GE Monogram ZBD3500 User manual

Monogram.
Use and Care Guide
for ZBD3500
Dishwasher
1995 Monogram.TM
Dishwasher

2
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
Introduction
Your new Monogram dishwasher makes an eloquent statement of style,
convenience and kitchen planning flexibility. Whether you chose it for
its purity of design or the assiduous attention to detail, you’ll find that your
Monogram dishwasher’s superior blend of form and function will delight
you for years to come.
The ZBD3500 Monogram dishwasher was designed to provide the
flexibility to blend in with your kitchen cabinetry. Its sleek design can be
beautifully integrated into the kitchen.
The information on the following pages will help you operate and maintain
your dishwasher properly.
If you have any other questions—please call the
GE Answer Center®(800.626.2000).
Contents
Air Gap .......................................18
Appliance Registration .................3
Care and Cleaning ......................18
China, Crystal, Sterling ..............17
Consumer Services .....................26
Cycle Features ..............................6
Cycle Sequences...........................8
Detergent, Detergent Guide........14
Dishwashing Shortcut...................8
Dispenser Cups...........................14
Display.....................................6-11
Display Codes..........................8-11
Drying Options .............................7
Energy-Saving Tips ......................5
Features.....................................6, 7
Important Phone Numbers..........26
Loading.................................15, 16
Lock Controls Feature ..................8
Model and Serial Numbers...........3
Operating Instructions.............6-14
POTS PANS............................6, 12
Problem Solver......................20-23
Repair Service...............................3
Rinse Agent ................................13
Safety Instructions........................4
Soil Sensor System.....................12
User Maintenance.......................18
Warranty .....................................27
Water Temperature......................13
Winter Storage............................18
Wood Panel Trim Kits ................19
Questions?
Call GE Answer Center®
800.626.2000

3
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:
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.
Model Number
Serial Number
Use these numbers in any
correspondence or service calls
concerning your dishwasher.
If you need service…
To obtain service, see the
Consumer Services page in the
back of this guide.
We’re proud of our service and
want you to be pleased. If for some
reason you are not happy with the
service you receive, here are three
steps to follow for further help.
FIRST, contact the people who
serviced your appliance. Explain
why you are not pleased. In most
cases, this will solve the problem.
NEXT, if you are still not pleased,
write all the details—including
your phone number—to:
Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
FINALLY, if your problem is still
not resolved, write:
Major Appliance Consumer
Action Program
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before using this appliance.
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 guide.
• Use only powder or liquid detergents or wetting
agents recommended for use in a dishwasher.
Keep all washing detergents and wetting agents
out of reach of children, preferably in a locked
cabinet. Observe all warnings on container labels
to avoid personal 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 wash plastic items unless marked
“dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic
items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
•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.
Do not store or use combustible
materials, gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
•Load light plastic items so they will not
become dislodged and drop to the bottom of
the dishwasher—they might come into contact
with the heating element and be damaged.
•To minimize the possibility of 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.
• Do not attempt to repair or replace any part
of your dishwasher unless it is specifically
recommended in this guide. All other servicing
should be referred to a qualified technician.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This dishwasher must be properly
installed and located in accordance
with the Installation Instructions
before it is used. If you did not receive
an Installation Instructions sheet with your
dishwasher, you can obtain one by calling, toll-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.
WARNING—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.
WARNING—HYDROGEN GAS
is produced by the chemical action
within your water heater. It can
accumulate in the water heater
and/or water pipes if hot water has not been used
for a period of two weeks or longer.
HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. To prevent
the possibility of damage or injury, if you have
not used hot water for two weeks or more, or
moved into a residence in which the hot water
system may not have been used for some time,
turn on all hot water faucets and allow them to
run for several minutes before using any
electrical appliance which is connected to the hot
water system. This will allow any hydrogen gas
to escape. Also, since the gas is flammable, do not
smoke or use an open flame or appliance during
this process.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
GAS
Potscrubber1125
Cycles Options
WATER
SAVER
POT-
SCRUBBERNORMAL
WASH RINSE
&HOLD HEATED
DRYENERGY
SAVER
WASHHEAT
BOOST

