GE GSC820 User manual

UseandCareGuidel
Dishwasher
Safe~ instructions.........................3
Operating Instructions, Tips
ApplianceRegistration.................................2
China, Crystal, Sterling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cycle Features ................................................6
DetergentGuide.............................................9
Dispenser
Cups...............................................9
DryingOptions................................................6
Energy-SavingTips........................................7
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...6, 7
Loading . . . . . . . . . 10, 11
Operatinginstructions.............................6,7
Rinse Agent
.....................................................8
Unicouple.........................................................4
WaterTemperature.......................................8
❑
✎
✎✎ ✎ ✎ ✎ ✎✌
✎✎ ✎✎✎✎✌✌
3:{’
Care and Cleaning
Air Gap.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Winter Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wood TOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Problem SoIver..............,........l7-l9
More questions ?...call
GE Answer Center@ 800.626.2000
Preparation
Front Panel Change . . 14
Consumer Services ..................23
Important Phone Numbers .......................23
Model and Serial Numbers ..........................2
Repair Service
.................................................2
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...,..........Back Cover
~ Convetiible Model GSC820
I
GE Appliances

HELP US HELP YOU...
Before using your
dishwasher, read this
guide carefully.
It is intended to help you
operate and maintain your new
dishwasher properly.
Keep it handy for answers to
your questions.
If you don’t understand something
or need more help, write (include
your phone number):
Consumer Affairs
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
If you received
a damaged dishwasher...
Immediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you the
dishwasher.
Save time and money.
Before you request
service . . .
Check the Problem Solver in the
back of this guide. It lists causes
of minor operating problems that
you can correct yourself.
To obtain a Spanish language Para
obtener la versi6n en
version of this book, call Espafiol de este manual,
GE Answer
Center@ name a
800.626.2000
GE Answer Center,@
consumer information service. servicio de informaci6n
para el consumidor,
telifono 800.626.2000.
Write down the model
and serial numbers.
You’ll find them on a label
fastened to the tub wall just
inside the dishwasher door.
These numbers are also on the
Consumer Product Ownership
Registration Card that came
with your dishwasher. Before
sending in this card, please write
these numbers here:
Model Number
Serial Number
Use these numbers in any
correspondence or service
calls
concerning your dishwasher.
IF YOU NEED SERVICE...
To obtain service, see the Consumer Services page in
the back of this guide.
We’re proud of our service and want you to be
pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the
service you receive, here are three steps to follow for
further help.
FIRST, contact the people who serviced your
appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most
cases, this will solve the problem.
NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write
all the
details—including your phone number—to:
Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
FINALLY,
if your problem is still not resolved, write:
Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel
20 North
Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606”
2

A
WARNING-When using this
appliance, always exercise basic
safety precautions, including the
following:
● Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose, as you will find described in this
Use and Care Guide.
a
● This dishwasher must be properly
,4(
“Q-\~; $
installed and located in accordance
s ~ .+,
with the Installation Instructions
-d..;+ ~ ,
before it is used. If you did not
receive an Installation Instructions sheet with your
dishwasher, you can obtain one by calling, toll
free, the GE Answer Center? 800.626.2000.
—This appliance must be connected to a grounded
metal, permanent wiring system; or an
equipment-grounding conductor must be run
with the circuit conductors and connected to
the equipment-grounding terminal or lead of
the appliance.
—Connect to a properly rated, protected and sized
power-supply circuit to avoid electrical overload.
● Do not store or use combustible
=
I
.’@*
materials, gasoline or other
. . . ,. ~
flammable vapors and liquids
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
● Use only powder or liquid detergents or wetting
agents recommended for use in a dishwasher.
● Do not wash plastic items unless marked
“dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic
items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
● Load light plastic items so they will not
become dislodged and drop to the bottom of
the dishwasher—they might come into contact
with the
Calrod@ heating element and be damaged.
To minimize the possibility of injury.
● When loading items to be washed:
A, Locate sharp items so that they are not likely
to damage the door seal, and
B. Load sharp knives with the handles up to
reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.
● Do not tamper with controls,
● Do not touch the Calrod@ heating element during
or immediately after use.
● Do not operate your dishwasher unless dl enclosure
panels are properly in place.
. Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on
the door or dish
rack of the dishwasher.
● Close supervision is necessary if this appliance
is used by or near children. Do not Mow children
to play inside, on or with this appliance or any
discarded applimce. Dispose of discarded
appliances and shipping or packing material
properly. Before discarding a dishwasher, remove
the door of the washing compartment.
● Keep all washing detergents and wetting agents
out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked
cabinet. Observe dl warnings on container labels
to avoid personal injury.
%3
● To minimize the possibility of
/“
electric shock, disconnect this
appliance from the power supply
<efore attempting any maintenance. NOTE:
Turning the control dial to the OFF position
does not disconnect the appliance from the
power supply. We recommend having a qualified
technician service your appliance.
A
WARNING-HYDROGENGAS
is produced by the chemical action
within your water heater. It can
accumulate in the water heater andor
water pipes if hot water has not been
used for a
period of two weeks or longer. HYDROGEN GAS
IS EXPLOSI~. To prevent the possibility of
damage or injury, if you have not used hot water
for two weeks or more, or moved into a residence
in which the hot water system may not have been
used for some time, turn on all hot water faucets
and allow them to run for several minutes before
using any electrical appliance which is connected
to the hot water system. This will allow any
hydrogen gas to escape. Also, since the gas is
flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame
or appliance during this process.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
3

