GE G161 User manual

GEAppliances.ca
Safety Instructions .......... 2,s
Operating Instructions
Careand Cleaning
of the Washer...................... 7
Control Panels..................... 4
ControlSettings ................. 4,5
Features ........................... 6
Loading and Using
the Washer ........................ 7
Troubleshooting Tips ....... 8-1o
Consumer Support
Consumer Support ................ 12
Warranty.......................... 11
Printed in the United States
Write the model and serial
number here:
Model #
Serial #
You can find them
under the lid of
the washer.
49-90449 08-12 GE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury,or
loss of life.
HEATERSAFETY
Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a water heater that has not been
used for two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas can be explosive under these circumstances.
If the hot water has not been usedfor two weeks or more, prevent the possibility of damage or injury by
turning on all hot water faucets and allowing them to run for several minutes. Dothis before usingany
electrical appliance which isconnected to the hot water system.This simple procedure will allow any built-up
hydrogen gasto escape.Sincethe gas isflammable, do not smoke or usean open flame or appliance during
this process.
PROPERINSTALLATION
This washer 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, you can
receive one by visiting GEAppliances.ca or by calling 800.561.3344.
[] Installor store where it will not be exposed to
temperatures below freezing or exposed to the
weather, which could cause permanent damage
and invalidate the warranty.
GEstrongly recommends the useof new water
supply hoses.Hosesdegrade overtime and needto
be replaced every 5years to reducethe risk of hose
failures and water damage.
[]
[]
Properlyground washer to conform with all
governing codes and ordinances. Follow details in
Installation Instructions.
Toensureproper installation, run two small load
size Whites/Rinse cycles BEFOREwashing the first
load.
Parts and Accessories
Call1.800.661.1616during normal businesshours or
contact your local authorized GEparts distributor.
Part Number Accessory
[] Thiswasher does not include water supply hoses. PH14X10002 4 ft RubberWater Supply Hoses
GEstrongly recommends the useof factory
specified parts.A list of factory hosesavailable
for purchase are listed below. Thesehoses
are manufactured and tested to meet GE
specifications.
OR
PH14X10005 4 ft BraidedWater SupplyHoses
YOURLAUNDRYAREA
[] Keepthe area underneath and around your
appliances free of combustible materials such as
lint, paper, rags,chemicals, etc.
[] Closesupervisionis necessaryif this appliance is
used by or near children. Do not allow children to
play on,with or insidethis or any other appliance.
2

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Use this
appliance
only for its
intended
purpose as []
described in
this Owner's
Manual
WHEN USING THE WASHER
Never reach into the washer while it ismoving.
Wait until the machine hascompletely stopped
before opening the lid.
Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or
acids such as vinegar and/or rust remover. Mixing
different chemicals can produce a toxic gaswhich
may cause death.
Do not wash or dry articlesthat have been
cleaned in,washed in,soaked in or spotted with
combustible or explosivesubstances (suchas
wax, oil,paint, gasoline,degreasers,dry-cleaning
solvents,kerosene,etc.).Thesesubstancesgive
off vapors that may ignite or explode. Donot add
these substances to the wash water. Donot use
or placethese substancesaround your washer or
dryer during operation.
[]
[]
[]
Thelaundry processcan reducethe flame
retardancy offabrics. Toavoid such a result,
carefully follow the garment manufacturer's wash
and care instructions.
To minimizethe possibility of electric shock,unplug
this appliance from the power supply or disconnect
the washer at the building'sdistribution panel
by removing the fuse or switching off the circuit
breaker before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning.
NOTE:Turningthe CycleSelectorKnobto an off
position,or pressingPausedoes NOTdisconnect
the appliance from thepower supply.
Neverattempt to operate this appliance if it is
damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled,
or has missing or broken parts,including a
damaged cord or plug.
WHEN NOT IN USE
[] Turnoff water faucets to minimize leakage if a
break or rupture should occur.Checkthe condition
of the fill hoses;GErecommends changing the
hosesevery 5years.
[] Beforediscarding a washer, or removing it from
service,remove the washer lid to prevent children
from hiding inside.
