GE GSM2100 User manual

GE Appliances
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000
Dishwashers
Part No. 165D4700P159 Pub. No. 49-5826-1 3-99 CG
GSM2100
Owner’s Manual

Congratulations!
You Are Now Part of the GE Family.
Welcome to the GE family.
We’re proud of our quality
products and we are
committed to providing
dependable service. You’ll
see it in this easy-to-use
Owner’s Manual and you’ll
hear it in the friendly voices
of our customer service
department.
Best of all, you’ll experience
these values each time you
use your dishwasher. That’s
important, because your
new dishwasher will be part
of your family for many
years. And we hope you will
be part of ours for a long
time to come.
We thank you for buying
GE. We appreciate your
purchase, and hope you
will continue to rely on us
whenever you need quality
appliances for your home.
Important!
Fill out and return the Consumer Product
Ownership Registration card that is packed
with this product. If you cannot find it,
please send in the duplicate card printed in
the back of this manual.
Write the model and serial
numbers here.
##
#
You can find them on the tub wall just
inside the door.
Staple sales slip or cancelled check
here.
Proof of the original purchase date is
needed to obtain service under the
warranty.
2

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
GE & You,
A Service Partnership.
Inside you will find many
helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your dishwasher
properly. Just a little preventive
care on your part can save you a
great deal of time and money
over the life of your dishwasher.
Read this Manual
Ask any GE appliance owner and they will
tell you we stand behind our products with
unmatched quality service. However, did
you know that most questions result from
simple problems that you can easily fix
yourself in just a few minutes? This
Owner’s Manual can tell you how.
You’ll find many answers to
common problems here.
If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first,
you may not need to call for
service at all.
Review the Section on
Troubleshooting Tips
If you do need service, you can
relax knowing help is only a
phone call away. A list of toll-free
customer service numbers is
included in the back section.
Or you can always call the
GE Answer Center®at
800.626.2000, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
If You Need Service
Safety Information . . . . . . .4–7
Operating Instructions
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Dial Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Using the Dishwasher . . . .12, 13
Loading the
Dishwasher Racks . . . . . . .14, 15
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . .16, 17
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . .18
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . .19–24
Customer Service
Product Registration . . . . . . . .29
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Service Telephone
Numbers . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
3

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
4
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire, explosion, electric
shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury,
or loss of life.
Under certain conditions hydrogen gas may be produced in
a water heater that has not been used for two weeks or
more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE.
If the hot water has not been used for two weeks or more, prevent
the possibility of damage or injury by turning on all hot water
faucets and allow them to run for several minutes. Do this before
using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water
system. This simple procedure will allow any built-up hydrogen gas
to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open
flame or appliance during this process.
WATER HEATER SAFETY

5
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Use your dishwasher only for its intended purpose as
described in this Owner’s Manual.
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 receive one by calling us toll-free
at the GE Answer Center®
, 800.626.2000.
■Connect to a grounded
metal, permanent wiring
system; or run an equipment-
grounding conductor with
the circuit conductors and
connect to the equipment-
grounding terminal or lead
of the appliance.
■Improper connection of the
equipment-grounding
conductor can result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with
a qualified electrician or
service representative if you
are in doubt whether the
appliance is properly
grounded.
■Dispose of discarded
appliances and shipping or
packing material properly.
■Do not attempt to repair or
replace any part of your
dishwasher unless it is
specifically recommended in
this manual. All other
servicing should be referred
to a qualified technician.
■To minimize the possibility of
electric shock, disconnect
this appliance from the
power supply before
attempting any maintenance.
NOTE: Turning the
dishwasher off does not
disconnect the appliance
from the power supply. We
recommend having a
qualified technician service
your appliance.
PROPER INSTALLATION
AND MAINTENANCE

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
6
DO NOT…
■Do not tamper with controls.
■Do not abuse, sit on, or stand
on the door or dish rack of
the dishwasher.
■Do not discard a dishwasher
without first removing the
door of the washing
compartment.
■Do not store or use
combustible materials,
gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
■Do not allow children to play
inside, on or with this
appliance or any discarded
appliance.
WARNING!

