GE 20 User manual

Refrigerat
Safe~ Instructions...................2,3
OperatingInstructions,~ps
ElectronicMonitor.................................... 5,6
DiagnosticCodes.................................. 5,6
Energy.SaverSystem...................................3
FreezerCompartment.........................11, 12
Ice&Water Dispenser............................ 7–9
lcemaker..................................................... 7–9
RefreshmentCenter.....................................4
Shelves.................................................. 10, I I
Storage Drawers ........................................... 9
Temperature Controls.................................. 3
CareandCleaning
Cleaning–Behind Refrigerator................ 13
Cleaning–Inside and Outside.................. 12
Drawer Removal......................................... 13
LightBulbReplacement........................... 14
Under Refrigerator..................................... 13
Problem Solver......................17-I g
Normal Operating Sounds........................l 7
Preparation
BaseGrille .................................................... 15
Clearances................................................... 15
Dimensions.................................................. 16
Location........................................................ 15
Rollers............................................................ 15
Vacation and Moving ................................ 15
Water Supplyto Icemaker....................... 15
installation........................................16
Adapter Plug.................................................l 6
ElectricalRequirements............................ 16
ExtensionCord.............................................l 6
Grounding.................................................... 16
Model and Serial Numbers......................... 2
General Electric Company, Appliance Park, Louisville, KY40225 USA
PaflNo.162D7743PO01
Pub No. 49-6805
11-94CG

~LP US~LP YOU...
Read this book carefully.
It is intended to help you operate and maintain your new
refrigerator properly.
Keep it handy for answers to your questions.
Write down the model and serial numbers.
You’llsee them on alabel on the wall beside the top drawer or at the
bottom, inside the fresh food compartment door.
Please write these numbers here:
ModelNumber
If you received adamaged refrigerator...
Immediately contact the dealer (or builder) that sold you
the refrigerator.
Save time and money.
Before you request service...
Check the Problem Solver in the back of this book. It lists minor
operating problems that you can correct yourself.
Products are continuously being improved...
Therefore product features and specifications may change or
vary slightly.
Serial Number
Use these numbers in any correspondence or service calls concerning
your refrigerator.
WORT~ S~TY ~STRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before using this appliance.
AWARMNG—Whenusingthisappliance,
alwaysexercisebasicsafetyprecautions,
includingthefollowing:
●Use thisapplianceonly for its intendedpurposeas
describedinthisUseandCareGuide.
a
/●Thisrefrigeratormust be properly
‘Q.,”;’~
>4 .installedandlocatedin accordancewith
..~the InstallationInstructionsbeforeit
is used.
●Neverunplugyour refrigeratorby pullingon the
powercord. Alwaysgripplugfirmlyandpull
straightoutfromtheoutlet.
●Repairor replaceimmediatelyall electricservice
cordsthat havebecomefrayedor otherwise
damaged.Donotuseacordthatshowscracksor
abrasiondamagealongitslengthorateithertheplug
orapplianceend.
●Whenmovingyourapplianceawayfrom
the wall,be carefulnot to rollover or damagethe
powercord.
●Do notallowchildrento ctimb,stand or hang on
the shelvesin the refrigerator.Theycoulddamage
therefrigeratorandseriouslyinjurethemselves.
a
●If yourold refrigeratoris stili aroundthe
housebut not in use, besure to removethe
doors.Thiswillreducethepossibilityof
dangertochildren.
2
●Afteryour refrigeratoris in operation,do not
touchthecoldsurfacesin thefreezercompartment,
particularlywhen hands aredampor wet. Skin
mayadheretotheseextremelycoldsurfaces.
●Do notplacefingersor handson the automatic
ice-makingmechanismwhiiethe refrigeratoris
pluggedin. Thiswillpreventcontactwiththe
movingpartsoftheejectormechanism,orwiththe
heatingelementthatreleasesthecubes.
●Do notallowanyoneto c~mb, sit, standor hangon
the RefreshmentCenterCompartmentdoor.They
coulddamagetherefrigeratorandmaybeeventipit
over,causingseverepersonalinjury.
