GE 162D9639P004 Original instructions

162D9639P004 49-60142 06-01 JR
www.GEAppliances.com
Write the model and serial numbers here:
Model # __________________________
Serial # __________________________
Find these numbers on a label inside
the refrigerator on the side wall.
Refrigerators
2 Cubic Foot Models
3 Cubic Foot Models
4 Cubic Foot Models
Owner’s Manual
& Installation
Instructions
Safety Information . . . . . . . . .2–4
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . .7, 8
Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Refrigerator Features . . . . . . . . .6
Installation Instructions . . . .9–11
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . .12, 13
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . .Back Cover
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsConsumer Support Installation Instructions
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described
in this Owner’s Manual.
WARNING!
■This refrigerator must be
properly installed and located
in accordance with the
Installation Instructions
before it is used.
■Do not allow children to
climb, stand or hang on the
shelves in the refrigerator.
They could damage the
refrigerator and seriously
injure themselves.
■Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
■Keep fingers out of the “pinch
point” areas; clearances
between the doors and
between the doors and
cabinet are necessarily small.
Be careful closing doors when
children are in the area.
■Unplug the refrigerator
before cleaning and making
repairs.
NOTE: We strongly recommend
that any servicing be performed by
a qualified individual.
■Turning the temperature
control dial to the
OFF
position stops cooling but
does not shut off power to
the refrigerator.
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions
should be followed, including the following:
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Child entrapment and
suffocation are not problems of
the past. Junked or abandoned
refrigerators are still dangerous…
even if they will sit for “just a few
days.” If you are getting rid of
your old refrigerator, please
follow the instructions below
to help prevent accidents.
Before You Throw Away Your Old
Refrigerator or Freezer:
■Take off the doors.
■Leave the shelves in place so
that children may not easily
climb inside.
CFC Disposal
Your old refrigerator has a
cooling system that used CFCs
(chlorofluorocarbons). CFCs are
believed to harm stratospheric
ozone.
If you are throwing away your
old refrigerator, make sure the
CFC refrigerant is removed for
proper disposal by a qualified
servicer. If you intentionally
release this CFC refrigerant you
can be subject to fines and
imprisonment under provisions
of environmental legislation.
PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE REFRIGERATOR

www.GEAppliances.com
3
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions
USE OF EXTENSION CORDS
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions,
we strongly recommend against the use of an extension cord.
However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary
that it be a UL-listed, 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord
having a grounding type plug and outlet and that the electrical
rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third
(ground) prong from the power cord. For personal safety,
this appliance must be properly grounded.
The power cord of this
appliance is equipped with
a 3-prong (grounding) plug
which mates with a standard
3-prong (grounding) wall outlet
to minimize the possibility of
electric shock hazard from
this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and
circuit checked by a qualified
electrician to make sure the
outlet is properly grounded.
If you have only a standard
2-prong wall outlet, it is your
personal responsibility and
obligation to have it replaced
with a properly grounded
3-prong wall outlet.
The refrigerator should
always be plugged into its own
individual electrical outlet
which has a voltage rating that
matches the rating plate.
This provides the best
performance and also prevents
overloading house wiring circuits
which could cause a fire hazard
from overheated wires.
Never unplug your refrigerator
by pulling on the power cord.
Always grip plug firmly and pull
straight out from the outlet.
Repair or replace immediately
all power cords that have
become frayed or otherwise
damaged. Do not use a cord that
shows cracks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either end.
When moving the refrigerator
away from the wall, be careful
not to roll over or damage the
power cord.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
4
WARNING!
USE OF ADAPTER PLUGS
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions,
we strongly recommend against the use of an adapter plug.
However, if you must use an
adapter, where local codes
permit, a
temporary connection
may be made to a properly
grounded 2-prong wall outlet
by use of a UL-listed adapter
available at most local hardware
stores.
The larger slot in the adapter
must be aligned with the
larger slot in the wall outlet to
provide proper polarity in the
connection of the power cord.
When disconnecting the power
cord from the adapter, always
hold the adapter in place with
one hand while pulling the
power cord plug with the other
hand. If this is not done, the
adapter ground terminal is very
likely to break with repeated use.
If the adapter ground terminal
breaks,
DO NOT USE the
refrigerator until a proper
ground has been established.
Attaching the adapter ground terminal
to a wall outlet cover screw does not
ground the appliance unless the cover
screw is metal, and not insulated, and
the wall outlet is grounded through the
house wiring. You should have the
circuit checked by a qualified
electrician to make sure the outlet
is properly grounded.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY
INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsConsumer Support Installation Instructions

