GE 12 Use and Care Manual

Use and Care Guide

Refrigerator

Safety Instructions.........................3

Operating Instructions, Tips

Accessories......................................................6

CFC Disposal....................................................2

Food Storage Suggestions......................4, 5

Storage Times..............................................5

Ice Service ........................................................6

Storage Drawers.............................................6

Temperature Control.....................................4

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning—Inside and Outside......................7

Defrost Water Pan..........................................7

Light Bulb Replacement ...............................7

Problem Solver.......................13, 14

Normal Operating Sounds.........................13

CFC DISPOSAL

Your old refrigerator has a cooling system that used CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). CFCs are believed to harm stratospheric ozone.

IF YOU NEED SER VICE

To obtain service, see the Consumer Services page in the back of this guide.

We’re proud of our service and want you to be pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the service you receive, here are 3 steps to follow for further help.

For Customers in the United States:

FIRST, contact the people who serviced your appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most cases this will solve the problem.

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

If you are throwing away your old refrigerator, make sure the CFC refrigerant is removed for proper disposal by a qualified servicer . If you intentionally release this CFC refrigerant you can be subject to fines and imprisonment under provisions of the federal Clean Air Act.

FINALLY, if your problem is still not resolved, write:

Major Appliance Consumer

Action Program 20 North Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

For Customers in Canada:

FIRST, contact the people who serviced your appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most cases this will solve the problem.

NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write all the details—including your phone number—to:

Manager, Consumer Relations Camco Inc. Suite 310 1 Factory Lane Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3

IMPOR TANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all instructions before using this appliance.

WARNING—When using this appliance,

always exercise basic safety precautions, including the following:

• Use this appliance only for its intended purpose

as described in this Use and Care Guide.

• This refrigerator must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

• Never unplug your refrigerator by pulling on the power cord. Always

grip the plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.

• Repair or replace immediately all electric service 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 the plug or connector end.

• When moving your refrigerator away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.

• Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang on the shelves in the refrigerator. They

could damage the refrigerator and seriously injure themselves.

• If your old refrigerator is still around the house but not in use, be sure to remove the doors. This will reduce the

possibility of danger to children.

• Don’t refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely. The United States Department of

Agriculture in Home and Garden Bulletin No. 69 says:

‘‘…You may safely refreeze frozen foods that have thawed if they still contain ice crystals or if they are still cold—below 40°F. (4°C.).

‘‘…Thawed ground meats, poultry or fish that have any off-odor or off-color should not be refrozen and should not be eaten. Thawed ice cream should be discarded. If the odor or color of any food is poor or questionable, get rid of it. The food may be dangerous to eat.

‘‘…Even partial thawing and refreezing reduces the eating quality of foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and prepared foods. The eating quality of red meats is affected less than that of many other foods. Use refrozen foods as soon as possible to save as much of their eating quality as you can.’’

• Unplug your refrigerator before cleaning and making repairs. NOTE: We strongly recommend that

any servicing be performed by a qualified individual.

• Before replacing a burned-out light bulb, the refrigerator should be unplugged in order to

avoid contact with a live wire filament. (A burnedout light bulb may break when being replaced.) NOTE: Turning the control to OFF position does not remove power to the light circuit.

Important Safety Instructions

• After your refrigerator is in operation, do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer compartment, particularly when hands are damp or wet. Skin may adhere 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Set the Temperature Control

3 4 5 6 7

Your refrigerator has one control that regulates the temperature in the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control dial has 9 settings plus OFF . Setting “1” is the warmest setting and “9” is the coldest.

INITIALLY, set the control at 5. For colder or warmer temperatures, move the dial one

number at a time.

Each time you adjust the control, allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize or even out before making any further adjustments.

NOTE: Turning the control to OFF stops cooling in BOTH compartments—fresh food AND freezer.

How to Test Temperatures No Defrosting

Use the milk test for the fresh food compartment.

Place a container of milk on the top shelf in the fresh food compartment. Check it a day later. If the milk is too warm or too cold, adjust the temperature control.

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 a day. If it’s too hard or too soft, adjust the temperature control.

Always allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the temperature you set.

It is not necessary to defrost the freezer or fresh food compartments. Your refrigerator is designed and equipped to defrost itself automatically.

FOOD STORAGE SUGGESTIONS

Tips on Freezing Foods

There are 3 essential requirements for efficient home freezing.

1. Initial quality. Freeze only top-quality foods.

Freezing retains quality and flavor; it cannot improve quality.

2. Speed. The quicker fruits and vegetables are frozen

after picking, the better the frozen product will be. You’ll save time, too, with less culling and sorting to do.

3. Proper packaging. Use food wraps designed

especially for freezing.

