GE GSD820 User manual

Use and Care Guide
Dishwasher
Contents
Air Gap
11 POTSCRUBBER Cycle
4,5
Appliance Registration
2
Problem Solver
12-14
Care and Cleaning
11
Rinse Agent
~
China, Crystal, Sterfing
10
Safety Instructions 3
Consumer Services
19
User Maintenance Instructions 11
Cycle Features
4,5
Warranty Back Cover
Detergent, Detergent Guide 6,7
Water Temperature 6
Dispenser Cups
7
Winter Storage 11
Ener~ Saver Stitch
4
Ener~-Sating Tips
2
Front Panel Color Change
15
Loading
8,9
Model and Serial Numbers
2
O~erdtinq Instructions
4.5
Cycle Selection
5
GE Answer Center
m
Drfing Options
4,5 800.626.2000
Built-in Models GSD820 ~
GSD840 ~
GE Appliances

Help us help you...
Before using your
dishwasher, read this
book carefully.
It is intended to help you
operate and maintain
your new
dishwasher properly.
Keep it handy for answers to
your questions.
If you don’t understand something
or need more help, write (include
your phone number):
Consumer Affairs
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
Write down the model and
serial numbers.
You’ll find them on a label
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 received a
damaged dishwasher...
Immediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you
the dishwasher.
Save time and money.
Before you request
service...
Check the Problem Solver section.
It lists causes of minor operating
problems that you can correct
ourself.
To obtain a Spanish language
version of this book, call
GE Answer Center ‘“
800.626.2000
consumer information service.
Para obtener la versi6n en
espafiol de este manual,
name a
GE Answer
Center;’)
servicio de information
para el consumidor,
tel~fono 800.626.2000.
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. Be sure to latch the door
when waiting for a full load.
This helps keep soils moist, easier
to remove.
● If you don’t need your dishes
right away, use your ENERGY
SAVER no-heat boost drying
feature that turns the drying heater
off automatically. Dishes dry
naturally over a longer period
such as overnight.
● Always select the cycle that
uses least amount of water that
will remove the soil from the
load. See How to Operate Your
Dishwasher section.
If you need service
To obtain service, see the
Consumer Services page in the
back of this book.
We’re proud of our service and
want you to be pleased. If for some
reason you are not happy with the
service you receive, here are three
steps to follow for further help.
FIRST, contact the people who
serviced your appliance. Explain
why you are not pleased. In most
cases, this will solve the problem.
NEXT, if you are still not pleased,
write all the details—including
your phone number—to:
Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, Kentucky 40225
FINALLY, if your problem is still
not resolved, write:
Major Appliance Consumer
Action Panel
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
● Turn your water heater down to
120°F. and use the WASH HEAT
BOOST Option. Make sure the
entering water temperature is no
less than
1200F. (See How to
Operate Your dishwasher section).
2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before using this appliance.
A WARNING—When 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 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 only powder or liquid
detergents or wetting agents
recommended for use in a
dishwasher.
● Do not wash plastic items
unless marked “dishwasher
safe” or the equivalent. For
plastic items not so marked,
check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
● Load light plastic items so they
will not become dislodged and
drop to the bottom of the
dishwasher—they might come
into contact with the 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.
AWARNINGHYDROGEN
GAS is produced by the chemical
action within your water heater. It
can accumulate in the water
heater andor water pipes if hot
water has not been used for a
period of two weeks or longer.
HYDROGEN GAS IS
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 the
Loading section.
STEP 2. Add detergent to the
detergent dispenser. Make sure
the Cycle Indicator Dial is at OFF
position before adding detergent.
(See the Detergent Guide.)
Use rinse aid agent to help prevent
spotting. Occasionally
check to
insure that rinse agent container is
at least half full. (See How to Use
a Rinse Agent section.)
STEP 3. Select drying option.
E
HEATED DRY. Turns the drying
heater on for fast drying. Available
on all wash cycles except RINSE
& HOLD.
ENERGY SAVER (no heat boost).
Turns the drying heater off to
save energy. Dishes will dry
naturally over a longer period
such as overnight. Available on
all wash cycles.
If you need your dishes sooner,
open the dishwasher door after the
cycle is complete to reduce the
natural drying time.
Note: The ENERGY SAVER
option will also cancel the WASH
HEAT BOOST. To obtain WASH
HEAT BOOST without HEATED
DRY, select only the WASH HEAT
BOOST option. (See Energy-
Saving Tips.)
STEP 4. WASH HEAT BOOST
Option.
WASH HEAT
BOOST
❑
To test water temperature, see
“How To Test Water Temperature
section.”
The entering water must be
between
120°F. and 1400F. Use
the WASH HEAT BOOST option
when water is less than
140°F.
When selected, the wash cycle will
be extended for21 minutes while
the dishwasher heats the water for
good washing and drying.
STEP 5. Select the wash cycle and
start the dishwasher. (See Cycle
Selection Hints.)
If your dishwasher drains into a
food waste disposer, operate the
disposer until it is empty before
starting the dishwasher.
● For POTSCRUBBER,
NORMAL WASH and LIGHT
WASH cycles:
POT- NORMAL LIGHT
SCRUBBER WASH WASH
a. Push selected cycle button.
b. Latch the door.
c.
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.
To obtain the benefits of a
complete cycle, be careful that
you do not turn the dial any
further than necessary
to start
the dishwasher.
● For RINSE & HOLD cycle:
o~, ;.,
ORYING ‘\*
.,
Q’
WASHING
I ,“
a. Be sure door is unlatched. Do
not use detergent.
b. Select ENERGY SAVER
drying option.
c. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator
Dial to RINSE& HOLD
position.
d. Latch the door to start the cycle.
4

