GE GSD500 User manual

Use and Care Guide
Dishwasher
Contents
Air (;ap
14 Safety Instructions
3
Appliance Registration 2User Maintenance Instructions 14
(;are and C:leaning 14 Warranty Back
(;over
(;hina, Cryshl, Sterling 10 water Temperature 6
(;onsumer Services 15 Winter Storage
14
(;ycle Features 5
Detergent, Detergent Guide 6,7
Dispenser
(;ups
7
Energy Saver Stitch 4
Ener~-Saving l“ips
2
Front Panel (Iolor (;hange
14
Loading 8,9
Model and Serial Numbers
2
Operdting Instructions 4,5
(;ycle Selection 4,5
Drying Options 4,5
Problem Solver 11-13
GEAnswer Center@
Rinse Agent 680~626.2000
Built-in Model GSD500
+ 500 p
GSD530
GE Appliances

Help us help you...
Before using your
Save time and money.
dishwasher, read this
Before you request
book carefully.
service...
It is intended to help you operate Check the Problem
Solver (pages
and maintain your new dishwasher
11–1 3). It lists causes of minor
properly.
operating problems that you can
1/ --- :. L,. - ,J. L--- ,. -,... .--,. .- . . . . .
correct yourself.
ACC~ 1 L lldllUy 101 dllh WCI > L\) y\JUl
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
fastened to the tub wall just inside
the dishwasher door.
These numbers are also on the
To obtain a Spanish language
version of this book, call
GE Answer Centerm
800.626.2000
consumer information service.
Para obtener la version en
espafiol de este manual,
name a
GE Answer Center,
(
’
)
servicio de informaci6n
para el consumidor,
te16fono 800.626.2000
Consumer Product Ownership
Energy-sating tips
Registration Card that came with
yo;r 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 received a damaged
dishwasher...
● Operate 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 keep soils moist, easier to
remove.
● Always select the cycle that
uses least amount of water that
will remove the soil from the
load. See pages 4 and 5.
Uyou need sefice
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
Immediately contact the dealer (or ● If you don’t need your dishes
builder) that sold you the right away,
use your NO HEAT
DRYING
(Energy Saver) feature
dishwasher.
that turns the drying heater off.
Dishes dry naturally over a longer
period such as overnight.
2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before using this appliance
AWARNING–Whe.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.
● 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 obtain one
by contacting the service location
nearest you,
—This appliance must be
connected to a grounded
metal, permanent wiring
system; or an equipment-
grounding conductor must be
wn 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 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.
Q 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 heating unit
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 touch the 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 the power
supply before 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.
Aw
~G—~ROGEN
GAS is produced by the
chemical action within your
water heater. It can accumulate
in the water heater and/or
water pipes if hot water has
not been used for a period of
two weeks or longer.
HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. 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 operate your dishwasher
STEP 1. Load your dishwasher
with dishes, silverware, pots, pans,
bowls, etc. according to
instructions on pages 8 and 9.
STEP 2. Add detergent to the
detergent dispenser. Make sure the
Cycle Indicator
Dial is at OFF
position before adding detergent.
(See pages 6 and 7.)
STEP 4. Select the Cycle and start
dishwasher.
If your dishwasher drains into a
food waste disposer, operate the
disposer until it is empty before
starting the dishwasher. (See Cycle
Selection Hints on next page.)
To obtain the benefits of a
com~lete cvcle. be careful that you
Use rinse aid agent to helu Prevent
do n;t turn the dial any furth;r
spotting. (See ~age 6.) ‘ .
STEP 3. Select DRYING Option.
n
HEATED
DRYING
NO HEAT
DRYING
HEATED DRYING. Turns the
drying heater on for fast drying.
Available on
all cycles except
RINSE & HOLD.
NO HEAT DRYING (Energy
Saver). Turns the drying
he;~er off
to save energy. Dishes
will dry
naturally over a longer period such
as overnight. Available on all
cycles.
If you need your dishes sooner,
open the dishwasher door after the
cycle is complete to reduce the
natural drying time.
Use of this option reduces the
electrical energy used by this
model approximately
7Y0 for the
NORMAL WASH cycle.
than necessary to start the
dishwasher.
● For NORMAL WASH cycle:
a. Latch the door.
b. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator Dial
to ON position to start the cycle.
You will hear the motor start.
There is a time delay between
start-up and water fill so you
will not hear any wash action
right
away.
● For LIGHT WASH cycle:
a. Be sure door is unlatched.
O:F.ON L,CH,
WASH
%
+
0
ORWNG ●
●RINSE& HOLO
lus~!;?i%’op,foNl
b. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator Dial
to LIGHT WASH position.
c. Latch door to start the cycle.
● For RINSE & HOLD cycle:
a. Be sure door is unlatched.
b. Select NO HEAT DRYING
option.
c. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator Dial
to RINSE & HOLD position.
d. Latch door to start the
cycle.
4