HOW TO USE THE UNICO~LE
Before operating your dishwasher the first time...
Attach the Faucet Adapter. The special faucet adapter
supplied with your dishwasher must be assembled to the
sink faucet before you can use your dishwasher.
The faucet adapter is designed to fit standard spouts
having internal or external threads. You will find the
adapter and two washers in the “Faucet Adapter”
packet in your dishwasher.
To install faucet adapter, first remove
the old aerator or trim ring on your faucet spout.
If faucet has internal threads:
Insert both washers into the
faucet adapter and attach it
m
to the faucet spout.
If the faucet adapter threads
do not match your faucet spout,
@
your local hardware or plumbing
supply store normally has additional fittings to
adapt your faucet spout to the special faucet adapter.
If faucet has external threads:
NOTE: A sink spray attachment hose can burst ifit
Insert the thinner of the two
is installed on the same sink with your dishwasher
washers into the faucet adapter
We suggest that you disconnect the sink spray
and attach it to the faucet spout.
attachment if your sink has one and plug the hole.
8
How to connect the Unicouple
1. Pull Unicouple and its hoses completely out from
storage compartment located at rear of dishwasher
and attach it to the faucet adapter.
2. Attach the Unicouple
connector to the
faucet adapter by
depressing collar
at the top of the
connector. When
Unicouple is all
the way up onto
the adapter, release
w
the collar. It will then
snap into position to lock the Unicouple in place.
The Unicouple’s small hose carries water from
the faucet to the dishwasher. Its large hose carries
drain water to the sink. Be sure Unicouple is
pointing toward the sink bowl drain opening and
the sink drain is open for water that will drain from
your dishwasher. If your dishwasher drains into a
disposer, operate the disposer until it is completely
empty before starting the dishwasher.
3. Turn hot water fully on before starting the dishwasher.
How to use the Faucet-Flo nozzle
The Faucet-Flo nozzle is
part of the Unicouple connector.
Operate the nozzle by depressing
the pressure release button on the
front of the Unicouple connector.
You will find the Faucet-Flo
nozzle useful for several reasons.
For example:
“ It allows you to flush the
cold water out of the hot
water line so that you can better
regulate your water temperature.
● It allows you to test the
temperature of the water
before starting your dishwasher.

How to disconnect the Unicouple from faucet adapter
1. Turn off the hot water.
3. Release Unicouple from faucet by depressing
2. Release the water pressure by depressing the collar at the top of the Unicouple connector.
the pressure release button. This relieves
water pressure and protects you, and the
room, from severe splashing.
How to disconnect your dishwasher
1. Remove the power cord plug from the wall NOTE: When motor stops at the end of the
receptacle. final rinse, the Unicouple can be disconnected
2. Disconnect Unicouple from faucet adapter.
and returned to storage.
How to drain excess water from Unicouple hoses
If the sink is 34” or higher from the floor,
the excess water in Unicouple hoses cannot be
drained directly into the sink. It will be necessary to
drain excess water from hoses into a bowl or suitable
container that is
held outside and lower than the sink.
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTNCITY
Caution, for personal safety:
DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD OR
AN ADAPTER PLUG WITH THIS APPLIANCE.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CUT OR
REMOVE THE THIRD GROUNDING PRONG FROM THE POWER CORD.
Dishwasher must be electrically grounded in accordance with local codes and ordinances, or in the
absence of local codes, in accordance with the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE,
ANS~FPA NO. 7&1987.
Electrical requirements
● This appliance must be
supplied with
120V, 60 Hz,
and connected to an individual,
properly grounded branch circuit,
protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit
breaker or
timedelay fuse.
● If the electric supply
PD
o
.0 Q*
“7,
a
??,
provided does not meet the above
INSURE PROPER
specifications, it is recommended
GROUND EXISTS
that a licensed electrician install
BEFORE USE
an approved outlet.
● Your dishwasher circuit
should not be used for any
other appliance while the
dishwasher is in operation as
the dishwasher requires the full
capacity of the circuit.
● If the wall receptacle you
plug the dishwasher’s power
cord into is controlled by a
switch, turn on the switch.
5