(NOHEATBOOST)
RINSING
OFF
START
WASHING
DELAYED
START
QuietPower
2
4
6
H
O
U
R
D
E
L
A
Y
S
DRYING
4

5
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS
• Operate the dishwasher only when it’s full. Let
the dishes accumulate in the 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 to keep
soils moist, easier to remove.
• If you don’t need your dishes right away, use your
ENERGY SAVER DRY 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.)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
LOAD SELECTION
NORMAL POTS
PANS CHINA CRYSTAL RINSE HOLD
OPTIONS
ENERGY
SAVER
DRY DELAY
START RESET LOCK START
Select Cycle/Option
Before you Begin
Starting the Cycle
23
1
3
2
Your dishwasher is designed to give maximum
performance on loads with normal and heavy soils.
The Display
This display tells you what is happening in the
dishwasher and can alert you to some possible problems.
It also remembers your last cycle so you don’t have to
reprogram each time. See Shortcut section.
Information displayed:
• Load Selectios
• Options
• When the dishwasher is sensing the amount of soil
in the load.
• Cycle phase, such as WASHING, RINSING or
DRYING
• Diagnostic codes to alert you to possible problems
• Time remaining in the cycle will be displayed approx.
10–15 minutes after cycle has started.
• The amount of soil in the load.
See the display section for explanation of displays
and codes.
The Active Vent—The vent will close during washing
to retain heat and reduce noise. After washing it will
open to vent moisture and help the dishes dry faster.
• Load dishware. (See Loading
section.)
• Add detergent. (See Detergent
Dispensers and Detergent Guide
sections.)
• Check rinse agent level. (See Rinse
Agent section.)
• Close and latch the door.
NOTE: If dishwasher drains into a
garbage disposal, operate the disposal
until it is empty before starting the
dishwasher.
Touch the center of the pad to select
your desired Load Selection and
Options.
Touch the START pad to begin the
cycle.
NOTE: There is a time delay
between start-up and water fill so
you will not hear any wash action
right away. The dishwasher will
proceed through your entire program
and turn off automatically.
6
Features and appearance may vary.

Operating Instructions
7
Load Selection Descriptions
NORMAL
For loads of everyday dishes, glasses and cookware
with medium soils. Designed to yield high performance
on average soils.
NOTE: Many dishes have lighter soil than normal.
Choosing a cycle other than NORMAL WASH will
save water.
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.
CHINA CRYSTAL
For lightly soiled china and crystal. Water is aerated for
a gentle wash.
RINSE HOLD
For rinsing partial loads that will be washed later. Make
sure ENERGY SAVER DRY is selected. Do not use
detergent or the DELAY START with this cycle.
Options Descriptions
ENERGY SAVER DRY on
Turns off heating unit. Dishes air-
dry naturally. It takes longer, but
saves energy. You can prop the
door open after the word CLEAN
appears in the display. Excellent for
overnight drying.
ENERGY SAVER DRY off
(HEATED DRY) Provides faster
drying.
DELAY START
You can delay the start of a wash
cycle for up to 14 hours. Tap or
press and hold the DELAY START
pad to choose the numbers of hours
you want to delay the start of the
cycle. The machine will count down
and start automatically at the correct
time.
NOTE: If you forget to latch the
door a reminder signal will beep
until you do so.
RESET
To change a cycle after washing
starts, touch the RESET pad to
cancel cycle. After water is pumped
out and motor stops, you can
reprogram and restart the
dishwasher.
LOCK
See page 6 on how to use this
valuable feature.
(continued next page)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
Dishwashing shortcut
The dishwasher remembers your last cycle so you don’t
have to reprogram each time.
When the dishwasher is loaded and the door latch
is moved to the ON position, the control panel will
display the last settings you selected.
If you don’t want to change any of the settings,
simply touch START.
NOTE: If there has been a power
failure, NORMAL
wash
and HEATED DRY will automatically be
programmed. Make any new selections as desired
and touch START.
AUTO
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
NORMAL
How to lock dishwasher controls to prevent use by children
Your dishwasher has a locking feature.
When the LOCK pad is touched twice
within 3 seconds, all pads become
inoperative. You can lock the controls to
prevent any selections from being made.
Or you can lock the controls after you have
started a cycle or selected DELAY START so
the cycle or delay start is not interrupted.
The
word LOCKED appears in the display.
Children cannot accidentally start dishwasher by
touching pads.
To unlock the dishwasher after it has been locked,
touch the LOCK pad twice within 3 seconds. The
word LOCKED will disappear from the display.
AUTO
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
NORMAL
LOCK
Example of what will be displayed when a Normal Cycle with Energy Saver Dry off
(Heated Dry) is selected
Cycle selected
Cycle started and
the soil level is
being sensed
Soil level
determined
Main Wash and
minutes remaining
in the cycle
Rinse cycle and
minutes remaining
in the cycle
Drying
Dishes clean
and dry
SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY

SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
SENSING
CLEAN
HILO
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY

8

9
THE DISPLAY TELLS YOU
WHAT’S HAPPENING
DISPLAY WHAT IT MEANS
AUTO NORMAL NORMAL cycle has been selected.
AUTO POTS PANS POTS PANS cycle has been selected.
AUTO CHINA CHINA CRYSTAL cycle has been selected.
RINSE RINSE HOLD cycle has been selected.
HEATED DRY Displayed when ENERGY SAVER DRY is not selected.
ENERGY SAVER Displayed when ENERGY SAVER DRY is selected.
DRY
SENSING SOIL LEVEL Displayed when the dishwasher is determining the amount of soil in the load and
calculating the amount of wash time needed.
LO — — — — HI Shows the amount of soil in the load from LO (one bar lighted) to HI (all four
SOIL LEVEL bars lighted).
NUMERALS FROM Number of minutes left in the cycle.
1 to 99 MINUTES
WASHING Displayed during Pre-wash, Pre-rinse and Main Wash periods.
RINSING Displayed during Rinse periods following the Main Wash.
DRYING Displayed during heated drying.
CLEAN Indicates completed cycle. Remains on until door is unlatched.
LOCKED Indicates controls are locked to prevent unauthorized use.
NUMERALS FROM Number of hours delay until start of cycle.
1 to 14 HRS. DELAY
RESET The RESET pad was touched.
PF RESET Indicates a power failure occurred.
SENSING
CLEAN
POTS PANS
AUTO CHINA
NORMAL
SOIL LEVEL
ADD RINSE AID LOCKED WASHING
TEMP WATER HEATED RINSING HR.
ENERGYSAVER DRY AIR DRYING RESET DELAY
HILO

