GE GSD8000 series User manual

Dishwasher
Safety Instructions ......................... 3
Operating Instructions, Tips
ApplianceRegistration .................................. 2
China,Crystal,Sterling............................. 10
Cycle Features ............................................ 4, 5
CycleSelection Chart .................................... 5
Detergent Guide .............................................7
DispenserCups ............................................... 7
Drying Options ................................................4
Energy-SavingTips ......................................... 2
Features ........................................................4, 5
Loading......................................................... 8,9
OperatingInstructions.............................. 4,5
Rinse Agent ......................................................6
WaterTemperature........................................ 6
Care and Cleaning
AirGap........................................................ ii
WinterStorage........................................... 11
Problem Solver ....................... 13.15
More questions ?...call
GE Answer Center" 800.626.2000
Preparation
FrontPanelChange..................................... 12
Consumer Services ................... 19
ImportantPhoneNumbers........................ 19
Model and Serial Numbers .......................... 2
Repair Service .................................................2
Warranty ........................................Back Cover
Model GSDSOO_eries
GE Appliances

HELP US HELP YOU...
Before using your
dishwasher, read this
guide carefully.
It is intended to help you
operate and maintain your new
dishwasher properly.
Keep it handy for answers to
your questions.
If you don't understand something
or-need more help, write (include
your phone number):
Consumer Affairs
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
If you received
adamaged dishwasher...
hmnediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you the
dishwasher.
Save time and money.
Before you request
service...
Check the Problem Solver in the
back of this guide. It lists causes
of minor operating problems that
you can correct yourself.
To obtain a Spanish language
version of this book, call
GE Answer Center
800.626.2000
consumer information service.
Para obtener la version en
espafiol de este manual,
name a
GE Answer Center, _"
servicio de inlormacidn
para el consumidor,
tel_fono 800.626.2000.
Write down the model
and serial numbers.
You'll find them on a label
fastened to the tub wall just
inside the dishwasher door.
These numbers are also on the
Consumer Product Ownership
Registration Card that came
with your dishwasher. Before
sending in this card, please write
these numbers here:
Model Number
Serial Number
Use these numbers in any
correspondence or service calls
concerning your dishwasher.
IF YOU NEED SERVICE...
To obtain service, see the Consumer Services page in
the back of this guide.
We're proud of our service and want you to be
pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the
service you receive, here are three steps to follow for
further help.
FIRST, contact the people who serviced your
appliance. Explain why you are not pleased, in most
cases, this will solve the problem.
NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write all the
details--including your phone number--to:
Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
FINALLY, if your problem is still not resolved, write:
Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS
• 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.
• Always select the cycle that uses the least amount
of water that will remove the soil from the load.
(See the Operating section.)
• If you don' t need your dishes right away, allow the
dishes to dry naturally over a longer period such as
overnight.
2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before using this appliance.
AWARNING--When using this
appliance, always exercise basic
safety precautions, including the
following:
•Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose, as you will finddescribed 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 calling, toll
flee, the GE Answer Centeff 800.626.2000,
--This appliance must be connected to a grounded
metal, permanent wiring system; or an
equipment-grounding conductor must be run
with the circuit conductors and connected to
the equipment-grounding terminal or lead of
the appliance.
--Connect to a properly rated, protected and sized
