GE GSD3800 User manual

GE Appliances
Dishwashers
165D4700P224 49-5898-1 11-00 JR
GSD3800 series
Owner’s Manual
Nautilus™
www.GEAppliances.com

2
Congratulations!
You Are Now Part of the GE Family.
Welcome to the GE family.
We’re proud of our quality
products and we are
committed to providing
dependable service. You’ll
see it in this easy-to-use
Owner’s Manual and you’ll
hear it in the friendly voices
of our customer service
department.
Best of all, you’ll experience
these values each time you
use your dishwasher. That’s
important, because your new
dishwasher will be part of
your family for many years.
And we hope you will be part
of ours for a long time to
come.
We thank you for buying
GE. We appreciate your
purchase, and hope you
will continue to rely on us
whenever you need quality
appliances for your home.
Important!
Fill out and return the Consumer Product
Ownership Registration card that is packed
with this product. If you cannot find it,
please send in the duplicate card printed in
the back of this manual.
Write the model and serial
numbers here.
#
#
You can find them on the tub wall just
inside the door.
Staple sales slip or cancelled check
here.
Proof of the original purchase date is
needed to obtain service under the
warranty.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
GE & You,
A Service Partnership.
Inside you will find many
helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your dishwasher
properly. Just a little preventive
care on your part can save you a
great deal of time and money
over the life of your dishwasher.
Read this Manual
Ask any GE appliance owner and they will
tell you we stand behind our products with
unmatched quality service. However, did
you know that most questions result from
simple problems that you can easily fix
yourself in just a few minutes? This
Owner’s Manual can tell you how.
You’ll find many answers to
common problems here.
If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first,
you may not need to call for
service at all.
Review the Section on
Troubleshooting Tips
If you do need service, you can
relax knowing help is only a
phone call away. A list of toll-free
customer service numbers is
included in the back section.
OR
Visit our Website at
www.GEAppliances.com
If You Need Service
Safety Information . . . . . .4–7
Operating Instructions
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Control Settings . . . . . . . . . .8, 9
Dial Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . .10, 11
Using the Dishwasher . . .12, 13
Loading the
Dishwasher Racks . . . . . .14, 15
Care and Cleaning . . . . . .16, 17
Optional Accessories . . . .18, 19
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . 20–24
Customer Service
Product Registration . . . . . . . .29
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Service Telephone
Numbers . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
3

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
4
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire, explosion, electric
shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury,
or loss of life.
Under certain conditions hydrogen gas may be produced in
a water heater that has not been used for two weeks or
more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE.
If the hot water has not been used for two weeks or more, prevent
the possibility of damage or injury by turning on all hot water
faucets and allow them to run for several minutes. Do this before
using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water
system. This simple procedure will allow any built-up hydrogen gas
to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open
flame or appliance during this process.
WATER HEATER SAFETY

5
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Use your dishwasher only for its intended purpose as
described in this Owner’s Manual.
This dishwasher must be properly installed and located in
accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is
used. If you did not receive an Installation Instructions
sheet with your dishwasher, you can receive one by calling
us toll-free at the GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000.
■Connect to a grounded
metal, permanent wiring
system; or run an equipment-
grounding conductor with
the circuit conductors and
connect to the equipment-
grounding terminal or lead
of the appliance.
■Improper connection of the
equipment-grounding
conductor can result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with
a qualified electrician or
service representative if you
are in doubt whether the
appliance is properly
grounded.
■Dispose of discarded
appliances and shipping or
packing material properly.
■Do not attempt to repair or
replace any part of your
dishwasher unless it is
specifically recommended in
this manual. All other
servicing should be referred
to a qualified technician.
■To minimize the possibility of
electric shock, disconnect this
appliance from the power
supply before attempting any
maintenance.
NOTE: Turning
the dishwasher off does not
disconnect the appliance
from the power supply. We
recommend having a
qualified technician service
your appliance.
PROPER INSTALLATION
AND MAINTENANCE

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
6
DO NOT…
■Do not tamper with controls.
■Do not abuse, sit on, or stand
on the door or dish rack of
the dishwasher.
■Do not discard a dishwasher
without first removing the
door of the washing
compartment.
■Do not store or use
combustible materials,
gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
■Do not allow children to play
inside, on or with this
appliance or any discarded
appliance.
WARNING!