DISPLAY WHAT IT MEANS WHAT TO DO
Electrical power to the dishwasher IF DISHWASHER WAS IN USE WHEN THE POWER
has been interrupted but is now FAILURE OCCURRED:
back on. 1. Press the RESET pad and wait approximately 30 seconds.
RESET 2. Unlatch and open the door.
A) If the detergent cup is open and empty and the
dishwasher was set for the NORMAL, POTS PANS
or CHINA CRYSTAL cycle, close door and put the
load through a RINSE HOLD cycle. After the RINSE
HOLD cycle is completed, add detergent and reset the
load for the washing cycle you want.
B)
If the detergent cup is closed and the dishwasher was set
for the NORMAL, POTS PANS or CHINA CRYSTAL
cycle, reset the dishwasher for the wash cycle you want.
C) If the dishwasher was set for the RINSE HOLD cycle,
reset the dishwasher for RINSE HOLD.
IF THE DISHWASHER WAS NOT IN USE when power
failure occurred, use dishwasher as you normally would.
Slow draining. The dishwasher is This dishwasher is designed to automatically compensate
taking longer than normal to drain for longer than normal drain times, but cycle time will be
the water out. This is usually caused extended. If this code continues to appear frequently:
by a blockage in the drain air gap 1. Clean the air gap (See Air Gap section).
(see Air Gap section), a kink in the 2. Check for a kink in the drain hose.
drain hose, or a stopped-up pipe. 3. Check plumbing for slow or stopped-up drains. (NOTE:
Warranty service does not cover household drain problems.)
Drain is blocked. Similar to slow Press the RESET pad to stop the beep.
drain. This indicates that the drain Locate and remove the blockage in the drain system.
RESET is so clogged that the dishwasher To pump any remaining water out of the machine:
cannot continue to operate in a 1. Latch door.
satisfactory manner. Dishwasher 2. Select any cycle.
will stop. 3. Touch “START” and then immediately touch RESET.
(NOTE: Warranty service does not cover household
drain problems.)
Drain sensor is not functioning.
If repeats for the next cycle, call for service.
Dishwasher will continue cycle
along with a fixed drain period.
There is too much water in Press the RESET pad to stop the beep.
the dishwasher. The dishwasher is designed to automatically pump out
RESET extra water as long as the door is latched. When you hear
the motor stop running:
1. Unlatch the door and see if all the water is gone.
2. If you see water entering the dishwasher, close and latch
the door. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher.
3. If water is gone and no water is entering the dishwasher,
restart cycle.
4. If repeats, shut off the water supply to the
dishwasher. Call for service.
THE DISPLAY TELLS YOU IF CERTAIN
THINGS ARE WRONG
10

DISPLAY WHAT IT MEANS WHAT TO DO
This can be caused by either of
these reasons:
Not enough water is entering the Unlatch the door. If there is no water in the bottom of the
dishwasher. dishwasher, check the water supply to the dishwasher.
•Is the dishwasher water supply turned on?
(Valve usually located under the sink.)
or •Is the household water supply turned on?
•If you use well or cistern water, is the supply adequate?
If the water supply is adequate, try the cycle again. If
repeats, call for service.
The drain pump could be Unlatch the door. If there is standing water in the bottom
temporarily blocked (usually of the dishwasher, relatch the door, touch START, then
caused by food particles such immediately touch RESET to start the pump. If
as cereal). continues to appear, you may need to do this
several times to break up the blockage.
The water temperature in the Avoid showers or laundry just prior to running the
dishwasher did not reach the dishwasher. (Use the DELAY START feature to start
proper wash temperature. This dishwasher when the water heater is up to normal
is usually caused by lack of hot temperature.) Adjust household water heater thermostat
water coming from the household to 120°F. minimum.
water heater. If appears nearly every cycle and you know the water
from the household water heater is hot (120°F. or more),
call for service.
The temperature sensor in the
The temperature sensor needs to be replaced. Call for service.
dishwasher is not functioning
properly. Dishwasher
may NOTE: You may continue to use your dishwasher. For best
continue to be used, but it will results adjust your household water heater thermostat to 140°F.
not heat water automatically.
Before you call for service
• Try the cycle again to see if the Code reappears.
The dishwasher may correct itself.
•Sometimes electronic controls can be affected by
outside interference. Shutting off the power to the
dishwasher
(at the fuse or circuit breaker) may correct
the problem. Restore power after about 15 seconds and
try the cycle again.
•Check the guide for things you can do to correct the
problem.
•See The Problem Solver section.
11