Cycle selection hints
It is important to f(~llow the
loading instructions. (See how to
Load Your Dishwasher section.)
Then
select the appropriate cycle.
POTSCRUBBER—For items such
as pots, pans and casseroles with
dried-on
or baked-on soils.
Evcrydfiy dishes may be included.
NORM AL WASH—For most
lotids of everyday dishes, glasses
and cookware with medium soils.
LIGHT WASH—For dishes that
are lightly soiled with soi Is that
have not dried on. Also for
everyday dishes that have extra
preparation be tore loading.
What happens in each cycle
● You 1 I hear occasional c1 icking
sounds:
—Soft food disposer shredding
action.
—Drain valve opening to pump
water out.
—Timer control as cycle
prc>gresses.
—Detergent cup openin&.
RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing
partial loads which
will be washed
later.
Select ENERGY SAVER
drying option. D() not u.ve d(’tergent.
● During the drying period:
—The
motor stops.
— Water vapor comes through the
vent by the door latch during
drying and when water is being
pumped out.
Wash
W:ltcr Use Cycle Tir]le
Gall(~IIs Minutes
W:lsh ~.y~i~s
([ipprox.) (upprox.)
C’ycle Sequellcc
PorrS(:RLJBBE:R
12. I
fi~ wmmmmmm
NORMA1, WASH
I?. 1
41 mmmmmmm
I.lGHT WASH
10,3 ~~:,
mmmmmm
RINSF; & HOI.1}
3. I 8
mm
*Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased approximately 21 minutes if
Wash Heat Boost Option is selected.
Drying Options:
HEATED DRY. Available on all wash cycles exccpl RINSE & HOLD. Add 25 minutes to wash
cycle time.
ENERGY SAVER (N() Heat B()(]st). 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 has a WASH
HEAT BOOST feature. When
selected (see How to Operate Your
Dishwasher section), this water
heating feature allows you to turn
down your household water heater
and save
energy if you’re willing
to let the dishwasher run a little
longer while it heats water. For
good washing and drying, the
entering water must be between
1200F. and 1400F. 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.
If
the water temperature is less
than
140°F., use the WASH HEAT
BOOST option. See WASH HEAT
BOOST section.
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.
[f the water
temperature is below
1200F.
adjust your water heater.
Helpful hints: If outside
temperatures are unusually low,
or if your water travels a long
distance from water heater t.
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.
How to use a Rinse Agent How to choose and use
A rinse agent makes water flow off
detergent
dishes quicker than usual. This
lessens water spotting and makes
drying faster, too.
For best dishwashing performance,
use of a rinse agent such as JET-
DRY brand is recommended.
Rinse agents come in either liquid
or solid form. Your dishwasher’s
dispenser uses the liquid form.
How to fill the rinse agent
dispenser. Unscrew the cap.
Add
the liquid rinse agent until it just
reaches the bottom of the lip inside
the dispenser opening. Replace the
cap. The dispenser automatically
releases the rinse agent into the
final rinse water.
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
Your dishwasher’s rinse agent
container holds 4~2 ounces. This
should last about 3 months. Fill as
needed. Do not overfill.
First, use only powder or liquid
detergents specifically made for
use in dishwashers. Other types
will cause
oversudsing.
Second, check the phosphate
content. Phosphate helps prevent
hard-water materials from forming
spots or film on your dishes. If
your water is hard (7 grains or
more), your detergent has to work
harder. Detergents with a higher
phosphate
level will probably work
better. If the phosphate content is
low (8.7qo 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”
there are in your water.
How much detergent should you
use? That depends. Is your water
“hard” or “soft”? With hard
water, you need extra detergent to
get dishes clean. With soft water,
you need less detergent.
Too much detergent with soft water
not only wastes money, it can be
harmful. It can cause a permanent
cloudiness of glassware,
called
“etching.” An outside layer of glass
is etched away! Of course, this takes
some time. But why take a chance
when it’s easy to find out the
hardness of your water.
Keep your detergent fresh and
dry. Under the sink isn’t a good
place to store detergent. Too much
moisture. Don’t put powder
detergent into the dispenser
until
you’re ready to wash dishes, either.
(It won’t be fresh OR dry.)
If your powder detergent gets
old or lumpy, throw it away.
It
won’t wash well. Old detergent
often won’t dissolve.
If you use a liquid dishwasher
detergent, these precautions are not
necessary because liquid
detergents don’t “lump” as they
age or come in contact with water.
6

