GE GSS1800 User manual

GE Appliances
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000
Part No. 165D4700P188 Pub. No. 49-5863-1 3-99 CG
154354701
GSS1800
Owner’s Manual
Dishwashers

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.
2
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.

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, 9
Using the Dishwasher . . . 10, 11
Loading the
Dishwasher Racks . . . . . . 12, 13
Changing Color Panels . . . . . 14
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . 15, 16
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . 17–19
Customer Service
Product Registration . . . . . . . 21
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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
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!

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
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.
■Colored aluminum, cast iron,
hand-painted china, wooden,
plastic, rubber and bone-
handled items which are not
marked dishwasher-safe or
equivalent should be washed
by hand.
Read and follow this
Safety Information carefully.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Features of the dishwasher (a side view).
7
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Upper rack
Tower assembly
Lower rack
Lower spray arm
Heating element
Motor
Leveling legs
Door spring
Normal water
fill level
Model & serial #
(on right side of tub)
Float
Console

Options
HEATED DRY ON Turns the heating element on for fast drying. This
option will extend the time of your wash cycle.
HEATED DRY OFF Turns HEATED DRY ON off . Dishes air dry naturally
and energy is saved.
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
Wash Cycles
POTS & PANS 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.
LIGHT WASH For dishes with light soils.
RINSE & HOLD For rinsing partial loads that will be washed later.
Do not use detergent or HEATED DRY ON.
1
2
Start
Slowly turn the Dial to the desired position on the Dial after
selecting the drying option. Don’t turn it past that 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.
3
HEATED
DRY ON
HEATED
DRY OFF
DRYING
RINSE & HOLD
POTS & PANS
NORMAL WASH
LIGHT WASH
(HEATED DRY OFF)
OFF
13
2

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
9
Cycle Sequence
Water Time
Cycles (approx.) (approx.) Cycle Sequence
POTS & PANS 8.8 gal. 55 min. Wash Wash Rinse Rinse Wash Rinse
NORMAL WASH 5.3 gal. 37 min. Wash Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse Rinse
LIGHT WASH 3.5 gal. 28 min. Wash Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse Rinse
RINSE & HOLD 1.6 gal. 14 min. Wash Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse Rinse
Drying Options:
HEATED DRY ON
adds approximately 36 minutes to the
cycle. (Not available on the
RINSE & HOLD cycle.)

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Using the dishwasher.
10
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.
A dispenser, located next to the detergent
cup, automatically releases a measured
amount of rinse aid during the last rise.
If spotting and poor drying are problems,
increase the amount of rinse aid dispensed
b
y rotating the dial to a higher number.
The dial is located under the dispenser
cap. The indicator will be dark when full
and will show clear when it is time to refill.
To add liquid rinse aid, turn dispenser cap
1/4 turn counterclockwise
and lift out. Pour
in rinse aid until liquid touches the indicated
fill level. Replace the cap.
A full dispenser should last about one month.
If rinse agent spills, wipe up the excess.
Dispenser opening Indicator
Dispenser cap
Adjustable setting

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 cups on the inside door of your dishwasher.
For POTS & PANS and NORMAL WASH fill both cups. For LIGHT WASH
fill only the Main Wash cup. Close the Main Wash cup before closing
the dishwasher door.
When using automatic dishwashing detergent tabs,
simply place one tab in the main wash and close.
Pre Wash open cup
Main Wash covered cup
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Proper Use of Detergent
11
Fill to ▲ REGULAR ▲ line when using
standard dishwashing detergent.
Fill to
▲ REGULAR ▲ line when using
standard dishwashing detergent.
Fill to
▲ ULTRA ▲ line when using ultra
or concentrated dishwashing detergent.
Fill to
▲ ULTRA ▲ line when using ultra
or concentrated dishwashing detergent.
To open the main wash cover, press the
retainer button. The cover will flip back.
Forget to Add a Dish?
A forgotten dish can be added any time before the main wash.
CAUTION: Do not open the door until the water spray action stops.
Water may splash out of the dishwasher.
Unlatch the door to interrupt
the cycle.
Do not open the door until
water spray action stops. Steam
may rise out of the dishwasher.
Add forgotten dishes.
Close the door and push it in
to relatch.
4
3
2
1

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. A
cup shelf (on some models) may be placed in the
up or down position to add flexibility. 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.
12
Do not block center area

13
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
Changing color panels.
14
If you are redecorating, you can change your dishwasher’s front
panels to match or blend with your new colors by flipping them
over. Each side of each panel is a different color.
WARNING!
■ Wear gloves when handling door panels. Failure to do so can
cause serious cuts.
■ Do not operate dishwasher while changing panels.
Changing the Door and Access Panels
Remove trim strip from one side of the door
panel. Loosen but do not remove screws from
trim strip on remaining side.
Remove trim strip from one side of the access
panel. Loosen but do not remove screws from
trim strip on remaining side.
Slide insert panels out of frame. Position color
panels of choice to outside and replace panels
in trim.
Be sure edges of insert panels are under trim
strips on opposite side. Press strips tightly
against panels before securing screws. Replace
trim strips.
4
3
2
1
Color insert panels for the door and the access panels can be
replaced by 3/16″thick wood inserts to match your kitchen
cabinets. Contact your dealer to obtain trim kit, pub. no. 5–A007.
Dimensions for 3/16″ wood inserts:
Door Panel: 17 5
/
16″H x 17 7
/
16″W.
Access Panel: 6 1/
2″H x 17 7/ 16″W.
Adding Wood Inserts—Ordering pub. no. 5–A007
Trim
strips
Insert door
panel
Loosen all
screws
Access panel

