Hotpoint VWSR4100 User manual

VWSR4100
Washers
Owner’s Manual
Part No. 175D1807P216 Pub. No. 39-9362

2
Congratulations!
You Are Now Part of the Hotpoint Family.
Welcome to the Hotpoint family. We’re
proud of our quality products and we are
committed to providing dependable service.
You’ll see it in this easy-to-use Owner’s
Manual and you’ll hear it in the friendly
voices of our customer service department.
Best of all, you’ll experience these values
each time you use your washer. That’s
important, because your new washer will be
part of your family for many years. And we
hope you will be part of ours for a long time
to come.
We thank you for buying Hotpoint. We
appreciate your purchase, and hope you will
continue to rely on us whenever you need
quality appliances for your home.
Important!
Staple sales slip or cancelled
check here.
Proof of the original purchase date
is needed to obtain service under
the warranty.
Write the model and serial
numbers here.
#
#
You can find them behind the top edge
of the control panel.

Hotpoint & You,
A Service Partnership.
Inside you will find many
helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your washer properly.
Just a little preventive care on
your part can save you a great
deal of time and money over
the life of your washer.
Read this Manual
Ask any Hotpoint appliance owner and they
will tell you we stand behind our products
with unmatched quality service. However,
did you know that most questions result
from simple problems that you can easily
fix yourself in just a few minutes? This
Owner’s Manual can tell you how.
You’ll find many answers to
common problems here.
If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first,
you may not need to call for
service at all.
Review the Section on
Troubleshooting Tips
If you do need service, you can
relax knowing help is only a
phone call away. A list of toll-free
customer service numbers is
included in the back section.
Or you can always call the
GE Answer Center®at
800.626.2000, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
If You Need Service
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Safety Information . . . . . . .4–7
Operating Instructions
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9
Washer Features . . . . . . . .10, 11
Loading and Using
the Washer . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 13
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . .14–18
Customer Service
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Service Telephone
Numbers . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
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Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
4
For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric
shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or
loss of life.
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 used for 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. Do this
before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the
hot water system. This simple procedure will allow any built-up
hydrogen gas to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke
or use an open flame or appliance during this process.
WATER HEATER SAFETY
WARNING!

5
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
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 calling us toll-free at the
GE Answer Center
®
, 800.626.2000.
PROPER INSTALLATION
■ Install or store where it will not
be exposed to temperatures
below freezing or exposed to
the weather.
■Properly ground washer to
conform with all governing
codes and ordinances. Follow
details in Installation
Instructions.
■Keep the area underneath
and around your appliances
free of combustible materials
such as lint, paper, rags,
chemicals, etc.
■Close supervision is necessary
if this appliance is used by or
near children. Do not allow
children to play on, with, or
inside this or any other
appliance.
YOUR LAUNDRY AREA

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
READ ALL INFORMATION BEFORE USING.
6
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as
described in this Owner’s Manual.
■ Never reach into washer while
it is moving. Wait until the
machine has completely
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
gas which may cause death.
■ Do not wash or dry articles
that have been cleaned in,
washed in, soaked in, or
spotted with combustible or
explosive substances (such as
wax, oil, paint, gasoline,
degreasers, dry-cleaning
solvents, kerosene, etc.)
which may ignite or explode.
Do not add these substances
to the wash water. Do not use
or place these substances
around your washer or dryer
during operation.
■ The laundry process can
reduce the flame retardancy
of fabrics. To avoid such a
result, carefully follow the
garment manufacturer’s
wash and care instructions.
■ To minimize the possibility
of electric shock, unplug this
appliance from the power
supply or disconnect the
washer at the household
distribution panel by
removing the fuse or
switching off the circuit
breaker before attempting
any maintenance or cleaning.
NOTE: Turning the Cycle
Selector knob to an off
position does
NOT disconnect
the appliance from the
power supply.
■ Never attempt to operate this
appliance if it is damaged,
malfunctioning, partially
disassembled, or has missing
or broken parts, including a
damaged cord or plug.
WHEN USING THE WASHER
WARNING!