w
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR DISHWASHER
STEP 1. Load your dishwasher with dishes, silverware,
pots, pans, bowls, etc., according to the Loading section.
STEP 2. Add detergent to the detergent dispenser.
Make sure the Cycle Indicator Dial is at OFF position
before adding detergent. (See Detergent Guide).
Use rinse aid agent to help prevent spotting.
Occasionally check to insure that rinse agent container is
at least half full. (See How to Use a Rinse Agent section).
STEP 3. Select drying option.
HEATED DRY. Turns the
drying heater on for fast drying.
ENERGY SAVER
(no heat boost).
Turns the drying heater off to save
energy. The dishes will dry naturally
❑
H\;;ED E::;[RY
,.o”F.r Bwm!
m
over a longer period such as overnight.
If you need your dishes sooner, open the dishwasher
after the cycle is complete to reduce natural drying time.
Use of this option reduces electrical energy used
by this model approximately
10% for the NORMAL
WASH cycle.
STEP 4. WASH HEAT BOOST Option.
To test water temperature, see “How
To Test Water Temperature section.”
The entering water must be between
120°F.
and 140°F. Use the WASH HEAT BOOST
D
W~]~::AT
❑
option when water is less that 140°F.
When selected, the wash cycle will be
extended for 21 minutes while the dishwasher
heats the water for good washing and drying.
STEP 5. Select the wash cycle and start the dishwasher.
(See Cycle Selection Hints).
If your dishwasher drains into a food waste
disposer, operate the disposer until it is empty
before starting the dishwasher.
To obtain the benefits of a complete cycle,
be careful that you
do not turn the dial any
farther than necessary
to start the dishwasher.
● For POTSCRUBBER, NORMAL WASH and
LIGHT WASH cycles:
a. Push selected cycle button.
b. Latch the door.
c. Slowly turn the Cycle
Indicator Dial to ON
position to start the
cycle. You will hear
the motor start. There
is a time delay between
the start-up and the water
POT. MOM&l L~T
SCRUBBER WASH WASH
fill so you”will not hear any wash action right away.
● For RINSF. & HOLD cycle:
a. Be sure door is unlatched.
b. Select ENERGY SAVER
“
drying option.
c. Slowly turn the Cycle
Indicator
Dial to the
RINSE & HOLD position.
E
o~,:”,
~~ WASHING
G ‘,*
@
\\
.\ I
~
,/”
. .
‘R(NSE6HOLD ‘“$~’l’”y{o~,’o~,
d. Latch the door to start the cycle.
Cycle Selection Hints
It is important to follow the Loading instructions.
● POTSCRUBBER—For items such as
pots, pans, cookware, dishes and glasses with
heavy soil. Everyday dishes may be included.
● NORMAL WASH—For loads of everyday
dishes, glasses
and cookware with medium soils.
Designed to yield high performance
on normal soils.
● LIGHT WASH—For dishes with light
soils that have not dried on, or that have extra
preparation before loading. It saves water and energy.
● RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing partial loads
which will be washed later.
D() not U.YC detergent.
6

What Happens in Each Cycle
● You 11 hear occasional clicking sounds: ● During the drying period:
—Soft food disposer shredding action. —The motor stops.
—Drain valve opening to pump water out. —Water vapor comes through the vent by the door
—Timer control as cycle progresses. latch during drying and when water is being
—Detergent cup opening.
pumped out.
Wash Cycle
Water Use
Time
Gallons
Minutes
Wash Cycles (approx.) (approx.)
Cycle Sequence
POTSCRUBBER
12.1
65*
Wmmmmmm
NORMAL WASH
12.1
51*
Wmmmmmm
LIGHT WASH
10.3
51*
mmmmmm
RINSE & HOLD
4.9 14
mmm
* Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased approximately 2 I minutes if Wash
Heat Boost Option is selected.
Drying Options:
HEATED DRYING. Available on all wash cycles except RINSE & HOLD. Add 25 minutes to wash cycle time.
ENERGY SAVER. Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally.
Energy-Saving Tips
● Operate dishwasher only when it’s full. Let the ● If you don’t need your dishes right away, use your
dishes accumulate in dishwasher. When you put in ENERGY SAVER no-heat boost drying feature
only a partial load, use the RINSE & HOLD cycle to that turns the drying heater off automatically. Dishes
rinse off heavy soils. Be sure to latch the door when dry naturally over a
longer period such as overnight.
waiting for a full load. This helps keep soils moist,
easier to remove.
● Always select the cycle that uses the least amount
● Turn your water heater down to 120°F. and use of water that will remove the soil from the load.
the WASH HEAT BOOST Option. Make sure the (See the Operating section.)
entering water temperature is-no less than
120°F.
(See How to Operate Your Dishwasher section).
Good Dishwashing Starts with HOT Water
To get dishes clean and dry, you need hot water. To help you get
water of the proper temperature, your dishwasher has a WASH HEAT
BOOST feature. When selected (see How to Operate Your Dishwasher section),
this water heating feature allows you to turn down your household water heater
and save energy if you’re willing to let the dishwasher run a little longer while it
heats water. For good washing and drying, the entering water must be between
120°F.
and 140°F. To prevent dish damage, inlet water shodd not exceed 150°F.
7

