GE GSD2800 Series User manual

Dishwasher
Contenk
Air Gap
20
POTSCRUBBER Cycle
4,13
Appliance Re~stration
2
Problem Solver
17-19
Care and Cleaning
20
Rinse Agent 12
China, Crystal, Sterling
16
Safety Instructions
3
Consumer Services
23
Systems Monitor
7-1o
Cycle Features
11
User Maintenance Instructions 20
Detergent, Detergent Guide 12, 13
Warranty
Back Cover
Dispenser Cups 13 Water Temperature
12
Energy-Saving Tips
2
Winter Storage
20
Front Panel Color Change
21
Loading
14, 15
Lock Controls Feature 6
Model and Serial # Location
2
Operating Ins~ctions
4-6
Cycle Selection 4
Dishwshing Shortcut
6
Drying Options
5
GE Answer Center
a
Soil Level 4
808626.2000
Models GSD2800 SERIES
GE Appliances
—— -—— ..-.

Help us help you...
Before using your
dishwasher, read this
book 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
Write down the model
and serial numbers.
You’ll find them on a label 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 No.
=erial No.
Use these numbers in any
correspondence or service calls
concerning your dishwasher.
If you received a
damaged dishwasher...
Immediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you the
dishwasher.
Save time and money.
Before you call for -
service . . .
Check the Problem Solver section.
It lists causes of minor operating
problems that you can correct
yourself.
Energy-Saving
Tips
c Operate the dishwasher only
when it’s full. Let the dishes
accumulate in dishwasher. When
you put in only a partial load, use
the RINSE
& HOLD cycle to rinse
off heavy soils. Be sure to latch the
door when waiting for a full load.
This helps to keep soils moist,
easier to remove.
Always select the cycle that uses
the least amount of water that
will remove the soil from the
load. See Cycle Features section.
● Select the SOIL OPTION that
will remove soil from load.
● If you don’t need your dishes
right away, use your HEATED
DRY off (Energy saver) feature
that turns the drying heater off
automatically. Dishes dry
naturally over a longer period
such as overnight.
. Watch the SYSTEMS
MONITOR for more ideas.
See Systems Monitor section.
Kyou need service
To obtain service, see the
Consumer Services page in the
back of this book.
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, lL 60606
Convenience
Features
This dishwasher has many
convenient features. Among
them are:
● Controls are arranged left to right
as you use them.
● Automatic “beep” responses to
instructions and a lighted display
will let you know the desired
function has been selected.
● Lets you adjust your washing
cycle to the amount of soil on
your dishes.
● Lets you select fast, heated drying
or energy-saving, no-heat drying.
● A SYSTEMS MONITOR that
tells you what’s happening in the
dishwasher and if certain things
are wrong.
● Lets you LOCK the controls to
prevent accidental tampering.
“ Remembers your last cycle so
you don’t have to reprogram each
time. See Shortcut section.
2

WORTANT SAFETY ~STRUCTIONS
Read dl instructions before wing this apptimce.
AWARNIN+When
using this appliance, always
exercise basic safety precautions,
including the following:
Q Use this appliance only for
its intended purpose, as you
will find described in this Use
and Care Guide.
Q Thk dishwasher must be
properly installed and located
in accordance with the
InstaHation Instructions 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 terrnind or
lead of
the appliance.
<onnect to a properly rated,
protected and sized power-supply
circuit to avoid electrical
overload.
● Do not store or use
combustible materials, gasoline
or other flammable vapom 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 Ctiod”
heating element and be damaged.
To tinitize the possibtiity
of ~ury.
● 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 touch the Calrod@
heating element during or
immediately after use.
● Do not operate your dishwasher
unless all enclosure panels are
properly in place.
● Do not tamper with controls.
● 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 allow
children to play inside, on or with
this appliance or any discarded
appliance. 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 all
warnings on container labels to
avoid personal injury.
● To minimize the possibility
of electric shock, disconnect
this appliance from tie power
supply before attempting any
maintenance. Note: Turning the
control did to the OM position
does not disconnect the appliance
from the power supply. We
r~ommend having a qualified
technician service your appliance.
A
WA~~&~DROGEN
GAS 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
EMLOSIW. 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 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 T~SE
~STRUCTIONS
3
—
.-—. .—

