GE GSD970 User manual

Useand&re~tiel
Dishwasher
❑
!
Safe~ instructions .........................3
❑
Operating Instructions, Tips
Appliance Registration ..................................2
China, Crystal, Sterling . . 10
CycleFeatures.................................................4
DetergentGuide.............................................7
DispenserCups...............................................7
Drying Options ................................................4
Energy-Saving Tips.........................................5
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...........................4, 5
Loading .........................................................8. 9
Operating instructions ..............................4, 5
❑
✎✎✎✎ ✎
✜
✎ ✎ ✎
,..:!., ,
Rinse Agent......................................................6
Water Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................6
Care and Cleaning
Air Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
❑
●
Problem Solver .......................l 2-l4
More auestions ?...call
GE Answer Centera 800.626.2000
❑
Preparation
Front Panel Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
❑
.@
Consumer Services ...................l5
Model and Serial Numbers ..........................2
Repair Service
.................................................2
Warranty ........................................Back Cover
Model GSD970~
Winter Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
GE Appliances

~LP US mLP 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
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 in the
back of this guide. It lists causes
of minor operating problems that
you can correct yourself.
To obtain a Spanish language
Para obtener la versi6n en
version of this book, call Espafiol
de este manual,
GE Answer Center” name a
800.626.2000
GE Answer Center,@
consumer information service.
servicio de informacibn
para el consumidor,
telifono 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.
~ 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.
2
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

A
WARNING—When using this
appliance, always exercise basic
safety precautions, including the
following:
● Use this appliance only for its intended purpose?
as you till find described in this Use and Care
Guide.
o
● This dishwasher must be properly
.’,
‘Q-\4’: b
installed and located in accordance
y + ,.. with the Installation Instructions
.4.
before it is used. If you did not
receive an Installation Instructions sheet with your
dishwasher, you can obtain one by calling, toll
free, the GE Answer Center? 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 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 Calrod@ heating element and be damaged.
To minimize the possibility of i~ug.
● 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 tamper with controls.
● Do not touch the Calrod@ heating element during
or immediately after use.
● Do not operate your dishwasher unless all enclosure
panels are properly in place.
● 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.
AWARNING-~DROGEN
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
I I
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 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.
HEATED DRYING. Turns the
drying heater on for fast drying.
m
ENERGY SAVER (no-heat boost).
Turns the drying heater off to save
energy. Dishes will dry naturally
Iml
over a longer period such as overnight.
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 section).
STEP 4. WASH HEAT BOOST Option
WASH HEAT BOOST. This cycle
will be extended for 21 minutes while
the dishwasher automatically heats the
water for good washing and drying. The
entering water mu~~~ at least
120°F.
n
WASH HEAT
BOOST
❑
.
When this option is%e]ected entering water must
be at least
140°F. To test water, see How to Test Water
Temperature section.
STEP 5. Select the wash cycle and start the dishwasher.
(See Cycle Selection
Hints:)
● For POTSCRUBBER, NORMAL
r
WASH and LIGHT WASH cycles: SCRUBBER WASH
a. Push selected cycle button.
I I
K[ll
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. If your dishwasher
drains into a food waste disposer, operate the disposer
until it is empty before starting the dishwasher.
● For RINSE & HOLD cycle:
a. Be sure door is unlatched.
I
IGHT RINSE
ASH &HOLO
b. Select ENERGY SAVER
1
~
drying option.
c. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator Dial
to the ON position.
d. Latch the door to start the cycle
Cycle Selection Hints
[t is important to follow the Loading instructions.
● POTSCRUBBER—For items such as pots, pans and
casseroles with dried-on or baked-on soils. Everyday
dishes may be included.
● NORMAL WASH—For loads of everyday dishes,
glasses and cookware with medium soils. Designed
to yield high performance on normal soils.
● LIGHT WASH—For dishes that have been /)re-
rin.~ed before loading. Also, for washing very Iightl)
soiled dishes with soils that have not dried on.
● RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing partial loads which
will be washed later.
Do not u,~e detergerlt. Delay
Start
i.s not recommended,fi)r thi.~ cycle.
4