7
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
WHEN USING YOUR DISHWASHER
■Use only powder, tabs or
liquid detergents or wetting
agents recommended for use
in a dishwasher and keep
them out of the reach of
children. Cascade®
Automatic Dishwashing
Detergent has been approved
for use in all GE dishwashers.
■Locate sharp items so that
they are not likely to damage
the door seal.
■Load sharp knives with the
handles up to reduce the risk
of cut-type injuries.
■Do not wash plastic items
unless marked
dishwasher
safe
or the equivalent. For
plastic items not so marked,
check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
■Non-Dishware Items: Do not
wash items such as electronic
air cleaner filters, furnace
filters and paint brushes in
your dishwasher. Damage to
dishwasher and discoloration
or staining of dishwasher
may result.
■Do not touch the heating
element during or
immediately after use.
■Do not operate your
dishwasher unless all
enclosure panels are properly
in place.
■Close supervision is necessary
if this appliance is used by or
near children.
■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 heating element and
be damaged.
Read and follow this
Safety Information carefully.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Control Settings
Cycles
POTS & PANS 9.0 gal., 68 min. Prewash Prewash Prewash Main wash
Prerinse Prerinse Final rinse
For heavily soiled dishes or cookware with dried-on
or baked-on soils. Everyday dishes may be included.
This cycle will not remove burned-on foods.
HEAVY WASH 7.7 gal., 64 min. Prewash Prewash Main wash Prerinse
Prerinse Final rinse
For heavily soiled dishes or cookware. For dried-on
or baked-on soils, use the POTS & PANS cycle
above. Everyday dishes may be included.
NORMAL WASH 6.4 gal., 64 min. Prewash Prewash Main wash Prerinse Final rinse
For loads of everyday dishes, glasses and cookware
with medium soils.
LIGHT WASH 5.1 gal., 60 min. Prewash Main wash Prerinse Final rinse
For quickly washing loads of everyday dishes with
medium soils that have not dried on, such as loads
consisting mainly of glasses.
RINSE ONLY 1.2 gal., 9 min. Final rinse
For rinsing partial loads that will be washed later.
Do not use detergent.
PLATE WARMER For warming clean dishes and serving plates. This
cycle will take approximately 32 minutes.
1
Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the dishwasher control panel.
You can locate your model number on the tub wall just inside the door.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
8
Model GSD3800 series
LIGHT
WASH
START DELAY
(HRS)
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
HEAVY/NORMAL
START
POTS & PANS
HOT START
OPTION
RINSE ONLY
OFF
CYCLE
ON
2
4
3
5
1
CYCLES
ENERGY OPTIONS
POTS
& PANS HEAVY
WASH
NORMAL
WASH
LIGHT
WASH
HOT
START
HI TEMP
WASH
HEATED
DRY ON
RESET
OPTIONS
123

Energy Options
HOT START adds 1.2 gal., 30 min to selected cycle. Rinse start selected cycle.
Preheats wash water to correct temperature.
HI TEMP Provides extra heat for best performance. It is used
WASH best with heavily-soiled dishes.
HEATED DRY ON Turns the drying heater on for fast drying. Available
on all wash cycles except RINSE ONLY . Adds
approximately 31 minutes to the cycle.
ENERGY SAVER All energy options are turned off.
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
9
2
Start (without delay)
■Make sure the Dial is at an OFF position.
■Select the desired Cycle and Options. Indicators will
show selections.
■Turn the Dial to the desired Cycle. Don’t turn it past
the Selected Cycle position, or you could accidentally
miss a rinse.
■Latch the door.
Cycle On lights up. There is a time
delay between start-up and water fill so you will not
hear any wash action right away.
3

Start Delay
The START DELAY will allow you to delay the start time of any
cycle not on the Dial automatically for up to either 5 or 6 hours
(depending on the model).
LIGHT
WASH
START DELAY
(HRS)
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
POTS & PANS
HOT START
OPTION
RINSE ONLY
OFF
2
4
3
5
1
HEAVY/NORMAL
START
Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the dial cycles.
Plate Warmer
For warming clean dishes and serving plates. This cycle will
take approximately 32 minutes.
LIGHT
WASH
START DELAY
(HRS)
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
POTS & PANS
HOT START
OPTION
RINSE ONLY
OFF
2
4
3
5
1
HEAVY/NORMAL
START
10
Rinse Only
For rinsing partial loads that will be washed later. Do not use
detergent.
LIGHT
WASH
START DELAY
(HRS)
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
POTS & PANS
HOT START
OPTION
RINSE ONLY
OFF
2
4
3
5
1
HEAVY/NORMAL
START
Be sure the door is
unlatched.
Select the wash cycle and
option you want.
Slowly turn the Dial to the
desired time.
Latch the door to start
the cycle. The CYCLE ON
light will come on.
4
3
2
1
Load clean dishware
to be warmed.
Select
HEATED DRY.
Be sure the door is
unlatched.
Slowly turn the Dial
to
PLATE WARMER.
Latch the door to start
the cycle.
5
4
3
2
1
Make sure HEATED DRY
is not selected.
Be sure the door is
unlatched.
Slowly turn the Dial to
RINSE ONLY.
Latch the door to start
the cycle.
4
3
2
1