How to Test Water Temperature
Higher water temperature is needed to dissolve grease and
activate powder detergents. If the water temperature is less
than 140°F., use the WASH HEAT BOOST option. See
WASH HEAT BOOST section. Check water temperature
with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on the hot water
faucet nearest dishwasher. Put the thermometer in a glass
and let the water run continuously into the glass until the
temperature stops rising. If the water temperature is below
120°F., adjust your water heater.
Helpful hints: If outside temperatures are unusually low,
or if your water travels a long distance from water heater
to dishwasher, you may need to set your water heater’s
thermostat up. If you have not used hot water for some
time, the water in the pipes will be cold. Turn on the hot
water faucet at sink and allow it to run until water is hot.
Then start dishwasher. If you’ve recently done laundry or
run hot water for showers, give your water heater time to
recover before operating the dishwasher.
To improve washability if water is less than
120°F.
and you cannot adjust your water heater: Select a
longer cycle and fill both detergent cups at least
half-full with detergent.
How to Use a Rinse Agent
The rinse agent makes water flow off dishes quicker
Your dishwasher’s rinse agent container holds
than usual. This lessens water spotting and makes approximately 4fi ounces. This should last about
drying faster, too.
3 months. Fill as needed. Do not overfill.
For best
dishwashing performance, use of a rinse If you accidentally spill: Wipe up the rinse
agent such as JET-DRY brand is recommended. agent with a damp cloth. Don’t leave the
spiI1 in the
Rinse agents come in either liquid or solid form. dishwasher. It can keep your detergent from working.
Your dishwasher uses the liquid form. If you can’t find any rinse agent, write:
How to fill the rinse agent dispenser.
Unscrew the caps. Note the FULL line on the
tip of the cap. Add liquid rinse agent until it
just reaches the top of the FULL line. Replace
the cap. The dispenser automatically releases
the rinse agent into the
final rinse water.
[* Bl$$im
v
BENCKISER CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
(“JET-DRY”)
Corporate Centre 1
\
55 Federal Road
P.O. Box 1991
FULL
Danbury, CT. 06813-1991
How to Choose and Use the Right Detergent
First, use only powder or liquid detergent
specifically made for use in dishwashers.
Other types will cause oversudsing.
Second, check the phosphate content. Phosphate
helps prevent hard-water materials from forming
spots or film on your dishes. If your water is hard
(7 grains or more), your detergent has to work
harder. Detergents with a higher phosphate level
will probably work better. If the phosphate content is
low (8.7% or less),
you’ll have to use extra detergent
with hard water.
Your water department can tell you how hard your
water is. So
can your county extension agent or your
area’s water softener company. Just call and ask them
how many “grains” of hardness there are in your water.
How much detergent should you use? That
depends. Is your water “hard” or “soft”? With
hard water, you need extra detergent to get dishes
clean. With soft water, you need less detergent.
Too much detergent with soft water not only wastes
money, it can be harmful. It can cause a permanent
cloudiness of glassware, called “etching.” An outside
layer of glass is etched away! Of course, this takes
some time. But why take a chance when it’s easy
to find out the hardness of your water.
Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Under the sink
isn’t a good place to store detergent because there is too
much moisture. Don’t put powder detergent into the
dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes. (It won’t be
fresh OR dry).
If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it
away.
Old detergent often won’t dissolve. If you use a
liquid dishwasher detergent, these precautions are not
necessary because liquid detergents don’t “lump” as
they age or come in contact with moisture.
8