7
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
WHEN USING YOUR DISHWASHER
■Use only powder, tabs or
liquid detergents or wetting
agents recommended for use
in a dishwasher and keep
them out of the reach of
children. Cascade®
Automatic Dishwashing
Detergent has been approved
for use in all GE dishwashers.
■Locate sharp items so that
they are not likely to damage
the door seal.
■Load sharp knives with the
handles up to reduce the risk
of cut-type injuries.
■Do not wash plastic items
unless marked
dishwasher
safe
or the equivalent. For
plastic items not so marked,
check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
■Non-Dishware Items: Do not
wash items such as electronic
air cleaner filters, furnace
filters and paint brushes in
your dishwasher. Damage to
dishwasher and discoloration
or staining of dishwasher
may result.
■Do not touch the heating
element during or
immediately after use.
■Do not operate your
dishwasher unless all
enclosure panels are properly
in place.
■Close supervision is necessary
if this appliance is used by or
near children.
■Load light plastic items so
they will not become
dislodged and drop to the
bottom of the dishwasher—
they might come into contact
with the heating element and
be damaged.
Read and follow this
Safety Information carefully.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the dishwasher control panel.
You can locate your model number on the tub wall just inside the door.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
8
Control Settings
Cycles
POTSCRUBBER For heavily soiled dishes or cookware with dried-on
or baked-on soils. Everyday dishes may be included.
This cycle will not remove burned-on foods.
NORMAL WASH For loads of everyday dishes, glasses and cookware
with medium soils. NOTE: Many dishes have lighter
soil than normal. Choosing a cycle other than
NORMAL WASH will save energy and water.
SHORT WASH For quickly washing loads of everyday dishes with
medium soils that have not dried on, such as loads
consisting mostly of glasses.
RINSE & HOLD For rinsing partial loads that will be washed later.
Do not use detergent.
PLATE WARMER For warming clean dishes and serving plates. This
cycle will take approximately 31 minutes.
■Make sure the Dial is at the OFF position.
■Latch the door.
SHORT WASH
RINSE & HOLD
POT-
SCRUBBER
CYCLES
NORMAL
WASH
HEATED DRY
ON OFF
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
OFF
START
ENERGY OPTIONS
SHORT WASH
RINSE & HOLD
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
OFF
START

Energy Options
HEATED DRY Turns the drying heater on for fast drying. This
ON cycle will extend the time to your wash cycle.
HEATED DRY Shuts off the drying heat options. Dishes air dry
OFF naturally and energy is saved.
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
9
Start
Slowly turn the Dial to the START position. Don’t turn it
past the
START position, or you could accidentally miss a
rinse. There is a time delay between start-up and water
fill so you will not hear any wash action right away.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the dial cycles.
Short Wash
For quickly washing loads of everyday dishes with
medium soils that have not dried on.
Select the
NORMAL WASH cycle and any options.
Be sure the door is unlatched.
Slowly turn the Dial to
SHORT WASH .
Latch the door to start the cycle.
4
3
2
1
SHORT WASH
RINSE & HOLD
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
OFF
START
Rinse & Hold
For rinsing partial loads that will be washed later. Do not
use detergent.
Make sure HEATED DRY OFF is selected.
Be sure the door is unlatched.
Slowly turn the Dial to
RINSE & HOLD.
Latch the door to start the cycle.
4
3
2
1
SHORT WASH
RINSE & HOLD
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
OFF
START
Plate Warmer
For warming clean dishes and serving plates. This cycle
will take approximately 31 minutes.
Load clean dishware to be warmed.
Select
HEATED DRY ON.
Be sure the door is unlatched.
Slowly turn the Dial to
PLATE WARMER.
Latch the door to start the cycle.
5
4
3
2
1
SHORT WASH
RINSE & HOLD
PLATE WARMER
(HEATED DRY ON)
(HEATED DRY OFF)
OFF
START
10