[] Donot attempt to repair or replaceany part of
this appliance unless specificallyrecommended in
this Owner's Manual, or in published user-repair
instructions that you understand and have the
skillsto carry out.
[] Do not tamper with controls.
4' I,, READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETYINFORMATION
CAREFULLY.
10V'\ SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

About the control panel-for models with "pull knob" start.
S
. Add detergent
. Add diluted fabric
softener (on models
with a fabric
softener dispenser}
7Step 2
. Add items • Select load size and
other wash options
, Select wash cycle
Step 4
. Close lid
. Pull knob
LOAD TEMPERATURE OPTIONS
Controls
Load
Looselyload items in the washer basket Overloadingmay negatively impact wash performance. Adjust the load sizeaccordingly.
Temperature
Selectthe water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles.Alwaysfollow fabric manufacturer's care label or instructions when
laundering.
Options (on some models)
Fabric Softener and Power Rinse
Set this option when adding fabric softener during the rinse cycle or when you use extra detergent or bleach to clean heavily soiled
items. It provides an enhanced rinse.
4

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Wash Cycle-Cycle Selector Knob
The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting with your items. The chart is ranked from greatest to least
wash intensity.
Yourwasher may not have all these cycles. (Cycles vary by model.)
Whites For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens, work and play items.
(Regular Wash/Fast Spin)
Colours For heavy to lightlysoiled colours and jeans.
(Regular Wash/Fast Spin)
Casuals or Permanent Press For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens, work, and play clothes.
(Pulsed Wash/Fast Spin}
Liquid Bleach Funnel
Thewater filldilutes liquid chlorine bleach as the washer fills for the wash cycle.
__JCheckclothing care labelsfor special instructions.
r_ ivleasureliquid bleach carefully, following instructions on the bottle.
[] Neverpour undiluted liquid chlorine bleachdirectlyonto clothesor into the wash
basket.
[] Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach funnel.
[3] Before starting the washer, pour measured amount of bleach directly into bleach funnel.
Avoid splashing or over-filling dispenser. Ifyou prefer to use powdered bleach, add it into
the wash basket with your detergent.
[] Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar and/or rust
remover. Mixing can produce a toxic gas which may cause death.
Q:What isthe difference between Heavy and Light settings?
A: ForWhites and Colours, the wash agitation time is increased by 6 minutes andfor Permanent Press,by 12 minutes.
(Timesare approximate)
Q:Which cycle isbest for heavily soiled items?
A: Whites or Colours cycles have the greatest wash intensity.These cyclesprovide the best overall cleaning. Casuals or
Permanent Press should be usedfor wrinkle-free and permanent press items.
Q:How can Ireduce linting?
A:Sortwash loadsby fabric type and whether they collect lint (velveteen,corduroy) or produce lint (terrycloth, chenille).
Wash small loads for a shorter amount of time.
Q:How much detergent do Iuse7
A: Forbest performance, always follow the detergent manufacturer's instructions on usage.Many detergents are
concentrated, soconsult the product label and follow the clearly marked lineson the detergent measuring cups.
Excessivedetergent can negatively impact the wash performance.
Q:Why doesthere seem to be lessrinsewater usedthan in my previous washer?
A:Thewater levelfor each cycle,including the rinsecycle, has been reduced to comply with 2011 federal energy and
water regulations.Your new GEwasher isdesignedto accommodate these reduced water levelsand to wash and
rinse properlywith the quantity of water added for each selectedcycle.
Q:How doesthe selectionof Power Rinse or Fabric Softener affect water usageof my washer?
A:Selectingthe Power Rinseor Fabric Softener feature will increase the amount of water used byyour washer during
the rinse cycle.Theadded water assistsin the proper dilution of fabric softener. Thequantity of water used in this
cycle iscomparable to the amount used in the initialfill.

About washer features.
The Agitator Cap (on some models)
Theagitator cap fits into the top of the
agitator. If it accidentally comes off,simply
put it back on.