How to operate the dishwasher
SYSTEMS MONITOR
This panel tells you what is \
happening in the dishwasher and
can alert you to some possible
problems.
Information displayed:
● Selected wash cycle
● Selected dry option
● Minutes to end of cycle
● Cycle phase, such as WASHING,
RINSING or DRYING
● Diagnostic codes to alert you to
possible problems
● Relative energy used by each
cycle. Lets you choose the cycle
you need that uses the least energy.
See Systems Monitor section for
explanation of displays and codes.
STEP 1
Load your dishwasher with dishes,
silverwwe, pots, pans, bowls, etc.
according to instructions in the
Loading section.
STEP 2
Add detergent to the detergent
dispenser.
Use rinse aid agent to help prevent
spotting. (See How to Use a Rinse
Agent section.)
Close and latch dishwasher door.
ENERGY MONITOR
SELECTED CYCLE
INDICATOR LIGHTS
TIME TO END OF CYCLE CYCLE PHASE
I
c]
POT- NOR!
<“;ER ‘;
0[
STEP 3 ~
Select desired wash cycle
Touch the center of the pad.
● POTSCRUBBER is for items
such as pots, pans and casseroles.
Everyday dishes may be included.
● NORMAL WASH is for loads
of everyday dishes with medium
soils. Designed to yield high
performance on normal loads.
● SHORT WASH is for most
loads of everyday dishes with
light soils or soils that have not
dried on. It saves hot water over
the higher performance cycles,
thus saving energy. Pre-rinse
dishware before loading.
● CHINA CRYSTAL is for
lightly soiled china and crystal.
The wash action is softened by
pumping air along with the water
to protect your delicate items.
Pre-rinse dishware before loading.
Follow loading instructions in the
Loading section.
● RINSE & HOLD is for rinsing
partial loads which will be washed
later. Do not use detergent. Do not
use DELAY START with this cycle.
To change a setting, just touch
desired pad.
Your dishwasher is now
automatically programmed
including a Soil Option Selection.
Cycle Indicator Lights tell you the
complete program. And a number
in the SYSTEMS MONITOR
will
tell you how long the cycle will
t&e. If you’re satisfied, just touch
the START pad.
4

DOOR LATCH “OFF” POSITION
/
STEP 6
tions
Soil Options Heating Options
f
CHINA RINSE HEAVY NORMAL LIGHT
CRYSTAL & HOLO HEATEO
SOIL SOIL SOIL RINSE
It
8s8
t
‘E:;’ m
00000 0,0 @m
7
/
,
STEP4
Select a Soil Option
If you wish to make program
changes, start with the soil level.
YOU should select a change within
30 seconds, otherwise all panel
lights will go out. To relight, touch
any pad or open and re-close door.
● HEAVY SOIL should be
selected when dishes are extra
soiled or extra greasy. This gives
dishes an extra rinse in every cycle
except RINSE & HOLD. This
lengthens
cycle.
● NORMAL SOIL is automatically
programmed when a cycle is
selected. You may want to change
the selection depending on the soil
on your dishes.
. LIGHT SOIL will save time and
money if you pre-rinse your
dishes. This shortens
all cycles
except RINSE & HOLD.
STEP 5
Select a drying option
● HEATED DRY on—Provides
faster drying. Can be changed
while cycle is running.
● HEATED DRY off (Energy
Saver)—Shuts off heating unit.
Dishes air-dry naturally. It takes
longer, but saves energy. You can
prop door open about 3 inches
after motor stops to speed drying.
Excellent for overnight drying.
Energy Saver helps reduce
electrical energy used by this
model approximately
6~o.
● HEATED RINSE—Select with
either POTSCRUBBER or
NORMAL WASH. Heats water in
final rinse to
140°F.–1450F. Touch
pad once for on, once more for off.
This option may be changed at any
time before or after start of cycle.
When selected, the cycle may
extend up to 20 minutes while the
machine heats the water. During
the heating extension the minutes
countdown is on hold.
Start the dishwasher
● When you’re ready to wash
dishes, touch the START pad.
There is a time delay between
start-up and water fill so you
will not hear any wash action
right away. Dishwasher
will
proceed through your entire
program and turn off automatically.
To delay the start, touch DELAY
START pad. The SYSTEMS
MONITOR will read “1
hrs delay.”
Touch pad once again for each
hour desired up to 9 hours. The
machine will count down and start
automatically at the correct time.
Note: Don’t forget to put detergent
in cup and close cup. Do not use
DELAY START with the RINSE &
HOLD cycle.
To change a cycle after washing
starts, touch the CLEAR RESET
pad to cancel cycle. After water
is pumped out and motor stops,
you can reprogram and restart
the dishwasher.
5
-— — ..— .—

