GE GSD4210 User manual

GE Appliances
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000
Dishwashers
Part No. 165D4700P137 Pub. No. 49-5791
GSD4210
GSD4220
GSD4230
Owner’s Manual

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!
Staple sales slip or cancelled
check here.
Proof of the original purchase date
is needed to obtain service under
the warranty.
Write the model and serial
numbers here.
#
#You can find them on the tub wall just
inside the door.
2

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
GE&You,
AService 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 GEappliance 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 you can always call the
GE Answer Center®at
800.626.2000, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
If You Need Service
Safety Information . . . . . . .4–7
Operating Instructions
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9
Control Panel Lights . . . . . .10, 11
Using the Dishwasher . . . .12, 13
Loading the
Dishwasher Racks . . . . . . .14, 15
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . .16
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . .17
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . . 18–22
Customer Service
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
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 can be explosive under these
circumstances.
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 this appliance only for its intended purpose as
described in this Owner’s Manual.
This dishwasher must be properly installed and located in
accordancewith theInstallation Instructionsbefore itis 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 USINGYOUR DISHWASHER
■Use only powder or liquid
detergents or wetting agents
recommended for use in a
dishwasher.
■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.
■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.
REMEMBER…
Your continued health and safety are important to us.
Please read and follow this Safety Information carefully.
We want you to remain a happy and healthy part of our
GE family.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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
Control Settings
Cycles
NORMAL WASH For loads of everyday dishes, glasses and cookware
with medium soils. NOTE: Many dishes have lighter
soil than normal. Choosing a cycle other than
NORMAL WASH will save energy and water.
POTS PANS 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.
SHORT WASH For quickly washing loads of everyday dishes with
medium soils that have not dried on, such as loads
consisting mostly of glasses.
CHINA CRYSTAL For lightly soiled china and crystal. Water is aerated
for a gentle wash.
■Latch the door.
■
NOTE: The lights over the pads (on some models)
come
ON when pressed, to indicate the cycle/option
that has been selected. Press pad firmly until light
comes on. These lights remain on while the door is
latched.
1
CYCLE SELECTION
OPTIONS STATUS
NORMAL
WASH POTS
PANS SHORT
WASH CHINA
CRYSTAL TEMP
BOOST RESET DELAY
START
ENERGY
SAVER
DRY
4 6 8 WASH
RINSE
DRY
CLEAN
START
1 2 3

Options
TEMP BOOST Provides extra heat for best performance. It is used
best with heavily-soiled dishes.
ENERGY Shuts off the drying heat options. Dishes air dry
SAVER naturally and energy is saved. You can prop the door
DRY ON open after the word CLEAN appears in the display.
ENERGY Turns the drying heater on for fast drying. This
SAVER cycle will extend the time to your wash cycle.
DRY OFF
RESET To change a cycle after washing starts, touch the
RESET pad to cancel cycle. After water is pumped
out and motor stops, you can reprogram and restart
the dishwasher.
DELAY START You can delay the start of a wash cycle for up to 8
hours. Tap or press and hold the DELAY START pad
to choose the number of hours you want to delay
the start of the cycle. The machine will count down
and start automatically at the correct time. NOTE:
If you forget to latch the door a reminder signal will
beep until you do so.
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
2
Start
Touch the START pad to begin the cycle. There is a time
delay between start-up and water fill so you will not hear
any wash action right away.
3
9
Cycle Sequence
Water Time
Cycles (approx.) (approx.) Cycle Sequence
NORMAL WASH 8.4 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse
POTSPANS 9.9 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse
SHORT WASH 6.9 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse
CHINA CRYSTAL 7.7 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse
Drying Options:
ENERGYSAVER DRY OFF.
Available on all wash cycles. Add
approximately 32 minutes to the cycle.
ENERGY SAVER DRY ON. Drying heater is turned off.
Dishes dry naturally.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the control panel lights.
10
Display What It Means What To Do
Electrical power to the IF DISHWASHER WAS IN USE WHEN
dishwasher has been THE POWER FAILURE OCCURRED:
interrupted but is now
back on.
1 Press the RESET pad and wait
approximately 30 seconds.
RESET 2 Unlatch and open the door.
LIGHT A
If the detergent cup is open and
FLASHING
empty, close the door and rerun
the cycle with detergent in the
closed cup only.
B If the detergent cup is closed reset
the dishwasher for the wash cycle
you want.
IF THE DISHWASHER WAS NOT IN USE
when power failure occurred, use
dishwasher as you normally would.
There is too much water The dishwasher is designed to
in the dishwasher. automatically pump out extra water
DRY as long as the door is latched. When
LIGHT you hear the motor stop running:
FLASHING 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 Press the RESET pad.
4 If water is gone and no water is
entering the dishwasher, restart
cycle.
5 If the DRY light starts to flash again,
shut off the water supply to the
dishwasher. Call for service.
DRY
RESET