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
11
Hot Start
Preheats wash water to correct temperature.
LIGHT
WASH
START DELAY
(HRS)
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
POTS & PANS
HOT START
OPTION
RINSE ONLY
OFF
2
4
3
5
1
HEAVY/NORMAL
START
Select the HOT START
cycle and any other
option.
Be sure the door is
unlatched.
Slowly turn the Dial to
HOT START .
Latch the door to start
the cycle.
4
3
2
1
Heavy Wash
For heavily soiled dishes or cookware.
LIGHT
WASH
START DELAY
(HRS)
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
POTS & PANS
HOT START
OPTION
RINSE ONLY
OFF
2
4
3
5
1
HEAVY/NORMAL
START
Select the HEAVY WASH
cycle and any other
option.
Be sure the door is
unlatched.
Slowly turn the Dial
to HEAVY/NORMAL
START
.
Latch the door to start
the cycle.
4
3
2
1

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Using the dishwasher.
12
Check the Water Temperature
The entering water must be at least 120°F. and not more than
150°F., for effective cleaning and to prevent dish damage. Check
the water temperature with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on
the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher, place the thermometer
in a glass and let the water run continuously into the glass until the
temperature stops rising.
Use Jet-Dry
®
Rinse Agent
Jet-Dry
®
rinse agent removes spots and prevents new film build-up
on your dishes, glasses, flatware, cookware and plastic.
Fill the rinse agent dispenser
until it reaches the bottom of lip
inside the opening. Replace cap.
To check if rinse agent is needed,
remove the cap and look into the
dispenser. On some models, the
dispenser can be checked by
pressing the clear center of the
fill cap 2 or 3 times. If rinse agent
fills the center of the fill cap, you
have enough.
A full dispenser should last about one month.
If rinse agent spills, wipe up the excess.
Dish Preparation Prior to Loading
■No pre-rinsing of normal food soil is required.
■Scrape off hard soils including bones, toothpicks, skins, and
seeds.
■Remove large quantities of any remaining food.
■Remove leafy vegetables, meat trimmings, and excessive amounts
of grease or oil.
■
Remove acidic food soils that can discolor stainless steel.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
13
Forget to Add a Dish?
A forgotten dish can be added any time before the main wash.
Push the door latch to the left.
Once the water calms, open the door. Steam may rise out of the
dishwasher.
Add forgotten dishes.
Close the door and push the latch to the far right.
4
3
2
1
Proper Use of Detergent
Use only detergent specifically made for use in dishwashers. Cascade®
Automatic Dishwashing Detergent has been approved for
use in all GE
dishwashers. Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Don’t put powder
detergent into the dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes.
The amount of detergent to use depends on whether your water is
hard or soft . With hard water, you need extra detergent. With soft
water, you need less detergent.
Protect your dishes and dishwasher by contacting your water
department and asking how hard your water is. Twelve or more grains
is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without it,
lime can build up in the water valve, which could stick while open and
cause flooding. Too much detergent with soft water can cause a
permanent cloudiness of glassware, called
etching .
You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the
inside door of your dishwasher. All wash cycles
except
RINSE ONLY require detergent in the
main cup. Wash cycles
with two washes will also
use the open cup. When
using automatic
dishwashing detergent tabs, simply place
one tab in the main cup and close.
Be sure the Dial is OFF before adding
detergent. Otherwise, the
detergent cup will not
close and latch properly.
Add detergent then close the main cup.
NOTE: To open detergent cup after it has
been closed, simply turn the detergent cup
handle counter-clockwise until it releases.
A snapping sound may be heard.
Open cup
Main cup

The Wash Tower
Keep the center area clear in the lower rack.
The wash tower rises through the center of the
lower rack during the wash and rinse portions of
the cycle.
A second wash tower (on some models) is located
in the top rack. Water from the wash tower in the
lower rack shoots up into this wash tower and out
the openings at the top. When loading items
around this wash tower do not block the top
openings.
Don’t block or load tall things next to the
Wash Tower.
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.
Upper Rack
The upper rack is for glasses, cups and saucers.
Cups and glasses fit best along the sides. This is
also a secure place for dishwasher-safe plastics.
The upper rack is good for all kinds of odd-
shaped utensils. Saucepans, mixing bowls and
other items should be placed face down.
The cup shelf (on some models) may be placed in
the up or down position to add flexibility.
Secure larger dishwasher-safe plastics over two fingers
when possible.
Make sure small plastic items are secure so they can’t fall
onto the heating element.
Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Loading the dishwasher racks.
For best dishwashing results, follow these loading guidelines. Features and
appearance of racks and silverware baskets may vary from your model.
14