OPTIONS
Set when adding
OFF FABRIC SOFTENER
d/or POWER RINSE
Fabric Softener Dispenser (on some models)
Thefabric softener dispenser automatically
releases liquid fabric softener. Setting the
knob ensures that it dispensesat the proper
time.
r_Add water to dispenser until it reaches
the maximum fill line.
Do not stop the washer or raise the lid
during the first spin. This will cause the
dispenser to empty too soon.
To use, follow these steps:
r_Make sure dispenser securely
is attached
to agitator.
r_ use only diluted liquid fabric softener.
Pourinto dispenser,using amount
recommended on package.
Never pour fabric softener directly on items.
It may stain them.
Do not pour anything into the
agitator if the agitator cap or
dispenser is removed.
r_select Fabric Softener or Power Rinse
setting to activate the cycle.
Note: Fabricsoftener will not dispense ifthe
knob is inthe "Off' position.
Separate for cleaning
Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser ;on some models)
r11Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.
[21 Separatethe dispenser cup from the cover by grasping the top and pushing clown on the
inside ofthe cup with your fingers. Dispensercup will pop free from the cover.
r_To clean the dispenser,soak both the dispenser cup and the dispenser cover inthe
following solution:
[] ! USgallon (5.8liters)warm water
[] !/4 cup (60ml)heavy-duty liquid detergent
[] !cup (2/40ml)bleach
r_lf necessary,loosenbuildup with aclean, soft cloth after soaking. Donot usea stiff brush;
you may roughen the surface of the dispenser.
r_ Rinseand reassembledispenser.Placedispenser back on the agitator.
6

Loading and using the washer.
Always follow fabric manufacturer's care label when laundering.
WashLoads
Sort by colour (whites,lights,colours),soil level,
fabric type (sturdycottons, easy care, delicates)and
whether the fabric produces lint (terry cloth,chenille)
or collects lint (velveteen,corduroy).
GEAppliances.ca
ProperUseof Detergent
Add detergent before adding items sothat the
detergent can work effectively. Usingtoo little or
too much detergent isa common cause of laundry
problems.
Forspots, apply pre-treatment to items as
recommended on the product label.Application
should be made in the basket to prevent overspray
which may cause the colouring on the lid or graphics
to fade.
Youcan uselessdetergent ifyou have soft water a
smaller load or a lightly soiledload.
When using high efficiency or concentrated
detergents, consult the product labelto determine
amount required for optimum performance.
Excessivedetergent will negatively impact wash
performance.
theWasher
X_ Load dry items loosely in the washer basket.When
-_ vloading wet items,make sureyou set the load/water
',J levelhigh enough to allow the itemsto move freely.
Water levelshouldjust cover the items.Toadd items
after washer hasstarted, lift the lid and submerge
additional items next to the agitator.
[] Do not wrap long items likesheetsor pants around
the agitator.
[] Do not wash fabrics containing flammable
materials (waxes,cleaning fluids,etc.).
[] Washer will not agitate or spinwith the lid up,
however the timer will continue to run.
Care and cleaning of the washer.
Wash Basket: Leavethe lid open after washing to
allow moisture to evaporate. If you want to clean the
basket,use a clean soft cloth dampened with liquid
detergent; then rinse.(Donot use harsh or gritty
cleaners.)
Fill Hoses: GErecommends changing the hosesevery
5years.
Exterion Immediately wipe off any spills.Wipe with
damp cloth.Try not to hit surface with sharp objects.
Moving and Storage: Askthe servicetechnician to
remove water from drain pump and hoses.Seethe
Installation Instructions packed with product for
information on how to reinstall the shipping rod to
keepthe tub stationary when moving the washer.
Formore information, visit GEAppliances.ca or call
800.561.3344.Do not store the washer where it will
be exposed to the weather.
Long Vacations: Besurewater supply isshut off at
faucets. Drainall water from hoses if weather will be
below freezing.

Before you call for service...
_roubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages,
or visit GEAppliances.ca. You may not need to call for service.
WATER Possible Causes What To Do
Too many suds Too much detergent . Heasure your detergent carefully. Use lesssoap ifyou have
soft water, a smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Type of detergent . Switch to a lower sudsing detergent brand and follow
instructions on package.