●Don’t refreezefrozenfoods whichhave thawed
completely.Foodsafetyexpertssay:
“...Youmaysafelyrefreezefrozenfoodsthathave
thawediftheystillcontainicecrystalsoriftheyare
stillcold—below40°F(4°C.).
“...Thawedgroundmeats,poultryorfishthathave
anyoff-odororoff-colorshouldnotberefrozenand
shouldnotbeeaten.Thawedicecreamshouldbe
discarded.Iftheodororcolorofanyfoodispooror
questionable,getridofit.Thefoodmaybe
dangeroustoeat,
“.,.Evenpartialthawingandrefreezingreducesthe
eatingqualityoffoods,particularlyfruits,vegetables
andpreparedfoods.Theeatingqualityofredmeatis
affectedlessthanthatofmanyotherfoods.Use
refrozenfoodsassoonaspossibletosaveasmuchof
theireatingqualityasyoucan,”

●Unplugyour refrigeratorbeforecleaningand ●Do not storeor use gasolineor otherflarnmabge
makingrepairs.NOTE:Westronglyreeommendthat vaporsandliquidsin the vicinityofthis or any
anyservicingbepetiormedbyaqualifiedindividual. otherappliance.
●Beforereplacingaburned-outlightbulb,unplugthe
refrigeratororturnoffpoweratthecircuitbreakeror
fuseboxinordertoavoidcontactwithalivewire SAW T~SE ~STRUCTIONS
filament.(Aburned-outlightbulbmaybreakwhen
beingreplaced.)NOTE:TurningcontroIto” O”
positiondoesnotremovepowertothelightcircuit.
OPERAT~G YOUR REFWGERATOR
Set the Temperature Controls (appearance may vary)
Two controls let you regulate the temperature in the fresh food and
freezer compartments.
At first, set the freezer control at “5” and the fresh food control at “5.”
Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize, whether you are
setting the controls for the first time or adjusting them later. Then, if
you want colder or warmer temperatures in either compartment, adjust
the controls one step at atime.
NOTE: Moving the fresh food control to the” O” position turns off
cooling in both compartments-fresh food and freezer—but does not
shut off power to the refrigerator.
Freezer
control
w
How to TestTemperatures Automatic Energy-Saver System
Use the filk test for the fmh foodcompartment.Place acontainerof
milkon the top shelf in the fresh foodcompartment.Check it aday later.
If the milk is too warm or too cold, adjustthe temperaturecontrols.
Use the ice cream test for the freezer compartment Place a
container of ice cream in the center of the freezer compartment. Check
it after aday.If it’s too hard or too soft, adjust the temperature controls.
Always allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the
temperature you set.
Youwon’t find an “energy-saver” switch on this refrigerator.
Warm liquid from the refrigerator’s condenser is automatically
circulated around the front edge of the freezer compartment to help
keep moisture from forming 00 the outside of the refrigerator during
humid weather.
Many refrigerators use special electric heaters. This refrigerator
needs none. That’s why there is no “energy-saver” switch.. there’s
no need for it.
No Defrosting
It is not necessary to defrost the freezer or fresh food compartments. Although your
refrigerator is designed and equipped to defrost itself automatically, some frost on
packages is normal.
3

REFRESWNT CENTER
(on some models)
The Refreshment Center consists of an Automatic Icemaker, an Ice &Water Dispenser
and aspecial Refreshment Center Compartment with its own door that becomes a
counter when you open it.
Icemaker Ice &Water Dispenser
The icemaker replaces the ice you use... automatically. The dispenser provides ice cubes, crushed ice and chilled water
through the freezer compartment door.
Refreshment Center Compartment
The Refreshment Center Compartment makes frequently used items
stored on the fresh food door readily accessible through the
Refreshment Center Compartment door without having to open the
main refrigerator door.
It provides an extra
counter-high work surface
with its own light right at the
refrigerator when the
Refreshment Center
Compartment door is open.
Close the door after use.
Although durable, stain- and
scratch-resistant, the work
su~ace on the Refreshment
Center counter should not be
used as acutting board.Sharp
utensils can damage it.
Cold air entering from the freezer compartment keeps the temperature
in the RefreshmentCenter Compartmentat properfood-keepinglevels.
