GE GTS12BBPBLCC and Operating instructions

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Safety InsTtru_tions ......... 2, 3
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning .......... 6, 7
Control Settings .............. 4
Ice Service ................... 5
Storage Drawer ............... 4
Installation Instru_tions
Preparing to Install
the Reflig_rator . ............ 8
Reversing the Door Swing ... 9-13
Troubleshooting Tips .... 14-16
Normal Operating Sounds .... 14
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . Back Coxer
Product Registration ...... 17, 18
Warranty .................. 19
Modds l l ar_,d 12
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model
Serial
You can find them on a label
inside the refl'igerator on the
upper left side wall.
197DZI617PO04 49-60481 08-06 JR

iMPORTANTSAFETYiNFORMATiON.
READALLiNSTRUCTiONSBEFOREUSING
WARNING!
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner's Manual.
SAFETYPRECAUTIONS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precaufions should be foflowed, including the following:
_:i: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 _effigeratm: Thev could
damage the refrigerator and seriously iqj m'e
themselves.
::_¢Do not touch tile cold SUlq'ilces in tile fl'eezer
compartment, particularly when hands are
damp or wet. Skin may stick to these extremely
cold sm_hces.
i)_:Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
wq)m_ and liquids in tile vicinity of this or anv
other appliance.
i)::In reli_igeratm_ with automatic icemake_,
avoid contact with tile moving parts of tile
ejector mechanism, or with the heating element
that releases the cubes. Do not place finge_s or
hands on tile atltOlllatic icemaking mechanism
while the refrigerator is i)lugged in.
i):: Kee I) finget_ out of tile "pinch point" areas;
clearances between the cloo_ and between
the doo_ and cabinet are necessarily small.
Be carefld closing dom_ when children are
in the area.
;_JiUnplug tile reflJgerator befin'e cleaning and
making repai_.
NOTE: Westrongly recommendthat anyservlkingbe
performedbya quafified individual
i?_:Tm'ning tile control to tile OFFposition does
not remove power to tile light circuit.
_J/Do not refl'eeze fl'ozen foods which have
thawed completel>
::_ Before replacing a burned-out light bulb, the
refrigerator should be unpluggedin order to, avc,id
contact with a live wire filament. (A bm'ned-out
light bulb may break when being replaced.)
DANGER!RISKOFCHILDENTRAPMENT
PROPERDISPOSALOFTHEREFRIGERATOR
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems
of tile past.Junked or abandoned refrigeratm_ are
still dangerous...even if they will sit fin" "just a fb'w
days." If you are getting rid of yore" old reflJgeratoi;
please follow tile instructions 1)elow to hel I) prevent
accidents.
Before YouThrewAway YourOldRefrigerator
or Freezer:
!i_ Take off tile dora3.
!i_:I,eave tile shelves in place so that children may
not easily climb inside.
Refrigerants
M1 refrigeration products contain refi_igerants,
which I//tlSt be removed prior to l)roduct disposal.
If you are getting rid of an old refrigeration
product, check with tile company handling tile
disposal about what to do.
USEOFEXTENSIONCORDS
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the
use of an extension cord.
Howe\'e_; if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed (in tile United
States) or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire gro/mding type appliance extension cord having a gro/mding
t)pe i)lug and outlet and that tile electrical rating of tile cord be 15 amperes (minim urn) and 120 w)lts.

ge.com
a, WARNING!
HOWTOCONNECTELECTRICITY
Donot, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. For
personal safe_ this appfiance must be properly grounded.
The power cord of this appliance is equipped
with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates
with a standard 3-pr(mg (grounding) wall outlet to
minimize the possibiliQ, of electric shock hazard
fl'om this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a
qualified electridan to make sure the outlet is
properly grounded.
Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is
encountered, it is your personal responsibiliQ' and
obligation to have it replaced with a properly
grounded 3-prong wall outlet.
The reli-igerator should alwa D be plugged into its
own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage
rating that matches the rating plate.
This provides the best pe_tom_ance and also
I)rexents oxerloading, house wiring circuits which
could cause a fire haa_rd from oxerheated wires.
Never unplug your refrigerator bv pulling on the
power cord. Mways grip plug firefly and pull
straight out fl'om the outlet.
Repair or replace immediately all po_vr cords that
have become fl'a)'ed or otherwise damaged. Do not
use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either end.
\,_]_en moving the refrigerator away fl'om the
wall, be careflll not to roll over or damage the
power cord.
READANDFOLLOWTHISSAFETYINFORMATIONCAREFULLY.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS
3