Cycle selection hinh
‘t is important to follow the loading
Instructions on pages 8 and 9.
NORMAL WASH is for loads of
everyday dishes, glasses and
cookware.
LIGHT WASH is for dishes that
are lightly soiled with soils that
have not dried on. Also for
everyday dishes that have extra
preparation before loading.
RINSE & HOLD is
for rinsing
partial loads which will be washed
later. D() not use detergent.
What happens in each cycle
● You’11 hear occasional clicking ● During the drying period:
sounds:
—The motor stops.
—Soft food disposer shredding —Water vapor comes through the
action.
vent by the door latch during
—Drain valve opening to pump drying and when water is being
water out. pumped out.
—Timer control as cycle
progresses.
—Detergent cup opening.
Wash Cycle
Water Use
Time
Gallons Minutes
Wash Cycles
(approx.) (approx.) Cycle Sequence
NORMAL WASH
12.1
‘7 EEmmmBm
LIGHT WASH
10.3
51
BmmmBm
RINSE & HOLD 4.9
14
mmm
Drying Options:
HEATED DRYING. Available on all wash cycles except RINSE
& HOLD. Add 29 minutes to
wash cycle time.
NO HEAT DRYING (Energy Saver). Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally

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 automatically
heats the water in the wash
cycle.
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.
Turn 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.
To improve washability if the
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...
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
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.
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”)
411 W. Putnam Ave.
Greenwich, CT 06830
&
,.
~
,
/
D
~, 4-.
@
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 (8.7Yo 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 is
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! 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 gek 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 water.
6

You’ll find two detergent
dispensers on the inside door of
our dishwasher. Two, because
some cycles use two washes.
See “Detergent Usage Guide”
below. (Be sure the Cycle Indicator
Dial is at OFF position before
adding detergent. Otherwise, the
detergent cup will not close and
latch properly.)
GRASP HANDLE, , ,
ROTATE AND
/
CLOSE TIGHTLY /
f’
---
~d&
, ,.!
‘. -
.,
.— —--
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
small amounts
of soft foods, but large amounts will
be difficult to handle.
Close the main cup.
NOTE: Detergent cup may be
opened manually with no harm.
Turn handle counterclockwise
until it releases. A snapping sound
is normal when it opens.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
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.
Note: The foods mentioned above
are for 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,
vinega, lemon juice and other foods
that can
cause discoloration of
stainless steel if allowed to remain
on dishes for a long period
of time.
SOFT WATER MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(O-3 grains hardness) (3-7 grains)
(7- 12 grains*)
I
I
CYCLES
Main Cup
Open Cup Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup$
Open Cup*
NORMAL WASH
1 Tablespoon ~ I Tablespoon
Half Full
1 Half Full Completely ~Completely
minimum
+
1 minimum
Full
I Full
I
LIGHT WASH
1 Tablespoon None Half Full None Completely None
minimum
Full
I
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, lime
can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding.
+Filled Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons; Filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.
7