power-supply circuit to avoid electrical overload,
_,_ .Do not store or use combustible
materials, gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
•Use onlypowderor liquid detergentsor wetting
agentsrecommendedforuse 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 heating element and be damaged.
To minimize the possibility of injury.
.When loadingitems tobe washed:
A.Locatesharp itemsso thatthey are not likely
to damagethe doorseal, and
B. Loadsharpkniveswith the handlesup to
reducethe risk ofcut-typeinjuries.
.Do not tamperwith controls.
.Do not touch the heatingelementduringor
immediatelyafteruse.
.Do not operateyourdishwasherunlessall enclosure
panelsare properlyin place.
.Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door or dish
rack of the dishwasher.
Close supervisionis necessaryif this appliance
isused byor near children.Do not allow children
to play inside,on orwiththis applianceor any
discardedappliance.Disposeof discarded
appliancesand shippingor packingmaterial
properly.Beforediscardinga dishwasher,remove
the door of the washingcompartment.
.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 minimizethe possibilityof
electricshock, disconnectthis
appliancefromthe power supply
beforeattemptingany maintenance.NOTE:
Turningthe controldial to the OFFposition
doesnot disconnectthe appliancefromthe
powersupply.We recommendhavinga qualified
technicianserviceyour appliance.
AWARNING--HYDROGEN 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
im
|
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HOW TO OPERATE YOUR DISHWASHER
Your dishwasher is designed to give maximum
performance on loads with normal and heavy soils.
You may find that many of your dishes have lighter
soils than normal, if this is the case you can save
water and energy by selecting a cycle other than
NORMAL WASH.
NOTE: The lights over the Cycle and Energy Option
pads come ON to indicate the cycle/option that has
been selected. These Cycle and Option Indicator
lights remain on while the door is latched.
If dishwasher drains into a tbod waste disposal,
operate the disposal until it is empty before starting
dishwasher.
Step 1. Load your dishwasher. (See Loading section.)
Step 2. Make sure the Cycle Indicator Dial is at
the OFF position. Add detergent to the detergent
dispenser. (See Detergent Guide. ) Use a rinse aid
agent to help prevent spotting. (See How to Use
a Rinse Agent section. )
Step 3. Latch the door.
Step 4. Select desired wash cycle.
•POTSCRUBBER--For items such as pots, pans
and casseroles with dried-on or baked-on soils.
Everyday dishes may be included. This cycle will
get heavily soiled dishes cleaner than the normal
cycle. It will not remove burned-on foods.
• NORMAL WASH--For most loads of everyday
dishes, glasses and cookware with medium soils.
Designed to yield high performance on normal soils.
,LIGHT WASH--For loads that have dishes with
light soils.
Step 5. Select the desired Energy Options.
,WASH HEAT BOOST ON--Use this option
for best performance with heavily-soiled dishes.
When selected, the wash cycle may be extended
while the dishwasher heats the water for the best
washing and drying. (See Cycle Selection Chart).
,WASH HEAT BOOST OFF--Shuts off the
WASH HEAT BOOST option.
• HEATED DRY ON--Turns the drying heater on
for fast drying. When selected, the cycle time will
be extended for 35 minutes.
i!
i I i i
POT- NORMAL LIGHT WASH HEAT BOOST
SCRUBBER WASH WASH ON OFF
©OOOO
Cycles Energy Options
\
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/
,/
®
I
l:eature.v and aplwarance ma\' vat 3" .s/ig] lly
,HEATED DRY OFF--Shuts off the heating unit,
thus saving energy. Dishes air-dry naturally. It takes
longer but saves energy. You can open the door after
the motor stops to speed drying. Excellent for
overnight drying.
Step 6. Turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to START.
• Turning the dial to START will begin the cycle
immediately. To obtain the benefits of a complete
cycle, be careful that you do not turn the dial any
farther than is necessary to start the dishwasher.
There is a time delay between start-up and water
fill so you will not hear any wash action right away.
Dial Cycles
The SHORT WASH cycle allows you to quickly
wash loads of everyday dishes with medium soils
that have not dried on, such as loads consisting mostly
of glasses.
a. Select the NORMAL WASH cycle and any
Energy Option if desired.
b. Be sure the door is unlatched.
c. Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to
SHORT WASH.
d. Latch the door to start the cycle.
4

