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
Grounding........................................................ 6
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 1/4″ thick.
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.
Loading...