To freeze meat, fish and poultry, wrap well in freezer-weight foil (or other heavy-duty wrapping material), forming it carefully to the shape of the contents. This expels air. Fold and crimp ends of the package to provide a good, lasting seal. Don’t refreeze meat that has been completely thawed; meat, whether raw or cooked, can be frozen successfully only once.

Fine-quality ice cream, with high cream content, will normally require slightly lower temperatures than more “airy” already-packaged brands with low cream content.

• It will be necessary to experiment to determine the freezer compartment location and temperature control setting to keep your ice cream at the right serving temperature.

• The rear of the freezer compartment is slightly colder than the front.

New techniques are constantly being developed. Consult the County Extension Service or your local Utility Company for the latest information on freezing and storing foods.

Suggested Storage Times for Meat and Poultry

Eating quality DAYS IN MONTHS IN drops after REFRIGERATOR FREEZER time shown AT 35° to 40°F. AT 0°F.

Fresh Meats

Roasts (Beef & Lamb) ...................... 3 to 5 ...........................6 to 12

Roasts (Pork & Veal)........................ 3 to 5 ...........................4 to 8

Steaks (Beef) .................................... 3 to 5 ...........................6 to 12

Chops (Lamb)................................... 3 to 5 ...........................6 to 9

Chops (Pork) .................................... 3 to 5 ...........................3 to 4

Ground & Stew Meats ...................... 1 to 2 ...........................3 to 4

Variety Meats.................................... 1 to 2 ...........................3 to 4

Sausage (Pork)................................. 1 to 2 ...........................1 to 2

Processed Meats

Bacon ................................................... 7...................................1

Frankfurters.......................................... 7.................................1/2

Ham (Whole)........................................ 7 ...............................1 to 2

Ham (Half) ........................................ 3 to 5 ...........................1 to 2

Ham (Slices)......................................... 3 ...............................1 to 2

Luncheon Meats ............................... 3 to 5..........Freezing not recommended.

Sausage (Smoked)............................... 7..............Freezing not recommended.

Sausage (Dry & Semi-Dry) .............14 to 21 ........Freezing not recommended.

Cooked Meats

Cooked Meats and Meat Dishes........ 3 to 4 ...........................2 to 3

Gravy & Meat Broth.......................... 1 to 2 ...........................2 to 3

(2° to 4°C.) (-18°C.)

Eating quality DAYS IN MONTHS IN drops after REFRIGERATOR FREEZER time shown AT 35° to 40°F. AT 0°F.

Fresh Poultry

Chicken & Turkey (Whole)................ 1 to 2 ..............................12

Chicken (Pieces)............................... 1 to 2 ...............................9

Turkey (Pieces)................................. 1 to 2 ...............................6

Duck & Goose (Whole)..................... 1 to 2...............................6

Giblets............................................... 1 to 2 ...............................3

Cooked Poultry

Pieces (Covered with Broth) ..............1 to 2................................6

Pieces (Not Covered)........................ 3 to 4 ...............................1

Cooked Poultry Dishes ..................... 3 to 4 ...........................4 to 6

Fried Chicken .................................... 3 to 4 ...............................4

(Other than for meats & poultry) FREEZER

Most fruits and vegetables................................................8-12 months

Lean fish.............................................................................6-8 months

Fatty fish, rolls and breads, soups, stew, casseroles .........2-3 months

Cakes, pies, sandwiches, leftovers (cooked),

ice cream (original carton) ............................................1 month max.

Meats, fish and poultry purchased from the store vary in quality and age; consequently, safe storage time in your refrigerator will vary. For meat and poultry information, call the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture at 800-535-4555.

*U.S. Department of Agriculture

(2° to 4°C.) (-18°C.)

Operating Your Refrigerator Food Storage Suggestions

Fresh Food Storage Tips

To store vegetables:

• Use the vegetable drawers—they have been designed to preserve the natural moisture and freshness of produce.

• Covering vegetables with a moist towel helps maintain crispness.

• As a further aid to freshness, prepackaged vegetables can be stored in their original wrapping.

Unfrozen meats, fish, and poultry:

• Always remove store wrappings.

• Rewrap in foil, plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate immediately.

Cheese:

• Wrap well with wax paper or aluminum foil, or put in a plastic bag.

• Carefully wrap to expel air and help prevent mold.

• Store prepackaged cheese in its own wrapping if you wish.

Egg Storage Butter Compartment

The shells of eggs are porous. Eggs will stay fresh longer if they are kept covered in the carton they came in from the store.

Butter keeps best in the separate compartment in the door. This helps prevent absorption of other food odors. Leave the butter in its original wrapping for added protection from outside food odors and to keep the compartment clean.