The Refreshment Center
Compartment is also accessible 11’!I
through alift-up door on the
inside of the fresh food
compartment door.
Toremove the Refreshment
Center Bin, open the outer door
to free the lip on the bin from the
overlapping door.
Then raise the inner door and
lift the bin straight up until hooks on
*
--.....
bin come out of tracks on door. [--,:.-,
.->-,=
=
Refreshment Center Bin must be =_.
i=“.-. .)
replaced in its original position, -N~-._ ,“f@
%
u
I
n
@
~t
t
8
t
,
4

ELECTROMC MO~TOR & D~GNOSTICSYSTEM ~
(on some models)
@This pad flashes to tell you when either door is open.
@This pad lights up to tell you that the Door Alarm beeper has been
set to sound after either door has been open 30 seconds.
@This pad lights up to tell you when freezer food-keeping
temperature is above norrnd.
@This pad lights up to indicate that no failure has been detected by
the diagnostic system.
@The flashing diagnostic codes in the display warn you when:
❑frozen foods should be checked.
❑power has been interrupted.
wicemaker may not be operating properly.
❑defrost system has failed.
@This pad allows you to review the electronic diagnosis of four
coded functions at your fingertip and also allows you to erase
codes from display.
@These pads allow you to select:
uchilled water, uQ
~> ice cubes or ~. crushed ice.
When YourRefrigerator is First Plugged in
All panel lights come on for five seconds, abeep sounds, and lights go
off except as follows:
(61
●PF flashes in the display. Touchthis pad to erase it.
/
I/●This pad glows.
M
1●The Warm Temperature light glows if the freezer
compartment temperature is higher than normal.
It goes off when proper food-keeping temperature
is reached.
m
([ ●The Door Alarm beeper is activated and tbe Door
Alarm pad glows.
m..
.●The Crushed Ice pad glows.
m
●This pad flashes if either door is open, goes out
when doors are shut.
(J
●The night light in the water-and-ice dispenser is off.
How to Set the Door Alarm
Youdon’t have to set the visual alarm.
As long as either door is open, this pad flashes.
P
When the Door Alarm pad is glowing, the beeper
alarm is set. If it’s not, touch the pad to turn it on. m((
If either door is open for more than 30 seconds, a
repeating sound will be heard.
The light goes out and the beeping stops when you close the door.
There are times when you’ll want the Door Alarm beeper tnrned
off. When you’re rearranging alot of food, for example. Just touch the
pad. The light will go out and the beeping will stop.
Turning off the Door Alarm beeper does not turn the
Door @en pad off—it keeps flashing until the door
is closed.
m
Why the Warm Temperature Light Glows
At first, it’s probably because your newly installed
refrigerator hasn’t completely cooled down yet. Wait
afew hours for it to cool, and then the light will go out.
From then on, the pad will glow whenever
F
1
temperatures inside get too high for proper food
storage. If this happens, open the doors only when
absolutely necessary, and close them as quickly as possible.
As soon as inside temperatures return to normal, the light goes out.
If the Warm Temperature light reappears and stays on for longer than
4hours, call for service.
(continuednextpag
—
—

ELECTRO~C MO~OR & DWGNOSTICSYSTEM
(continued)
How the Electronic Monitor and Diagnostic System Works
The Electronic Monitor and Diagnostic System alerts you when This pad is lighted except when a
something starts to go wrong. failure has been detected.
If adiagnostic code appears on the display,something needs
special attention. Toget your attention, the display code flashes
until you erase it, The first 6flashes are accompanied by b~ps.
. . \J
If more than one coded function requires attention at the same
time, the one with the highest priority will be displayed first. This pad has two functions:
Pressing this pad will evaluate all other coded 1. Youcan touch this pad and get areview of the
functions. If the ~display is lit during the displaying ()electronic diagnostic codes in order of their priority. 1
f)d
of acode, that function is operating properly.
Pressing this pad will erase two codes immediately—
PF and CI. The dE and FF codes can only be erased
after the condition that caused the code to flash has
been corrected. M2. Youcan touch this pad to erase three flashing codes
Yimmediately and two codes after the condition that u
caused them to flash has been comected.
