GE GFD43GSSMWW User Manual
SAFETY INFORMATION .........3
USING THE DRYER
Getting Started ...................... 5
Loading ..............................9
OWNER’S MANUAL
GFD45
GFD43
CARE AND CLEANING ...........9
VENTING .........................10
OPTIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Reversing The Door Swing ............. 11
Stacking .............................15
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS ......18
CONSUMER SUPPORT
Warranty ........................... 21
Consumer Support ....................22
ENGLISH/ESPAÑOL
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model # _________________
DRYERS
Serial # _________________
They are on the label on the front
of the dryer behind the door.
GE is a trademark of the General Electric Company. Manufactured under trademark license.
234D2270P004
49-90585 10-17 GEA
THANK YOU FOR MAKING GE APPLIANCES A PART OF YOUR HOME.
Whether you grew up with GE Appliances, or this is your first, we’re happy to have you in the family.
We take pride in the craftsmanship, innovation and design that goes into every GE Appliances
product, and we think you will too. Among other things, registration of your appliance ensures that we
can deliver important product information and warranty details when you need them.
Register your GE appliance now online. Helpful websites and phone numbers are available in the
Consumer Support section of this Owner’s Manual. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration
card included in the packing material.
2 49-90585
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
Ŷ
Read all instructions before using the appliance.
Ŷ
DO NOT dry articles that have been previously cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with gasoline,
dry-cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances, as they give off vapors that could ignite or
explode.
Ŷ
DO NOT place items exposed to cooking oils in your dryer. Items contaminated with cooking oils may contribute to a
chemical reaction that could cause a load to catch fire. To reduce the risk of fire due to contaminated loads, the final
part of the tumble dryer cycle occurs without heat (cool down period). Avoid stopping a tumble dryer before the end
of the drying cycle unless all items are quickly removed and spread out so that the heat is dissipated.
Ŷ
DO NOT allow children to play on or in this appliance. Close supervision of children is necessary when this
appliance is used near children.
Ŷ
Before the appliance is removed from service or discarded, remove the door to the drying compartment.
Ŷ
DO NOT reach into the appliance if the drum is moving.
Ŷ
DO NOT install or store this appliance where it will be exposed to the weather.
Ŷ
DO NOT tamper with controls.
Ŷ
DO NOT repair or replace any part of this appliance or attempt any servicing unless specifically recommended
in the user-maintenance instructions or in published user-repair instructions that you understand and have the
skills to carry out.
Ŷ
DO NOT use fabric softeners or products to eliminate static unless recommended by the manufacturer of the
fabric softener or product.
Ŷ
DO NOT dry articles containing foam rubber or similarly textured rubber-like materials.
Ŷ
Clean lint screen before or after each load.
Ŷ
DO NOT operate the dryer without the lint filter in place.
Ŷ
D O N O T store combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable liquids near the dryer.
exhaust opening and adjacent surrounding areas free from the accumulation of lint, dust and dirt.
Ŷ
The interior of the appliance and exhaust duct should be cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel.
Ŷ
Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker before servicing. Pressing the Power or Start/Pause button DOES
NOT disconnect power.
Ŷ
DO NOT operate this appliance if it is damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled, or has missing or
broken parts, including a damaged cord or plug.
Ŷ
DO NOT spray any type of aerosol into, on or near dryer at any time. DO NOT use any type of spray cleaner when
cleaning dryer interior. Hazardous fumes or electrical shock could occur
Ŷ
See “ELECTRICAL CONNECTION” located in the Installation Instructions for grounding instructions.
To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, or injury to persons when using your appliance,
follow basic precautions, including the following:
Keep area around the
.
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
49-90585 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE
ADDITIONAL GAS DRYER WARNINGS
WARNING
Failure to follow safety warnings exactly could result in serious injury, death, or property
damage.
- DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
- WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
Ŷ
DO NOT try to light any appliance.
Ŷ
SAFETY INFORMATION
DO NOT touch any electrical switch; DO NOT use any phone in your building.
Ŷ
Clear the room, building, or area of any occupants.
Ŷ
Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.
Ŷ
If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
- Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or
the gas supplier.
- Fire or Explosion Hazard
State of California Proposition 65 Warnings
WARNING
Gas appliances can cause low-level exposure to some of these substances, including benzene, carbon monoxide,
formaldehyde, and soot, caused primarily by the incomplete combustion of natural gas or LP fuels. Exposure to these
substances can be minimized by properly venting the dryer to the outdoors.
This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
4 49-90585
Getting started
USING THE DRYER
WARNING
WARNING
• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as
gasoline, away from dryer.
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had anything
flammable on it (even after washing).