STORAGE DRAWERS

Fruit and Vegetable Drawers

One or more storage drawers provide space to store fruits, vegetables and meats.

Models with a single full-width drawer have a divider to separate meats and vegetables. The divider can be removed if a single large storage space is needed.

ICE SER VICE

Ice Trays

To release ice cubes,

invert tray and twist it at both ends.

For only one or two ice cubes, leave

the tray rightside up, twist both ends slightly and remove the number of cubes you want.

The drawer will stop before coming all the way out of the refrigerator to help prevent contents from spilling onto the floor. It can be removed easily by lifting up slightly and pulling past the ‘‘stop’’ position.

To replace the drawer and the cover above it, the door must be fully opened. In some installations the refrigerator may have to be moved away from the wall for the door to be fully opened.

Wash trays in a solution of lukewarm water and vinegar to remove mineral deposits. Do not put them in an automatic dishwasher.

ACCESSORIES

Water Supply Kit Automatic Icemaker Accessory Kit

A kit containing copper tubing, shut-off valve fittings and instructions needed to connect the icemaker to your cold water line is available at extra cost. Contact your local dealer.

An Icemaker Accessory Kit is available from your dealer. Check the back of the refrigerator for the specific icemaker kit needed for your model.

Cleaning—Outside

CARE AND CLEANING

Storage Drawers Ice Service Accessories Care and Cleaning

Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth,

lightly dampened with kitchen appliance wax or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel. These may leave a residue that can damage the paint. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach, or cleaners containing bleach, because these products can scratch and weaken the paint finish.

Cleaning—Inside

Clean the inside of the fresh food and freezer compartments at least once a year. Unplug refrigerator before cleaning. If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning around switches, lights or controls.

Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 L) of water. This both cleans and neutralizes odors. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

Protect the paint finish. The finish on the outside of the refrigerator is a high quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it will stay new-looking and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of kitchen/appliance wax when the refrigerator is new, and then at least twice a year.

Other parts of the refrigerator—including door gaskets, fruit and vegetable drawers, and all plastic parts—can be cleaned the same way. After cleaning 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.

To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in the rear of the refrigerator, on the top shelf. Change the box every three months. An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors

Do not wash any of your refrigerator’s plastic parts in your automatic dishwasher.

Defrost Water Pan Light Bulb Replacement

The non-removable pan is located under the compressor at the rear of the refrigerator. It should be cleaned at least once a year. Move the refrigerator out from the wall as far as necessary, and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Let the compressor cool before cleaning the pan. Use a clean cloth or sponge dampened in warm water and baking soda solution—one tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 L) of water. Do not use cleansing powders, abrasive cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing chlorides.

Unscrew the burnedout bulb and replace it with a standard 40-watt appliance bulb.

Behind Refrigerator

Once a year, move the refrigerator out and vacuum the back coils. Care should be taken in moving your refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces. When pushing the refrigerator back, make sure you don’t roll over the power cord.

PREPARATION

Refrigerator Location Clearances

Do not install refrigerator where temperature will be below 55°F. (13°C.) because it will not run often

enough to maintain proper temperatures.

Do install it on a floor strong enough to support a fully loaded refrigerator.

Do not install it closer than 5″ (13 cm) next to a range.

Allow the following clearances for ease of installation and proper air circulation.

Sides ................... 1″(25 mm)

Top ..................... 4″ (102 mm)

Back ................... 3″ (76 mm) from the rear cabinet

To help with proper spacing and ventilation make sure the two metal spacers or twist-on rubber bumpers (at the back of some models) are in place.

Leveling Legs

Adjustable legs at the front corners of the refrigerator

should be set so the refrigerator is firmly positioned on floor and the front is raised just enough that the door closes easily when opened about halfway.

To adjust the leveling legs, turn the legs clockwise to raise the refrigerator, counterclockwise to lower it.

To raise the refrigerator

Preparing to Move Preparing for Vacation

surface to the wall

Disconnect power cord from wall outlet, remove all food, and clean and dry the interior.

Secure all loose items such as shelves, storage pans and ice trays by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

Be sure refrigerator stays in upright position during actual moving and in van. Refrigerator must be secured in van to prevent movement. Protect the outside of the refrigerator with a blanket.

For extended vacations or absences, shut off power to the refrigerator, turn the numbered control to OFF , and clean the interior with a baking soda solution of one tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to one quart (1 L) of water. Wipe dry. To prevent odors, leave an open box of soda in the refrigerator. Leave the doors open.

For shorter vacations, remove perishable foods and leave the control at its regular setting. However , if room temperature is expected to drop below 55°F. (13°C.), follow same instructions as for extended vacations.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

IMPORTANT…Please Read Carefully

How to Connect Electricity For personal safety , this appliance must

be properly grounded.