i
PLATEWARMER"
(PRESS HEATED DRY)
OFF -START
SHORT WASH
,\
HEATED
ORVON
HEATED
ORVOFF
RINSE & HOLO IPRESSHEATEDDRY om
Dial Cycles (continued)
The RINSE & HOLD cycle is fl)r rinsing
partial loads which will be washed later. Do
not us(, deterqent.
a. Select HEATED DRY OFF.
b. Be sure the door is unlatched.
c. Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to
RINSE & HOLD.
d. Latch the door to start the cycle.
The PLATE WARMER cycle (on some models)
is fl)r warming clean dishes and serving plates for
the serving of hot foods. The cycle will take
approximately 35 minutes if selected.
a. Load clean plates and dishes to be warmed.
b. Select HEATED DRY ON.
c. Be sure the door is unlatched.
d. Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator dial to
PLATE WARMER.
e. Latch the door to start the cycle.
Cycle Selection Chart
WashCycle
Water use Time I
Gallons Mflmles I
Wash Cycles approx. ) (approx.)
POTSCRUBBER 10.6 72
NORMAl. WASH t).1 51 :_
I,IGHT WASH 7.9 5I*
SHORT WASH 7.4 43*
RINSE &HOLI) 3.0 12
Cycle Sequence
*Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased approximately 21 minutes if Wash Heat B,.',,:,stoplion is selected.
HEAT[';I) I)RY ON. Available on all wash cycles except R[NSE & HOLD. Acid 35 lllinules Io w:.lsh cycle time.
tlEATED DRY OFF. Drying healer is lurned olf. Dishes dry nalurally. 5

Good Dishwashing Starts with HOT Water
To get dishes clean and dry, you need hot water. For good washing and drying,
the entering water must beat least 120°F. To prevent dish damage, inlet water should not exceed 150°13.
How to Test Water Temperature
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°E, 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°E
and you cannot adjust your water heater: Select a
longer cycle or the WASH HEAT BOOST option and
fill both detergent cups at least half-full with detergent.
How to Use a Rinse Agent
The rinse agent makes water flow off dishes
quicker 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 liquid rinse agent
until it .just reaches the
bottom of lip inside the
dispenser opening.
Replace cap. The
dispenser automatically
releases rinse agent into
final rinse water.
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
approximately 4V-,ounces. This should last about
3 months. Fill as needed.
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
6

How to Choose and Use the Right Detergent
Use only powder or liquid detergent specifically
made for use in dishwashers. Other types will cause
oversudsing.
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.
Your water department can tell you how hard your
water is. So can your county extension agent or your
area's water softener company. Just call and ask them
how many "grains" of hardness there are in your water.
Too much detergent with soft water not only wastes
money, it can be harmful. It can cause a permanent
cloudiness of glassware, called "etching." An outside
layer of glass is etched away! Of course, this takes some
time. But why take a chance when it's easy to find out the
hardness of your water.
Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Under the sink
isn't a good place to store detergent because there is too
much moisture. Don't put powder detergent into the
dispenser until you're ready to wash dishes, either. (It
won't be fresh OR dry.)
If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it
away. Old detergent often won't dissolve. If you use a
liquid dishwasher detergent, these precautions are not
necessary because liquid detergents don't "lump" as
they age or come in contact with moisture.
Detergent Dispensers
You'll find two detergent dispensers on the inside
door of your dishwasher. Two, because
some cycles use two washes.
See "Detergent Usage Guide "below.
(Be sure the CYCLE INDICATOR
DIAL is at OFF position before
adding detergent. Otherwise,
the detergent cup will not Main
close and latch properly). Cup
Open ,/'_ /
Cup ._
Close the main cup.
NOTE: To open detel2qent cup after it has been
closed, unlatch the door and rotate the
Indicator Dial afull tmw to the OFF position.
When the closed cup contains soap it is" Grasp handle,
best that the door be in a partially open rotate and
position bejbre rotating the (_,cle close tightly
Indicator Dial. This will help reduce the amount of
dete12qentand rinse aid agent spillage into the tub.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
SOFT WATER (0-3 grains hardness) MEDIUM WATER (3-7 grains) HARD WATER (7- 12 grains*)
ZYCLES Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup Open Cup Main Cups Open Cup;
POTSCRUBBER Half Full +Half Full Completely + Half Full Completely + Completely
NORMAL WASH Full Full Full
LIGHT WASH Half Full None Half Full None Completely None
SHORT WASH Full
RINSE & HOLD Use no detergent Use no detergent Use no detergent
*lZ grains and up is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without it, lime :)Filled Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons;
can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding. Filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.
How to Prepare the Dishes for Washing
If this is your first dishwasher, or if you're replacing
a much older model, you may wonder how much
preparation your dishes need. Actually very little.
Scrape off bones, seeds, skins, toothpicks and
other hard solids. Remove excessive quantities
of oil or grease.
NOTE: You may also want to consider removing
foods such as mustard, mayommise, vinegar, lemon
juice and other foods that can cause discoloration of
stainless steel if allowed to remain on dishes for a
long period of time.
The POTSCRUBBER cycle can wash heavily soiled
dishes and remove dried-on and baked-on soils from