15
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Caring for the dishwasher.
Cleaning the Float
Clean the float to prevent it from sticking. The float
controls the water level in the dishwasher; sticking may
cause an overflow or no water fill. When removing float
to clean, pull up firmly until it snaps out. To replace
float, push down until float locks into place. This will
activate the float switch. For location of the float see
Features of the dishwasher.
NOTE:
The float should move up and down freely for
approximately one inch when replaced on the tube.
Never run dishwasher without the float in place.
Cleaning the Pump and Spray Arms
The dishwasher will flush away all normal food
soils. However, objects (fruit pits, bones, etc.) may
collect in openings and should be removed once
in a while to avoid clogging drain system.
WARNING!
Personal injury hazard. Before cleaning interior,
wait at least 20 minutes after a cycle for the
heating element to cool down. Failure to do so
could result in burn injuries.
Remove tower base by turning counter-clockwise.
Remove locknut and spray arm.
Clean out spray arm holes.
Clean in and around pump openings.
Replace spray arm and securely tighten locknut.
Spray arm should rotate freely.
Replace tower base.
6
5
4
3
2
1
Heating element
Pump opening
Tower
Spray arm
Locking tabs
Float guide
Clean and
remove
particles
collected
here

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
16
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.
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.
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.
NOTE: Before using the dishwasher again, operate it through a
complete cycle with detergent in both cups.
5
4
3
2
1
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
Protect Against Freezing

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
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.
Door not latched •Close the door and push it
in to relatch.
Dial
NOT set •Turn the Dial to the
exactly at desired desired wash cycle.
wash cycle
Dishwasher leaks Improper installation •Review Installation
Instructions and install
properly.
Correct detergent •Use only automatic
wasn’t used dishwasher detergents.
Cascade® Automatic
Dishwashing Detergent
has been approved for use
in all GE dishwashers.
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.
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not
need to call for service.
17

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips
Customer Service
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Dishwasher will Water supply not •Turn water supply on.
not fill turned on
Water supply line •Check water supply line. You
may be clogged may need a plumber.
Aluminum Certain water conditions •Scour all surfaces with a
discoloration in combination with soap-filled pad.
some detergents tend
to darke n aluminum
Dishes don’t dry Low inlet water •Make sure inlet water
temperature temperature is correct.
Rinse agent dispenser •Check the rinse agent
is empty dispenser.
Improper rack loading •Load items to permit proper
drainage.
HEATED DRY OFF •Select HEATED DRY ON.
is selected
Dishes and flatware Inlet water temperature •Raise the water heater
not clean is below 120°F. temperature to 120°F.
Water pressure is •Turn on a faucet. Is water
temporarily low coming out more slowly than
usual? If so, wait until pressure
is normal before using your
dishwasher.
Air gap is clogged •Clean the air gap.
Improper rack loading •Make sure large dishware does
not block the detergent
dispenser or the wash arm.
Detergent •Use the correct amount of
dishwasher detergent that
is fresh and dry. Cascade®
Automatic Dishwashing
Detergent has been approved
for use in all GE dishwashers.
•Try another dishwasher
detergent. Cascade®
Automatic Dishwashing
Detergent has been approved
for use in all GE dishwashers.
18

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Dish fading Decoration which is •Consult with dishware
applied to a glazed manufacturer.
surface is most
susceptible
Rust deposits Iron deposits in •Install an iron filter in the water
water supply supply line.
Spots and filming •Use Jet-Dry
®
rinse agent to
on glasses and remove spots and prevent new
flatware film build-up.
•To remove stubborn spots and
pre-existing film from glassware:
1 Remove all metal utensils
from the dishwasher.
2 Do not add detergent.
3 Select the longest cycle.
4 Start the dishwasher and allow
to run for 18 to 22 minutes.
Dishwasher will now be in the
main wash.
5 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.
Cloudiness on Combination of soft •This is called etching and is
glassware water and too much permanent. To prevent this from
detergent happening, use less detergent
if you have soft water. Wash
glassware in the shortest cycle that
will get them clean.
Water temperature •Lower the water heater
entering the dishwasher temperature.
exceeds 150°F.
Black or gray Aluminum utensils have •Remove marks with a mild,
marks on dishes rubbed against dishes abrasive cleaner.
•Load items so that they do
not touch.
Extremely hard water
Low inlet water
temperature
Overloading the
dishwasher
Improper loading
Old or damp powder
detergent
Rinse agent dispenser
empty
Too little detergent
19

Notes
20
Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service