7
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
■ Turn off water faucets to
relieve pressure on hoses and
valves and to minimize
leakage if a break or rupture
should occur. Check the
condition of the fill hoses;
they may need replacement
after 5 years.
■ Before discarding a washer,
or removing it from service,
remove the washer lid to
prevent children from
hiding inside.
■ Do not attempt to repair or
replace any part of this
appliance unless specifically
recommended in this
Owner’s Manual, or in
published user-repair
instructions that you
understand and have the
skills to carry out.
■ Do not tamper with controls.
WHEN NOT IN USE
REMEMBER…
Your continued health and safety are important to us.
Please read and follow this Safety Information carefully.
We want you to remain a happy and healthy part of
our family.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the washer control panel.
You can locate your model number behind the top edge of the control panel.
8
KNITS
OFF
OFF
OFF
HEAVY
SUPERCYCLE
AUTO SOAK/30 MIN
AUTO SOAK/15 MIN
NORMAL
LIGHT SOIL
PERM PRESS
OPTIONAL EXTRA RINSE
LOAD SIZE
MEDIUM
SMALL
LARGE
SUPER
SPEED
NORMAL
FAST
GENTLE
SLOW
GENTLE
FAST
NORMAL
SLOW
TEMPERATURE
HOT
COLD
WARM
COLD
WASH
RINSE
WASH
SPIN
WARM
WARM
COLD
COLD
DELICATES
EXTRA RINSE
SETOFF
12 3 4
Control Settings
Load Size
The water level should just cover the clothes. Adjust the
load size accordingly. Loosely load clothes no higher than
the top row of holes in the washer tub.
Wash/Spin Speed
The agitator moves clothes around for a cleaner wash; the
basket spins later in the cycle to release water from the
load.
The WASH/SPIN SPEED dial sets the speed of both the
agitator and the basket.
With NORMAL wash speed, the agitator moves faster. Use
for cottons, denims and play clothes. With
GENTLE wash
speed, the agitator moves slower. Use for delicate and
knit items.
The FAST spin speed is for durable items. The SLOW spin
speed is for delicate items like sweaters and lingerie.
Clothes will be less dry than when using
FAST spin speed.
1
2

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Wash/Rinse Temp
Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label or
instructions when laundering. Follow the water
temperature guide on washer lid.
Wash Cycle
The wash cycle controls the length of the washing process.
The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting
with your clothing.
REGULAR For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens,
work and play clothes.
PERM PRESS For easy care and wrinkle-resistant items.
KNITS Specially designed for normally soiled knits.
DELICATES For lingerie and delicate fabrics with light to
normal soil.
AUTO SOAK For heavily soiled clothes. Begins with a brief agitation,
soaks for a specified period of time, then moves
through the rest of the cycle automatically.
SUPERCYCLE For heavily soiled and heavy-duty fabrics. This cycle
provides a longer agitation.
3
4
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Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the washer features.
Extra Rinse
When you use extra detergent or bleach to clean
heavily soiled clothes, you may want to use the
EXTRA
RINSE
option. This option provides a second deep cold
rinse in the Regular cycle. Turn the
EXTRA RINSE knob
to
SET.
The washer will pause for a few minutes before the
EXTRA RINSE option begins.
OFF SET
Liquid Bleach Dispenser
The dispenser dilutes liquid chlorine bleach before it
reaches into your wash load.
Check clothing care labels for special instructions.
Measure liquid bleach carefully, following
instructions on the bottle.
Before starting the washer, pour measured amount
of bleach directly into bleach dispenser. Avoid
splashing or over-filling dispenser. If you prefer to
use powdered bleach, add it into the wash basket
with your detergent.
Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto clothes or
into the wash basket.
Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach dispenser.
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.
3
2
1
10

Fabric Softener Dispenser
This dispenser automatically releases liquid fabric
softener at the proper time during the cycle. To use,
follow these steps:
Make sure dispenser is securely attached to agitator.
Use only liquid fabric softener. Pour into dispenser,
using amount recommended on package.
Add water to dispenser until it reaches the
maximum fill line.
Do not stop the washer during the first spin. This will cause the
dispenser to empty too soon.
Do not use the Fabric Softener Dispenser with AUTO SOAK or
EXTRA RINSE.
Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes. It may stain them.
3
2
1
Do not pour anything into the agitator
if the top is removed.
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Separate for cleaning.
Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser
Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.
Separate the dispenser cup from the cover by
grasping the top and pushing down on the inside of
the cup with your fingers. Dispenser cup will pop
free from the cover.
To clean dispenser, soak both the dispenser cup
and the dispenser cover in the following solution:
■ 1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water
■ 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy duty liquid detergent
■ 1 cup (240 ml) bleach
If necessary, loosen build-up with a clean, soft cloth
after soaking. Do not use a stiff brush; you may
roughen the surface of the dispenser.
Rinse and reassemble dispenser. Place dispenser
back on the agitator.
5
4
3
2
1
11