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
(’up will not (lo,re and
latch
properly.)
GRASP HANDLE,
ROTATE
AND
CLOSE TIGHTLY
/ {
Close the main ~:up.
NOTE: Detergent (up may be
opened manualldv with no harm.
Turn handle
cc~untercl{]ckwi.ve
until it releases. A snapping sound
is normal when it opens.
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.
3. Try to remove food scraps and
place dishes in dishwasher before
soil has a chance to dry and become
hard. Dishes with dried-on soil are
more difficult to wash and may not
come clean in the NORMAL
WASH cycle. Remember to use
your RINSE & HOLD cycle for
small “holding” loads.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
Note: The foods mentioned 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,
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.
When using the POTSCRUBBER
cycle, less
preparation is required
before loading. The POTSCRUBBER
cycle can wash heavily-soiled
dishes. Items with burned-on and
baked-on soils may not come
clean. And the dishwasher cannot
remove burn marks or restore
fading caused by overheating
during cooking.
SOFT WATER
(0-3 grains hardness)
CYCLES Main Cup
Open Cup
POTSCRUBBER
and
NORMAL WASH
cycles
LIGHT WASH cycle
RINSE& HOLD cyc[e
I
1 Tablespoon 1 Tablespoon
minimum minimum
+
*
Use no detergent
MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(3-7 grains) (7- I 2 grains*)
Main Cup Open Cup
Main Cup$
Open Cup*
Half Full
Half Full
Completely Completely
Full Full
+
+
Half Full
None Completely
None
Full
I
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
MCK
This i,s a rand(~m mixed l{~ad, the m(~.st ({~mm<m type
YOU hVil/ have.
Make sure dishes are properly loaded to insure that
water can reach the soiled surfaces. The wash arm in
the bottom sprays water up. The tower that rises in the
center sends water out over the dishes to wash the
items in the upper rack. A spray arm in the top washes
down
also. Make sure to place tall items to the outside
so the upper wash arm is not blocked.
WATCH OUT FOR THIS.
The wash tower rises through the center of the bottom
rack during the wash
and rinse portions of the cycle.
Don’t block it or load tall things next to it. Also, be
careful not to let a portion of an item such as a pot or
dish handle extend through the bottom rack. This could
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 stemware so that it cannot
move easily. Don’t let the glasses touch each other.
\
Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other small items may
be placed—face down—in the top rack. The top rack
is handy for all kinds of odd shapes.
block the wash arm and ~ause poor washing results.
8

