How to Easily Replace Your Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273CF02 Air Filter for Fresher Food

Replacing the air filter inside your Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273CF02 refrigerator is a critical maintenance task to ensure optimal food freshness, reduce odors, and maintain peak performance. You should replace this filter approximately every six months, depending on refrigerator usage. Use only Frigidaire PureSource Ultra Filter (part number UFC803) or the newer Genuine Frigidaire PureSource Air Filter (part number EUF3) specifically designed for compatible Frigidaire Gallery models like yours. Replacement involves simple steps: locating the filter holder, removing the old filter, preparing the new one, and clicking it securely into place, taking only a few minutes. Procrastinating this essential task compromises your refrigerator’s ability to keep produce crisp and meats fresh. Here’s the comprehensive guide for replacing your Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273CF02 air filter effectively.

  • Why Replacing Your Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273CF02 Filter Matters: Your refrigerator does more than cool; it actively circulates air through a specialized filter. This refrigerator air filter traps microscopic particles responsible for odors – think onions, cheeses, leftovers – preventing them from spreading throughout your food compartments. Over months, the filter becomes saturated, rendering it ineffective. Freshness diminishes as ethylene gas builds up near produce, accelerating spoilage. Air quality declines. Replacing the filter ensures consistently fresh-tasting food and pure-smelling air every time you open your refrigerator.

  • Finding the Correct Replacement Filter: Using the correct filter is non-negotiable for proper function and fit. The Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273CF02 requires specific filters:

    • Original Filter: PureSource Ultra Filter (Part Number UFC803). This was the filter likely installed when your refrigerator was new. It remains widely available.
    • Newer Replacement: Genuine Frigidaire PureSource Air Filter (Part Number EUF3). Frigidaire transitioned to this newer model designation, but it remains fully compatible with your GRMC2273CF02 refrigerator and functions identically to the UFC803. It often has updated packaging.
    • Avoid generic or uncertified replacements. While cheaper initially, they may not filter effectively, may not fit correctly, or could leak water due to poor seals, causing interior problems. Ensure any purchase, whether UFC803 or EUF3, clearly states Genuine Frigidaire Part. Purchase only from authorized appliance parts dealers, home improvement stores (like Home Depot or Lowe's), Frigidaire directly, or highly reputable online retailers.

  • Location of the Air Filter in the GRMC2273CF02: Before you begin the replacement, turn off the ice maker control arm to prevent accidental ice dispensing. The air filter in your specific Frigidaire Gallery French Door refrigerator model (GRMC2273CF02) is located on the top right ceiling inside the refrigerator compartment. Look up from the main fresh food section – you’ll see a small, rectangular plastic housing protruding slightly. This housing holds the filter securely. It’s distinct from the water filter compartment on the interior base grille, which typically only houses the water filter for the ice maker and dispenser.

  • Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Filter:

    1. Prepare: Wash your hands to avoid transferring dirt or oils. Locate your new Genuine Frigidaire filter (UFC803 or EUF3). The new filter comes with protective caps on each end. DO NOT REMOVE THESE CAPS YET.
    2. Locate the Filter Housing: Open the refrigerator doors fully. Look upwards at the ceiling towards the front right-hand corner. Identify the rectangular filter housing and its release latch mechanism, usually a tab or button.
    3. Remove the Old Filter: Firmly press the latch or release button on the housing. This will disengage the holder. Allow the front end of the housing to drop downward or swing open slightly. Pull the old filter straight out and downward. Discard it.
    4. Prepare the New Filter: Remove the protective caps ONLY from the new filter immediately before installation. One cap will typically have color-coded tabs (red/green arrows). Discard the caps. Do not puncture or damage the filter membrane inside. Hold the filter horizontally with the colored arrows or manufacturer's label pointing towards the front of the refrigerator (away from the back wall).
    5. Install the New Filter: Carefully slide the front (labeled) end of the new filter upwards and into the front cavity of the filter holder housing first. Then, angle the back end up into place, ensuring it aligns correctly.
    6. Secure the Filter: Push upwards firmly and evenly on the center rear area of the filter housing until you hear a distinct audible click or feel it fully snap into the upper receiver. This click/snap is crucial. It indicates the filter is locked securely and the water bypass seal is properly engaged. The housing should now be flush again with the ceiling.
    7. Reset the Indicator (Optional but Recommended): Many Frigidaire Gallery models, including the GRMC2273CF02, have a filter indicator light. Consult your user manual for the specific procedure for your model. Often, this involves pressing and holding the "Light" or specific "Filter Reset" button on the control panel for about three seconds. Reset this light to start tracking the next six-month interval.

  • Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues: Most replacements proceed smoothly, but be aware of these potential issues:

    • Filter Won't Click/Lock: Ensure the caps are fully removed and the filter has no obstructions. Double-check alignment. Push firmly and centrally on the housing itself near the back, not just the filter. Verify the new filter has the correct part number (UFC803 or EUF3) – a slightly wrong size prevents locking.
    • Water Leak Near Filter Housing After Replacement: This is usually caused by an unsecured filter failing to engage the internal bypass valve correctly. Re-check the filter is fully snapped up until the audible click occurs. If it clicked but leaks, the filter may be defective, non-genuine with poor seals, or an internal fridge component issue unrelated to filter replacement warrants investigation. Check the housing alignment is secure against the ceiling.
    • Filter Indicator Light Won't Reset: Confirm the correct button sequence and holding time per your owner's manual. Some models require holding a button while plugging the fridge back in. The light usually cycles automatically after 30 seconds of holding the reset. If problems persist, check your manual again or note that the light resets based on operation time, so wait a day.

  • Establishing a Replacement Schedule: Don't rely solely on the indicator light. Mark your calendar upon installation. The standard recommendation is every six months. However, adjust based on usage:

    • Replace more frequently (every 4-5 months) if you open the doors constantly, store strong-smelling foods, or keep large amounts of produce.
    • Replace slightly later (every 7 months) if usage is very light, but don't exceed the maximum interval.
    • Immediately replace a filter if unpleasant odors become noticeable inside the refrigerator even after cleaning, or if stored produce seems to spoil more rapidly than expected.
    • Keep a spare filter on hand. The PureSource Ultra/UFC803 and PureSource/EUF3 filters are readily available, so avoid running out and delaying this essential maintenance task, risking food freshness deterioration.

Ignoring the air filter replacement diminishes your Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273CF02 refrigerator’s core functionality. Food deteriorates faster. Odors linger and mix. Air quality suffers. Following the recommended steps using the correct Frigidaire PureSource Ultra (UFC803) or PureSource Air Filter (EUF3) guarantees optimal refrigerator operation. Consistently replacing the filter every six months protects your investment, extends appliance life, and, most critically, safeguards the freshness and quality of the food your family consumes daily. Prioritize this crucial maintenance task to maintain peak performance from your Frigidaire French Door refrigerator.

Back to blog