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Loading and using the washer.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
12
Proper Use of Detergent
Always add detergent before adding clothes so that the detergent
can work effectively. Follow the detergent package directions.
Using too little detergent is a common cause of laundry problems.
Use more detergent if you have hard water, large loads, greasy or
oily soils or lower water temperature.
Loading the Washer
Load dry items loosely, no higher than the top row of holes in the
washer tub. When loading wet items make sure you set the
load/water level high enough to allow the items to move freely.
Water level should just cover the clothes. To add items after washer
has started, push in Cycle knob and submerge additional items next
to the agitator. Close the lid and pull Cycle knob out to restart.
Do not wrap large items like sheets around the agitator.
Do not wash fabrics containing flammable materials (waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.).
Washer will not start with the lid up.
Sorting Wash Loads
Colors Whites Lights Darks
Soil Heavy Normal Light
Fabric Delicates Easy Care Sturdy Cottons
Lint Lint Producers Lint Collectors

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Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Care and Cleaning of the Washer
Wash Basket: Leave the 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. (Do not use harsh or
gritty cleaners.)
Fill Hoses: Hoses connecting washer to faucet should be replaced
every 5 years.
Lint Filter: It is self-cleaning, requires no maintenance, and is located
under the agitator.
Exterior: Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe with damp cloth.
Try not to hit surface with sharp objects.
Moving and Storage: Ask the service technician to remove water from
drain pump and hoses. Do not store the washer where it will be
exposed to the weather. Call the GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000
for information on how to keep the tub stationary when moving the
washer.
Long Vacations: Be sure water supply is shut off at faucets. Drain all
water from hoses if weather will be below freezing.

Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages
first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Washer won’t operate Washer is unplugged •Make sure cord is plugged
securely into a working
outlet.
Water supply is turned off •Turn both hot and cold
faucets fully on.
Controls are not set •Check controls and
properly make sure Cycle knob is
pulled out to ON position.
Lid is open •Close lid and pull Cycle
knob out to ON position.
Circuit breaker/fuse is •Check house circuit
tripped/blown breakers /fuses. Replace
fuses or reset breaker.
Washer should have
separate outlet.
Water temperature Control is not set properly •Check water temperature
is incorrect control and adjust.
Water supply is turned off •Turn both hot and cold
or improperly connected faucets fully on and make
sure hoses are connected
to correct faucets.
Water valve screens are •Turn off the water source
stopped up and remove the water
connection hoses from
the upper back of the
washer. Use a brush or
toothpick to clean the
screens in the machine.
Reconnect the hoses and
turn the water back on.
House water heater is •Make sure house water
not set properly heater is delivering water
at 120°F.–140°F.
(48°C.–60°C.).
Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Before you call for service…
14

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Water won’t drain Drain hose is kinked or •Straighten drain hose and
improperly connected make sure washer is not
sitting on it.
•Top of drain outlet should
be less than 8 ft. above
floor.
Water leaks Fill hoses or drain hose is •Make sure hose
improperly connected connections are tight at
faucets and make sure end
of drain hose is correctly
inserted in and secured to
drain facility.
Household drain may •Check household
be clogged plumbing. You may need
to call a plumber.
Constant water pressure •Tighten hoses at the
to the fill hoses at the faucets and turn the water
water source off after each use.
•Check condition of the fill
hoses; they may need
replacement after 5 years.
Washer is noisy Washer is uneven •Make sure washer is level
and firm to the floor.
Washer load is •Push the Cycle knob in to
unbalanced stop the washer, open the
lid and redistribute the
load evenly. Close the lid
and restart.
Washer pauses in cycle The washer normally pauses
between washing steps
Clothes too wet Incorrect cycle selected •Make sure the cycle
selected matches the load
you are washing.
15