12
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
Your new dishwasher automatically decides the best way to get your dishes
clean using the least amount of water and energy. It has an exclusive Soil
Sensor System that measures the amount of soil in the load. After the soil
is measured the dishwasher decides the length of the Main Wash cycle and
the number of rinses needed.
WATER TOTAL
SOIL CYCLE USAGE TIME
CYCLE LEVEL SEQUENCES GALLONS MINUTES
Normal Heavy 9.3 58–73
LO – – – – HI
Normal Medium 7.6 44–59
LO – – – – HI
Normal Light 6.5 36–51
LO – – – – HI
Pots Pans Extra Heavy 12.2 67–82
LO – – – – HI
Pots Pans Heavy 10.8 62–77
LO – – – – HI
Pots Pans Medium 9.3 58–73
LO – – – – HI
Pots Pans Light 7.6 43–58
LO – – – – HI
China Medium 7.4 42–57
LO – – – – HI
China Light 5.9 29-39
LO – – – – HI
Rinse 1.5 7
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
9 -24 minutes
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
15-30 minutes
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
15-30 minutes
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
22-37 minutes
PreRinse
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
22-37 minutes
PreRinsePreRinse
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
22-37 minutes
PreRinsePreRinsePreRinse
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinse
Main Wash
12-27 minutes
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
15-30 minutes
PreWash/
PreRinse
RinseRinseRinse
Main Wash
22-37 minutes
PreRinse
PreWash/
PreRinse
Drying Cycle Options:
ENERGY SAVER DRY off (HEATED DRY). Available on all wash cycles except RINSE HOLD.
Add 38 minutes to wash cycle time.
ENERGY SAVER DRY on. Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally.
Soil Sensor System
Crystal
Crystal
Hold