Dishwmhing shortcut
The dishwasher remembers your If you don’t want to change any of
last cycle so you don’t have to
the settings, simply touch START.
reprogram each time. NOTE: If there has been a power
When the dishwasher is loaded and
failure, NORMAL WASH, NORMAL
the door latch is moved to the ON SOIL and HEATED DRY off will
position, the control panel will automatically be programmed.
display the last settings you selected.
Make any new selections as
desired and touch START.
How to lock dishwmher controls
to prevent use by
ctidren
Your dishwasher has a “hidden”
control pad. When this pad is Touch here twice
Soil Options
-0
touched twice within 3 seconds, all within 3 seconds to
H:;~ N~~~LAL ::;:
pads become inoperative and no lock or unlock the
new selections can be made until
control panel.
099
the lock is released. The word
LOCKED appears in the
SYSTEMS MONITOR. 000
Children cannot accidentally start
dishwasher by touching pads. The
only control unaffected is the
DELAY START. If this selection
has been made, dishwasher will
start automatically after whatever
delay you have selected.
6

The SYSTEMS MONITOR tells you what’s happeting
DISPLAY
WHAT IT MEANS
NUMERALS FROM Number of minutes left in the cycle.
1 to 99 MINUTES
NUMERALS FROM Number of hours delay until start of cycle.
1 to 9
HRS. DELAY
ENERGY MONITOR Shows relative amount of energy used from LO (one bar lighted) to HI (all five bars
LO—— —— — HI
lighted).
ENERGY SAVER Indicates energy-efficient selection made such as SHORT WASH, LIGHT SOIL or
ENERGY SAVER (UNHEATED) DRYING.
WASHING ] Displayed during Pre-wash, Pre-rinse and Main Wash periods.
RINSE Displayed during Rinse periods following the Main Wash.
DRYING Displayed during HEATED DRY on when selected.
RINSED ONLY Indicates completion of RINSE & HOLD cycle. Remains on until door is unlatched.
HEATING
Indicates water is being heated—in wash or rinse period—to temperature necessary for
good washability. The minutes countdown is on hold for up to a maximum of 30
minutes when “HEATING” is displayed.
PLUS HEATING Indicates HEATED RINSE on option was selected prior to start of cycle. Cycle time
may be increased (up to a maximum of 20 minutes) to heat final rinse water to
145°F.
During the heating extension the minutes countdown is on hold.
CLEAN
I Indicates completed cycle (except RINSE&HOLD). Remains onuntildoor is unlatched.
LOCKED Indicates controls are locked to prevent unauthorized use.
PF RESET Indicates a power failure occurred.
RESET The CLEAR RESET pad was touched.
7
—