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
11
Display What It Means What To Do
Drain is blocked. This Locate and remove the blockage in
indicates that the drain the drain system.
WASH
is so clogged that the
1 Check the air gap (see the Air
LIGHT
dishwasher cannot Gap section).
FLASHING
continue to operate in
2 Check for a kink in the drain hose.
a satisfactory manner.
Dishwasher will stop.
3 Check for stopped-up drains.
(
NOTE: Warranty service does not
cover household drain problems.)
To pump any remaining water out of
the machine:
1 Latch door.
2 Touch RESET . Select desired cycles
and then touch
START and RESET
again.
Not enough water is Unlatch the door. If there is no water
entering the dishwasher. in the bottom of the dishwasher, check
RINSE
the water supply to the dishwasher.
LIGHT
•Is the dishwasher water supply turned
FLASHING
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?
Press the
RESET pad. If the water
supply is adequate, try the cycle
again. If the
RINSE light flashes
again, call for service.
RINSE
WASH
■Try the cycle again to see if the light flashes again. The
dishwasher may correct itself.
■Electronic controls can be affected by outside interference.
■Sometimes shutting off power to the dishwasher (at the fuse or
circuit breaker) could correct the problem. Restore power after
15 seconds and try the cycle again.
■Check the guide for things you can do to correct the problem.
■See the
Before you call for service section at the back of this manual.
Before You Call For Service

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. Adjust your water heater, if needed.
Using a Rinse Agent
A rinse agent,such as JET-DRY , makes water flow off the dishes
quickly thereby reducing water spotting.
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 3 months.
If rinse agent spills, wipe it up immediately. It can keep your detergent
from working.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Proper Use of Detergent
Use only detergent specifically made for use in 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
require detergent in the main cup. Wash cycles
with two washes will also use the open cup.
Be sure the control panel lights are not
lit 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
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
13

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.
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. A
cup shelf (on some models) may be placed in the
up or down position to add flexibility. The upper
rack is good for all kinds of odd-shaped utensils.
Saucepans, mixing bowls and other items should
be placed face down.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A security cell cover (on some
models) hinged in some
handles 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.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About optional accessories.
16
Wood panel trim kits are available at an extra cost by calling, toll-free,
800-626-2002. Your order will be sent directly to your home. VISA,
MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted.
Wood Panel Trim Kits
Wood panel trim kits contain trim and instructions for adding a
decorative wood door panel and bottom access panel to match
your kitchen cabinets.
Specify the trim of your choice from the following options:
■ GPF45 1/4″Panel Trim Kit
■ GPF46 3/4″Panel Trim Kit

17
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.
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
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
Sump cover screws

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
18
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Dishwasher won’t run Fuse is blown, or the •Replace fuse or reset
circuit breaker tripped circuit breaker. Remove
any other appliances from
the circuit.
•Try input panel again.
Noise Some of the sounds •Soft food disposal
you’ll hear are normal shredding action.
•Drain valve opening to
pump water out.
•Timer control as cycle
progresses.
•Detergent cup opening.
•The motor stopping during
the drying period.
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 cup lid •Close and latch the door.
latched accidentally
•Touch the RESET pad
three times within three
seconds.
•When the light over the
RESET pad goes out,
unlatch the door.
Detergent left in Dishes are blocking the •Reposition the dishes.
dispenser cups detergent cups
Troubleshooting Tips
Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not
need to call for service.
Before you call for service…

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
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.
Water won’t pump Drain is clogged •If you have an air gap,
out of the tub clean it.
•Check to see if your kitchen
sink is draining well. If not,
you may need a plumber.
•If the dishwasher drains
into a disposer, run
disposer clear.
Suds in the tub Correct detergent •Use only automatic
wasn’t used dishwasher detergents to
avoid sudsing.
•To remove suds from the
tub, open the dishwasher
and let suds evaporate.
Add 1 gallon of cold water
to the tub. Close and latch
the dishwasher. Pump out
water. Touch
START, then
immediately touch
RESET.
Repeat if necessary.
Rinse agent •Always wipe up rinse agent
was spilled spills immediately.
Steam This is normal •Steam comes through the
vent by the door latch
during drying and when
water is being pumped out.
19

Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Stained tub interior Detergent with •Some detergents contain
colorant was used 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.
Dishes don’t dry Low inlet water •Make sure inlet water
temperature temperature is correct.
Rinse agent dispenser •Check the rinse agent
is empty dispenser.
•Make sure the Status, Cycle
and Option lights are off,
indicating the dry cycle
(if selected) is complete.
Dishes and flatware Inlet water temperature •Raise the water heater
not clean is below 120°F. temperature to 120°F.
•Try TEMPBOOST option.
Water pressure is •Turn on a faucet. Is water
temporarily low coming out more slowly
than usual? If so, wait until
pressure is normal before
using your dishwasher.
Air gap is clogged •Clean the air gap.
Improper rack loading •Make sure large dishware
does not block the
detergent dispenser or the
wash arm.
Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Before you call for service…
20
Troubleshooting Tips