You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside
door of your dishwasher. Two, because some cycles
use two washes.
See “Detergent Usage Guide”
below. (Be sure the CYCLE OPEN
INDICATOR DIAL is at
CUP
OFF position before adding
detergent, Otherwise, the
detergent cup will not close
4&
5
\
and latch properly).
MAIN
CUP
A
B’
Close the main cup.
NOTE: To open the detergent
cup after it has been closed,
unlatch the door and rotate
/ {
the Cycle Indicator Dial a
full turn to the OFFposition. ;.-
When the closed cup contains
C*
soap it is best that the door be
in a partially open position
before rotating the Cycle
G%ASP HANDLE,
ROTATE AND
Indicator Dial. This will
CLOSE TIGHTLY
help reduce the amount oj’
detergent and rinse aid agent spillage into the tub.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
SOFT WATER MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(O-3 grains hardness) (3-7 grains) (7-12 grains*)
CYCLES
I Main Cup I Open Cup I Main Cup I Open Cup I Main Cup$ I Open Cup$
POTSCRUBBER
Half Full
~ Half Full Completely
~ Half Full Completely
~ Completely
NORMAL WASH
Full Full Full
LIGHT WASH
Half Full None
Half Full None Completely None
Full
RINSE & HOLD Use no detergent Use no detergent Use no detergent
*12 grains and up is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without it,
$Filled Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons;
lime can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding, Filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.
How to Prepare the Dishes for Washing
If this is your first dishwasher, or if you’re replacing
a much older model, you may wonder how much
preparation your dishes need. Actually very little.
Prerinsing of normal food soils is not necessary. With
common sense and a little practice
you’ll soon know
what foods to remove. Here are some guidelines:
1. Scrape off bones, seeds, skins, toothpicks and other
hard solids. It is also best to remove hard-shelled
vegetables, meat trimmings, leafy vegetables and
crusts. Remove excessive quantities of oil or grease.
2. Remove large quantities of any food. Your dishwasher
has a built-in soft food disposer that pulverizes soft
food bits and flushes them away. It can handle small
amounts of soft foods, but large amounts will be
difticult to handle.
3. Place dishes in dishwasher before soil has a chance to
dry and become hard. Dishes with dried-on soil are
more difficult to wash and may not come clean in the
POTSCRUBBER cycle. Remember to use your
RINSE & HOLD cycle for small “holding” loads.
NOTE: The foods mentioned are examples only.
Other foods not mentioned may also need to be
removed from your dishes. You may also want to
consider removing foods such as mustard, mayonnaise,
vinegar, lemon juice and other foods that can cause
discoloration of stainless steel if allowed to remain
on dishes for a long period of time.
When using the POTSCRUBBER cycle, less
preparation is required before loading. The
POTSCRUBBER cycle can wash heavily soiled dishes
and remove dried-on and baked-on soils from pots,
pans and casseroles. Items with burned-on soils may
not come clean, and the dishwasher cannot remove
burn marks or restore fading caused by overheating
during cooking.
9

HOW TO LOAD YOUR DISHWASHER
This is a random mixed load, the most <omrnon type
you will have.
Make sure dishes are properly loaded to insure that
water can reach the soiled surfaces. The wash arm
in the bottom sprays water up. The tower that rises
in the center sends water out over the dishes to wash
the items in the upper rack. A spray arm in the top
washes down also. Make sure to place tall items to
the outside so the upper wash arm is not blocked.
WATCH OUT FOR THIS.
The wash tower rises through the center of the bottom
rack during the wash and rinse portions of the cycle.
Don’t block it or load
tall things next to it. Also, be
careful not to let a portion of an item such as a pot or
dish handle extend through the bottom rack. This could
block the wash arm and cause poor washing results.
HOW TO LOAD THE TOP RACK
-’?\.
e
The top rack is best for glasses, cups and saucers.
Cups and glasses fit best along the sides. This is
the place for dishwasher-safe plastics, too. Make
sure small plastic items are lodged in tightly so
they can’t fall onto the Calrod” heating element.
Arrange stemware so that they cannot move
easily. Don’t let the glasses touch each other.
10
Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other small items may
be placed—face down—in the top rack. The top rack
is handy for all kinds of odd shapes. Be sure the force
of water and detergent can reach soiled surfaces.