What Happens in Each Cycle
● You’11 hear occasional clicking sounds:
● During the drying period:
—Soft food disposer shredding action. —The motor stops.
—Drain valve opening to pump water out.
— Water vapor comes through the vent by the door
—Timer control as cycle progresses. latch during drying and when water is being
—Detergent cup opening.
pumped out.
Wash Cycle
Water Use
Time
Gallons
Minutes
Wash Cycles (approx.) (approx.) Cycle
Sequence
POTSCRUBBER
12.1
~~.
BMBmwwB
NORMAL WASH
12.1
51*
mwammam
LIGHT WASH
10.3
51*
p\mWWW
RINSE & HOLD
4.9
14
mmm
*Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased approximately 2 I minutes if WASH HEAT BOOST Option is selected.
Drying Options:
HEATED DRYING. Available on all wash cycles except RINSE& HOLD. Add 25 minutes to wash cycle time.
ENERGY SAVER (No Heat Boost). Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally. WASH HEAT BOOST is cancelled.
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 feature that turns
the drying heater off automatically. Dishes dry
naturally over a longer period such as overnight.
● Always select the cycle that uses the least amount
of water that will remove the soil from the load.
(See the Operating section.)
● Turn your water heater down to deliver 120°F.
water to your dishwasher and use the WASH HEAT
BOOST Option. Make sure the entering water
temperature is no less than
120°F. (See How to Test
Water Temperature section).
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 WATER HEAT BOOST feature.
When selected (see Operating 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 120°F. and 140°F. To prevent
dish damage, inlet water should not exceed 150”F.
5

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 WATER HEAT BOOST
option. See WATER 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. 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
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 the lip
inside the dispenser opening. Replace the
T
fk
cap. The dispenser automatically releases
FULL
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”)
Corporate Centre
1
55 Federal Road
P.O. Box 1991
Danbury, CT 06813-1991
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.
6
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 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.

You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside
Close the main cup.
door of your dishwasher. Two, because some cycles NOTE: To open detergent cup after it has
use two washes. been closed,
unlalch the
the Cycle Indicator Dial
to the OFF position.
When the closed cup
contains soap it is
best that the door
be in a partially
open position before
NDLE,
rotating the Cycle Indicator
ROTATE AND
Dial. This will help reduce the amount cLosE “GHTLY
of detergent and rinse aid agent spillage into the tub.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
CYCLES
POTSCRUBBER
NORMAL WASH
LIGHT WASH
RINSE & HOLD
SO~ WATER MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(O-3 grains hardness) (3-7 grains)
(7- 12 grains*)
Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup Open Cup Main
Cup*
Open Cup$
Half Full + Half Full Completely
+ Half Full Completely
+ Completely
Full Full Full
Half Full None Half Full None Completely None
Full
II
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
~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.
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.
NOTE: The foods mentioned are 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.
7

HOW TO LOAD YOUR DISmASHER
This is a random mixed load, the most ~omm{)n type
you will 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 washer 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.
HOW TO LOAD THE TOP 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 element. 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.
8

Fit plates and saucers between the pins. Load platters,
pots and bowls along the sides, in corners or in the back.
As shown here this plate is being placed with the soiled
side facing the center of the rack so water and detergent
from wash arm can reach soiled surfaces.
Heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles MUST be
loaded in the bottom rack, facing down. Prop broiler
pans and racks along the edge.
ny item
Ough
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 measuting spoons and lids from small containers,
are not recommended for automatic
dishwashing. lf
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.
9
I
w

WHAT YOU CAN USUALLY WASH SAFELY
~ YOUR DISHWASHER.
Usually
Safe
Material Exceptions (not safe)
Some colored anodized
aluminum can fade.
Special Instructions
Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
YES Aluminum
Chinti
Stoneware
YES Antique, metal-trimmed,
hand-painted or over-the-glaze
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.
Crystal
YES Antique, metal-trimmed or
hand-painted patterns fade.
Gold leaf will discolor.
Load securely to prevent movement. Check your
manufacturer’s instructions for your crystal.
Non-dishwasher
items—such
as electronic
air cleaner
filters, furnace
filters, paint
brushes, etc.
Glass
NO Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher
and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
YES
Milk glass may yellow.
Iron NO Iron will rust.
Pewter
NO Pewter tarnishes.
If it doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one piece in
the top rack before dishwashing an entire set.
Plastics
YES
Stainless steel
Sterling Silver
and Silver plate
YES
YES
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 silverware basket to avoid
exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.
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.
Non-stick
coatings After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable
oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
YES
Tin
Wood
NO
NO
Tin can rust.
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 Here’s how to
add a forgotten dish:
cycle. With other wash cycles, you can add dishes
1. Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.
at any time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion
of the
cycle.
2. Wait a few seconds until the water calms. Then
However, opening the door during any cycle open the door. WARNING: Hot vapor
may rise
lessens cleaning power. So try to load everything
from opened door.
at the beginning. 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