How to load the BOTTOM WCK
Load platters, pots, pans and bowls along the sides, in
corners or in the back. All large items, such 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.
Don’t let anv
\
item extend”
through bottom.
Put flatware in the removable basket with handles up to
protect
your hands. Mix knives, forks and suoons so thev
Take out anvthin~ that may fall or extend through the
Precaution!
don’t n;st together. Distribute evenly. Smali plastic “ bottom of
tfie ba;ket. “
.
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.

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.
Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
ChintiStoneware YES
YES
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.
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
manufacturer’s instructions for your crystal.
Crystal
Non-dishwasher
items+uch as
electronic air cleaner
filters, furnace filters!
paint brusbes, etc.
NO
Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher and
discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
Glass
YES Milk glass may yellow.
Iron NO Iron will rust.
Pewter NO Pewter tarnishes.
Plastics
YES
If it 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.
After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Non-stick
coatings
YES
Tin NO
Tin can rust.
Wood can warp, crack or lose its
finish with any type of washing.
Wood
NO
Forget a dish? Here’s
when you can add it.
Add dishes any time during the
RINSE & HOLD cycle. With
other wash cycles, you can add
dishes at any time BEFORE the
main detergent wash portion of
the cycle.
Here’s how to add a
forgotten dish:
1.
Push the door latch to the left.
Washing will stop.
2. Wait a few seconds until the
water calms. Then open the door.
3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.
4. Close the door and push the
latch to the far right. When the
door is locked, washing
will
continue.
However, opening the door during
any cycle lessens cleaning power
because the temperature inside the
dishwasher is lowered. So try to
load everything at the beginning.
10

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
CJE 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.
Ill 1., “11: ! I
II I
TWO TYPES OF AIR GAPS; I
If you have an air gap, check it at
least once a month. IT IS NOT
PART OF YOUR DISHWASHER.
IT IS NOT COVERED IN YOUR
WARRANTY.
The air gap is easy to clean.
With most types, first turn off the
dishwasher, then lift off the
chrome cover. Then unscrew the
plastic cap and check for any
buildup of grit. A toothpick makes
cleaning easy.
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining
well.
Not using your dishwasher
in winter? Protect
against freezing.
If your dishwasher is left in an
unheated place during the winter,
ask a service technician to:
● Cut off electric power to the
dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip
circuit breaker.
● Turn off the water supply.
● Disconnect the water inlet I ine
from the water valve.
● Drain water from the inlet line
and water valve. (Use a pan to
catch the water.)
c Reconnect the water inlet line 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
11
—