• No washer can completely remove oil.
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had any type of oil
on it (including cooking oils).
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION before operating this appliance.
- Fire Hazard
• Items containing foam, rubber, or plastic must be dried
on a clothesline.
• Follow all fabric care instructions and warnings
to prevent melting of garments or damage to the
appliance.
• Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
Step 1
• Loosely add items.
• Close door.
NOTE: Dryer will not
start with door open.
Step 2 Step 3
• If the screen is dark,
press the Power
button to “wake up”
the display.
• Select a dry cycle. (Defaults are set
for each dry cycle. These default
settings can be changed. See the cycle
descriptions for more information.)
Step 4
• Press the Start/
Pause button.
Model: GFD45– Steam Dryer with HE SensorDry™
B
C
Model: GFD43 – Dryer with HE SensorDry™
B
O N
O N
A
F
eDry
Hold To Lock Controls
K D EL MG H JI
A
My
Cycle
eDry
Hold To Lock Controls
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C
K D EL MP H JI
F
Getting started
A
B
USING THE DRYER
Power
Press to “wake up” the display. If the display is active, press to turn the dryer off.
NOTE: Pressing Power does not disconnect the appliance from the power supply.
Dry Cycles
The dry cycle controls the cycle time for the drying process. The chart below will help you match
the dry setting with the loads.
Mixed Loads
Cottons
Delicates
Bulky/Bedding or
Bulky Items
Perm Press/Casuals
Quick Dry
Towels/Sheets
Steam Dewrinkle
Full Loads
(on some models)
Dewrinkle
Full Loads
(on some models)
Warm Up
Air Fluff/No Heat
Time Dry
For loads consisting of cottons and poly-blends.
For cottons and most linens. NOTE: Energy Star® models are tested on Cottons with
default settings.
For lingerie and special-care fabrics.
For large coats, bed spreads, mattress covers, sleeping bags, blankets, comforters, jackets,
small rugs, and similar large and bulky items.
Clothing worn for active sports exercise and some casual wear. Fabrics include new
technology finishes and stretch fibers such as Spandex. Also for clothing labeled Easy Care
or Perma Press: For wrinkle-free and permanent press items.
For small loads that are needed in a hurry, such as sports or school uniforms. Can also be
used if the previous cycle left some items damp, such as collars or waistbands.
Use for towels OR sheets. It is not recommended to mix towels and sheets in the
same load.
Provides 20 minutes of steam drying to assist with dewrinkling clothes.
left in dryer for an extended time.
Provides 20 minutes of drying to assist with dewrinkling items that are dry or slightly
damp. This cycle is not recommended for delicate fabrics.
Provides 10 minutes of warming time to warm up clothes.
Provides 10 minutes of tumbling time without heat.
Use to set your own dry time. Time Dry is also recommended for small loads. To use:
1. Turn dry cycle dial to Time Dry.
2. Increase the drying time by pressing the Add Time button.
NOTE: This button only increases the time. When max time is reached, pressing the
button again will reset the counter to the lowest setting.
3. Select the Temp.
4. Close the door.
5. Press Start/Pause.
Ideal for loads
C
D
Add Time
Press to add time to the Steam Dewrinkle, Dewrinkle, Warm Up, Air Fluff or Time Dry
cycles in 10 minute increments.
Temp (Temperature)
You can change the temperature of your dry cycle.
High For regular to heavy cottons.
Medium For synthetics, blends and items labeled Permanent Press.
Low For delicates, synthetics and items labeled Tumble Dry Low.
Extra Low For lingerie and special-care fabrics.
6 49-90585
Getting started
USING THE DRYER
E
F
G
Level
The sensor continuously monitors the amount of moisture in the load. When the moisture in
your clothes reaches your selected dry level, the dryer will stop.
NOTE: Sensor dry Level only works with Cottons, Normal, Perm Press, Delicates,
Quick Dry, Bulky, Towels/Sheets, Dewrinkle and Steam Dewrinkle cycles.
More Dry Use for heavy-duty fabrics or items that should be very dry, such as towels.
Dry Use for normal dryness level suitable for most loads. This is the preferred
cycle for energy saving.
Less Dry Use for lighter fabric (ideal for ironing).
Damp For leaving items partially damp.
Start/Pause
Press to start a dry cycle. If the dryer is running, press it once and it will pause the dryer.
Press it again to resume the dry cycle.
Steam Refresh Cycle (on some models)
For slightly wrinkled dry garments. Significantly reduces wrinkles on up to 5 garments. After
the Steam Refresh Cycle, the unit will beep and display “0:00.” If the unit is not turned off or
if the door is not opened, the dryer will continue to tumble for 30 minutes. At the end of 30
minutes, it will display “0:00” and the cycle will be complete.