Pots, pans, casseroles, salad bowls, mixing bowls and
lids must be loaded in the bottom rack, facing down. Load platters, pots, pans and bowls along the sides, in
corners or in the back. All large items, such as pitchers,
salad bowls and mixing bowls, should be washed in the
lower rack.
Fit plates and saucers between the pins. Place items
so that water and detergent from wash arm can reach
soiled surfaces.
Don’t let any
m
item
throl
Heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles MUST be loaded
in the bottom rack, facing down. Prop broiler pans and
racks along the edge.
Put flatware in the removable basket with handles up
to protect your hands. Mix knives, forks and spoons
so they can’t nest together. Distribute evenly. Small
plastic items, such as measuring spoons and lids from
small containers are not recommended for automatic
dishwashing. If placed in the dishwasher, they should go
in the bottom of silverware basket with silverware on top.
Precaution!
Take out anything that may fall or extend through the
bottom of the basket
11

WHAT YOU CAN USUALLY WASH SAFELY
IN YOUR DISHWASHER.
Usually
Safe
Material Exceptions (not safe) Special Instructions
Some darkening or spotting possible.
Remove
by scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
Aluminum YES
Some colored anodized
aluminum can
fade.
Chirrti
Stoneware
YES
YES
Antique, metal-trimmed,
hand-painted or over-the-glaze
patterns
fade. Gold leaf
will discolor.
Antique, metal-trimmed or
hand-painted patterns fade.
Gold leaf will discolor,
If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. Or test wash
one piece daily for at least a month. Compare with the
rest of the set.
Crystal
Load securely to prevent movement. Check
your manufacturer’s instructions for your crystal.
Non-dishwasher
items—such
as electronic
air cleaner
filters, furnace
filters, paint
brushes, etc.
NO
Do not wash in dishwasher, Damage to dishwasher
and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
Milk glass may yellow.
Glass
YES
Iron
NO Iron will rust
NO
YES
Pewter ttirnishes.
Pewter
Plastics If it doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one
niece in the
toD rack before dishwashinz an entire set,
Stainless steel
YES
Rinse if not washing immediately.
Salty or acid foods can stain if left on.
Sterling Silver
and Silver plate
YES
Don’t put in same silverware
basket with stainless steel.
Contact between metals
can
damage silver.
Don’t wash copper utensils in
the same
load. Silver may get a
brown film.
Adhesive used to attach some
hollow-handle knives can loosen.
Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acid foods can
stain if left on. Dry detergent can cause difficult-to-remove
black spots. Place in back section of silverware basket to avoid
exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.
After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable
oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Non-stick
coatirr~s
YES
Tin
Wood
NO
NO
Tin can rust.
Wood can warp, crack or lose
its finish with any type of washing.
Forget a dish? Here’s when you can add it.
Add dishes any time during the RINSE & HOLD
cycle. With other wash cycles, you can add dishes
at any time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion
of the cycle.
However, opening the door during any cycle
lessens cleaning power. So try to load everything
at the beginning.
Here’s how to add a forgotten dish:
1. Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.
2. Wait a few seconds until the water calms. Then
open the door. WARNING: Hot vapor may rise
from opened door.
3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.
4. Close the door and push the latch to the far right.
When the door is locked, washing will continue.
12

USER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Clean the control panel with a lightly dampened Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner (Cat. No.
cloth. Dry thoroughly. Do not use abrasives or sharp WR97X0216) is available from GE Appliance
objects on the panel. They can damage it.
Parts Marts.
Clean the outside with a good appliance polish The inside usually takes care of itself. If it should
wax. The outside cabinet finish is durable, but it ever need cleaning, use a mild cleansing powder.
can scratch. So use no scouring pads, or harsh or Scouring pads and harsh cleaners can mar the finish.
gritty cleaners.
Not Using Your Dishwasher in Winter? Protect
If your dishwasher is left in an unheated
place during the winter, ask a service technician to:
● Cut off electrical power to the
dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip circuit breaker.
● Turn off the water supply.
● Disconnect the water inlet line from the water valve.
● Drain water from the inlet line and water valve.
(Use a pan to catch the water.)
Against Freezing. (On built-in models only)
● Reconnect the water inlet
line to the water valve.
● Drain collection chamber at ~
rear of unit below filter by
disconnecting hose to pump.
~
Reconnect after draining. ,,
● Remove the plastic pump
r
PUMP C:VER SCREWS I
~
cover in the ~ub bot~om and
use a sponge to soak up water in the rubber boot.
Removing the wood top
Remove the mounting
screws under the front of
the top. Pull top forward
and upward.
r
To remove the protective cover, use scissors to cut
&-~.-–&-
the bag from the underside. To reinstall the top align
screws in bottom of top with slotted holes in panel
flange. Slide top to rear of unit. Reinstall front screws.
‘r
DO NOT operate the dishwasher without the
wood top in
place.
Care of the wood top
Before using, wipe well with
a dry cloth to remove surface
dust. Wood top is treated with
a preservative at the factory.
However, if a high gloss is desired,
or finish dulls - use a commercially
available wood treatment (non-
toxic) according to the
manufacturers instructions.
Wood tops should not be used as
Should your top become too
a place for thawing frozen foods,
stained or cut, sand with #000( 150)
even when protected by a sheet of or #000(220) sandpaper and then
aluminum foil. Never let water wipe with a non-toxic mineral oil.
stand
on wood top.
Wipe off any excess oil immediately
To remove water stains, rub with
with a soft, dry cloth.
a cloth saturated with non-toxic
mineral oil (available at most
drug stores). Wipe off excess oil
immediately with a soft, dry cloth.
Conversion Kit
A special kit (Cat No. WD35XOI 93) for changing a convertible dishwasher
to a permanent built-in installation is available from your dealer or service organization.
13