13
To get dishes clean and dry, you need hot water. For good washing and drying,
the entering water must be at least 120
° F. To prevent dish damage, inlet water should not exceed 150 ° F.
Good Dishwashing Starts with HOT Water
How to Test Water Temperature
Check your water temperature with a candy or meat
thermometer. Turn on the hot water faucet nearest
the dishwasher. Put the thermometer in a glass and
let the water run continuously into the glass until the
temperature stops rising. If the water temperature is
below 120°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.
The rinse agent makes water flow off dishes
quicker than usual. This lessens water spotting
and makes drying faster, too.
For best dishwashing performance, use of a rinse
agent such as JET-DRY brand is recommended.
Rinse agents come in either liquid or solid form.
Your dishwasher uses the liquid form.
How to fill the rinse agent dispenser.
Unscrew the cap.
Add liquid rinse agent
until it just reaches the
bottom of lip inside the
dispenser opening.
Replace cap. The
dispenser automatically
releases rinse agent into
final rinse water.
You may check to see if you need to add rinse agent by
removing the fill cap and looking into the container.
You may also check the rinse agent by pressing the
clear center of the fill cap 2 or 3 times. If rinse agent is
drawn into the center of the fill cap, you have enough.
If the center area remains clear add rinse agent.
Your dishwasher’s rinse agent container holds
approximately 41⁄2ounces. This should last about
3 months. Fill as needed.
If you accidentally spill: Wipe up the rinse
agent with a damp cloth. Don’t leave the spill in the
dishwasher. It can keep your detergent from working.
If you can’t find any rinse agent, write:
BENCKISER CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
(‘‘JET-DRY’’)
Corporate Centre 1
55 Federal Road
P.O. Box 1991
Danbury, CT 06813-1991
How to Use a Rinse Agent
Forget to Add a Dish?
Add dishes any time during the RINSE & HOLD
cycle. With other wash cycles, you can add dishes at
any time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion of
the cycle.
However, opening the door during any cycle
lessens cleaning power. So try to load everything
at the beginning.
Here’s how to add a forgotten dish:
1. Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.
2. Wait a few seconds until the water calms. Then
open the door. WARNING: Hot vapor may rise
from the opened door.
3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.
4. Close the door and push the latch to the far right.
When the door is locked, washing will continue.
NOTE: If you forgot to latch the door a reminder
signal will beep until you do so.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
SOFT WATER MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(0-3 grains hardness) (3-7 grains) (7-12 grains*)
CYCLES Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup‡ Open Cup‡
NORMAL Completely Completely Completely
POTS PANS Half Full Half Full Full Half Full Full Full
CHINA CRYSTAL Half Full None None Completely Full None
RINSE HOLD Use no detergent Use no detergent Use no detergent
*12 grains and up is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without it, ‡Filled Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons;
lime can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding. filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.
+ + +
Use only powder or liquid detergent specifically
made
for use in dishwashers. Other types will cause
oversudsing.
How much detergent should you use? That depends.
Is your water ‘‘hard’’ or ‘‘soft’’? With hard water, you
need extra detergent to get dishes clean. With soft water,
you need less detergent.
Your water department can tell you how hard your
water is. So can your county extension agent or your
area’s water softener company. Just call and ask them
how many ‘‘grains’’ of hardness there are in your water.
Too much detergent with soft water not only wastes
money, it can be harmful. It can cause a permanent
cloudiness of glassware, called ‘‘etching.’’ An outside
layer of glass is etched away! Of course, this takes some
time. But why take a chance when it’s easy to find out the
hardness of your water.
Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Under the sink
isn’t a good place to store detergent because there is too
much moisture. Don’t put
powder detergent into the
dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes, either. (It
won’t be fresh OR dry.)
If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it
away. Old detergent often won’t dissolve. If you use a
liquid dishwasher detergent, these precautions are not
necessary because liquid detergents don’t ‘‘lump’’ as
they age or come in contact with moisture.
How to Choose and Use the Right Detergent
How to Prepare the Dishes for Washing
If this is your first dishwasher, or if you’re replacing
a much older model, you may wonder how much
preparation your dishes need. Actually very little.
Scrape off bones, seeds, skins, toothpicks and other
hard solids. Remove excessive quantities of oil
or grease.
NOTE: You may also want to consider removing
foods such as mustard, 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.
The POTS PANS cycle can wash heavily soiled dishes
and remove dried-on and baked-on soils from pots,
pans and casseroles. Items with burned-on soils need
extra preparation.
14
You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the
inside door of your dishwasher. Two,
because some cycles use two washes.
See ‘‘Detergent Usage Guide’’ below.
(Be sure the CYCLE INDICATOR
DIAL is at OFF position before
adding detergent. Otherwise,
the detergent
cup will not
close and latch properly.)
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. This is
normal when the detergent cup opens.
Open
Cup
Main Cup
Grasp handle and turn
counter-clockwise
Detergent Dispensers

HOW TO LOAD YOUR DISHWASHER
15
For best dishwashing results follow these loading guidelines. Features and
appearance of racks and silverware baskets may vary from your model.
The upper rack is best 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. Load the bottom
row first, then fold the shelf down and load the top row.
The upper rack is good for all kinds of odd-shaped
utensils. Saucepans, mixing bowls and other items
should be placed face down.
NOTE:
• Secure larger dishwasher-safe plastics over two
fingers when possible.
• Make sure when loading, that small plastic items are
secured, so they can’t fall onto the heating element.
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.
Upper Rack
The Wash Tower

16
HOW TO LOAD YOUR DISHWASHER
(continued)
NOTE: When loading the lower rack, do not load large platters or trays in
the front right corner. They may prevent detergent from circulating in 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.
Place all items to be washed with the soiled side
facing the center of the rack.
Fold-down fingers (on some models) provide
flexibility for extra large and hard-to-fit items.
The fingers may be left in the up position or folded
down to customize the lower rack.
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.
To increase the flexibility of
the lower rack, the
silverware basket may be split. Grasp the
basket at the
opposite corners and slide apart. The basket sections
should be placed in the lower rack by hanging them
on the top hoop.
Security cell covers (on
some models) hinged in
the silverware basket handles
can be lowered to either side
to secure lightweight items
from the effects of the
vigorous wash action.
NOTE: Don’t place the silverware basket in the front right corner because
the detergent could pour into it and damage silverware.
Silverware Basket
Lower Rack
Don’t let any item extend
through bottom