The SYSTEMS MONITOR tells you if cetiin things are wrong
DISPLAY
PF
and
RESET
BLOC~D
WASH ARM
SLOW
DRAIN
WHAT IT MEANS
Electrical power to the dishwasher
has been interrupted but is now
back on.
An obstruction is preventing the
lower wash arm from turning.
This is usually caused by a utensil
sticking through the bottom of the
silverware basket or a pot handle
through the lower rack.
The dishwasher is taking longer
than normal to drain the water
out. This is usually caused by a
blockage in the drain air gap (see
Air Gap section), a kink in the drain
hose, or a stopped-up drain pipe.
WHAT TO DO
IF DISHWASHER WAS IN USE WHEN THE POWER
FAILURE OCCURRED:
1. Unlatch the door. If the detergent cup is open, add
detergent and close the cup.
2.
Relatch the door and touch “START,” then immediately
touch “CLEAR RESET.” (This will pump any remaining
water out of the machine.)
3. Select the desired cycle and
re-run the load.
IF THE DISHWASHER WAS NOT IN USE:
1. Latch door.
2. Select desired cycle.
3. Run
cycle when desired.
1. Unlatch door.
2. Check the lower rack for any item that could block the
wash arm and reposition it.
3. Relatch door.
NOTE:
If the wash arm is not blocked and “WASH ARM
BLOC~D” display still appears, you may start wash cycle
by pressing START pad a second time.
This dishwasher is designed to automatically compensate
for longer than normal drain times, but cycle time will be
extended. If this code continues to appear frequently:
1. Clean the air gap (See Air Gap section).
2. Check for a kink in the drain hose.
3. Check plumbing for slow or stopped-up drains.
(NOTE: Warranty service does not cover household
drain problems.)
8

DISPLAY
BLOCKED
DRAIN
DRAIN
SENSOR
DRAIN
WATER
LOW
WATER
WHAT IT MEANS
Similar to slow drain. This
indicates that the drain is so
clogged that the dishwasher
cannot continue to operate in a
satisfactory manner. Dishwasher
will stop.
Dishwasher will continue cycle
along with a drain period.
There is too much water in the
dishwasher. If DRAIN WATER
appears after a power failure, this
is normal and the dishwasher
will
correct itself.
This can be caused by either of
these reasons:
Not enough water is entering the
dishwasher.
or
The drain pump could be
temporarily blocked (usually
caused by food particles such
as cereal).
WHAT TO DO
Locate and remove the blockage in the drain system.
To pump any remaining water out of the machine:
1. Latch door.
2. Select any cycle.
3. Touch “START” and then immediately touch “CLEAR
RESET.” (NOTE: Warranty service does not cover
household drain problems.)
If DRAIN SENSOR repeats for the next cycle, call for
service.
The dishwasher is designed to automatically pump out extra
water as long as the door is latched. When you hear the motor
stop running:
1. Unlatch the door and see if all the water is gone. (It is
normal for a small amount of water to remain in the bottom
of tub to keep the water seal lubricated.)
2. If you see water entering the dishwasher, close and latch
the door. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher.
3. If water is gone and no water is entering the dishwasher,
restart cycle.
4. If DRAIN WATER repeats, shut off the water supply to the
dishwasher. Call for service.
Unlatch the door. If there is no water in the bottom of the
dishwasher, check the water supply to the dishwasher.
. Is the dishwasher water supply turned on?
(Valve usually located under the sink.)
. Is the household water supply turned on?
● If you use well or cistern water, is the supply adequate?
If the water supply is adequate, try the cycle again. If LOW
WATER repeats, call for service.
Unlatch the door. If there is standing water in the bottom of
the dishwasher, relatch the door, touch “START,” then
immediately touch “CLEAR RESET” to start the pump.
If LOW WATER continues to appear, you may need to do
this several times to breakup the blockage.
(continued next page)
9
>.
— ——

