Continental Refrigerator 20, 22 User Manual
GEAppliances.com
Refrigerators
Bottom Freezer
3828JL8012A 197D4618P002 49-60282 05-03 JR
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . .2–4
Operating Instructions
Additional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Automatic Icemaker . . . . . . . . . . .12
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 6
Crispers and Pans . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Freezer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Shelves and Bins . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9
Water Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . .13–15
Installation Instructions
Installing the Refrigerator . . . .17–21
Installing the Water Line . . . . .30–32
Preparing to Install
the Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Removing and Replacing the
Freezer Drawer . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 23
Reversing the Door Swing . . . .24–29
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . .33, 34
Normal Operating Sounds . . . . . .33
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . . .Back Cover
Performance Data Sheet . . . . . . . .39
Product Registration . . . . . . . .35, 36
Warranty for Canadian
Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Warranty for U.S. Customers . . . . .38
Réfrigérateurs
Congélateur inférieur
Refrigeradores
Congelador inferior
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model #______________________
Serial # ______________________
Find these numbers on a label
on the right side, near the top of
the refrigerator compartment.
Models 20 and 22
Manuel d’utilisation
et d’installation
Owner’s Manual and
Installation Instructions
Manual del propietario
y instalación
La section française commence à la page 41
La sección en español empieza en la página 79
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
■
■ 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 touch the cold surfaces in the freezer
compartment when hands are damp or wet.
Skin may stick to these extremely cold surfaces.
■
■ 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.
■
■ In refrigerators with automatic icemakers,
avoid contact with the moving parts of the
ejector mechanism, or with the heating element
that releases the cubes. Do not place fingers or
hands on the automatic icemaking mechanism
while the refrigerator is plugged in.
■
■ Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning and
making repairs.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing be
performed by a qualified individual.
■
■ Setting either or both controls to 0 (off) does
not remove power to the light circuit.
■
■ Do not refreeze frozen foods which have
thawed completely.
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions
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Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions
PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE REFRIGERATOR
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.
Refrigerants
All refrigeration products contain refrigerants,
which under federal law must be removed prior
to product disposal. If you are getting rid of an
old refrigeration product, check with the
company handling the disposal about what
to do.
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 (in the United
States) or a CSA certified (in Canada), 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.
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
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4
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
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.
Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is
encountered, 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.
USE OF ADAPTER PLUGS (Adapter plugs not permitted in Canada)
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
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions
About the controls with
temperature settings.
(for other models, see next page) GEAppliances.com
The temperature controls are preset in the factory at 37°F for the refrigerator compartment
and 0°F for the freezer compartment. Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize to the
preset recommended settings.
The temperature controls can display both the SET temperature as well as the actual
temperature in the refrigerator and freezer. The actual temperature may vary slightly from
the SET temperature based on usage and operating environment.
Setting either or both controls to OFF stops cooling in both the freezer and refrigerator
compartments, but does not shut off electrical power to the refrigerator.
To change the temperature, press and release the
WARMER or COLDER pad. The SET light will come
on and the display will show the set temperature.
To change the temperature, tap either the
WARMER or COLDER pad until the desired
temperature is displayed. Refrigerator temperatures
can be adjusted between 34°F and 47°F and the
freezer temperatures can be adjusted between
–6°F and +8°F.
Once the desired temperature has been set,
the temperature display will return to the actual
refrigerator and freezer temperatures after 5
seconds. Several adjustments may be required.
Each time you adjust controls, allow 24 hours for the
refrigerator to reach the temperature you have set.
To turn the cooling system off, tap the WARMER pad
for either the refrigerator or the freezer until the
display shows OFF. To turn the unit back on, press the
COLDER pad for either the refrigerator or freezer.
The SET light will illuminate on the side you
selected. Then press the COLDER pad again (on the
side where the SET light is illuminated) and it will
go to the preset points of 0°F for the freezer and
37°F for the refrigerator. Setting either or both
controls to OFF stops cooling in both the freezer
and refrigerator compartments, but does not shut
off electrical power to the refrigerator.
Performance Air Flow System
Changing the Temperature
The Performance Air Flow System is designed to
maximize temperature control in the refrigerator
and freezer compartments. This unique special
feature consists of the Air Tower along the back
wall of the refrigerator and the Air Tunnel on the
bottom portion of the freezer rear wall. Placing
food in front of the louvers on these components
will not affect performance.
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NOTE: The refrigerator is shipped with protective film covering the temperature controls.
If this film was not removed during installation, remove it now.
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions
About the controls with
numbered settings.
Initially, set the refrigerator control at 5 and the freezer control at 5 and allow 24 hours
for the temperature to stabilize.
Several adjustments may be required. Adjust the controls one increment at a time, and
allow 24 hours after each adjustment for the refrigerator to reach the temperature you
have set.
Setting either or both controls to 0 stops cooling in both the refrigerator and freezer
compartments, but does not shut off electrical power to the refrigerator.