HOW TO LOAD YOUR DISHWASHER
NOTE: Do not load large platters or trays in front right corner
of lower rack. They may prevent detergent from circulating in the wash cycle.
The upper rack is best for glasses, cups and
saucers. Cups and glasses fit best along the sides.
This is also the place for dishwasher-safe plastics.
Make sure small plastic items are lodged in tightly so
they can't fall onto the heating unit. Arrange stemware
so that it cannot move easily. 'Don't let the-glasses
touch each other.
The upper rack is handy for all kinds of odd shapes. Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other items should be placed
face down. When loading dishwasher safe plastics make sure each plastic item is secured over two fingers. This will
insure good washing results.
8

The lower rack is best used for plates, saucers, and
cookware. Large items such as broiler pans and racks
should go in the lower rack along the edge. Load
platters, pots and bowls along the sides, in corners,
or in the back. For best washing results, all items
should be positioned with the soiled side of the dish
facing the center of the rack.
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 dishwasher, they
should go in bottom of silverware basket with
silverware on top.
i'
_5
Keep 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.
Don't let any
itemextend
through bottom
Precaution!
Take out anything that may fall or extend through the
bottom of the basket.
9

WHAT YOU CAN USUALLY WASH SAFELY
IN YOUR DISHWASHER.
Material
Aluminum
China/
Stoneware
Crystal
Non-dishwasher
items such
as electronic
air cleaner
filters, furnace
filters, paint
brushes, etc.
Glass
Iron
Pewter
Plastics
Stainless steel
Sterling Silver
and Silver plate
Non-stick
coatings
Tin
Wood
Usually
Safe
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
Exceptions (not safe)
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
Iron will rust.
Pewter tarnishes.
Don't put in same silvecvvare
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,
Tin can rust.
Wood can wal_, crack or lose
its finish with any type of washing.
Special Instructions
Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. Or test wash
one piece daily for at least a month. Compare with the
rest of the set.
Load securely to prevent movement. Check your
manufacturer's instructions for your crystal.
Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher
and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
If it doesn't say DISHWASHER SAFE test one piece in
the top rack before dishwashing an entire set.
Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acid foods
can stain if left on.
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 silvmware basket to avoid
exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.
After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Forget a dish? Here's when you can add it.
Add dishes any time during the RINSE & HOLD
cycle. With other wash cycles, you can add dishes
at any time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion
of the cycle.
However, opening the door during any cycle
lessens cleaning power. So try to load everything
at the beginning.
Here's how to add a forgotten dish:
1. Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.
2. Wait a few seconds until the water calms. Then
open the door. WARNING: Hot vapor may rise
from opened door.
3. Add dishes you've forgotten.
4. Close the door and push the latch to the far right.
When the door is locked, washing will continue.
10