The SYSTEMS MONITOR (continued)
DISPLAY
LOW
WATER
TEMP
TEMP
SENSOR
WHAT IT MEANS
The water temperature in the
dishwasher did not reach the
proper wash temperature. This
is usually caused by lack of hot
water coming from the household
water heater.
The temperature sensor in the
dishwasher is not functioning
properly. Dishwasher may
continue to be used, but it will
not heat water automatically.
Before you call for service
. Try the cycle again to see if the
Code reappears. The dishwasher
may correct itself.
. Electronic controls can be
affected by outside interference.
● Sometimes shutting off the power
to the dishwasher (at the fuse or
circuit breaker) will correct the
problem.
. Restore power after about five
seconds and try the cycle again.
● Check the guide for things you
can do to correct the problem.
WHAT TO DO
Avoid showers or laundry just prior to running the
dishwasher. (Use the “DELAY START” feature to start
dishwasher when the water heater is up to normal
temperature. ) Adjust household water heater thermostat to
120°F. minimum
If LOW WATER TEMP appears nearly every cycle and you
know the water from the household water heater is hot
(120°F. or more), call for service.
The temperature sensor needs to be replaced.
Call for
service.
NOTE:
You may continue to use your dishwasher. For best results
adjust your household water heater thermostat to 140”F.
10

What happens in each cycle
● You’ 1 I hear occasional c1 icki ng
sounds:
—Soft food disposer shredding
action.
—Drain valve opening to pump
water out.
—Detergent cup opening,
E.ills
8
7
6
7
6
s
7
6
s
2
Wash ~yC]e$
POTSCRUBBER
NORMA1. WASH
NORMAI, WASH
SHORT WASH
SHORT WASH
SHORT WASH
CHINA (: RYSTAI,
CHINA CRYS’1.AI.
A
CHINA CRYSTAI,
RINSk: & HO1,D
Water Llsage
(;allons (AP
ic:iv)
Soil
Med.
Soil
14
1~
II
8
3.4
rox. )
I.i:h[
Soil
●
✎
The motor stops during drying.
Water vapor comes through the
vent by the door latch during
drying
and when water is being
pumped out.
Cycle Time
Minutes (Approx.)
Cycle Sequence
65*
60*
42
46
Med
Soil
63*
57.
38
40
1~
Light
Soil
62.
49*
33
35
*
:
Unextended times, ‘These cycle times may he increased up to 30 minutes if necessary for vour dishwasher to heat the water to
proper temperature for good washability.-lf HEATED RINSE is selected time may be fur~her extended in final rinse for up to
20 minutes until water temperature reaches 1400F. to 145°F.
Drying Cycle Options:
HEATED DRY on. Available on all wash cycles except RINSE & HOLD. Add 34 minutes to wash cycle time.
HEATED DRY off (Energy Saver Drying). Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally.
11
—
1
4
-. . . —.———— .-——

