GE 162D3904P005 User Manual

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

Operating Instructions, Tips

Temperature Control .................................... 4
Shelves ............................................................. 4
Ice Service ....................................................... 4
Defrosting........................................................ 4

Care and Cleaning........................... 5

Preparation

Location ........................................................... 5
Clearances....................................................... 5
Leveling Legs.................................................. 5
Moving ............................................................. 5
Vacation ........................................................... 5

Installation

Adapter Plug ................................................... 6
Electrical Requirements............................... 6
Extension Cords ............................................. 6
Free-Standing or Recessed ......................... 7
Reversing Door Swing.................................. 8

Problem Solver ................................ 9

More questions ?…call
GE Answer Center® 800.626.2000

Consumer Services...................11

Model and Serial Numbers ......................... 2
Repair Service................................................. 2
Warranty ....................................... Back Cover
Use and Care Guide
Refrigerator
GE Quality Product
Compact Model: TAX6
Part No. 162D3904P005
Pub. No. 49-60046
7-99 JR
Printed in the United States
HELP US HELP YOU…
Read this book carefully.
It is intended to help you operate and maintain your new refrigerator properly.
Keep it handy for answers to your questions. If you don’t understand something or need more help,
write (include your phone number):
Consumer Affairs GE Appliances Appliance Park Louisville, KY 40225
If you received a damaged refrigerator…
Immediately contact the dealer (or builder) that sold you the refrigerator.
Save time and money. Before you request service…
Check the Problem Solver in the back of this book. It lists minor operating problems that you can correct yourself.
Write down the model and serial numbers.
You’ll see them on a label on the back of the refrigerator near the top.
These numbers are also on the Consumer Product Ownership Registration Card that came with your refrigerator.
Before sending in this card, please write these numbers here:
Model Number
Serial Number
Use these numbers in any correspondence or service calls concerning your refrigerator.
• Your refrigerator is equipped with a reversible door. See how to move the door hinges from the right side to the left side in the Reversing the Door section.
IF YOU NEED SER VICE
To obtain service, see the Consumer Services page in the back of this book.
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 steps to follow for further help.
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
2
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 in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used. See grounding instructions and
the Installation section.
• 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 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.
•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.
• Don’t refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely.
• 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 filament. (A burned-out light bulb may break when being replaced.) NOTE: Turning control to OFF position does not remove power to the light circuit.
• Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3
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.
CFC Disposal
Your old refrigerator has a cooling system that used CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). CFCs are believed to harm stratospheric ozone.
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 environmental legislation.
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
Proper Disposal of the Refrigerator
Important Safety Instructions
OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR
Temperature Control Dial
The temperature control dial has settings from “MIN” to “MAX” plus “OFF”.
“MIN” is the warmest. “MAX” is the coldest. Initially set the
temperature control dial at “3”. After using the refrigerator for 24 hours, adjust
the temperature control to the setting that is best suited to your needs.
NOTE:
• If this refrigerator is unplugged or turned off, you must allow 3 minutes before starting it or plugging it back in. If you attempt to restart it in less than 3 minutes, it will not start.
• Turning the temperature control dial to “OFF” stops cooling but does not shut off power to the refrigerator.
Shelves can be moved to different levels to suit your varying food storage needs. To remove a shelf, lift front slightly and pull straight out.
Ice trays need to be set on the floor of the ice tray compartment to freeze properly.
To release ice cubes, hold the tray upside down over an ice bucket or bowl, and twist tray at both ends.
If the ice tray freezes to the floor, pour a little lukewarm water around it to loosen it. Do not use boiling water which can damage plastic parts, or sharp metal objects such as a knife or screwdriver which can damage the cooling system tubing.
Wash ice trays in lukewarm water only. Do not put them in an automatic dishwasher.
Ice Tray Compartment
• This compartment is designed for production of ice cubes and short-term storage (a few days at the most) of some commercially frozen foods.
• The temperature in the ice tray compartment doesn’t get cold enough to freeze food safely.

Ice Service

Shelves

Defrost whenever frost on the wall of the ice tray compartment becomes 1/4thick.
Never use a sharp or metallic instrument to remove frost as it may damage the cooling coils. (A punctured cooling coil will cause serious problems and void the warranty.) We recommend using a plastic scraper.
Do not use any electrical device in defrosting your refrigerator.
To defrost, remove foods and ice trays from the ice
tray compartment, put drip tray in place, and set temperature control dial at “OFF”.
Defrosting usually takes a few hours. To defrost faster, keep the door open. Also, pouring warm (not hot) water on the frosted part may speed defrosting. Do not use
boiling water—it may damage plastic parts. After defrosting, empty water from the drip tray.
Wash the drip tray in warm water. Wipe the ice tray compartment with a damp cloth. Then turn the temperature control to the desired setting and return food and ice trays to the refrigerator.
NOTE: If ice buildup is very thick, it may keep the ice tray compartment door from opening or closing completely. Don’t try to force it open; after defrosting, the door will open and close easily.