HOW TO CHANGE COLOR PANELS
If you are redecorating, you can change your The panel is held in place by the door trim and the
dishwasher’s front panels to match or blend with your trim on the panel below the door. Each side of each
new colors.
panel is a different color. Or you can paint a panel
with the color of your own choice.
How to change door panel insert:
1. Take out trim screws on either side of the
dishwasher door. Remove the side trim.
2. Slide the door panel out.
(Careful—edges may be sharp.)
3. Turn the door panel around and put the color you
want in front.
4. Replace the door panel, side trim and screws.
NOTE: Do not operate
dishwasher while changing
panels or when lower access
panel is removed.
How to change the lower panel:
1. Remove the panel attachment screws.
Attachment Screws
2. Remove the entire access assembly by lifting it up
and over the retaining tabs.
3. Take out the top trim screws and remove the
top trim.
4. Slide the color panel (s) up and out and put the
color you want in front.
5. Replace the top trim and screws.
6. Replace the entire access assembly by hanging it
back on the retaining tabs and replace the
attachment screws.
Wood panels
A wood panel trim kit, GPF 40, contains trim and Use the order form on the next page to order,
instructions for adding a decorative wood door panel without charge, a color panel not supplied with
and lower access panel no thicker than 1/4” to match your dishwasher or a wood panel trim kit
GPF40.
kitchen cabinets. The kit is available at no extra cost.
(Specify
GPF40).
1A

ORDER FO~ FOR COLOR PANELS
x
r ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
w
K
~
ORDER FOm
Use this form to order, without charge, your choice of
a color panel not supplied with your dishwasher or
a wood panel trim kit.
Please mark only one box.
Harves~lack
❑ Kit GPF 40
Door and Access Panel GPF 26
Wood Panel Trim Kit
FOLDHERE
Name:
Address:
City:
State: Zip Code:
Model No.: Serial No.:
Date Purchased:
15

16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAPE HERE
Name
Address
City, State
Zip
GE Appliances
c/o Dri-View Mfg.
4706 Allmond Ave.
Louisville, KY 40209
PLACE
STAMP
HERE

PROBLEM
DISHWASHER
WON’T RUN
UNUSUAL NOISE
DISHES DON’T DRY
UNCLEAN DIS~S
AND ~ATWARE
DE~RGENT LE~
W DISPENSER CUPS
DETERGENT CUP
L~ WON’T LATCH
-R ADD~G
DETERGENT
YELLOW OR
BROWN ~M
POSSIBLE CAUSE
A fuse in your home maybe blown, or the circuit breaker tripped. Replace fuse or
reset circuit breaker.
Remove any other appliances from the circuit.
Utensils may not be secure on rack pins, or something
smtil may have dropped from
the rack. Water is causing utensils to rattle. Make sure everything is securely placed
in dishwasher.
Make sure inlet water temperature is correct. (See How to Test Water Temperature
section).
Unload the bottom rack first. Water from dishes in the top rack maybe spilling into
the bottom rack.
Check for improper loading. Dishes shouldn’t nest together. Avoid overloading.
Check the rinse agent dispenser to see that it’s not empty.
Check
irdet water temperature. It should be at least 120°F. (To test, see How to Test
Water Temperature section).
Water pressure may be temporarily low. Turn on a faucet. Is water coming out slower
than usual? If so, wait until pressure is normal before using your dishwasher.
Plugged air gap. (See Care and Cleaning section).
Improper rack loading. (See Loading section).
Water may not be reaching the detergent cups. Move dishes that maybe blocking
detergent cup.
The dispenser cover may not be opening or may be blocked by improperly loaded
items. If you used a powder detergent, open the cup and remove any caked-on
detergent. If the cup still doesn’t open automatically, call for service.
Detergent may be old. If the powder detergent is hard or caked in the box, throw it
away. The detergent may not be working
well. Try another brand.
Cycle Indicator Dial must be
0~ for cup lid to close and latch properly, If you
unlatch the door and open it to dry your dishes, the Cycle Indicator Dial does
not advance by itself.
Tea or coffee can stain cups. Remove the stain by hand, using a solution of 1/2 cup
bleach and 3 cups warm water.
An overall yellow or brown film on dishes or glassware can be caused by iron
deposits in water. A special filter in the water
supply line is tie only way to correct
this problem. Your water softener company can tell you about the filter.
Yellow film on sterling silver results when you wash copper utensils in the same load.
Silver polish will usually remove this stain,
(continued next page)
17