NOTE: A single extremely light fabric item may need to have an additional item included to
achieve optimum results.
H
J
Sanitize
This option reduces certain types of bacteria by 99.8%, including: Staphylococcus aureus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The anti-bacterial process occurs when
high heat is used during a portion of the drying cycle.
NOTE: Do not use this cycle on delicate fabrics.
I
Delay Dry
Use to delay the start of your dryer.
1. Choose your dry cycle and any options.
2. Press Delay Dry. You can change the delay time in 1 hour increments, using the Delay Dry
button.
3. Press the Start/Pause button to start the countdown.
NOTE: If the door is opened while the dryer is in Delay Dry, the countdown time will not
restart unless the door is closed and Start/Pause button has been pressed again.
Damp Alert
This option causes the dryer to beep when clothes have dried to a damp level. Remove
items that you wish to hang dry. The Damp Alert will only beep when this option is selected,
and the dryer will continue to dry.
Removing clothes and hanging them when they are damp can reduce the need to iron some
items.
K
49-90585 7
Ext Tumble
Minimizes wrinkles by adding approximately 1 hour of no-heat tumbling after clothes are dry.
The estimated time remaining display will show “END”.
The extended tumble time does not get added to the cycle time on the display.
Getting started
L
M
USING THE DRYER
eDry
Hold To Lock Controls
Volume
Alerts you that the cycle is complete. The beeper will continue to sound every minute for the
next 5 minutes, until the clothes have been removed. The clothes should be removed when
the beeper goes off so wrinkles don’t set in.
Press Volume to select low, medium or high volume, or to turn the beeper off.
To turn on or off the sounds the buttons make when pressed, press and hold the Volume
button for 3 seconds.
eDry
Reduces the total energy consumption of specific dryer cycles by adjusting certain heat settings.
NOTE: Cycle times will change when e-Dry is selected. The eDry option will default to on
for Cottons. For optimal energy savings, turn eDry on. For optimal drying times, turn eDry off.
Energy savings will vary across loads and cycles.
This cycle can be used with Cottons, Mixed Loads, Towels/Sheets, Delicates, Bulky Bedding,
Perm Press/Casuals and Quick Dry. When the eDry button is pressed, cycle settings change to
reduce the total energy consumption of the selected sensor cycle.
Lock Controls
You can lock the controls to prevent any selections from being made. Or you can lock or
unlock the controls after you have started a cycle.
Children cannot accidentally start the dryer by touching buttons with this option selected.
To lock/unlock the dryer controls, press and hold the eDry button for 3 seconds. A sound is
made to indicate the lock/unlock status. The indicator light above the button will illuminate
when the controls are locked.
NOTE: The Power button can still be used when the machine is locked.
N
O
P
My
Cycle
Clean Filter Message
This message represents only a reminder and does not always appear when the filter needs
cleaning. The filter should be cleaned after every drying cycle is complete.
This message will disappear after the Start/Pause button is pressed. Even though you may
have already cleaned the filter (before or after the Power button has been pressed), the
“Clean Filter” message will still be displayed until the Start/Pause button is activated.
Display
Displays the approximate time remaining until the end of the cycle.
As the cycle begins, you will see an initial approximate total cycle time in the display.
Then lights will “race” in the display. This means the dryer is continuously monitoring the
amount of moisture in the load. The lights will continue until the dryer senses a low level of
moisture in the load. At that point, the dryer will calculate and display the approximate time
remaining.
My Cycle (on some models)
Set up your favorite combination of settings and save them here for one touch recall.
These custom settings can be set while a cycle is in progress.
To store a My Cycle combination of settings:
1. Select your drying cycle.
2. Change Temp and Level settings to fit your needs.
3. Select any drying options you want.
4. Press and hold the My Cycle button for 3 seconds to store your selection. A beep will
sound and the button will light up.
To recall your stored My Cycle combination:
Press the My Cycle button before drying a load.
To change your stored My Cycle combination: Repeat steps 1–4.
8 49-90585
Loading
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Sorting and Loading Hints
LOADING / CARE AND CLEANING
WARNING
• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as
gasoline, away from dryer.
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had anything
flammable on it (even after washing).
• No washer can completely remove oil.
As a general rule, if clothes are sorted properly for the washer, they are sorted properly for the dryer. Try also to
sort items according to size. For example, do not dry a sheet with socks or other small items.
Do not add fabric softener sheets once the load has become warm. They may cause fabric softener stains. Bounce®
Fabric Conditioner Dryer Sheets have been approved for use in this dryer when used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not overload. This wastes energy and causes wrinkling.