Usually
Material Safe Exceptions (not safe) Special Instructions
Aluminum YES Some colored anodized Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
aluminum can fade. scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
China/ YES Antique, metal-trimmed, If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. Or test wash
Stoneware hand-painted or over-the-glaze one piece daily for at least a month. Compare with the
patterns fade. Gold leaf rest of the set.
will discolor.
Crystal YES Antique, metal-trimmed or Load securely to prevent movement. Select CHINA
hand-painted patterns fade. CRYSTAL cycle. Check your manufacturer’s
Gold leaf will discolor. instructions for your crystal.
Non-dishwasher NO Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher
items—such and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
as electronic
air cleaner
filters, furnace
filters, paint
brushes, etc.
Glass YES
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.
Stainless steel YES Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acidic foods
can stain if left on.
Sterling silver YES Don’t put in same silverware Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acidic foods can
and silver plate basket with stainless steel. stain if left on. Dry detergent can cause difficult-to-remove
Contact between metals can black spots. Place in back section of silverware basket to avoid
damage silver. exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.
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 YES After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
coatings vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Tin NO Tin can rust.
Wood NO Wood can warp, crack or lose
its finish with any type of washing.
17
WHAT YOU CAN USUALLY WASH SAFELY
IN YOUR DISHWASHER

18
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. Do not use scouring pads, or harsh or
gritty cleaners.
Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner (Cat. No.
WR97X0216) is available from GE Service
and Parts Centers.
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.
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 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.
• Drain the collection chamber at
rear of unit below filter by
disconnecting hose to pump.
Reconnect after draining.
• Remove the plastic pump cover
in the tub bottom and use a
sponge to soak up water in
the rubber boot.
Pump Cover Screws
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.
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.
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.
Two types of Air Gaps

19
WOOD PANEL TRIM KITS
Wood Panel Trim Kits
Wood panel trim kits contain trim and instructions
for adding a decorative wood door panel and lower
access panel to match your kitchen cabinets.
Specify the trim of your choice from the
following options:
GPF45—1/4″ Panel Trim Kit
GPF46—3/4″Panel Trim Kit
Wood panel trim kits are available at an extra cost by
calling, toll-free, 1-800-626-2002. The kits will be
shipped directly to your home. Visa, Mastercard and
Discover cards are accepted.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE
CONTROL PANEL Time too long between touching of selected pads. Each pad must be touched within
LIGHTS GO OFF 30 seconds of the others. To relight, touch any pad again, or unlock and relatch door.
WHEN YOU’RE
SETTING CONTROLS
THE WORD AUTO The sensor is clogged or faulty.
DOESN’T APPEAR Try using the below steps to clear the sensor:
IN THE DISPLAY 1. Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
2. DO NOT ADD DETERGENT.
3. Select POTS PANS cycle and ENERGY SAVER DRY off.
4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run until the time remaining in the cycle appears in
the display.
5. Then open the door and pour 1/4 cup of citric acid crystals into the bottom of the
dishwasher. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals. If yours doesn’t, call GE
Service and Parts Centers.)
6. Close the door and allow the dishwasher to complete the cycle.
If the problem continues call for service.
DISHWASHER A fuse in your home may be 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.
Water draining out of tub immediately after you touch RESET pad. The sounds you
hear are normal ones.
DISHES 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.
Choose another cycle to give you longer washing time.
UNCLEAN DISHES Check inlet water temperature. It should be at least 120°F. (To test, see How to
AND 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.)
Choose another cycle to give you longer washing time.
Make sure the area in and around the vent is clear.
20
QUESTIONS?
USE THIS PROBLEM SOLVER