USER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Clean the control panel with a lightly dampened Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner (Cat. No.
cloth. Dry thoroughly. Do not use abrasives or
WR97X02 16) is available from GE Appliance
sharp objects on the panel. They can damage it.
Parts Marts.
Clean the outside with a good appliance polish The inside usually takes care of itself. If it should
wax. The outside cabinet finish is durable, but it ever need cleaning, use a mild cleansing powder.
can scratch. So use no scouring pads,
or harsh or Scouring pads and harsh cleaners can mar the finish.
gritty cleaners.
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 electrical 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.
I
I
PUMP COVER SCREWS
● Drain water from the inlet line
and water valve. (Use a pan to
catch the water.)
● Reconnect the water inlet line to
the water valve.
● Remove the plastic pump cover
in the tub bottom and use a
sponge to soak up water in
the rubber boot.
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.
TWO TYPES OF ~l;’GAPSfll Ill
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.
11

HOW TO CHANGE COLOR PANELS
If you are redecorating,
you can change your
dishwasher’s front
panels to match or
blend with your new colors.
The panel is 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.
NOTE: Do not operate the dishwasher while changing
panels or when lower access panel is removed.
How to change door panel insert:
1. Take out trim screws on either side of
the dishwasher door. Remove the side trim.
2. Slide out the insert panel.
3. Put the color you want in front.
(Careful+dges maybe sharp).
4. Replace the insert panel, side trim
and screws,
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.
A wood panel trim kit contains trim and instructions
for adding a decorative wood door
panel and lower
access panel no thicker than 1/4” to match kitchen
cabinets. The kit is available at no extra cost.
(Specify GPF40.)
Order from:
GE Appliances
c/o
Dri-View Manufacturing
4706 Allmond Ave.
Louisville, KY 40209
QUESTIONS?
USE THIS PROBLEM SOLVER
PROBLEM
DISHWASHER
WON’T RUN
UNUSUAL NOISE
DISHES DON’T DRY
UNCLEAN DISHES
AND FLATWARE
POSSIBLE CAUSE
A fuse in your home may be 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 How to Test Water Temperature
section).
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 How to 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).
12

PROBLEM
DETERGENTCUP
LID WON’T LATCH
AFTER
ADD~G
DETERGENT
YELLOW OR
BROWN FILM
SPOTS AND FILMING
ON GLASSES AND
FLATWARE
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Cycle Indicator Dial must be
0~ 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 by itself.
Tea or coffee can stain cups. Remove the stain by hand, using a solution of 1/2 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
siiver results when you wash copper utensils in the same load.
Silver polish will usually remove this stain.
Spotting can be caused by all these things:
● Extremely hard water, (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section).
● Low inlet water temperature. (See How to Test Water Temperature section).
● Overloading the dishwasher.
c Improper loading. (See Loading section).
● Old or damp powder detergent.
“ 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).
Local water conditions and personal preferences vary. 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 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 for 18 to 22 minutes. The dishwasher will
now be in the main wash.
5. Then open the door and pour 2 cups (500 ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of
the dishwasher.
6. Close the door and allow to complete the cycle.
If vinegar rinse doesn’t
work: Repeat as above, except use 1/4 cup (60 ml) 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.
(c[~ntinued next page)
13