About the control
on the refrigerator. www.GEAppliances.com
5
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions
Control Settings
The temperature control maintains the temperature in the
refrigerator. Setting the control at
COOL is the warmest setting. Setting
the control at
COLDEST is the coldest setting. Set the control at COLD.
Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the COLD temperature.
If you want a colder or warmer temperature, move the dial one
setting at a time. Moving the control to
OFF stops cooling but does
not turn off the power to the refrigerator. Setting the control to one
of the snowflake positions may cause freezing in the refrigerator
depending on the room temperature.
How To Test Temperatures
Use the milk test. Place a container of milk on a shelf and check it
a day later. If the milk is too warm or too cold, adjust the temperature
control.
After changing the control, allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the
temperature you have set.
The control will look like one of the above.
OFF
COOL
COLD
COLDEST OFF
COOL
COLD
COLDEST
OFF
COOL
COLD
COLDEST

6
Shelves
To remove a shelf, lift up the back slightly and pull forward.
Some models have multi-position shelves that can be moved to
different levels.
Ice Tray Compartment
This compartment is designed for production of ice cubes and
short-term storage (a few days at most) of some commercially-
frozen foods when in contact with the evaporator (cold surface
in compartment.)
Door Shelves
Shelves on the door provide convenient storage for frequently
used items. Some models have doors that are deep enough to
store large bottles.
Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsConsumer Support Installation Instructions
About the refrigerator features.
Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
The key for the spring-loaded lock is automatically ejected—
key will not remain in lock in either the open or closed position.
Keep the key out of reach of children and away from the refrigerator.
If a replacement key is needed, it can be ordered by visiting
our Website,
www.GEAppliances.com , or calling GE Parts and
Accessories, 800.626.2002. Order part WR05X10006.

7
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions
Cleaning the Outside
Keep the outside clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened
with kitchen appliance wax or mild liquid dish detergent. Dry and
polish with a clean, soft cloth.
Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dish cloth or wet towel. These may
leave a residue that can erode the paint. Do not use scouring pads, powdered
cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing bleach because these products can
scratch and weaken the paint finish.
Protect the paint finish.
The finish on the outside of the refrigerator
is a high quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it will
stay new-looking and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of kitchen/
appliance wax when the refrigerator is new, and then at least
twice a year.
Cleaning the Inside
To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in the
refrigerator.
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. If this is not practical,
wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning
around the control.
Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon
(15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter) of water. This both cleans
and neutralizes odors. Rinse and wipe dry.
Other parts of the refrigerator— including door gaskets, fruit
and vegetable drawers, and all plastic parts—can be cleaned the
same way.
Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts in the dishwasher.
Care and cleaning
of the refrigerator. www.GEAppliances.com

8
Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsConsumer Support Installation Instructions
Preparing for Vacation
For long vacations or absences, remove food and unplug the
refrigerator. Move the control to the
OFF position, and clean the
interior with a baking soda solution of one tablespoon (15 ml) of
baking soda to one quart (1 liter) of water. Leave the door open.
Preparing to Move
Secure all loose items such as shelves and ice trays by taping them
securely in place to prevent damage.
Be sure the refrigerator stays in an upright position during moving.
Defrosting
Defrost whenever frost on the wall of the ice tray compartment becomes
1/4
″ thick. Never use a sharp or metallic instrument to remove frost as
it may damage the cooling coils. (A punctured cooling coil will cause
serious problems and void the warranty.) We recommend using a plastic scraper.
Do not use any electrical device in defrosting your refrigerator.
To defrost,
remove foods and ice trays from the ice tray compartment.
Set the temperature control dial at
OFF position. Defrosting usually
takes a few hours. To defrost faster, keep the door open. Also,
pouring warm (not hot) water on the frosted part may speed
defrosting.
Do not use boiling water— it may damage plastic parts.
After defrosting, empty water from the drip tray. Wash the drip tray
in warm water. Wipe the ice tray compartment with a damp cloth.
Then turn the temperature control to the desired setting and
return food and ice trays to the refrigerator.
NOTE: If ice buildup is very thick, it may keep the ice tray compartment door
from opening or closing completely. Don’t try to force it open; after defrosting,
the door will open and close easily.
Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.