Temperature Sensor
System
To get dishes clean and dry you
need hot water. To help you get
water of the proper temperature,
your dishwasher has a water
heating feature that automatically
senses the temperature of the water
in the wash cycle and heats it, if
necessary, to the proper
temperature. This water heating
feature may allow 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 to the
proper temperature. For good
washing and drying, the entering
water must be at least
120°F. To
prevent dish damage, inlet water
should not exceed 150°F.
How to test water temperature:
Higher water temperature is
needed to dissolve grease and
activate powder detergents.
Check your water temperature with
a candy or meat thermometer. Turn
on the hot water faucet nearest the
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. Wrn on the
hot water faucet at the sink and
allow it to run until the water is
hot. Then start the dishwasher. If
you’ve recently done laundry or
run hot water for showers, give
your water heater time to recover
before operating the dishwasher.
12
How to use a rinse agent.
A rinse agent makes water flow
off dishes quicker than usual. This
lessens water spotting and makes
drying faster, too.
For best dishwashing performance,
use of a rinse agent such as JET-
DRY brand is recommended.
Rinse agents come in either liquid
or solid form. Your dishwasher’s
dispenser uses the liquid form.
How to
fill the rinse agent
dispenser. Unscrew the cap. Add
the liquid rinse agent until it just
reaches the bottom of the lip inside
the dispenser opening. Replace the
cap. The dispenser automatically
releases the rinse agent into the
final rinse water.
Fill Cap
J
o
~d
/
~} :
D
-/
You may check to see if you need
to add rinse agent by removing
the fill cap and looking into the
container. You may also check the
rinse agent, on some models, by
pressing the clear center of the fill
cap 2 or 3 times. If rinse agent is
drawn into the center of the fill
cap, you have enough. If the center
area remains clear add rinse agent.
Your dishwasher’s rinse agent
container holds
4X ounces. This
should last about 3 months. Fill
as needed. Do not overfill.
If you accidentally spill: Wipe
up the rinse agent with a damp
cloth. Don’t leave the spill in
the dishwasher. It can keep your
detergent from working.
If you can’t
find any rinse agent,
write:
BENCKISER CONSUMER
PRODUCTS, INC.
(“JET-DRY”)
Corporate Centre 1
55 Federal Road, P.O. Box 1991
Danbury, CT 06813-1991
How to choose and use
detergent
First, use only powder or liquid
detergents 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 the hardness of your water.
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. Too much
moisture. Don’t put powder
detergent into the dispenser until
you’re ready to wash dishes, either.
(It won’t be fresh OR dry.)
If your powder detergent gets
old or
lumpy, throw it away. It
won’t wash well.
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.

You’ll find two detergent
dispensers on the inside door
of your dishwasher. Two,
becausl
some cycles use two washes.
See “Detergent Usage Guide”
below. (Be sure the Cycle
Indicator Dial if at OFF position
before adding detergent.
Otherwise, the detergent cup will
not close and latch properly.)
GRASP HANDLE,
ROTATE AND
CLOSE TIGHTLY
f
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 OFF position.
When the closed cup contains soap
it is best that the door be in a
partially open position before
rotating the Cycle Indicator Dial.
This will help reduce the amount of
detergent and rinse aid agent
spillage into the tub.
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. Pre-rinsing 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
smll amounts
of soft foods, but large amounts
will be difficult to handle.
3. Try to remove food scraps and
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 NORMAL
WASH cycle. Remember to use
your RINSE & HOLD cycle for
small “holding” loads.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
CYCLES
POTSCRUBBER
NORMAL WASH
SHORT WASH
CHINA CRYSTAL
RINSE & HOLD
Note: The foods mentioned here
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
stinless 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.
Items with burned-on and baked-on
soils may not come clean. And the
dishwasher cannot remove burn
marks or restore fading caused by
overheating during cooking.
SOFT WATER MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(O-3 grains hardness) (3-7 grains) (7-12 grains*)
i
1
Main Cup
Open Cup Main Cup
Open Cup Main Cup$ Open Cup*
Half Full I Half Full Completely I Half Full Completely
~ ~:l~pletely
+
Full
+
Full
Half Full None Half Full None
Completely
None
Full
I
I
Use no detergent
Use no detergent
Use no detergent
I
I
I
l=.
* 12 grains and up is extremely hard water. A water sc>ftener is recommended. Without it, lime $Filled Main Cup holds
3 tablespoons; o
can build up in the wa~cr valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding. Filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons
I
s
13
-.
.— —.—

How to load your dishwasher *Appeara”cesofracks mayveryslig~tIy
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.
How to load the TOP ~CK
Below is the special upper rack that comes with
this model.
I
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.
The top rack is best for glasses, cups and saucers.
Cups and utensils can be washed when using the folding
shelves. Load the bottom rows first, then fold down the
shelves and load the top rows. 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
Calrod@ heating
element. Arrange stemware so that it cannot move
easily. Don’t let the glasses touch each other.
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.
1A