This flashing code tells you to check your
frozen food. Has any of it started to thaw? A
package may be holding the freezer compartment
door open. Don’t open the door more often than
absolutely necessary while this code is displayed.
Touchingthe @pad after the freezer compartment
temperature has returned to normal will erase
the code. ❑This flashing code tells you the power to the
refrigerator has been interrupted for more than
two seconds. Check the condition of food in both
the fresh food and freezer compartments. Touchthe
@pad to erase code.
There is no fault with the refrigerator when the
PF code flashes. ❑
This flashing code tells you to check the
automatic icemaker. Ice clumps in the storage
bin may have stalled the icemaker. Follow
corrective measures described in the Problem
Solver. If water supply to the icemaker is not
connected or not turned on, make sure manual
icemaker switch is in the 0(up) position, This
code stops flashing when problem is corrected or
the @pad is touched. ❑This flashing code tells you something is wrong
with the defrost system—keep doors closed to
retain cold and call for service. Code flashes until
problem is corrected. ❑
6

AUTOWTIC ICEW=R & DISPENSER
(on some models) M
How it Works
ne automatic icemaker makes ice continually. The dispenser
dispenses water, ice cubes or crushed ice through the freezer
comp~ment door. Here’s how they work.
Water flows from the household supply through a
(1)dual solenoid valve
to the
(2) water tubing and to the
(3)automatic icemaker
as needed.
Water is frozen in the
(4)cube mold and ejected
into the
(5) storage bin where a
motor-powered auger
moves cubes forward.
cause for concern.
Cubes dispense through the chute in the door when the
dispenser pad is pressed.
When the Crushed pad is prmsed (on some models), a
baffle channels cubes through the crusher and crushed ice falls
through achute into the glass.
When the Water pad is selected (on some models), water
flows through the
(6)tubing in the door and is dispensed when the dispenser pad is
pressed.
(7)Atight switch (on some models) turns the night light in the
dispenser on or off.
The light also comes on when the dispenser pad is pressed.
The light in the dispenser should be replaced with a10watt maximum
bulb when it burns out.
If you cannot locate the correct bulb, see your local dealer.
lmpotia~t Fat@About Your Ice& Water Dispenser
*If this is your first icemaker you’ll hear oc-ional sounds that
may be rmfamiliar.These are normal ice-making sounds and are not
●Yonricemaker will produce eight cubes per cycl-approximately
120cubes in a24-hour period4epending on freezer compartment
temperature, room temperature, number of door openings and other
tiseconditions.
●Intermittent dispensing of ice is normal. If ice flow interruption is
more than brief, ice clump(s) may be the cause and should be
removed following instructions in this section.
●Avoidover-filfing glasses with ice and using narrow or extra-toll
@asses.This can jam the chute or cause the door in the chute to
freeze shut. PeriodicA1yopen the freezer compartment door and look
down into the chute. If ice is blocking the chute, poke it through with
awooden spoon.
●Tohelp keep bits of ice from being SPCUYMbeyond the #ass,
placa the glass close to the ice chute—but not so close that it blocks
out-coming ice.
*Add ice before adding beverage to prevent splashing.
●Beverages andfoods should not he quick-chilled in the ice
storage bin. Cans, bottles or food packages in the storage bin may
cause the icemaker or auger tojam.
●Do not add ice from trays or hags to the storage bin. It may not
crush or dispense well.
CAUTION: Some products such as water ices should not be
consumed too cold.
Before Using YourIcemaker and Dispenser
If you use your refrigerator before the water
connection is made, raise the ice access door
and make sure the icemaker feeler arm is in the
O(up) position. When the water supply has
been connected to the icemaker, move the d.7
feeler arm to the I(down) position.
inO
(up) position
stops icemating
Feeler arm in I
(down) position
begins icemaking
At first there will be adelay before water is dispensed and ice is made.
On models with awater dispenser, if no
~
II
water is dispensed when the refrigerator is
first installed, there may be air in the water line
system. Press the dispenser pad for at least two
minutes to remove trapped air from the water
line and to fill the water system.
o
Push the dispenser pad .J~
until the water line is filled.