Soft water . Try lessdetergent.
Water leaks Using too much detergent . Uselessdetergent. Use lesssoap ifyou have soft water,
in washer a smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Fillhoses or drain hose is . Hake sure hose connections are tight at faucets and
improperly connected rubber washers are installed.Hake sure end of drain hose
is correctly inserted in and secured to drain facility.
Household drain may . Checkhousehold plumbing. You may need to call
be clogged a plumber.
Drain hose loose . Hake sure drain hose isfully seated in back of washer and
that the two retaining screws are fully seated.
Drain hose rubs on wall . Hake sure drain hose doesnot make contact with the wall.
Hay cause excessivewear on the hose.
Constant water pressure . Tighten hoses at the faucets and turn the water off after
to the fill hoses at the each use.
water source . Checkcondition of the fill hoses;they should be replaced
every 5years.
Water temperature Coolerwater temperatures . New laundry detergents have been formulated to work
seems incorrect provide improved energy with coolerwater temperatures without affecting wash
efficiency performance.
Water supply isturned off . Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on and make sure
or improperly connected hoses are connected to correct faucets.
Water valve screens are . Turn off the water source and remove the water connection
stopped up hoses from the upper back of the washer. Usea brush or
toothpick to clean the screens in the machine. Reconnect
the hosesand turn the water back on.
House water heater is . Hake sure house water heater isdelivering water at
not set properly !20°F-!40°F (48°C-60°C).
Water pumped out before Lid lifted or cycle was put in . Resetcycle.
cycle is complete pause for over 24 hours
Water won't drain Drain hose is kinked or . Straighten drain hoseand make surewasher is not
improperly connected sitting on it.
. Topof drain outlet should be lessthan 6 ft (1.8m)
above floor.
Washer pauses during This is normal . Thisis normal. Thewasher alternates between agitate and
wash cycle soak during some wash cyclesto get your clothes cleaner
with lesswear.
Washer pauses during This is normal . Thewasher may pause during the spin cycleto remove
spin cycle soapy water more efficiently.
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OPERATION Possible Causes What To Do
Washer won't operate Washer is unplugged • Makesure cord is plugged securely into aworking outlet.
Water supply is turned off • Turn both hot and coldfaucets fully on.
Controls are not set properly • Checkcontrols.
Lid isopen--safety feature • Closelid and reset cycle,to the beginning if necessary.
prevents agitation and
spinning when lid is up
Circuit breaker/fuse is . Checkhouse circuit breakers/fuses. Replacefuses or
tripped/blown reset breaker. Washer should haveseparate outlet.
Timer knob not pulled • Pulltimer knob.
Lid magnet missing . Callfor service.
Movement inside machine Shifting mechanism is . When the machine ismanually turned off,the shifter will
when shut off disengaging the motor disengage the motor before completely shutting down.
If lid israised beforethe motor isdisengaged,the processwill
stop and will resume when lid isclosed.
Basket seems loose Basket movesor rotates freely . Washer basketdoes not havea traditional brake. Basketwill
move freely.This isnormal.
PERFORMANCE Possible Causes What To Do
Clothes too wet Incorrect spincycle , Make sure the spin cycleselected matches the load you are
selected washing.Somefabricswillfeelwetter when rinsedwith coldwater.
Coloured spots Incorrect use offabric . Checkfabric softener package for instructions and follow
softener directions for usingdispenser.
Make sureyou have selectedthe FabricSoftener option.
Pretreat stain and rewash.
Dye transfer . Sortwhites or lightly coloured items from dark colours.
Greyed oryellowed Not enough detergent . Use more detergent (especiallywith larger loads).
clothes Be sureto follow detergent manufacturer's directions.
Hard water . Usea water conditioner likeCalgon brand or install
a water softener.
Water is not hot enough . Make sure water heater isdelivering water at
120°F-140°F(48°C-60°C).
Washer is overloaded . Selectload sizeto match clothes load.
