I have a GE Profile Performance side-by-side fridge (model TPX24SPBA), and have a RO installed for fridge and kitchen sink. I have what I am pretty sure is the right plug to bypass the filter. Part number WR02X10173).

Removing the filter is a snap, done it many times, just a 1/4 turn and it is off. Like an oil filter on your car, but only 1/4 turn and its off. Problem is that what you then see is not going to accept the plug that I got.

I've looked for an online image of the plug -- no luck. Other than a piece of plastic on the one end to hold on to the thing, it is shaped like TV cable ... it is a hollow plastic tube slightly bigger than 1" diameter, tube wall thickness maybe 1/8", and coming out from the center of the inside of the tube is a plastic pin, about 1/8" diameter, and the the length of the pin extends slightly past the end of the tube, by about 3/8".

What I see in the bottom-center of the assembly where the filter was, is a cylindrical piece of plastic ("nipple") about 3/4" long with a small hole in the end. This nipple is designed to fit in to the opening of the filter. The plastic pin of the plug will not fit in the hole in the end of the nipple, and even if it would, that wouldn't make sense to me, because you'd be trying to get two "male" pieces to fit in to each other, and social commentary aside, that doesn't work very well.

This is why I think that some of the assembly that the filter goes on to has to be removed for the plug to be used. It appears that the assembly has to be turned to the left to remove it, but the assembly will not turn. It may be frozen tight. Is there a special way to remove the assembly? I don't want to damage it.

I have seen this thread started before, but no answer was provided.

I may not be on when you get back, so here is your problem.....

Here is the plug you have---->Part Details - GE Water filter bypass plug, part number: WR02X10173

When you changed filters, at one point you had to get an adapter for the new filter (white) to fit in the filter head recepticle that is this part----->Part Details - GEH Ge smartwater™ refrigerator filter adapter, part number: ADAPTER

So, for you to use the bypass plug you have, you need to remove that adapter, it unscrews just like the filter does.

Hope this helps