About the control on the refrigerator.
COOL
OFF
COLD
The temperature control on your refrigerator regulates the
temperature in the fresh food and freezer compartments.
Initially set the control at COLD.
Adjust the control one increment at a time, and aflow 12hours
after each adjustment for the refrigerator to reach the
temperature you set.
COLDEST
ControlSettings
The temperature control maintains the
temperature in both the fl'esh fi)od and fl'eezer
compartments. Setting the control at COOLis the
wam_est setting. Setting the control at COLDEST
is the coldest setting. Moving the control to
the OFF position stops cooling in both areas--
fl'esh fi)od and fl'eeze_but does not shut off'
power to the refl_igerato_:
Afterchangingthecontrol,allow12hoursfortherefwerator
toreachthetemperatureyouhaveseL
Controlsettingswill varybasedonpersonal
preferences,usageandoperatingconditions,
andmayrequiremorethanoneadjustment
Aboutthestoragedrawer.
Fru# and Vegetable Drawer
This storage drawer provide space to store fi'uits,
vegetables and meats.
The drawer has a divider to separate meats and
vegetables, The divider can be removed if a single
large storage space is needed.
The drawer Mll stop befiwe coming all the way
out of the refllgerator to help prevent contents
fl'om spilling onto the flora: It can be relnoved
easily by lifting up slightly and pulling past the
"stop" position.
To replace the drawer and the cover above it, the
door must be flflly opened. In some installations,
the reliigerator may have to be moved away fl'om
the wall for the door to be flflly opened.
4

Aboutice service, ge.com
Ice Trays
To release ice cubes, turn the tray upside
down, hold it oxer a container and twist
both ends.
For onl} one or two ice cubes leave the tray
iight-side up, twist both ends slightly and
i'eilloxe as ii/}lil_ c/ibes as vo/i _V}lilt,
Washicetraysiniukewarmwateron/y--do notput
theminanautomaticdishwasher
Icemaker Accessory Kit (Model12only)
An icemaker accessory kit is a\_dlable
fl'om vom" dealer. Check the back of the
refl'igerator fin" the specific icemaker kit
needed fin" vo m" model.
Water Supply Kits (Model12only)
Kits containing copper robing, sh utofl \;five,
fittings and instructions needed to connect
the icemaker to your cold water line are
available at extra cost fl'om your dealer or
from Parts and Accessories. In the U.S.,
call 800.626.2002.

Careand cleaningoftherefrigerator.
Cleaning the Outside
Keep the outside clean. Wipe with a clean
cloth lightly dan_pened with nfild liquid
dish detergent. D_T with a clean, soft cloth.
Donotwl_)etherefweratorwitha soileddishcloth
or wettowel Thesemayleavea residuethatcan
erodethepaint Donotusescouringpads,
powderedc/eaners,bleachorcleanerscontaining
bleachbecausetheseproductscanscratchand
weakenthepaintfinish.
Protect the paint finish.The finish on the
outside (ff the refrigerator is a high quali V,
baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it
will stay ile_qookillg and rtlst flee fi)r veai_.
Apply a coat (ff kimhen/appliance wax
when the retiigerator is new, and then
at least twice a vea_:
Cleaning the Inside
Tohelp prevent odors,leave an open box el
baking soda in the ti'esh toed and ti'eezer
COIIlp_l I'[/Ilents.
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning./t this
is not practical, wring excess moisture out
ot sponge or cloth when cleaning around
switches, lights or controls.
Use w;mn water and baking soda solution--
about a tablespoon (l 5 ml) of baking soda
to a quart (l liter) of water: This both cleans
and neutralizes odo_. Rinse and wipe dry:
Other parts of the reti_igerato_including
door gaskets, ti'uit and vegetable (h'awe_s,
and all plastic parts---can be cleaned the
SaIIle WaV.
Mter cleaning the door gaskets, apply a thin
layer of petroleum jelly to the door gaskets
at the hinge side. This helps keep the
gaskets from sticking and bending out of
shape. Do not use cleansing powders or
other abrasive cleaners.
Defrost waterpan. The non-removable pan
is located under the compressor at the rear
ot the reti'igerator. It should be cleaned at
least once a yem: Move the reti_igerator
out fl'onl the wall as tin" as necessary, and
tmplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
i,et the compressor cool beflwe cleaning
the pan. Use a clean cloth or sponge
dampened in w:mn water and baking soda
solution---one tablespoon (15 ml) (ffbaking
soda to a quart (l liter) of watex: Do not use
cleansing powdexs, abrasive cleanexs, bleach
or cleaners containing chlorides.
Do not washanyp/astic refwerator parts in the
dishwasher
Behind the Refrigerator
Once a yem; move the reti_igerator out and
\:_ctmm the back coils. Be carefifl when
moving the reti_igerator away ti'om the wall.
M1 types of floor coverings can be damaged,
particularly cushioned coverings and those
with embossed stmfhces.
Pull the refrigerator straight out and return
it m position by pushing it straight in.
Moving the refrigerator in a side direction
may result in damage to the floor covering
or reffigerato_:
Whenpushlbg therefrigerator back,makesure you
don't rofl over thepower cord

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Replacing the Light Bulb
MovingthecontroltoOFFdoesnotremovepower
tothehghtcircuit
The bulb is located behind the shield next
to the control.
0 Unplug the refl'igerator.
@ ]_emove the screw.
0 Push in near the top of the shield
and rotate down and out.
Replace the bulb with an appliance
bulb of the same or lower wattage
(40 _,_att maximmn),
O Insert the tabs at the bottom of the
light shield with the slots in the bulb
housing.
Rotate the shield up until the tabs at
the top of the shield pop into place
in the bull) housing.
Replace the screw.
Preparing for Vacation
For long vacations or absences, rei/love
food and unplug the refl_igeratox: Move
the control to the OFF position, and cle:m
the interior with :l baMng soda solution
of one tablespoon (15 ml) ot baldng soda
to one quart (l liter) of water. Leaxv the
dool'S opell,
Preparing to Move
Secure all loose items such as shelves and
drm_el_ b_, tal)ing, them secm'el_ in place
to prexent damage.
Besure.therefngeratorstaysIh anupnghtpos/tion
dunngmowng.