—
m
Questions?
~’ Use TMs Problem Solver
-
PROBLEM
\ POSSIBLE CAUSE
DISHWASHER A fuse in your home maybe blown, or the circuit breaker tripped. Replace fuse or
WON’T RUN reset circuit breaker. Remove any other appliances from the circuit.
UNUSUAL NOISE 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.
31SHES DON’T DRY Make sure inlet water temperature is correct. (To test, see How to Test Water
Temperature section.)
Unload the bottom rack first. Water from dishes in the top rack may be spilling
onto the bottom rack.
Check for improper loading. Dishes shouldn’t nest together. Avoid overloading.
Check the rinse agent dispenser to see that it’s not empty.
UNCLEAN DISHES Check inlet water temperature. It should be at least
120°F. (To test, see How to
4ND FLATWARE Test Water Temperature section.)
Water pressure may be temporarily low. Turn on a faucet. Is water coming out slower
than
usual? If so, wait until pressure is normal before using your dishwasher.
Plugged air gap. (See Care and Cleaning section.)
Improper rack loading. (See Loading section.)
3LACK OR GRAY Aluminum utensils often leave marks when they rub against dishes. Remove marks
WARKS ON DISHES
with a mild abrasive cleanser.
IETERGENT LEFT Water may not be reaching the detergent cups. Move dishes that may be blocking
N DISPENSER CUPS the detergent cup.
The dispenser cover may not be opening or may be blocked by improperly loaded
items. If you used a powder detergent, open the cups and remove any caked-on
detergent. If the cup still doesn’t open automatically, call for service.
Detergent may be old. If the powder is hard or caked in the box, throw it away. The
detergent may not be working well. Try another brand.
>ETERGENT CUP Cycle Indicator Dial must be in OFF position for cup lid to close and latch properly. If
.ID WON’T LATCH you unlatch the door and open it to dry your dishes, the Cycle Indicator Dial does not
4~ER ADDING advance to OFF by itself.
>ETERGENT
IPOTS AND FILMING Spotting can be caused by
all of these things:
3N GLASSES AND
=ATWARE
Q Extremely hard water. (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section.)
● Low inlet water temperature. (To test, see How to Test Water Temperature section. )
● Overloading the dishwasher.
12

PROBLEM I POSSIBLE CAUSE
;POTS AND ~LMING
● Improper loading. (See Loading section.)
IN GLASSES AND
%ATWARE
● Old or damp powder detergent.
continued)
● Phosphate level in detergent too low. (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section.
● Rinse agent dispenser empty. (See How to Use a Rinse Agent section. )
● Too little detergent. (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section.)
Due to varying local water conditions and
personrd preferences, try several brands of
detergents to find one that gives the best results for you. A liquid dishwasher detergent
may help reduce filming.
To remove spots and film from glassware:
1. Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
2. DO NOT ADD DETERGENT.
3. Select POTSCRUBBER cycle.
4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run until 15 to 20 minutes. The dishwasher will
no~
be in the main wash.
5. Then open the door and pour 2 cups
(500ml) of white vineg~ into the bottom of the
dishwasher.
6. Close the door and allow the dishwasher to complete the cycle.
If vinegar rinse doesn’t work: Repeat as above, except use 1/4 (60ml) cup of citric
acid crystals instead of vinegar. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals. If yours
doesn’t, call General Electric Factory Service.)
Using a vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse more than twice a month? Consider a home
water softener.
2LOUDINESS ON If vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse doesn’t work, the cloudiness is
“etching:’
3LASSWARE
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.
iELLOW OR Tea or coffee can stain cups. Remove the stains by hand, using a solution of 1/2 cup
3ROWN FILM 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.
I
13

The Problem Solver (continued,
PROBLEM
I pOSSIBLE CAUSE
CHIPPING OF CHINA Rough handling can cause chipping. Load with care. Make sure glassware and china
are secure and can’t jar loose. (See Loading section for correct way to load glassware.)
Make sure tall glasses and stemware will clear the top of the tub when you push the
rack into the dishwasher.
Always use the top rack for delicate items.
SMALL AMOUNT OF Water around the outlet on the tub bottom at the back of the tub is normal. It is clean
WATER STANDING
water. It’s there to keep the water seal lubricated.
IN THE BOTTOM
OF THE TUB
WATER WON’T PUMP If the entire bottom of the tub has water, you may have a drain problem. Clean the air
OUT OF THE TUB gap, if you have one. (See Care and Cleaning section.)
Check the kitchen sink. Is it draining well? You may need a plumber.
If dishwasher drains into a disposer, run the disposer to clear. Be sure the disposer is
not clogged.
SUDS IN THE TUB
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.
DISHWASHER LEAKS 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.
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.
If you need more help.. call, toll free:
GE Answer
Center@
800.626.2000
consumer information service
14