NOTE: The refrigerator is shipped with protective film covering the temperature controls.
If this film was not removed during installation, remove it now.
Performance Air Flow System
The Performance Air Flow System is designed to
maximize temperature control in the refrigerator
and freezer compartments. This unique special
feature consists of the Air Tower along the back
wall of the refrigerator and the Air Tunnel on the
bottom portion of the freezer rear wall. Placing
food in front of the louvers on these components
will not affect performance.
6
About the water filter. (on some models) GEAppliances.com
7
Water Filter Cartridge
The water filter cartridge is located in the
back upper right corner of the refrigerator
compartment.
When to Replace the Filter
The filter cartridge should be replaced
every six months or earlier if you notice your
ice cubes becoming smaller.
Installing the Filter Cartridge
If you are replacing the cartridge,
first remove the old one. Open the
cartridge cover by pressing in on the
tab at the front and pulling down.
Remove the cartridge by slowly rotating
it counterclockwise. A small amount of
water may drip down.
CAUTION: If air has been trapped
in the system, the filter cartridge may be ejected as
it is removed. Use caution when removing.
Mark you calender or apply the
month and year sticker, to remind you
to replace the filter cartridge in six
months.
Remove the protective foil from the
end of the cartridge.
Lining up the arrow on the cartridge
and the cartridge holder, slowly rotate
the cartridge clockwise until it stops.
When the cartridge is properly
installed, you will feel it “click” as it
locks into place. The blade on the end
of the cartridge should be positioned
vertically. Do not overtighten.
Close the cartridge cover.
Filter Bypass Plug
You must use the filter bypass plug when a
replacement filter cartridge is not available.
The icemaker will not operate without the
filter or filter bypass plug.
Replacement Filters:
To order additional filter cartridges
in the United States, visit our Website,
GEAppliances.com, or call
GE Parts and Accessories, 800.626.2002.
Filter Model GSWF
Suggested Retail Price $34.95 USD
Customers in Canada should consult
the yellow pages for the nearest Camco
Service Center.
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions
8
Rearranging the Shelves
To remove:
Tilt the shelf up at the front.
Lift the shelf up at the back and
bring the shelf out.
To replace:
While tilting the shelf up, insert the top
hook at the back of the shelf in a slot
on the track.
Lower the front of the shelf until the
bottom of the shelf locks into place.
Spillproof Shelves (on some models)
Spillproof shelves have special edges to
help prevent spills from dripping to lower
shelves. To remove or replace the shelves,
see Rearranging the Shelves.
About the shelves and bins.
Not all features are on all models.
Some models have wire shelves that
can be adjusted in the same manner.
Shelves in the refrigerator compartment are adjustable.
Refrigerator Compartment
Slide-Out Spillproof Shelf (on some models)
The slide-out spillproof shelf allows you
to reach items stored behind others. The
special edges are designed to help prevent
spills from dripping to lower shelves.
To remove:
Remove all items from shelf.
Slide the shelf out until it stops.
Lift the front edge of the shelf until the
central tabs are above the front bar.
Continue pulling the shelf forward
until it can be removed.
To replace:
Place the rear shelf tabs just in front of
the central notches on the shelf frame.
Slide the shelf in until the central tabs
are slightly behind the front bar.
Lower the shelf into place until it is
horizontal and slide the shelf in.
Make sure that the shelf sits flat after reinstallation
and doesn’t move freely from side to side.
Make sure you push the shelves all the way in
before you close the door.
Non-Adjustable Shelves on the Door
To remove: Lift the shelf straight up, then
pull out.
To replace: Engage the shelf in the molded
supports on the door and push down.
It will lock in place.
Adjustable Bins on the Door
Adjustable bins can easily be carried from
refrigerator to work area.
To remove: Lift bin straight up, then
pull out.
To replace or relocate: Engage the bin in the
molded supports of the door, and push in.
Bin will lock in place.
The snugger helps prevent tipping, spilling
or sliding of small items stored on the door
shelf. Grip the finger hold near the rear of
the snugger and move it to fit your needs.
Snugger
Finger hold
About the additional features.
Not all features are on all models.
Shelf Saver Rack (on some models)
Slide-out beverage rack holds twelve cans of
soda or two wine/water bottles (lengthwise).
It can be removed for cleaning.
To remove, slide the rack out to the stop
position, lift the rack up and past the stop
position and lift it out.
GEAppliances.com
Not all features are on all models.
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Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions
About the crispers and pans.
Not all features are on all models.
Fruit and Vegetable Crisper
Excess water that may accumulate in the
bottom of the drawers or under the drawers
should be wiped dry.
Adjustable Humidity Crisper (on some models)
Slide the control all the way to the
HIGH setting to provide high humidity
recommended for most vegetables.
Slide the control all the way to the LOW
setting to provide lower humidity levels
recommended for most fruits.
Snack Pan (on some models)
This pan can be moved to the most useful
location for your family’s needs.
To remove, slide the pan out to the stop
position, lift the pan up and past the stop
position and lift it out.