Installation
Instructions Refrigerator
Models 11and 12
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read these h_slructions completely and caJcefully.
•IMPORTANT -Sa,e_heseiustructions
fi)r local inspector's use.
•IMPORTANT -Obse,,eallg,,,eH,i,,g
codes aIld ordiilaiices.
• Note to Installer - Be sure to leave these
instructions with tile (_ousmner.
• Note to Consumer - Kee I) these instructions tot
flltm'e reterence.
• Skill level - Installation of this appliance requires basic
mechanical skills.
• Completion time - Refl_igerator Installation
15 Ininutes
Reve_ing tile Door Swing
1 horn"
• Proper installation is tile responsibility of tile installer.
• Product tifilm'e due to improper installation is not
covered trader tile X_'nTantv.
REFRIGERATOR LOCATION
• Do not install the refl_igerator where tile temperature
will go beh)w 55°F (13 °C) because it will not rtm often
enough to maintain proper mmpemtm'es.
•Install it on a floor strong enough to suppo_* it
flfllv loaded.
• Do not install it closer than 5" (13 cm) next to a range.
CLEARANCES
_Mlow tile fi)llowing clearances fi)r ease of installation,
proper air circulation and I)lumbing and electrical
coililectioiis.
• Sides 1" (2.5 cm)
• Top 4" (10.2 cm)
• Back 3" (7.6 cm) from the coiling on the back to
the wall
To hel I) with proper spacing and xenfilation, make sm'e
tile metal spacer or twist-on rubber bumper (at tile back
of some models) is in place.
LEVELING LEGS
Adjustable legs at tile fl'ont corners ol tile reflJgerator
shoukl be set so tile refl_igerator is firefly positioned on
the floo*, and tile fi'ont is raised just enough that tile
door closes easily when opened about halfway.
To adjust the leveling legs, turn tile legs clocloadse to
raise the refl-igeratm; cotmterclockwise to lower it,
Toraisethe refrigerator
8

Installation instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING
IMPORTANT NOTES
_]_en re','e_ing the door swing:
• Read the instructions all the way through befin'e
stnrting.
• Handle parts carefully to avoid scratching paint.
• Set screws down by their related parts to avoid using
them in the wrong places.
• Provide anon-scratching work sm'li_ce fin" the doo_.
IMPORTANT: Once you begin, do not move the cabinet
tmfil dora=swing reversal is completed.
These instructions are for changing the hinges fi'om the
right side to the left side---if you ever want to change the
hinges back to the right side, follow these same
instructions and re\'e_e all references to left and right.
Unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet.
Empty all door shelves.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
[] REMOVE THE FREEZER DOOR
Remove the hinge cover screws (some models have
lock washel_ with each screw), top hinge and shim.
Set the door on a non-scratching sm_i_ce with the
outside up.
NOTE: \_]_en removing tile dool; watch fin.
washer(s) between the center hinge and the
bottom of the fl'eezer door that may stick to
the do(m Do not lose.
ACAUTION: Do.orletdoordrop
to the floo_= To do so could damage the door stop.
5/16" Socket driver 3/8" Socket driver
Phillips screwdriver
Masking tape
Puttyknifeor
thin-bladescrewdriver
9

Installation Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING (CONT.)
[] REMOVE THE FRESH FOOD DOOR
Tape the door shut with masking tape.
Relnove the center hinge and shim by removing
the screws (some models have lock washe_ with
each screw). Lift up the hinge to remove it.
NOTE: Some models have a washer between the
center hinge and the top of the fl'esh tood dora:
Do not lose.
®
®
Remove the tape holding the door shut.
Lifi the fl'esh fi_od door up and off the bottom
hinge,
Set the door outside-u I) on a non-scratching stm'i_ce.
Make sure the butter bin does not swing open.
NOTE: When removing the doo_; watch for
washer(s) between the bottom hinge and the
bottom of the fl'esh tood door that may stick to
the dora: Do not lose.
ACAUTION: t),, letdoordrop
to the floo_: To do so could damage the door stop.
[] TRANSFER TOP HINGE TO
THE LEFT
Using a putty knfie with the edge covered with
masldng rope, iemo\ e the plug buttons. Be carefld
of the paint finish,
Reinstall the plug button on the fight side by
inserting it into the holes vacated by the top hinge
ScI'eWS,
Reassemble the top hinge and shim on the left side,
turning the screws just enough to hold the hinge
in place.
10