The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a three-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a standard threeprong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.

Preferred Method

Insure proper ground exists before use.

Use of Adapter Plugs (in the United States only)

Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against use of an adapter plug. However, if you still elect to use an adapter, where local codes permit, a TEMPORARY CONNECTION may be made to a properly grounded two-prong wall outlet by use of a UL listed adapter, available at most local hardware stores.

Temporary Method

(Adapter plugs not permitted in Canada.)

Align large prongs/slots

Insure proper ground and firm connection before use.

Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.

Where a standard two-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded three-prong wall outlet.

DO NOT , UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CUT OR REMOVE THE THIRD (GROUNDING) PRONG FROM THE POWER CORD.

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.

CAUTION: Attaching an adapter ground terminal to the 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.

When disconnecting the power cord from the adapter, always hold the adapter with one hand. If

this is not done, the adapter ground terminal is very likely to break with repeated use.

Should the adapter ground terminal break, DO NOT USE the appliance until a proper ground has again been established.

Preparation Installation

Use of Extension Cords Electrical Requirements

Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the use of an extension cord. However, if you still elect to use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a #16 gauge or heavier 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.

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 overheating wires.

REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

When reversing the door swing:

• Read the instructions all the way though

before starting.

• Handle parts carefully to avoid scratching paint.

• Set screws down by their related parts to avoid

using them in the wrong places.

• Provide a non-scratching work surface for the doors.

These instructions are for changing the hinges from the right side to the left side.

If you ever want to change the hinges back to the right side, follow these same instructions (merely reverse all references to left and right).

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Phillips screwdriver

• Putty knife or thin-blade screwdriver

• 5/16″ hex head socket driver

• 7/32″ hex head socket driver

REMOVE THE FRESH FOOD DOOR

CAUTION: The door must be held in place to keep it from falling

a. Remove the hinge pin by turning

it counterclockwise.

b. Lift up slightly on the door handle

while pulling the pin out of the center hinge.

c. Remove the door by opening it slightly while lifting it straight up and out in order to clear the center hinge and the bottom hinge pin.

d. Set the door on a non-scratching surface with the outside up. Make sure the butter bin

does not swing open.

e. Replace the washer(s) on the bottom hinge

if they stick to the door.

REMOVE THE DOORS

GENERAL

a. Unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet. b. Empty all door shelves, including the dairy

compartment.

REMOVE FREEZER DOOR

CAUTION: Hold the door in place while removing the top hinge to keep the door from falling.

a. Remove the hinge cover. b. Remove the top hinge,

shim and two screws.

c. Set the door on a nonscratching surface with the outside up.

NOTE: When removing the freezer door, washer(s) between the center hinge and the door may stick to the door. Do not lose.

CAUTION: Do not let either door drop to the floor. To do so could damage the door stop.

REVERSE HARDWARE ON CABINET

REINSTALL TOP HINGE ON LEFT SIDE

a. Remove the plug buttons by

carefully prying up under the edge with a putty knife. Be careful of the paint finish.

Reinstall the plug buttons on the right side by inserting them into the holes vacated by the top hinge screws.

b. Reassemble the top hinge and shim on the left side, turning

the screws just enough to hold the hinge in place.

Be sure screws go through these holes for left side

Plug Buttons

TRANSFER BOTTOM HINGE BRACKET TO

THE LEFT

REVERSE DOOR HANDLES

Remove the bottom hinge, screws and shim(s) from the right side and

reassemble them on the left side of the cabinet.

ATTENTION: The screws must be properly tightened. Turn the screws until

snug. Then tighten the screws a minimum of one full turn using both hands.

TRANSFER CENTER HINGE BRACKET

TO THE LEFT

a. Remove the two screws on the opposite side.

b. Remove the center hinge, shim and screw(s).

c. Reassemble the center hinge on the left side.

CAUTION: When assembled correctly, the

hinge is tight against the cabinet.

ATTENTION: The screws must be properly tightened. Turn the screws until snug. Then

tighten the screws a minimum of 1/2 turn using both hands.

Top

Left Side Right Side

TRANSFER FRESH FOOD DOOR HANDLE

Top

TO THE RIGHT

To remove the handle…

• Remove the screw on the bottom of the

handle.

• Remove the handle insert and remove the screw holding the handle.

• Remove the two screws holding the handle to the top of the door.

After removing the handle…

• Remove the screws

from the right edge of the door top and insert them into the handle screw holes on the left side.

• Remove the plug button from the left edge of the door and insert it into the hole on the opposite side.

• Transfer the button on the door to the opposite side.

Reinstalling the handle…

• Attach the handle to the right side of the door,

reversing the above procedure.

Plug Button

Screws for handle holes

Button

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