How to load the BOTTOM WCK
—
d
Fit plates and saucers between the pins. Load platters,
pots
and bowls along the sides, in corners or in the
back.
Pots, pans, casseroles, salad bowls, mixing bowls and
lids
}nu.st be loaded in the bottom rack, facing down.
Put flatware in the removable basket with handles UD to
protect your hands. Mix knives, forks and spoons s;
they don’t nest together. Distribute evenly.
The security cell cover, hinged in the handle, can be
lowered to either side to secure light-weight items
from the effects of the vigorous wash action. When
it is not needed, this cover can remain upright.
Precaution!
Take out anything that may fall or extend through the
bottom of the basket.
As shown here, this plate is being placed with the
soiled side facing the center of the rack so water and
detergent from wash arm can reach soiled surfaces.
Heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles MUST be
loaded in the bottom rack, facing down. Prop broiler
pans and racks along the edge.
-m
Don’t let any
——

What you can usually wash safely in your dishwasher.
And what you can’t.
Usually
Safe
Material Exceptions (not safe) Special Instructions
Aluminum
YES
YES
Some colored anodized
aluminum can fade.
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.
Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
Select CHINA CRYSTAL cycle.
Check manufacturer’s instructions for your crystal.
Chinti
Stoneware
Crystal
YES 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.
Glass
NO
Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher
and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result,
YES
Milk glass may yellow.
Iron NO
NO
Iron will rust.
Pewter
Pewter tarnishes.
If it doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one piece in
the
top rack before dishwashing an entire set.
Plastics YES
Stainless steel YES
Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acid foods
can stain if left on.
Sterling Silver
and Silver plate 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.
YES
Non-stick
coatings
YES
After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Tin NO
NO
Tin can rust.
Wood can warp, crack or lose
its finish with any type of washing.
Wood
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.
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.
However, opening the door during any cycle lessens
cleaning power. So try to
load everything at the
beginning.
16

PROBLEM
CONTROL PANEL
LIGHTS GO
0~
WHEN YOU’RE
SETTING CONTROLS
DISHWASHER
WON’T RUN
UNUSUAL NOISE
DISHES DON’T DRY
UNCLEAN DISHES
AND
~ATWARE
BLACK OR GRAY
MARKS ON DISHES
DE~RGENT LE~
IN DISPENSER CUPS
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Time too long between touching of selected pads. Each pad must be touched within
30 seconds of the others. To relight, touch any pad again, or unlock and relatch door.
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 small may have dropped from
the rack. Water is causing utensils to rattle. Make sure everything is securely placed
in dishwasher.
Water draining out of tub immediately after you touch CLEAR RESET pad. The
sounds you hear are normal ones.
Make sure inlet water temperature is correct. (To test, see How to Test Water
Temperature section.)
Unload the bottom rack first. Water from dishes in the top rack maybe spilling
onto 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 inlet 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.)
Aluminum utensils often leave marks when they rub against dishes. Remove marks
with a mild abrasive cleanser.
Water may not be reaching the detergent cups. Move dishes that maybe blocking
the 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 cups and remove any caked-on
detergent. If the cup still doesn’t open automatically, call for service.
Detergent may be old. If the powder is hard or caked in the box, throw it away.
The detergent may not be working well. Try another brand.
17
- .— ..— .—— .— —..—

The Problem Solver (continued)
PROBLEM
SPOTS AND HLMING
ON GLASSES AND
FLATWARE
CLOUDINESS ON
GLASSWARE
YELLOW OR
BROWN
HLM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Spotting can be caused by all of these things:
● Extremely hard water. (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section.)
● Low inlet water temperature. (To test, see How to Test Water Temperature section.)
● Overloading the dishwasher.
● Improper loading. (See Loading section.)
● 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.)
Due to varying local water conditions and personal preferences, 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 spots and film from glassware:
1. Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
2. DO NOT ADD DETERGENT,
3. Select POTSCRUBBER cycle, LIGHT SOIL (Energy saver) SOIL OPTION and
HEATED DRY off (Energy saver drying).
4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run until “49” minutes to end of cycle is displayed.
5. Then open the door and pour 2 cups (500ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of the
dishwasher.
6. Close the door and allow the dishwasher to complete the cycle.
Hvinegar rinse doesn’t work: Repeat as above, except use 1/4 cup of citric acid
crystals instead of vinegar. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals. If yours doesn’t,
call General Electric Factory Service.)
Using a vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse more than twice a month? Consider a home
water softener.
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.
Tea or coffee can stain cups. Remove the stains 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 the only way to correct this problem.
Your water softener company can tell you about
tie filter.
Yellow film on sterling silver results when you wash copper utensils in the same load.
Silver polish will usually remove this stain.
18