15
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Lower Rack
When loading the lower rack, do not load large platters or
trays in the front right corner. They may prevent detergent
from circulating during the wash cycle.
The lower rack is best used for plates, saucers, and
cookware. Large items such as broiler pans and
racks should go along the sides. Load platters,
pots and bowls along the sides, in corners, or in
the back. The soiled side of items should face the
center of the rack.
Silverware Basket
Put flatware in the removable basket with fork and
knife handles up to protect your hands. Place
spoons in the basket with handles down. Mix
knives, forks and spoons so they don’t nest
together. Distribute evenly. Small plastic items,
such as measuring spoons and lids from small
containers, should go in the bottom of the
silverware basket with silverware on top.
To increase the flexibility of the lower rack, the
silverware basket may be split (on some models).
Grasp the basket at opposite corners and slide
apart. The basket sections should be placed in the
lower rack by hanging them on the top hoop.
A cover can be lowered to
either side to secure
lightweight items from
the effects of the
vigorous wash action.
Don’t let any
item extend
through bottom.
Single basket
(on some models)
Split basket
(on some models)

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
16
Caring for the dishwasher.
To clean the control panel use a lightly dampened cloth then dry
thoroughly. To clean the exterior use a good appliance polish wax.
Never use sharp objects, scouring pads or harsh cleaners on any
part of the dishwasher.
Protect Against Freezing
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 and 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.
Remove the plastic sump cover in the tub
bottom and use a sponge to soak up water in the
rubber boot.
5
4
3
2
1
Sump cover screws

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.
Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap?
An air gap protects your dishwasher against water
backing up into it if a drain clogs. The air gap is not a
part of the dishwasher. It is not covered by your
warranty. Not all plumbing codes require air gaps, so
you may not have one.
The air gap is easy to clean.
Turn off the dishwasher and lift off the chrome
cover.
Unscrew the plastic cap and clean with a toothpick.
2
1
Two types of
air gaps
17

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About optional accessories.
18
You can change the door and lower access panel appearance of your
dishwasher by ordering one of these optional accessories:
■ Color Panels
■ 1/4” Wood Panel Trim Kit
■ 3/4” Trimless Panel Kit
These accessories are available at extra cost (VISA, MasterCard, or
Discover
cards accepted) by calling 800-626-2002.
Specify accessory number when ordering.
Descriptions of Optional Accessories
Color panels— Replacement door panels and lower access panels
are available in the following colors:
■
GPF400A (Almond)
■ GPF400B (Black)
■ GPF400W (White)
Wood panel trim kit—
This accessory contains trim and instructions
for you to supply and install a 1⁄4″thick decorative wood door and
lower access panel:
■
GPF425A (Almond)
■ GPF425B (Black)
■ GPF425W (White)
NOTE:
The GPF100 dishwasher door spring kit must also be ordered
and installed
when the door panel weighs four lbs. or more.
Trimless panel kit—
This accessory contains parts and instructions
for you to supply and install a 3⁄4″thick decorative wood door and
lower access panel:
■
GPF475
NOTE:
The GPF100 dishwasher door spring kit will be included with
the
trimless panel kit and must be installed with it.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
19
About optional rack accessories.
Baby Bottle Holder
Part Number: WX69X200
■ Prevents movement of baby bottles during the
dishwasher cycle
■ Snaps easily onto any dishwasher upper rack
■ Eliminates hand washing
■ Fits all baby bottles
You can order a package of 5 Baby Bottle Holders, at extra
cost, by calling 800-626-2002, or through the Internet at
www.GEAppliances.com (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover
cards accepted).
For best results,
the Baby Bottle
Holder should
be installed on
the upper rack
of the dishwasher.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Before you call for service…
20
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Noise Some of the sounds •Hard food disposal
you’ll hear are normal shredding action.
•Timer control as cycle
progresses.
•Detergent cup opening.
•The motor stopping during
the drying period.
•Water draining out of the
tub immediately after you
touch START/RESET pad.
Utensils are not secure •Make sure everything is
in the rack or something secured in dishwasher.
small has dropped into
the rack
Motor hums •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.
Detergent left in Dishes are blocking the •Reposition the dishes.
dispenser cups detergent cups
Detergent cup lid Dial is not in the OFF •Turn the Dial to OFF
won’t latch position and slide the door latch
to the left.
Water standing in This is normal •A small amount of clean
the bottom of the tub water around the outlet on
the tub bottom at the back
of the tub keeps the water
seal lubricated.
Troubleshooting Tips
Review the charts on the following pages first
and you may not need to call for service.