Cycle Sequence
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Drying Options:
HEATED DRY ON.
Available on all wash cycles except RINSE & HOLD.
Add approximately 31 minutes to the cycle.
HEATED DRY OFF. Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally.
11
Water Time
Cycles (approx.) (approx.) Cycle Sequence
POTSCRUBBER 9.5 gal. 62 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse
NORMAL WASH 8.0 gal. 62 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse
SHORT WASH 6.6 gal. 52 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse
RINSE & HOLD 3.9 gal. 12 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Using the dishwasher.
12
Check the Water Temperature
The entering water must be at least 120°F. and not more than
150°F., for effective cleaning and to prevent dish damage. Check
the water temperature with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on
the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher, place the thermometer
in a glass and let the water run continuously into the glass until the
temperature stops rising.
Use Jet-Dry
®
Rinse Agent
Jet-Dry
®
rinse agent removes spots and prevents new film build-up
on your dishes, glasses, flatware, cookware and plastic.
Fill the rinse agent dispenser
until it reaches the bottom of lip
inside the opening. Replace cap.
To check if rinse agent is needed,
remove the cap and look into the
dispenser.
A full dispenser should last about
one month.
If rinse agent spills, wipe up the excess.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Forget to Add a Dish?
A forgotten dish can be added any time before the main wash.
Push the door latch to the left.
Once the water calms, open the door. Steam may rise out of the
dishwasher.
Add forgotten dishes.
Close the door and push the latch to the far right.
4
3
2
1
Proper Use of Detergent
Use only detergent specifically made for use in dishwashers. Cascade®
Automatic Dishwashing Detergent has been approved for
use in all GE
dishwashers. Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Don’t put powder
detergent into the dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes.
The amount of detergent to use depends on whether your water is
hard or soft . With hard water, you need extra detergent. With soft
water, you need less detergent.
Protect your dishes and dishwasher by contacting your water
department and asking how hard your water is. Twelve or more grains
is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without
it, lime can build up in the water valve, which could stick while open
and cause flooding. Too much detergent with soft water can cause a
permanent cloudiness of glassware, called
etching.
You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the
inside door of your dishwasher. All wash cycles
require detergent in the main cup. Wash cycles
with two washes will also use the open cup. When
using automatic dishwashing detergent tabs,
simply place one tab in the main cup and close.
Be sure the Dial is OFF before adding
detergent. Otherwise, the
detergent cup will not
close and latch properly.
Add detergent then close the main cup.
NOTE: To open detergent cup after it has
been closed, simply turn the detergent cup
handle counter-clockwise until it releases.
A snapping sound may be heard.
Open cup
Main cup
13

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Loading the dishwasher racks.
For best dishwashing results, follow these loading guidelines. Features and
appearance of racks and silverware baskets may vary from your model.
Upper Rack
The upper rack is for glasses, cups and saucers.
Cups and glasses fit best along the sides. This is
also a secure place for dishwasher-safe plastics.
The upper rack is good for all kinds of odd-
shaped utensils. Saucepans, mixing bowls and
other items should be placed face down.
Secure larger dishwasher-safe plastics over two fingers
when possible.
Make sure small plastic items are secure so they can’t fall
onto the heating element.
The Wash Tower
Keep the center area clear in the lower rack.
The wash tower rises through the center of the
lower rack during the wash and rinse portions of
the cycle.
Don’t block it or load tall things next to it.
Also, be careful not to let a portion
of an item such as a pot or dish
handle extend through the bottom
rack. This could block the wash
arm and cause poor washing results.
14