PROBLEM
CHIPPING OF CHINA
SMALL AMOUNT OF
WATER STND~G
IN THE BOTTOM
OF THE TUB
WA~R WON’T PUMP
OUT OF THE TUB
SUDS IN THE TUB
DISHWASHER LEAKS
MOTOR HUMS
CONTROL PANEL
DOESN’T RESPOND
TO INPUTS
STAIN~G OF
TUB
~TERIOR
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Rough handling can cause chipping. Load with care. Make sure glassware and china
are secure and can’t jar loose. (See Loading section for correct way to load glassware.)
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.
Use the CHINA CRYSTAL cycle for fine china.
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
sed lubricated.
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 a disposer, run the disposer to
clear. Be sure the disposer is
not clogged.
See the SYSTEMS MONITOR section.
Sudsing detergents are not meant for dishwashers. USE ONLY AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER DETERGENTS TO AVOID
SUDSING.
To remove suds from the tub: Open the dishwasher. Let suds evaporate. Add 1 gallon
of cold water to the tub. Close and latch the dishwasher. To pump out water, touch
START two times, then immediately touch CLEAR
RESET.
Repeat if necess~.
Suds can cause unit to oveflow. That’s why it’s so important to use a detergent that’s
designed for automatic dishwashers.
Spilling the rinse agent can cause foam during washing. This can lead to
ovefiowing.
(Wipe up accidental 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 seal moist, and the garbage disposer clear.
Shut off power to dishwasher at fuse or circuit breaker. Wait 5 seconds and restore
power to dishwasher. Try input panel again.
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
19
.
.—
—

Care and Cleating
USER MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
Clean the control panel with a
lightly dampened cloth. Dry
thoroughly. Do not use abrasives
or sharp objects on the panel. They
can damage it.
Clean the outside with a good
appliance polish wax. The outside
cabinet finish is durable, but it can
scratch. So use no scouring pads,
or harsh or gritty cleaners.
Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner
(Cat. No. WR97X0216) is
available from GE Appliance
Parts Mart.
The inside usually takes care of
itself. If it should ever need
cleaning, use a mild cleansing
powder. Scouring pads and harsh
cleaners can mar the finish.
Built-in dishwashers
often use an air gap.
Keep it clean.
An air gap is a plumbing device.
It protects your dishwasher against
water backing up into it if a drain
clogs. The air gap is not a part of
the dishwasher. And you may not
even have one. Not all plumbing
codes require air gaps.
If you have an air gap, check it at
least once a month. IT IS NOT
PART OF YOUR DISHWASHER.
IT IS NOT COVERED IN YOUR
WARRANTY.
The air gap is easy to clean.
With most types, first turn off
the dishwasher, then lift off the
chrome cover. Then unscrew the
plastic cap and check for any
buildup of grit. A toothpick makes
cleaning easy.
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.
Not using your dishwasher
in winter? Protect against
freezing.
If your dishwasher is left in an
unheated place during the winter,
ask a service technician to:
● Cut off electric power to the
dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip
circuit breaker.
c 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.)
● Reconnect the water inlet line to
the water valve.
● Drain the collection chamber at
rear of unit below filter by
disconnecting hose to pump.
Reconnect after draining.
s Remove the plastic pump cover in
the tub bottom and use a sponge to
soak up water in the rubber boot.
20