Detergent is not • Add detergent beforeyou load items.
dissolving
Dye transfer . Sortclothes bycolour. Iffabric label states wash separately,
unstable dyes may be indicated.
Lint or residue on Clothes are air or line dried . If you do not dry your clotheswith a clothes dryer,your
clothes clothes may retain more lint.
Incorrect sorting • Separate lint producers from lint collectors.
Washing too long • Washsmall loadsfor a shorter time than larger loads.
Detergent not dissolving . Add detergent before you load items.
Try a liquid detergent.
Usewarmer water temperature.
Overloading . Load clothes loosely in the washer basket.Adjust load size
based on items sizeand materials.
. Make sure load sizeselectedmatches clothes load size.
Incorrect use of fabric . Checkfabric softener package for instructions
softener and follow directions for usingdispenser.
. Make sureyou have selectedthe FabricSoftener option.

Before you call for service...
(2_ Troubleshooting Tips
PERFORMANCE (cont.) Possible Causes What To Do
Pilling Result of normal wear on ,Whilethis is not caused by the washer, you can slow the
poly-cotton blends and pilling processbywashing garments insideout.
fuzzy fabrics
, Fastensnaps,hooks,buttons and zippers.
Removeloose items likepins,objects in pockets and
sharp buttons.
Turn knits(which snag easily)inside out.
Undiluted chlorine bleach , Checkbleach package instructions for proper amount.
Never add undiluted bleachto wash or allow clothes to
come in contact with undiluted bleach.
Chemicals like hair bleach or , Rinseitemsthat may havechemicals on them before
dye, permanent wave solution washing.
Wrinkling Improper sorting , Avoid mixing heavy items (likework clothes)with light items
(likeblouses).
Try a fabric softener.
Overloading or incorrect , Load your washer so clothes have enough room to move
water level freely with water covering all of the clothes.
Incorrect wash and , Match Cycleselectionto the type of fabric you are washing
dry cycles (especiallyfor easy care loads).
Repeated washing in , Wash inwarm or cold water.
water that istoo hot
SOUNDS Possible Causes Reason
"Metallic clicking" Shifter mechanism is , Thedrive systemwill engage at the start of agitate and
engaging or disengaging disengage when agitate iscomplete. This occurs multiple
times during the wash.
Back and forth "swoosh" Electric motor reversing , Thismachine has a drive system that doesn't use gears.
orlight "clicking"sound direction This sound is the motor rotating back and forth to clean
during agitate your laundry.
Quick short agitation Clothing redistribution , At the end of agitate, the motor makes short agitation
sounds at end ofagitation strokes to redistribute the load.
"Click" when water Relay switch , Therelay makes a click sound when activated. Thewater
stops filling levelactivates the relay and stops filling.
"Clicking" behind Control Automatic Temperature , Twovalvesmix coldand hotwater.The"clicking"iswhen either
Panel during fill Control Valve valve turns on or off to raiseor lower the fillwater temperature.
Water flow changes Automatic Temperature , Twovalvesmixcoldand hotwater.Theflow changeswhen either
during fill Control Valve valve turns on or off to raiseor lower the fillwater temperature.
Motor "whining up" or Motor ramping up/down , Themotor will speed up incrementally during the spin cycle.
"coasting down" in spin during spin cycle When spin iscomplete, itwill coast until it stops.
"Humming" Water drain pump , Thedrain pump will make a humming sound when pumping
out water after agitation stops and continue until spin is
complete.
"Gurgling" Water drain pump , When the pump starts drawing in air,It starts to gurgle.
Thewasher shouldthen begin spinning and the sound will
continue until it isdone spinning.
Washer is noisy Washer is uneven , Tolevelthe front of the washer, adjust the front leveling legs
by rotating the individual leg inthe proper direction for up
or down. Tolevelthe back of the washer, lift the back of the
machine 4" (11cm) and set down.
Snags, holes, tears, rips
or excessivewear Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp
buttons, belt buckles,
zippers and sharp objects
left in pockets
10 Shipping rod is still assembled , Toremovethe shipping rod from the washer,pullthe yellow
in the unit tag and remove the attached rod from the bottom right hand
sideof the washer.