The ice cube mold will automatically fill with water A~ER cooling
to freezer temperatures. The first cubes normally freeze after
several hours.
NOTE: With anewly-installed refrigerator, allow about 24 hours
for the freezer compartment to get cold enough to make ice.
(continuednextpage)
7
—
—

A~OWTIC ICEW~R & DISPENSER
(continued)
Once YourIcemaker and Dispenser are in Operation
Throw away the first few batches of ice cubes (16 or 24 cubes). This Tomake sure tie bin fills with ice, level the cubes occasionally.
will flush away any impurities in the water line. Do the same thing When cubes fall into the bin they may pile up close to the icemaker
after vacations or extended periods when ice isn’t used. and push the feeler arm to the O(up) position, which stops icemting,
On models with awater dispenser, pour the first six glassfuls of water before the bin gets full. Keeping the cubes level allows the icemaker
in the kitchen sink. The fust water through the system picks up ato fill the bin.
slight “plastic” taste from the water tubing.
ToDispense Ice and Water
●Select: II ●Grip the ~lass or other
Bwater (on some models),
u
~> ice cubes,
u
~> or crushed ice (on some
models).
Dispenser pad
“
con~ainernear the rim and
press the rim against the
center of the dispenser pad.
Dispenser pad /
II
When Dispensing Ice...
Some crushed ice may be dispensed even though you selected
Cubes. This happens occasionally when afew cubes get channeled to
the crusher.
Sometimes amound of snow will form on tbe door in the ice chute.
This condition is normal, and usually occurs when you have dispensed
crushed ice repeatedly. The snow will eventually evaporate.
Sometimes crushed ice will spray beyond the glass. To avoid this,
hold the glass up close to the chute.
When Dispensing Water...
The first glass of water dispensed maybe warmer than the
foilowing ones. This is normal.
Dispensed water is cool, not iced. For colder water, simply add
crashed ice or cubes before dispensing water.
ToStop Dispensing
Release uressure from the dispenser II
pad and wait afew seconds to catch the
last bits of ice or drops of water.
There may be some dripping after
dispensing crushed ice or water. If there
is alot of dripping, the spill should be
wiped dry right away.
Do not pour water in the spill shelf Press here to remove grille
because it is not self draining—pour
it in the kitchen sink. The shelf and its
grille should be cleaned regularly according
to Care and Cleaning instructions. The ~rille
If Ice Clumps Form in the Storage Bin...
The icemaker ejects cubes in groups of eight, and it is normal for
several cubes to be joined together. However, if you don’t use the ice
very often ice clumps may form in the storage bin and can clog
the dispenser.
If Wlshappens:
●Remove the storage bin from the freezer.
●Break up ice clumps with your hands. Throw away any clumps that
you can’t break up.
●Replace the bin before the remaining cubes melt and fuse together.
.
is easily removed b~ pressing on the back right corner.
8

—
‘ToRemove Ice Storage Bin
Lftthe left comer to free the bin
from the shelf. Pull the bin straight out
while supporting it at front and back.
ToReplace Ice Storage Bin
Slide the bin back until the tab on the
bin locks into the slot in the shelf.
If the bindoes not go dl the way back, remove
itandtum thedrivemecharrism l/4tum. Then
pushthe bin back again until the tab on the bin
locksinto the slot in the shelf. The gasket
alongthe top of the bin shouldcontactthe top
of the freezer and bendback toward you.If it
does not,remove the ice storage bin and
replace againwhile holdingthe front of the bin higher.
If Ice is Not Used Often... Move the icemaker feeler arm to the O(up)
“Old” ice cubes will become cloudy and taste stale. Empty ice position when...
storage bin periodically and wash it in lukewarm water. Be sure to ●Home water supply is to be turned off for several hours.
allow storage bin to cool before replacing it+therwise ice cubes will
stick to the metal auger. ●Ice storage bin is to be removed for aperiod of time.
●Going away on vacation, at which time you should also turn off the
valve in the water supply line to your refrigerator.
●Turning the fresh food control to the” O” position,
(on some models) (on some models)
Storage time will depend upon the type of food and its condition when placed in the drawer. Excess water which may accumulate in the bottom of
the drawer should be poured out and the drawer wiped dry.The drawer is partiaIly sealed by gaskets. Always push ~hedrawer all the way in.
