator fan not running or noisy (poor airflow to the fresh food section)
- Temperature sensing or control issue (sensor or control board)
- Confirm settings: freezer around 0°F; fresh food around 37°F.
- Make sure vents are not blocked in both compartments.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: it should run when the compressor is running (door switch may need to be pressed to test).
- Check for heavy frost on the back wall inside the freezer (points to a defrost issue).
- If temperatures are erratic, test the sensor and airflow components before replacing major controls.
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps, fan noise, weak airflow | Evaporator airflow | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor and blade WR60X10352 |
| Temps swing, false readings | Temperature sensing | Refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 |
| Heavy frost, warm fridge section | Defrost system | Refrigerator defrost heater WR51X10131 and refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WR50X10108 |
| Random behavior, multiple symptoms | Controls | Refrigerator main board assembly WR55X46805 |
Cooling issues can look like a “bad compressor,” but many are caused by airflow restrictions or a single failed component (fan, defrost heater, thermostat, or sensor). Checking the basics first helps avoid unnecessary part replacement and food spoilage.
- Use the PFE28PMKBES owner’s manual for temperature recommendations, control features, and operating tips.
- If the refrigerator is showing a fault, use GE refrigerator error codes to match the code to the likely system.
You can order replacement parts for PFE28PMKBES from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