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Before you call for service…
16
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Lint or residue on clothes Incorrect sorting •Separate lint producers
from lint collectors.
Washing too long •Wash small loads for a
shorter time than larger
loads.
Detergent not dissolving •Add detergent as wash
basket fills with water,
before you load clothes.
•Try a liquid detergent.
•Use warmer water
temperature.
Overloading •Load clothes no higher
than the top row of holes
in the washer tub.
•Make sure load size
selector matches clothes
load size.
Incorrect use of fabric •Check fabric softener
softener package for instructions
and follow directions for
using dispenser.
Colored spots Incorrect use of fabric •Check fabric softener
softener package for instructions
and follow directions for
using dispenser.
•Pretreat stain and rewash.
Dye transfer •Sort whites or lightly
colored items from dark
colors.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Wrinkling Improper sorting •Avoid mixing heavy items
(like work clothes) with
light items (like blouses).
•Try a fabric softener.
Overloading or •Load your washer so
incorrect water level clothes have enough room
to move freely.
Incorrect wash and •Match Cycle selection to
dry cycles the type of fabric you are
washing (especially for easy
care loads).
Repeated washing in •Wash in warm or cold water
water that is too hot with plenty of detergent.
Too many suds Type of detergent •Switch to a lower sudsing
detergent brand and
follow instructions on
package.
Very soft water •Try less detergent.
Snags, holes, tears, rips Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp •Fasten snaps, hooks,
or excessive wear buttons, belt buckles buttons, and zippers.
zippers, and sharp objects •Remove loose items like
left in pockets pins, objects in pockets
and sharp buttons.
•Turn knits (which snag
easily) inside out.
Undiluted chlorine bleach •Check bleach package
instructions for proper
amount.
•Never add undiluted
bleach to wash or allow
clothes to come in contact
with undiluted bleach.
Chemicals like hair bleach •Rinse items that may have
or dye, permanent wave chemicals on them before
solution washing.
17

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Before you call for service…
18
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Pilling Result of normal wear on •While this is not caused by
poly-cotton blends and the washer, you can slow
fuzzy fabrics the pilling process by
washing garments inside
out.
Grayed or yellowed Not enough detergent •Use more detergent
clothes (especially with larger
loads).
Hard water •Use a water conditioner
like Calgon brand or install
a water softener.
Water is not hot enough •Make sure water heater is
delivering water at
120°F.–140°F.
(48°C.–60°C.).
Washer is overloaded •Select load size to match
clothes load.
Detergent is not •Add detergent as wash
dissolving basket fills with water
before you load clothes.
Dye transfer •Sort clothes by color. If
fabric label states
wash
separately,
unstable dyes
may be indicated.
Troubleshooting Tips

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
19
For The Period Of: We Will Replace, At No Charge To You:
One Year Any part of the washer which fails due to a defect
From the date of the in materials or workmanship. During this full one-year
original purchase warranty,
we will also provide, free of charge, all labor and
in-home service to replace the defective part .
Five Years The transmission,
if it should fail due to a defect in
From the date of the materials or workmanship. During this five-year limited
original purchase warranty,
you will be responsible for any labor or in-
home service costs.
Twenty Years The washer basket, if it should fail due to a defect in
From the date of the materials or workmanship. During this twenty-year
original purchase limited warranty,
you will be responsible for any labor
or in-home service costs.
Hotpoint Washer Warranty
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers,
or an authorized Customer Care
®
technician. For service,
call 800-GE-CARES.
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.
■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.
■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 to
personal property caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
What Is Not Covered:
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225

Service Telephone Numbers.
The GE Answer Center®is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000
Expert GE repair service is only a phone call away.
In-Home Repair Service 800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737)
TDD 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322)
GE offers, free of charge, Braille controls for a variety of GE
appliances and a brochure to assist in planning a barrier-free
kitchen for persons with limited mobility.
Special Needs Service 800.626.2000
Purchase a GE service contract while your warranty is still in effect
and you’ll receive a substantial discount. GE Consumer Service will
still be there after your warranty expires.
Service Contracts 800-626-2224
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts
or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and
Discover cards are accepted).
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.
Parts and Accessories 800-626-2002
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE, follow
these three steps.
First, contact the people who serviced your
appliance.
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.
Service Satisfaction
Printed in Louisville, KY 6-97 CG
Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service