THE PROBLEM SOL~R
(continued)
PROBLEM
DETERGENT
LE~
IN DISPENSER CUPS
CLOUDINESS ON
GLASSWARE
CHIPPING OF CHINA
BLACK OR GRAY
MARKS ON DISHES
SMALL AMOUNT OF
WATER STANDING
IN THE BOTTOM
OF THE TUB
WATER WON’T PUMP
OUT OF THE TUB
SUDS IN THE TUB
DISHWASHER
LEAKS
MOTOR HUMS
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Water may not be reaching the detergent cups. Move dishes that maybe 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.
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.
Rough handling can cause chipping. Load with care. Make sure glassware and china
are secure and can’t jar
loose. (See Loading section). 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.
Aluminum utensils often leave marks when they rub against dishes. Remove marks
with a mild abrasive cleanser.
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 Care and Cleaning section).
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 overflow. 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 ovetiowing.
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
14

We’ll Be There
With the purchase of your new GE appliance, receive the
assurance that if you ever need information or assismnce
from GE, we’ll be’ there.
Ml you have to do is cdl—toll-free!
GEAnswer Center@
In-Home Repak
Service
800-GE-CARES
f100-432-273fl
A GE (.;onsurner Service professional
will provide expert repair service,
scheduled at a time
hat’s convenient
for you. Many
C,E Consumer Service
company-operated locations offer you
service today
or tomorrow, or at your
convenience
(7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Satur.
days). Our factory trained technicians
know your appliance inside and out—
so most repairs can be handled in just
one visit.
Service Contracts
800-626-2224
Whatever your question about any GE
major appliance, GE Answer Cente@
infi)rmation service is available to
help. Your cdl—and your question—
will be
answeIcd prompdy and
courteously And you can cdl any
time.
CJE Answer Cente@ service is
open 24 hours a
day 7 days a week.
You can have the secure feeling that
(;E Consumer Service will still be
there after your warranty expires. Pur-
chase a GF, 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 future
service at today’s prices.
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf
Patis andAccessories
800-626-2002
Individu& qudfied to service fieir
own appliances can have needed
parl.s 01 - accessories sent dircc[ly (()
their b(mle. The (;k; parts system pl”()-
vides access 10 over 47,()()() parls... ancf
all Gkl (;enuine Renewal Parts arc
fully warran[ed, VISA, ,Mas(er{:al-d
and Discover cards are accepted.
User maintenance instructions
contained in this
booMet cover proce-
dures intended to be performed by
any user. Other servicing
generdy
shoufd be referred to qutified ser-
vice personnel. Caution must be
exercised, since improper servicing
may cause unsafe operation.
For Customers Wdh
Special Needs...
80~626.2000
UpoII request, GE will provide Braille
controls for a variety of GE 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 information or service.

YOUR GE DISHWASHER
WARRANTY
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.
LIMITED SECOND-YEAR PARTS
WARRANTY
For the second year from date of
original purchase, we will provide,
free of charge, replacement parts for
any part of the dishwasher that fails
because of a manufacturing defect.
You pay for the service trip to your
home and
sewice labor charges.
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR
RACWELECTRONIC PARTS
WARRANTY
For five years from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, replacement parts for any
● rack that rusts because of a
manufacturing defect
or any
● electronic control module that fails
because of a manufacturing defect.
You pay for the sewice trip to your
home and service labor charges.
FULL TWENTY-YEAR
TUB~OOR
LINER WARRANTY
For twenty years from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and service labor in
your home to repair or replace
the
PermaTuf(O tub or door /iner if it
fails to contain water because of a
manufacturing defect.
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
sewice shop
or for the service technician’s travel
costs to your home.
All warranty service will be
provided by our Factory Sewice
Centers or by our authorized
(;ustomer Care” servicers during
normal working hours.
Should your appliance need
service, during warranty period or
beyond, call 800-GE-CARES
(800-432-2737).
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
● Service trips to your home to teach
you how to use the product.
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.
adequate electrical, plumbing, and
other connecting facilities.
● Replacement of house fuses or
resetting of circuit breakers.
● 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.
If you have an installation problem,
WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE
contact your dealer or installer. You
FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
are responsible for providing
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 vary 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 I
Warrantor: General Electric Company
If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:
Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225
Th;s book is pr;nted on recycled paper.
Pati No. 165D3080P262
Pub No. 49-5572
8-92 CG
GSD970