How to load your dishwasher
How to load the TOP RACK
----
Wf’-
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 wtiter out over the dishes to wash the
items in
the upper rack.
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 unit. Arrange ste-mware so that it cannot
move easily. Don’t let the glasses touch each other.
WATC’H OUT [’OR THIS.
The
w~sh 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.
This rack is ideal for dishwasher-safe plastics. When
loading, place plastic items
along the back and be sure
that each plastic tumbler is secured over two fingers.
This will prevent dislodging; tumbler will not
fall
through rack onto heating unit.
8

-1
.,-
Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other small items may be
placed-face down—in the top rack. The top rack ii
handy for all kinds of odd shapes.
How to load the BOTTOM RACK
Fit plates and saucers between the pins. Place items so
that water and detergent from wash arm can reach
soiled
surfaces.
Put flatware in the removable basket with handles up to
protect your hands. 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
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.
Load platters, pots, pans and bowls along the sides, in
corne~s or in the ba~k. All large items, s~ch as pitchers,
salad
bowls and mixing bowls, should be washed in the
lower rack.
Heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles MUST be
loaded in the bottom rack, facing down. Prop broiler
pans and racks along the edge.
9

What you can usually wash safely in your dishwasher.
And what you can’t.
Usually
Safe
Material
Exceptions (not safe) Special Instructions
Aluminum YES
Some colored anodized aluminum can
fade.
Antique, metal-trimmed, hand-painted
or over-the-glaze 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, or test wasb
one piece daily for at least a month. Compare with the
rest of the set.
ChindStoneware YES
Crystal
YES
Antique, metal-trimmed or hand-
painted patterns fade. Gold leaf will
discolor.
Load securely to prevent movement. Check
manufacturer’s instructions
f’or your crystal.
Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher and
discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
Non-dishware
items—such as
NO
electronic air cleaner
filters, furnace filters,
paint brushes, etc.
Glass
YES
Milk glass may yellow.
Iron
NO
——
NO
YES
Iron will rust.
Pewter tarnishes.
Pewter
Plastics
[fit doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one piece in
the top rack before dishwashing an entire set. Wash in
top rack only.
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.
YES
After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
ve&etable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Non-stick
coatings
Tin
NO
Tin can rust.
Wood
NO 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
However, opening the door during 2. Wait a few seconds until the
any cycle lessens cleaning power water calms. Then open the door.
because the temperature inside the
dishwasher is lowered. So
try to
3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.
load everything at the
begin~ing.
4. Close the door and push the
dishes at any
-
time BEFORE the main
Here’s how to add a forgotten dish:
latch to the far right. When the
door is locked,
washing will
detergent wash portion of the cycle.
1. Push the door latch to the left. continue.
Washing
will stop.
10

-
_~ Questions?
‘~ Use This Problem Solver
-
PROBLEM
DISHWASHER
WON’T RUN
UNUSUAL NOISE
DISHES DON’T DRY
UNCLEAN DISHES
AND FLATWARE
BLACK OR GRAY
dARKS ON DISHES
DETERGENT LEFT IN
DISPENSER CUPS
DETERGENT CUP
LID WON’T LATCH
AFTER ADDING
DETERGENT
YELLOW OR
BROWN FILM
POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY
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.
Make sure inlet water temperature is correct. (See Page 6.)
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 inlet water temperature. It should be at least
120°F. (To test, see page 6.)
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 page 14.)
Improper rack loading. (See pages 8 and 9.)
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 may be 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 in OFF position 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 to OFF by itself.
Tea or coffee can stain cups. Remove the stains by hand, using a solution of li2 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 the filter.
Yellow film on sterling silver results when you wash copper utensils in the same
load. Silver polish will usually remove this stain.
11