Defrosting

4
3
5
4
2
MAX
OFF
MIN
1
5

CARE AND CLEANING

Cleaning—Inside
Unplug the refrigerator and remove food, shelves and trays. Wash inside with warm water and baking soda solution—about two tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of water. Then rinse and dry.
Don’t use cleansers such as soaps, detergents, scouring powder or spray cleaners—they may cause odors inside the refrigerator.
Wash ice cube trays, drip tray and shelves in mild detergent solution and dry with a soft cloth.
To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in the rear of the refrigerator, on the shelf. Change the box every three months.
Wipe outside of refrigerator with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water or Appliance Polish Wax Cleaner (Cat. No. WR97X216), available from GE Appliance Service and Parts Center. Use only mild, soapy water to clean the door gasket.
Never use acids, chemical thinner, gasoline, benzine or the like for cleaning any part of the refrigerator. Boiling water or benzine may deform or damage plastic parts.
Do not wash any plastic parts from your refrigerator in your automatic dishwasher.
PREPARA TION

Location

The refrigerator must be installed on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.
If the refrigerator is in a 40°F. or colder room, it will operate but it will not cool foods properly.
Also see Energy-Saving Tips.

Clearances

Allow the following clearances for ease of installation, door opening and proper air circulation:
• Top of refrigerator to
underside of countertop.........1
1
⁄2″
• Above flooring
(including carpeting).............1
1
⁄8″
• Hinge side, if refrigerator
is next to a wall .....................1
1
⁄4″

Leveling Legs

Adjustable legs at the front corners should be set so the refrigerator is firmly positioned on the floor. Legs should extend 1
1
⁄8″ down from bottom of cabinet; the front of the refrigerator may need to be raised a bit more so the door closes easily when opened about halfway .
Turn leveling legs counterclockwise to raise refrigerator, clockwise to lower it.
Disconnect the power cord from wall outlet, remove food and defrost refrigerator. Then clean and dry the interior.
Secure all loose items such as ice trays and drip tray 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 outside of refrigerator with blanket.
Preparing to Move
Preparing for Vacation
For extended vacations or absences, unplug the
refrigerator. Clean the interior with baking soda solution of one tablespoon of soda to one quart of water. Wipe dry. To prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in refrigerator. Leave doors open.
For shorter vacations, remove perishable foods and leave the control at regular setting. However, if room temperature is expected to drop below 40°F. follow the same instructions as for extended vacations.
Operating Care and Cleaning Preparation
6
INSTALLA TION 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.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.
If you have only a standard two-prong wall outlet, 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.
Preferred Method
Insure proper ground exists before use
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.
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.
Use of Adapter Plug
Temporary Method
(Adapter plugs not permitted in Canada)
Align large prongs/slots
Insure proper ground and firm connection before use.

