For small, hollow or mushy ice from the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS, GE's article says the usual causes are a clogged water filter (replace it, dispense about 2 gallons to flush it and allow several ice cycles), a freezer temperature that is too cold (hollow cubes can occur below -10 F) or an ice maker that fills too slowly, and a restricted water supply (a kinked line after the refrigerator was pulled out, a self-piercing saddle valve that needs re-piercing or replacing). GE notes that in homes with lower-than-average water pressure the ice maker may cycle multiple times to make one batch, and that the supply must be 40 to 120 psi.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE refrigerator makes small, hollow or misshapen ice”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A clogged water filter
What separates it There are small or hollow cubes and slow dispenser flow because of a clogged water filter
How to confirm Replace the filter, flush about 2 gallons and let the ice maker cycle several times
- 2
The freezer is too cold or the ice maker fills too slowly
What separates it Hollow cubes, especially at the rear of the mold
How to confirm Set the freezer to 0 F; below -10 F can cause hollow cubes
- 3
A kink or restriction in the supply line
What separates it The refrigerator was recently installed or pulled out and cubes are small
How to confirm Check the line is not bent or kinked and that any saddle valve is fully open
- 4
Low water pressure
What separates it The ice maker cycles several times per batch because of low water pressure
How to confirm Confirm that the supply pressure is 40 to 120 psi
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The freezer temperature and the filter's age
- Whether the refrigerator was recently moved
- The type of shutoff valve on the supply line
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedReplace the filter
ReversibleReplace the water filter, run about 2 gallons through the dispenser to flush it and let the ice maker go through several cycles, dumping the first ice.
Check the freezer temperature
ReversibleGE recommends 0 F for the freezer. Below -10 F hollow cubes can occur. Raise the setting a little if it is very cold.
Check the supply line
ReversibleMake sure the line is not bent or kinked, especially after installation or moving the refrigerator.
Check the saddle valve
ReversibleIf a self-piercing saddle valve is used, turn it all the way in and then back out to pierce the hole again. A self-tapping valve does not give a proper opening; GE recommends one requiring a 1/4 inch drilled hole.
Check the water pressure
ReversibleThe ice maker needs 40 to 120 psi of cold water; low pressure can make the ice maker cycle several times per batch.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- How the ice mold fills
- GE explains the ice maker fills from the rear through an overflow system, so water moves forward into each cube space and fills the front cube last. The thermostat is in the front cube, so if the rear cubes freeze too soon they are ejected before they are solid, which is how hollow cubes form.
- Parts for this problem on the PVD28BYNFS (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- bypass plug, part number WR17X33825, at $40.94; dual water valve w/ flow meter, part number WR57X32000, at $111.25; door and ice maker control board located on top , part number WR55X32080, at $176.16.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PGE29BYTFS, GFE28GYNFS, CYE22TSHSS, GSS25GYPFS, GDE21EYKFS.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If cubes stay small after the filter, temperature and supply line are corrected, contact GE service since the valve may be restricted
- !If a saddle valve is self-tapping, GE recommends replacing it with a proper valve by a plumber
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support articles for refrigerators; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
GE's own troubleshooting page for the SmartHQ pairing steps and the Connected Home Support line.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why are my cubes hollow?+
GE lists a clogged filter, a very cold freezer or an ice maker filling too slowly.
What is the freezer setting for ice?+
GE recommends a freezer setting of 0 F for ice.
What is a saddle valve problem?+
A self-tapping saddle valve does not open the pipe properly and restricts water.
How much should I flush a new filter?+
About 2 gallons through the dispenser.
Can low pressure make small cubes?+
Yes, and the ice maker may cycle multiple times per batch.
Do cubes stick together?+
It is normal for several cubes to be joined together.
Who fixes a restricted line?+
A plumber; GE says a restriction in the supply line is a plumbing issue.
Can a restricted valve on the fridge cause it?+
Yes, and that is fixed by service.