The Problem Solver (continued)
PROBLEM
SPOTS AND
HLMING ON
GLASSES AND
FLATWAM
CLOUDINESS ON
GLASSWARE
POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY
Spotting can be caused by all these things:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Extremely hard water. (See page 6.)
Low inlet water temperature. (To test, see page 6.)
Overloading the dishwasher.
Improper loading. (See pages 8 and 9.)
Old or damp powder detergent.
Phosphate level in detergent too low. (See page 6.)
Rinse agent dispenser empty. (See page 6.)
Too little detergent. (See page 7.)
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 stubborn spok and film from glassware:
1. Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
2. Do not add detergent.
3. Select Normal Wash cycle.
4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run for 15 to 20 minutes. The dishwasher will
now be in the main wash.
5, Then open the door and pour 2 cups (500ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of
thedishwasher.
6. Close the door and allow to complete the cycle.
If vinegar rinse doesn’t work: Repeat as above, except use 1/4 cup (60ml) of citric
acid crystals instead of vinegar. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals. If yours
doesn’t, call GE 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.
12

PROBLEM
CHIPPING OF
CHINA
SMALL AMOUNT OF
WATER STANDING
IN THE BOTTOM
OF THE TUB
WATER WON’T
PUMF
OUT OF THE TUB
SUDS IN THE TUB
DISHWASHER
LEAKS
MOTOR HUMS
POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY
Rough handling can cause chipping. Load with care. Make sure glassware and china
are secure and can’t jar loose. (See page 8 for correct way to load glassware.) Make
sure tall glasses and stemware will
clew the top of the tub when you push the rack
into the dishwasher.
Always use the top rack for delicate items.
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.
If the entire bottom of the tub has water, you may have a drain problem. Clean the air
gap, if you have one. (See page 14.)
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.
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. Pump out water by slowly
turning the control dial until a drain period is reached.
Repeat if necessary.
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 overflowing.
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.
If you need more help.. call, toll free:
GE Answer Center@
800.626.2000
consumer information service
13

Care and Cleaning
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.
AIR GAPS
11}1 tl illll 1
TWO TYPES~F ‘:1,,’~’4,:;~1
If you have an air gap, check it at
least once a month. IT IS NOT
PART OF YOUR DISHWASHER.
IT 1S 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.
● Turn off the water supply.
● Disconnect the water inlet 1 ine
from the water valve.
● Drain water from the inlet line
and water valve. (Use a pan to
catch the water. )
● Reconnect the water inlet 1 ine to
the water valve.
● Remove the plastic pump cover in
the tub bottom and use a sponge to
soak up water in the rubber boot.
I
PUMP COVER SCREWS
I
How to change color panels
If you are redecorating, you can How to change the door panel:
A wood panel trim kit contains
change your dishwasher’s door 1. Take out trim screws on either
trim and instructions for adding a
panel to match or blend with your
new colors. side of the dishwasher door. decorative wood door panel and
Remove the side trim. lower access panel to match kitchen
The panel is held in place by the
cabinets. The kit is available at no
door trim. Each side of the panel is 2. Slide the panel out.
extra cost. (Specify GPF40.)
a different color. Or vou can uaint
(Careful—edges may be sharp.)
Order from:
.
the panel with the color of your
own choice.
—
7,
.1 ~ < f
— -“
~e;/
,.5
:,,.:..:, :.,.,:...
...
. . . .’ ..
“1.
3. Turn the panel around and put
GE Appliances
the color you want in front.
c/o Dri-View Manufacturing
4706
Allmond Ave.
4. Replace the panel, side trim and
Louisville, KY 40209
screws.
Note: Do not operate the
dishwasher while changing
panels.
14