Electrical Requirements

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.
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 still elect to use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed 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.
7
REFRIGERATOR INSTALLA TIONS
3. Install the air grille. Align front edge of mounting tabs on grille with front edge of countertop and fasten grille in place with screws saved in step 1. This will provide the 1 1/
2
clearance needed for proper air flow.
4. Slide refrigerator into recess after leveling it and plugging its power cord into electrical outlet.
THIS REFRIGERATOR IS DESIGNED FOR FREE-STANDING OR RECESSED INSTALLATION.
IF IT IS TO BE FREE-STANDING:
• Save the air grille that’s packed with the appliance in case you want to recess the refrigerator later.
IF IT IS TO BE RECESSED NOW:
1. Remove the counter top.
Take out four screws at the top rear of the cabinet, lift the top slightly at the rear and push it forward to remove it.
2. Remove the 3 metal countertop retaining clips at the front.
Save removed parts in case you want to reinstall the countertop later.
Metal Clip (remove 3)
8
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING
TO CHANGE THE DOOR HINGES FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REFRIGERATOR TO THE LEFT:
1. Unplug the refrigerator and empty it.
2. Remove the countertop. See the Refrigerator
Installation section.
3. Remove the top hinge and if there’s a shim under the hinge, remove it too. Set the hinge (and shim) aside.
4. Open the door slightly and lift it off.
5. Carefully set the refrigerator on its back.
6. Remove the leveling leg below the bottom
hinge and the leveling leg and leg spacer at the opposite corner.
7. Remove the bottom hinge and if there’s a shim under the hinge, remove it too. Reinstall the hinge (and shim) on the opposite side. Do not tighten screws at this time.
8. Reinstall the leveling legs. Be sure the leg spacer goes on the leg opposite the relocated hinge.
9. Place the door on a flat nonscratching surface.
10. Remove the door stop and reinstall it on the
opposite side.
11. Remove the plug button from the top edge of the door and press it into the hinge hole on the opposite side.
12. Reinstall the top hinge (and shim, if any) that you removed in step 3. Do not tighten screws at this time.
13. Set the door on the cabinet, align it, and fit the hinge pins into the door sockets. Then tighten the top and bottom hinge screws and stand the refrigerator upright.
14. If the refrigerator is to be free-standing, reinstall the countertop. If the refrigerator is to be recessed, remove the countertop retaining clips and install the air grille before sliding the refrigerator into place.
Shim
(on some models)
Top Hinge
Leveling Legs
Leg Spacer
Bottom Hinge
Shim
Bottom Hinge
Door Stop
(on some models)
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE
REFRIGERATOR • Not plugged in. DOES NOT OPERATE
• The circuit breaker tripped, or fuse blown.
TURNS ON AND OFF • This is normal. Small refrigerators cycle more often than larger ones. FREQUENTLY
SEEMS TO RUN • Check for proper clearances. TOO LONG
• Frequent door openings let cold air escape. VIBRATION • If refrigerator vibrates, it probably is not level. Adjust front leveling legs. CABINET HAS ODOR • Foods with strong odors should be tightly covered.
• Check for spoiled food.
• Interior may need cleaning.
• Keep an open box of baking soda in refrigerator; replace every three months.
If you need more help…call, toll free: GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000 consumer information service
9
QUESTIONS?
USE THIS PROBLEM SOLVER

Reversing Door Swing Problem Solver

10
NOTES
Upon request, GE will provide Braille controls for a variety of GE appliances, and a brochure to assist in planning a barrier-free kitchen for persons with limited mobility. To obtain these items, free of charge, call 800.626.2000.
Consumers with impaired hearing or speech who have access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter may call 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322) to request information or service.
We’ll Be There
With the purchase of your new GE appliance, receive the assurance that if you ever need information or assistance from GE, we’ll be there. All you have to do is call—toll-free!
In-Home Repair Service
800-GE- CARES (800 -432-2737)
A GE consumer service professional will provide expert repair service, scheduled at a time that’s convenient for you. Many GE Consumer Service company-operated locations offer you service today or tomorrow, or at your convenience (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays). Our factory-trained technicians know your appliance inside and out—so most repairs can be handled in just one visit.
GE Answer Center®
800.626.2000
Whatever your question about any GE major appliance, GE Answer Center® information service is available to help. Your call—and your question— will be answered promptly and courteously. And you can call any time. GE Answer Center
® service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Service Contracts
800-626-2224
You can have the secure feeling that GE Consumer Service will still be there after your warranty expires. Purchase a GE contract while your warranty is still in effect and you’ll receive a substantial discount. With a multiple-year contract, you’re assured of future service at today’s prices.
Parts and Accessories
800-626-2002
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances
can have needed parts or accessories sent directly to their home. The GE parts system provides access to over 47,000 parts…and all GE Genuine Renewal Parts are fully warranted. VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted.
User maintenance instructions contained in this booklet cover procedures intended 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.
For Customers With Special Needs…
800.626.2000

Consumer Services

11
WHAT IS COVERED
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
For one year from date of original purchase, we will provide, free of charge, parts and service labor in your home to repair or replace
any part of the refrigerator
that fails because of a manufacturing defect.
LIMITED ADDITIONAL FOUR-YEAR WARRANTY
For the second through fifth year from date of original purchase, we will provide, free of charge, a replacement compressor if the compressor fails because of a manufacturing defect. You pay for any service labor charges.
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for use in the 48 mainland states, Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, D.C.
All warranty service will be provided by GE Appliance Service and Parts Centers or by our authorized Customer Care
®
servicers during normal working hours.
Should your appliance need service, during warranty period or beyond, call 800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737).
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
Service trips to your home to
teach you how to use the product.
Read your Use and Care material.
If you then have any questions about operating the product, please contact your dealer or our Consumer Affairs office at the address below, or call, toll free:
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000 consumer information service
Improper installation. If you have an installation problem,
contact your dealer or installer. You are responsible for providing adequate electrical, plumbing and other connecting facilities.
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
Failure of the product if it is used for other than its intended purpose or used commercially.
Damage to product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
Loss of food due to spoilage.
WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you. 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 in your state, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company
If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:
Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225
TAX6
YOUR GE REFRIGERATOR

WARRANTY

Staple sales slip or cancelled check
here. Proof of original purchase date
is needed to obtain service
under warranty.
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