How to change color panels
If yOLI are redecorating, you can
change your dishwasher’s front
panels
to match or blend with your
new colors.
The p~nels are held in place by the
door trim and the trim on the panel
below the
door. Each side of each
panel is a different color. Or you
can paint a panel with the color of
your own choice.
Do not operate the dishwasher
while changing panels or when
lower access panel is removed.
How to change the door panel:
1. Take out trim screws
on either
side of the dishwasher
door,
Remove the side trim.
2. Slide the door panel out.
(Careful—edges
may be sharp.)
3. Turn the
dour panel around and
put the color you want in front.
4. Replace the
door panel, side
trim
and screws.
1
How to change the lower panel: ‘
1. Remove panel attachment screws. ~
2. Remove the entire panel.
3. Take out screws and remove the
top trim.
4. Slide the door panel out.
5. Turn the panel around and put
the color you want in front.
6. Replace the lower panel, top
trim and screws.
7. Replace the entire panel and
attachment screws.
15
Note: Other color panels are
available for your dishwasher.
Check the color you want on the
order form below and mail it to us.
A wood panel trim kit GPF 40
contains trim and instructions for
adding a decorative wood door
panel and
lower access panel no
thicker than 1/4” to match kitchen
cabinets, Use the order form below
to order this kit.
x
----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
1
1
1
1
ORDER FORM
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Use this form to order, without charge, your choice of [
a color panel not supplied with your dishwasher or \
1
a wood panel trim kit.
1
1
1
Please mark only one box.
1
1
1
! White/Almond
~ Harves~lack [
Door and Access Panel GPF 24 24
Door and Access Panel
GPF 26
1
I I Kit GPF40
1
I
Wood Panel Trim Kit
1
n
c
FOLD HERE
+
T
p
Name:
Address:
City:
State: Zip Code:
Model No.: Serial No.:
Date Purchased:
+
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1
TAPE HERE
Name
Address
City, State
Zip
1
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
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GE Appliances
c/o Dri-View Mfg.
4706AllmondAve.
Louisville, KY 40209
#
I