We’ll Be There
With tie purchase of your new GE appliance, receive tie
assurance fiat if you ever need information or assistance
from GE, we’ll be” there.
~1 you have to do is cdl—toll-free!
In-Home Repak
Service
800-GE-CARES
A GE Consumer Service professional
will provide expert repair service,
cheduled at a time that’s convenient
for you. Many GE Consumer Service
company-operated locations offer you
service today or tomorrow, or at your
convenience
(7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
weekda~ 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm, Satur-
days). Our factory-trained technicians
know your appliance inside and out—
so most repairs can be
handed in just
one visit.
Service Contracts
800-626-2Z4
You can have the secure feeling that
GE Consumer Service will still be
there after your warranty expires. Pur-
chase a GE contract while your war-
ranty is still in effect and you’ll receive
a substantial discount. With a multiple-
year contract, you’re assured of
fiture
service at today’s prices.
Pafls andAccesories
800-626-2002
IndividuA qutiled to sernce their
o- appliances can have needed
parts or accessories sent direcdy to
their home, free of shipping charge!
The GE parts system provides access
to over 47,000 parts . . . and
dl GE
Genuine Renewal Parts are fully
warranted. WSA, MasterCard and
Discover cards are accepted.
User maintenance instructions
contained
in this boo~et cover proce-
dures intended to be performed by
any user. Other servicing genetiy
should be referred to qu~led ser-
vice personnel. Caution must be
exercised, since improper servicing
may @use unsafe operation.
Whatever your question about any GE
major appliance, GF, Answer Cente@
information service is available to
help. Your cdl—and your
question-
will be answered prornpdy and
courteously And you can
cdl any
time. GE Answer Cente@ service is
open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
~
I
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf
For Customers Wdh
Special Needs...
Upon request, GE will provide Braille
controls for a variety of
C,E appliances,
and a brochure to assist in planning
a
barrier-free kitchen for persons with
limited mobility To obtain these items,
free of charge,
cdl 800.626.2000.
Consumers with impaired hearing
or speech who have access to a TDD
or a conventional teletypewriter may
cdl 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322)
to request infi)rmation or service.

II
YOUR GE AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER
WARRANTY
WHAT IS COVERED
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
For one year from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and service labor in
your home to repair or replace any
pati of the dishwasher that fails
because of a manufacturing defect.
FULL TEN-YEAR WARRANTY
For ten years from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and service labor in
your home to repair or replace the
tub or door Ijner if it fails to contain
water because of a manufacturing
defect such as cracking, chipping,
peeling or rusting.
This warranty is extended to the
original purchaser and any
succeeding owner for products
purchased for ordinary home use in
the 48 mainland states, Hawaii and
Washington,
D.C. In Alaska the
warranty is the same except that it
is LIMITED because you must pay
to ship the product to the service
shop or for the service technician’s
travel costs to your home.
All warranty service will be provided
by our Factory Service Centers or
by our authorized Customer
Care(’)
servicers during normal working
hours.
Look in the White or Yellow Pages
of your telephone directory for
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY,
GENERAL ELECTRIC FACTORY
SERVICE, GENERAL
ELECTRIC-
HOTPOINT FACTORY SERVICE
or GENERAL ELECTRIC
CUSTOMER CARE@ SERVICE.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
● Service trips to your home to ● Replacement of house fuses or
teach you how to use the product. resetting of circuit breakers.
Read your Use and Care material.
If you then have any questions
about operating the product, please
contact your dealer or our
Consumer Affairs office at the
address below, or call, toll free:
GE Answer
Center@
800.626.2000
consumer information service
● Improper installation.
● Cleaning or servicing of air gap
device in drain line.
● Failure of the product if it is used
for other than its intended purpose
or used commercially.
● Damage to product caused by
accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
WARRANTOR IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
If you have an installation problem,
contact your dealer or installer.
You are responsible for providing
adequate electrical, plumbing and
other connecting facilities.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vay from state to state
To know what your legal rights are in your state, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
I
Warrantor: General Electric Company
If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:
Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225
This book is printed on recycled paper
Pati No. 165 D3080P223
GSD.~C
Pub No. 49-5526
GSD\ :
9-91 CG