9
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions
Preparing to install the refrigerator.
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
Turn counterclockwise to raise,
clockwise to lower.
Refrigerator Location
■Do not install the refrigerator where the temperature will go below
50°F (10°C) because it will not run often enough to maintain
proper temperatures.
■Install it on a floor strong enough to support it fully loaded.
■If the 2 cubic foot model is placed on a countertop or stand, the
front surface of the door should be 3″ or more back from the edge
of the countertop or stand to avoid accidental tipping of the
appliance during normal use.
■Do not install it closer than 5″(13 cm) next to a range.
■Do not install it in a recessed area.
■Do not build in the refrigerator.
Clearances
Allow the following clearances for ease of installation and proper
air circulation.
Sides 1/2″ (13 mm)
Top 2″(51 mm)
Back 2″(51 mm) from the rear cabinet surface to the wall
Leveling Legs (on some models)
Adjustable legs at the front corners of the refrigerator
should be set so the refrigerator is firmly positioned on
the floor and the front is raised just enough that the
door closes easily when opened about halfway.
To adjust the leveling legs, turn the legs counterclockwise
to raise
the refrigerator, clockwise to lower it.

10
Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsConsumer Support Installation Instructions
Leveling legs
Bottom
hinge
Plug button
Spacer
Hinge cover
Plug buttons
or screws Hinge
Preparing to install the refrigerator.
Door Reversal
3 Cubic Foot Models
1. Remove the small plug button on the
left side of the door top cap.
2. Remove the three plug buttons or
screws on the left side on top of the
cabinet.
3. Remove the plastic hinge cover by
lifting it up by the front edge.
4. Remove the three screws from the
top hinge.
5. Lift the door up and off the bottom
hinge (right side).
6. Tilt the refrigerator cabinet back to
remove the right leveling leg.
7. Remove the screws on the bottom
hinge (right side) and the left leveling
leg. Move the bottom hinge to the left
side and secure it with the screws and
leveling leg.
IMPORTANT: The left leg has a spacer that
must be moved to the right side leveling leg
when the door swing is reversed.
8. Screw the right leveling leg, with the
spacer in place, back in place on the
right side.
9. Position the door on the left bottom
hinge. With the magnetic gasket
holding the door in place, secure the
top hinge with screws.
10.
Make sure the door is aligned with the
refrigerator cabinet before continuing.
11. Replace the hinge cover on top of
the hinge.
12. Put the plug button in the hole on the
right side of the door cap.
13. Put the three plug buttons or screws on
the right side on top of the cabinet.

11
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions
Door Reversal
4 Cubic Foot Models
1. Remove the two screws at the back of
the top cover.
2. Remove the top cover by lifting the
back up about 2″and then sliding it
forward.
3. Remove the small plug button on the
left side of the door top cap.
4. Remove the three screws on the upper
hinge (right side). Remove the hinge.
5. Remove the three screws at the left
hinge location on the top plate.
6. Remove the screw in the middle of the
top plate and remove the top plate.
7. Lift the door up and off the bottom
hinge (right side).
8. Tilt the refrigerator cabinet back to
remove the right leveling leg.
9. Remove the screws on the bottom
hinge (right side) and the left leveling
leg. Move the bottom hinge to the left
side and secure it with the screws and
leveling leg.
IMPORTANT: The left leg has a spacer that
must be moved to the right side leveling leg
when the door swing is reversed.
10. Screw the right leveling leg, with the
spacer in place, back in place on the
right side.
11. Position the door on the left bottom
hinge. With the magnetic gasket
holding the door in place, secure the
top hinge with screws.
12.
Make sure the door is aligned with the
refrigerator cabinet before continuing.
13. Replace the top plate and screws.
14. Slide the top cover back in place and
replace the two screws.
15. Put the plug button in the hole on the
right side of the door top cap.
Leveling legs
Bottom
hinge
Plug button
Spacer
Left hinge location
Upper
hinge
Top cover
Top
plate
Door
top cap

12
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the chart below first
and you may not need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Refrigerator does not Control in OFF position. •Move the control to a
operate temperature setting.
Refrigerator is •Push the plug completely
unplugged. into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit •Replace fuse or reset
breaker is tripped. the breaker.
Vibration or rattling Front leveling legs •See Leveling Legs .
(slight vibration (on some models)
is normal) need adjusting.
Refrigerator is on •Use shims to level the
an uneven surface. refrigerator.
Motor operates for Normal when refrigerator •Wait 24 hours for the
long periods or cycles is first plugged in. refrigerator to completely
cool down.
Often occurs when •This is normal.
large
amounts of food
are placed in refrigerator.
Door left open. •Check to see if package is
holding door open.
Hot weather or frequent •This is normal.
door openings.
Temperature control •See
About the control .
set at the coldest setting.
Not enough clearance •Make sure there is enough
from the wall. air circulation around the
refrigerator.
Door will not open Refrigerator is locked •Unlock the door with
(lock is available the key. If the key has
on some models). been lost, a replacement
key can be ordered by
visiting our Website,
www.GEAppliances.com ,
or calling GE Parts and
Accessories, 800.626.2002.
Order part WR05X10006.
Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsConsumer Support Installation Instructions
Before you call for service…