15
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Lower Rack
When loading the lower rack, do not load large platters or
trays in the front right corner. They may prevent detergent
from circulating during the wash cycle.
The lower rack is best used for plates, saucers,
and cookware. Large items such as broiler pans
and racks should go along the sides. Load
platters, pots and bowls along the sides, in
corners, or in the back. The soiled side of items
should face the center of the rack.
Silverware Basket
Put flatware in the removable basket with fork
and knife handles up to protect your hands. Place
spoons in the basket with handles down. Mix
knives, forks and spoons so they don’t nest
together. Distribute evenly. Small plastic items,
such as measuring spoons and lids from small
containers, should go in the bottom of the
silverware basket with silverware on top.
Don’t let any
item extend
through bottom.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
16
Caring for the dishwasher.
To clean the control panel use a lightly dampened cloth then dry
thoroughly. To clean the exterior use a good appliance polish wax.
Never use sharp objects, scouring pads or harsh cleaners on any
part of the dishwasher.
Protect Against Freezing
If your dishwasher is left in an unheated place during
the winter, ask a service technician to:
Cut off electrical power to the dishwasher. Remove
fuses or trip circuit breaker.
Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water
inlet line from the water valve.
Drain water from the inlet line and water valve.
(Use a pan to catch the water.)
Reconnect the water inlet line to the water valve.
Remove the plastic sump cover in the tub
bottom and use a sponge to soak up water in the
rubber boot.
5
4
3
2
1
Sump cover screws

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.
Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap?
An air gap protects your dishwasher against water
backing up into it if a drain clogs. The air gap is not a
part of the dishwasher. It is not covered by your
warranty. Not all plumbing codes require air gaps, so
you may not have one.
The air gap is easy to clean.
Turn off the dishwasher and lift off the chrome
cover.
Unscrew the plastic cap and clean with a toothpick.
2
1
Two types of
air gaps
17

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About optional accessories.
18
You can change the door and lower access panel appearance of your
dishwasher by ordering one of these optional accessories:
■ Color Panels
■ 1/4” Wood Panel Trim Kit
■ 3/4” Trimless Panel Kit
These accessories are available at extra cost (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover
cards accepted) by calling 800-626-2002.
Specify accessory number when ordering.
Descriptions of Optional Accessories
Color panels— Replacement door panels and lower access panels
are available in the following colors:
■
GPF300A (Almond)
■ GPF300B (Black)
■ GPF300W (White)
Wood panel trim kit—
This accessory contains trim and instructions
for you to supply and install a 1⁄4″thick decorative wood door and
lower access panel:
■
GPF325A (Almond)
■ GPF325B (Black)
■ GPF325W (White)
NOTE:
The GPF100 dishwasher door spring kit must also be ordered
and installed
when the door panel weighs four lbs. or more.
Trimless panel kit—
This accessory contains parts and instructions
for you to supply and install a 3⁄4″thick decorative wood door and
lower access panel:
■
GPF375
NOTE:
The GPF100 dishwasher door spring kit will be included with
the
trimless panel kit and must be installed with it.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not
need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Dishwasher won’t run Fuse is blown, or the •Replace fuse or reset
circuit breaker tripped circuit breaker. Remove
any other appliances from
the circuit.
Noise Some of the sounds •Soft food disposal
you’ll hear are normal shredding action.
•Drain valve opening to
pump water out.
•Timer control as cycle
progresses.
•Detergent cup opening.
•The motor stopping during
the drying period.
Utensils are not secure •Make sure everything is
in the rack or something secured in dishwasher.
small has dropped into
the rack
Motor hums •Dishwasher has not been
used on a regular basis. If
you do not use your
dishwasher often, set it to
fill and pump out once
every week. This will help
keep the seal moist and
the garbage disposer clear.
19

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Before you call for service…
20
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Water standing in This is normal •A small amount of clean
the bottom of the tub water around the outlet on
the tub bottom at the back
of the tub keeps the water
seal lubricated.
Water won’t pump Drain is clogged •If you have an air gap,
out of the tub clean it.
•Check to see if your kitchen
sink is draining well. If not,
you may need a plumber.
•If the dishwasher drains
into a disposer, run
disposer clear.
Suds in the tub Correct detergent •Use only automatic
wasn’t used dishwasher detergents to
avoid sudsing. Cascade®
Automatic Dishwashing
Detergent has been
approved for use in all
GE dishwashers.
•To remove suds from the
tub, open the dishwasher
and let suds evaporate.
Add 1 gallon of cold water
to the tub. Close and latch
the dishwasher. Pump out
water by slowly turning the
Dial until a drain period
is reached. Repeat if
necessary.
Rinse agent •Always wipe up rinse agent
was spilled spills immediately.