Adjustable Temperature Deli Pan (on some models)
When the pan is placed in the 7th slot from
the bottom of the track and the lever is set
at COLDEST, air from the freezer is forced
around the pan to keep it very cold.
You can move the pan to any location if
you don’t want the extra cold storage.
The settings can be adjusted anywhere
between cold and coldest .
When set at cold, the pan will stay at the
normal refrigerator temperature.
The coldest setting provides the coldest
storage area.
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Crisper Removal
To Remove:
These drawers can be removed easily by
lifting up slightly while pulling the drawer
past the stop location.
When the door cannot be fully opened,
remove the drawer farthest from the door
first. Make sure the drawer closest to the
door is fully closed. There is a latch at the
front of the center slide rail. Push down on
the latch and slide the center slide rail, to
which the drawer is attached, away from the
door. Remove the drawer.
Freezer Shelves and Baskets
Depending on your model, your freezer
may feature:
A deep full-width basket
A shallow full-width basket
A half-width basket
A full-width wire shelf
A shelf above the ice storage bin
Basket/Shelf Removal
To remove the deep full-width baskets on
freezer door models, the shallow full-width
basket and the full-width wire shelf:
Pull the basket/shelf out to the stop
location.
Lift the front up and over the stop
location.
Lift the basket/shelf up and out.
To remove the deep full-width basket on
freezer drawer models:
Open the freezer drawer until it stops.
The freezer basket rests on a frame
inside the freezer drawer. Lift the basket
up at the back.
Lift the front up and lift the entire
basket up and out of the drawer.
To remove the half-width basket:
Pull the basket out to the stop location.
Lift the basket up at the front to release
it from the slides.
Lift the back up and out of the slide.
When replacing the basket, make sure that
the wire tabs and wire hooks on the sides
of the basket go into the slots in the sides
of the basket frame.
NOTE: Always be sure to fully close this
basket. You will know it is fully closed when
you feel it “click” into place.
To remove the shelf above the ice bin:
Pull the shelf straight out.
About the freezer. GEAppliances.com
Not all features are on all models.
11
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions
Appearance and features may vary
Appearance may vary
Appearance may vary
Appearance may vary
Shelf
Ice Bin
or
Hook
Tab
About the automatic icemaker.
12
Automatic Icemaker
(on some models)
The icemaker will produce seven cubes
per cycle—approximately 100–130 cubes
in a 24-hour period, depending on freezer
compartment temperature, room
temperature, number of door openings
and other use conditions.
See below for how to access ice and reach
the power switch.
If the refrigerator is operated before the
water connection is made to the icemaker,
set the power switch in the O (off) position.
When the refrigerator has been connected
to the water supply, set the power switch to
the l (on) position.
The icemaker will fill with water when it
cools to 15°F (–10°C). A newly installed
refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin
making ice cubes.
You will hear a buzzing sound each time
the icemaker fills with water.
Throw away the first few batches of ice to
allow the water line to clear.
Be sure nothing interferes with the sweep
of the feeler arm.
When the bin fills to the level of the feeler
arm, the icemaker will stop producing
ice. It is normal for several cubes to be
joined together.
If ice is not used frequently, old ice cubes
will become cloudy, taste stale and shrink.
NOTE: In homes with lower-than-average water
pressure, you may hear the icemaker cycle multiple
times when making one batch of ice.
A newly installed refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice.
Icemaker
Feeler Arm
Power
Switch
Green
Power Light
Accessing Ice and Reaching
the Power Switch
To reach the icemaker power switch, pull the
shelf above the ice bin straight out. Always
be sure to replace the shelf.
To access ice, simply pull the bin forward.
To access ice.
Shelf
Ice Bin
To reach the power switch.
Shelf
Ice Bin
Icemaker Accessory Kit
If your refrigerator did not come already
equipped with an automatic icemaker,
an icemaker accessory kit is available at
extra cost.
Check the back of the refrigerator for
the specific icemaker kit needed for
your model.
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions
Care and cleaning of the refrigerator. GEAppliances.com
13
Cleaning the Outside
The door handles and trim. Clean with a cloth
dampened with soapy water. Dry with a soft
cloth. Do not use wax on the door handles
and trim.
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.
The stainless steel panels and door handles.
Stainless steel (on some models) can be
cleaned with a commercially available
stainless steel cleaner. A spray-on stainless
steel cleaner works best.
Do not use appliance wax or polish
on the stainless steel.
Cleaning the Inside
To help prevent odors, leave an open box of
baking soda in the refrigerator and freezer
compartments.
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. If this
is not practical, wring excess moisture out
of sponge or cloth when cleaning around
switches, lights or controls.
Use an appliance wax polish on the inside
surface between the doors.
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.
After 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.
Avoid cleaning cold glass shelves with hot water
because the extreme temperature difference may
cause them to break. Handle glass shelves
carefully. Bumping tempered glass can cause
it to shatter.
Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts in
the dishwasher.
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