13
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions
www.GEAppliances.com
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Refrigerator too warm Temperature control •See About the control .
not set cold enough.
Warm weather or •Set the temperature
frequent door openings. control one step colder.
See About the control .
Door left open. •Check to see if package is
holding door open.
Cabinet sides are warm. •This is normal for a hot
wall type condenser.
Refrigerator has odor Foods transmitting odor •Foods with strong odors
to refrigerator. should be tightly wrapped.
•Keep an open box of
baking soda in the
refrigerator; replace
every three months.
Interior needs cleaning. •See Care and cleaning .
Defrost water pan •See
Care and cleaning .
needs cleaning.
Moisture forms on Not unusual during •Wipe surface dry.
outside of refrigerator periods of high humidity.
Moisture collects inside Too frequent or too long
(in humid weather, door openings.
air carries moisture
into refrigerator when
door is opened)
Refrigerator too cold
Temperature control •See About the control .
set too cold.

14
Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsConsumer Support Installation Instructions
Notes.

Refrigerator Warranty. (For customers in the United States)
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for
products purchased for home use within the USA. In Alaska, the warranty excludes the
cost of shipping or service calls to your home.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages. 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, consult your
local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225
For The Period Of: GE Will Replace:
One Year Any part of the refrigerator which fails due to a
From the date of the defect in materials or workmanship. During this
original purchase limited one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free
of charge,
all labor (does not include service trip to
home) to replace the defective part.
Five Years The compressor if it fails due to a defect in materials
From the date of the or workmanship. (Does not include service labor
original purchase charges or service trips to home.)
■Service trips to your home to teach
you how to use the product.
■Improper installation.
■Failure of the product if it is
abused, misused, or used for
other than the intended purpose
or used commercially.
■Loss of food due to spoilage.
■Replacement of house fuses or
resetting of circuit breakers.
■Damage to the product caused by
accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
■Incidental or consequential damage
caused by possible defects with
this appliance.
What GE Will Not Cover:
15
All warranty service provided by our
Factory Service Centers, or an authorized
Customer Care
®
technician. To schedule
service, on-line, 24 hours a day, contact
us at www.GEAppliances.com, or call
800.GE.CARES.
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original
purchase date is needed
to obtain service under
the warranty.
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions

Printed in China
Consumer Support.
GE Appliances Website
www.GEAppliances.com
Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website
24 hours a day, any day of the year! For greater convenience and faster service, you can
now download Owner’s Manuals, order parts, catalogs, or even schedule service on-line.
You can also “Ask Our Team of Experts™” your questions, and so much more...
Schedule Service www.GEAppliances.com
Expert GE repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and
schedule your service at your convenience 24 hours any day of the year! Or call
800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) during normal business hours.
Real Life Design Studio www.GEAppliances.com
GE supports the Universal Design concept—products, services and environments that
can be used by people of all ages, sizes and capabilities. We recognize the need to
design for a wide range of physical and mental abilities and impairments. For details
of GE’s Universal Design applications, including kitchen design ideas for people with
disabilities, check out our Website today. For the hearing impaired, please call
800.TDD.GEAC (800.833.4322).
Extended Warranties www.GEAppliances.com
Purchase a GE extended warranty and learn about special discounts that are available
while your warranty is still in effect. You can purchase it on-line anytime, or call
800.626.2224 during normal business hours. GE Consumer Home Services will
still be there after your warranty expires.
Parts and Accessories www.GEAppliances.com
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories
sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted).
Order on-line today, 24 hours every day or by phone at 800.626.2002 during normal
business hours.
Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other
servicing generally should be referred to qualified service personnel. Caution must be
exercised, since improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.
Contact Us www.GEAppliances.com
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE, contact us on our Website
with all the details including your phone number, or write to:
General Manager, Customer Relations
GE Appliances, Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
Register Your Appliance www.GEAppliances.com
Register your new appliance on-line—at your convenience! Timely product registration
will allow for enhanced communication and prompt service under the terms of your
warranty, should the need arise. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card
included in the packing material, or detach and use the form in this Owner’s Manual.