As in any refrigerated storage area, it is recommended that odorous foods be stored wrapped.
Convertible Drawer (on some models) ~~\~~ Adjustable Humidity Drawers (onsome models)
The Convertible drawer has its own cold air duct to allow astream
of cold air from the freezer compartment to flow around the drawer. n
:6:;;6
The variable temperature control regulates the air flow from the m
~~b~
freezer compartment.
Set control lever down to the
coldest setting to store fresh meats.
If lever is left in meat positionfor
along period of time, some L
frost may form on the inside “
of the drawer. /
Set control lever up to convert
the drawer to normal refrigerator
temperature and provide extra 1
vegetable storage space. Cold air
duct is turned off. Variable settings
between these extremes can be selected.
These drawers have individual, adjustable humidity controls that let
you regulate the amount of moisture retained in foods.
~Normal Slide the control dl the way to the msetting and the drawer
setting provides high humidity recommended for most vegetables.
Slide the control all the way to the ~setting toprovidelower
~Coldest humidity levels recommendedfor mostfruits.
seting
Sealed Snack Pack (on some models) Q@de
The Sealed Snack Pack—and shelf to which it is attached-an be relocated within the Fresh
Food compartment. The sealed drawer retains sufficient humidity for convenient storage of
lunch meats, cheese, hors d’oeuvres, spreads and snacks. 9

Swing Down Shelf (on some mtiels) Quick Space Shelf (on some models)
This swing-down shelf provides extra shelf space when needed. This shelf splits in half and slides
When you want to use it pull under itself for storage of tall items
the shelf forward as far as it goes, then on the shelf below.
lower it. Be careful not to force it down
before it is pulled out all the way.
To raise it back into position, pullthe
shelf forward, push it up and slide it
back fully until it stops.
Slide-Out Spillproof Shelves (on some models)
The slide-out shelf allows you to reach items stored behind
others. The special edges are designed to help prevent spills
from dripping to lower shelves. Make sure you push them
all the way back in before you close the door.
How to Rearrange YourShelves
The shelves in the fresh food compartment are adjustable, enabling
you to make efficient shelf arrangements to fit your family’s food
storage needs.
To remove shelves:
Tiltthe shelfup at front, then lift
it up and out of the tracks on the
rear wall of the refrigerator.
(she~appearancemayvary)
To relocate shelves:
Select desiredshelf height.With ❑m
shelf frontraisedslightly,engage Engage :
the top hooks in the tracks at the top hook
4 k
~,..
rear of the cabinet. Then lower
the front of the shelf until it locks ❑1
into position. Lower to lock ,J’
e“
Wire shelves (on some models) are into place
adjustable in the same manner. m
Bins on Fresh Food Compartment Door
(on some models)
Adjustable bins can easily be carried from the refrigerator to your
work area.
On models with aRefreshment Center Compartment all except
the top bin can be relocated on the fresh food compartment door.
The top bin is removable, but it must be returned to its original
position on the door.
To remove: Divider
Lift bin straight up until
mounting hooks disengage.
To replace or relomte:
Select desiredshelf height, i
engage bin’s hook in slots 8
on the tracks of the door, and ;
push in. Bin will lock in place. I
The divider (on some models), a
helps prevent tipping, spilling or ;
sliding of small items stored on the door shelf.
Place index finger and middle finger on either side of the divider near
the front and simply move it back and forth to fit your needs.
Quick ServeTMSystem (on some models)
These cooking-serving-storage dishes with ;
U
Dishes and lids are safe for use in microwave ovens, refrigerators,
durable lids are on an under-the-shelf rack. freezers, and are dishwasher-safe. The dishes should not be used for
cooking high-fat foods such as bacon and high-sugar foods such as
candy and syrup. The high temperatures of the fat and sugar can cause
bubbles to form on the inside of the dish.
These dishes can be removed from and returned CAUTION: Dishes and lids are not designed for use in the regular
to the rack as needed. The rack can be relocated oven,on the range-topor in the broiler.Such use can be hazardous.
anywhere in the fresh food compartment.
10