Notes
17

18

Wdll Be There
With the purchase of your new GE appliance, receive the
assurance that if you ever need information or assistance
from GE, w~ll be there. All you have
t.o do is call–toll-free
GEAnswer Center
a
In-Home Repair
Service
80ME4ARES
(80M32-2737)
A (;kl(onstll~lc>[sct-vi(c rrofkssiorlal”
willprolidc. expert lc:[~ililsel-vi(:e,
sclledllled al a 1 itnc lhat convenient
fi)l- ]OLI. hlan] (;11 ( lorrsunlct- Service
(OIll[J:iIly-olJt’I;tleCI” locations” offkr
v()(] sc:t-vice tod:ly” or lon]ortow, 01 at
your c(mvcnicncc (7:()() a.m. to 7:()() p.m.
wt:ekday,s, !1:()() ;i. m. (() 2:()() p.m. Satut--
(iays). our filct( )ry-lrainc’d technicians
know )OUI- appliance’ inside and
()(1(—s() nlost tttp:lil-s can he handled
in
jusl one visil.
Service Contracts
80&626-2224
80ti6262000
Whatevct-your- qucsliorl ab(ml any [;
major aprliance, (;E Answer ~;ent.er’
infi)rmatiotl service is available to
help. Your call-and your (luestior]-
will be answered promptly and
cour”teously.” And yoLl can call any
time>.
(;E Answer ( :entcr
M
scrvicc’ is
open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can have the secure feeling that
(
;P; (;(~t]surn(’r Service will still be
there afiet- your warranty expires. l)ur-
ch:lsc a (;E contract. while your war-
t-:inty is stil] in ef~’ect and y(jLI’11 receive
a substantial discount. With
a tnul[.iple-
ye;u contract, you’re assured (~f’fi]ture
sc>rvice at today’s rrices.
Telecommunication Detice for the Deaf
Patis andAccessories
80G626-2002
Individu& qutified to service their
0- appfiauces can have needed
rat-ts or accessories sent directly 10
their home. ‘Ihc (1E rarts system pr-()-
vides access to over 47,()()() parts.. and
;dl (;E: (;cnuine Renewal l)arts are
fillly warranted. VISA, Master(;at-d
and
[)iscovc>r cards are ;tccepted.
User maintenance instictions
contained in this booHet cover proce-
dures intended to be performed by
any user. Other servicing
generfly
should be referred to
qudfied ser-
vice personnel. Caution must be
exercised, since improper servicing
may cause unsafe operation.
-Am
...,.....,7” .,...,. . . . . . . . . . . .
.,.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...,, ,.,
hr Customers With
Special Needs...
800626.2000
[Jron re[]uest, (;~will rrovide Ilraillc
cotllrolsfi)r” avaric’lyof’( ;k; appliances
and
ii I>ro(llllte 10 assist in planning ii
harrier-flee kitchen fi)t- persons with
Iitnitt’d rnohilitv. ‘1-() oht;iin [hc’sc: items
fi-ee of’(llar$c, call 800. fj2(j.2000.
(;otlsunlet-s with itupaired hearing
or spc’cell who
have access to a ‘1.1)1)
or a corlverltiorlal” teletypewriter may
call 800 JI’[)1)-(;E:A(; (800-8:3:34322)”
10 re(lllesl inf’orrn;Ltiotl” or service.

I
YOUR GE DISHWASHER WITH PERMATUF” INTERIOR
WARRANTY
1
Save proof of original purchase date such as your sales slip or cancelled check to establish warranty period.
II
WHAT IS COVERED
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
For one year from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and sewice labor in
your home to repair or replace
any
part 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 sewice labor in
your home to repair or replace
the
PermaTuf tub or door liner if it
failS to contain water because of
a manufacturing defect such as
cracking, chipping, peeling
or rusting.
LIMITED SECOND-YEAR
WARRANTY
For the second year from date of
original purchase, we will provide,
free of charge, replacement parts for
any pad of the Water Distribution
System
(as illustrated below) that
fails because of a manufacturing
defect. Associated inlet and drain
plumbing pafls are not covered by
this warranty. You pay for the
service trip to your home and
service labor charges.
1
Power Showe~’’arm&
3 piece power Tower TM
Wash arm
(spray arm)
Boot
&
4
Hose
Hub
s
connection
assembly
●Motor
PumD
Soft Food Disposer “
-.
Water Distribution System
This warranty is extended to
the original purchaser and any
succeeding owner for products
purchased for
ordina~ 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 sewice technician’s travel
costs to your home.
All warranty sewice will be
provided by our
Factoy Sewice
Centers or by our authorized
Customer Care
(R
’ servicers during
normal working hours.
Look in the White or Yellow Pages
of your telephone
directo~ for
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY,
GENERAL ELECTRIC FACTORY
SERVICE, GENERAL ELECTRIC-
HOTPOINT FACTORY SERVICE or
GENERAL ELECTRIC CUSTOMER
CARE(m’ SERVICE.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
● Service trips to your home to teach adequate electrical, plumbing, and
you how to use the product.
other connecting facilities.
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 sewice
● Improper installation.
If you have an installation problem,
contact your dealer or installer. You
are responsible for providing
● Replacement of house fuses or
resetting of circuit breakers.
● Cleaning or sewicing 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.
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.
Warrantor: General Electric Company
If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:
Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225
Part No. 165 D3080P239
GSD820
Pub. No. 49-5542
GSD840
1-92 CG