T~ PROBLEM SOLVER
(continued)
PROBLEM
SPOTS AND
FILMING ON
GLASSES AND
FLATWARE
CLOUDINESS ON
GLASSWARE
CHPPING OF CH~A
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Spotting can be caused by dl these things:
● Extremely hard water. (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section).
● Low inlet water temperature. (See How to Test Water Temperature section).
● Overloading the dishwasher.
● Improper loading. (See Loading section).
Q Old or damp powder detergent.
● Phosphate level in detergent too low. (See How to Choose and Use
Detergent section).
● Rinse agent dispenser empty. (See How to Use a Rinse Agent section).
● Too little detergent, (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section),
Local water conditions and personal preferences vary. Try several brands of
detergents to find one that gives the best results for you. A liquid dishwasher
detergent may help reduce filming.
To remove stubborn spots and film from glassware:
1. Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
2. Do not add detergent.
3. Select POTSCRUBBER cycle.
4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run for 18 to 22 minutes. The dishwasher will
now be in the main wash.
5. Then open the door and pour 2 cups (500 ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of
the dishwasher.
6. Close the door and allow to complete the cycle.
If vinegar rinse doesn’t work: Repeat as above, except use 1/4 cup (60 ml) of citric
acid
crystis instead of vinegar. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals. If yours
doesn’t,
cdl GE Factory Service).
Using a vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse more than twice a month? Consider a home
water sofiener.
If vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse doesn’t work, the cloudiness is “etching.”
The film cannot be removed.
It can be prevented: Use less detergent if you have soft water. Wash glassware in
the shortest cycle that will get them clean.
Water temperature entering dishwasher exceeds
150°F.
Rough handling can cause chipping. Load with care. Make sure glassware and china
are secure and can’t jar loose. (See Loading section). Make sure
tall glasses and
stemware will clear the top of the tub when you push the rack into the dishwasher.
Always use the top rack for delicate items.
18

PROBLEM I POSSIBLE CAUSE
BLACK OR GRAY
MARKS ON DISHES
SMALL AMOUNT OF
WATER STANDING
IN THE BO~OM
OF THE TUB
Aluminum utensils often leave marks when they rub against dishes. Remove marks
with a mild abrasive cleanser.
Water around the outlet on the tub bottom at the back of the tub is normal. It is clean
water. It’s there to keep the water seal lubricated.
WATER WON’T PUMP
OUT OFT= TUB
If the entire bottom of the tub has water, you may have a drain problem. Clean the air
gap, if you have one. (See Care and Cleaning section).
Check the kitchen sink. Is it draining well? You may need a plumber.
If dishwasher drains into disposer, run disposer to clear. Be sure disposer is not
clogged.
SUDS IN THE TUB Sudsing detergents are not meant for dishwashers. USE ONLY AUTOMA~C
DISHWAS~R DE~RGENTS TO AVOID SUDSING.
To remove suds from the tub: Open the dishwasher. ht suds evaporate, Add 1 gallon
of cold water to the tub, Close and latch the dishwasher. Pump out water by slowly
turning the control
did until a drain period is reached.
Repeat if necessv.
DISHWAS~R
Suds can cause unit to oveflow. That’s why it’s so important to use a detergent that’s
LEAKS designed for automatic dishwashers.
MOTOR HUMS
STAIN~G OF
TUB
INTEMOR
Spilling the rinse agent can cause foam during washing. This can lead to ovefiowing.
Wipe up accidentd spill of rinse agent with a damp cloth.
Dishwasher has not been
used on a regular basis.
If you do not use your dishwasher often, set it to fill and pump out once every week.
This
will help keep the sed moist, and the garbage disposer clear.
Some detergents contain colorant (pigment or dyes) that will discolor the tub
interior with extended use. Check the detergent cup for signs of any discoloration.
If cup is discolored, change to detergent without any colorant,
If you need more help. ..call, toll free:
GE Answer Center”
800.626.2000
consumer information service

NOTES
20