- Fire Hazard
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had any type of oil
on it (including cooking oils).
• Items containing foam, rubber, or plastic must be dried
on a clothesline.
• Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.
Care and Cleaning
The Lint Filter: Clean the lint filter before
each use.
Pull out the lint filter. Moisten your fingers
and remove the captured lint. Once clean,
slide the filter back into position. Have a
qualified technician vacuum the lint from the
dryer once a year.
NEVER OPERATE THE DRYER WITHOUT
ITS FILTER IN PLACE.
Stainless Steel: To clean stainless steel
surfaces use a damp cloth with a mild, nonabrasive cleaner suitable for stainless steel
surfaces. Remove the cleaner residue and
then dry with a clean cloth.
The stainless steel used to make the dryer
drum provides the highest reliability available
in a GE Appliances dryer. If the dryer drum
should be scratched or dented during normal
use, the drum will not rust or corrode. These
surface blemishes will not affect the function
or durability of the drum.
The Exterior: Wipe or dust any spills or
washing compounds with a damp cloth.
Dryer control panel and finishes may be
damaged by some laundry pretreatment soil
and stain remover products. Apply these
products away from the dryer. The fabric
may then be washed and dried normally.
Damage to your dryer caused by these
products is not covered by your warranty.
Dryer Interior and Duct: The interior of
the appliance and exhaust duct should be
cleaned once a year by qualified service
personnel.
The Exhaust Duct: Inspect and clean the
exhaust ducting at least once a year to
prevent clogging. A partially clogged exhaust
can lengthen the drying time.
The Exhaust Hood: Check with a mirror that
the inside flaps of the hood move freely when
operating. Make sure that there is no wildlife
(birds, insects, etc.) nesting inside the duct or
hood.
Drum Lamp
The drum lamp comes on automatically
when the door is opened.
Before replacing the light bulb, be sure to
unplug the dryer power cord or disconnect the
dryer at the household distribution panel by
removing the fuse or switching off the circuit
breaker. Reach above dryer opening from
inside the drum. Remove the bulb and replace
with the same size bulb.
49-90585 9
Order replacement bulb WE4M305 on-line
at GEApplianceParts.com, by phone at
877.959.8688 during normal business hours,
or purchase appliance bulb 7C7 from your
local retailer.
Venting
Venting the Dryer
For the best drying performance, the dryer needs to be properly vented. The dryer will use more energy and run longer if it is
not vented to the specifications below. Carefully follow the details on Exhausting in the Installation Instructions.
VENTING
Correct
Venting
WARNING
This dryer MUST be exhausted to the outdoors.
Use only 4” rigid metal ducting for the home exhaust duct.
Use only 4” rigid metal or UL-listed dryer transition duct to connect the dryer to the home exhaust.
DO NOT use a plastic vent.
DO NOT exhaust into a chimney, kitchen exhaust, gas vent, wall, ceiling, attic, crawl space, or
concealed space of a building.
DO NOT install a screen in or over the exhaust duct.
DO NOT install a booster fan in the exhaust duct.
DO NOT use duct longer than specified in the exhaust length table.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or fire.
- Fire Hazard
Incorrect
Venting
10 49-90585
Optional Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING (if desired)
IMPORTANT NOTES
• Read the instructions all the way through
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.
• Normal completion time to reverse the door
swing is 30–60 minutes.
IMPORTANT: Once you begin, do not move the
cabinet until door-swing reversal is completed.
These instructions are for changing the hinges
from the right side to the left side—if you ever
want to switch them back to the right side,
follow these same instructions and reverse all
references to the left and right.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
Phillips-head screwdriver Putty Knife or Thin-Blade Screwdriver
DOOR PARTS
6 - Tapping
Screws
4 - Hinge
Screws
BEFORE YOU START
Unplug the dryer from its electrical outlet.
Inner DoorOuter Ring
8 - Machine
Screws
Hinge
4 - Beauty Buttons 2 - Strike Bracket
Hinge
Cover
Screws
49-90585 11
Optional Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING (if desired)
1
REMOVE THE DOOR ASSEMBLY
A. Open the door to approximately 130 degrees.
B. Remove the 6 tapping screws located around
the perimeter of the door outlining the gasket.
Remove the outer ring.
2
REMOVE HINGE AND COVER
IMPORTANT: Note the location of the hinge (left
or right) before removing.
A. Remove the 6 machine screws from the hinge
and the 2 machine screws from the hinge cover.
Hinge
Cover
Hinge
B. With the screws removed, turn the door over
and separate the outer door assembly and hinge
cover of the door from the door frame and set
aside.
Hinge
Cover
C. Remove 3 hinge screws starting at the
bottom and move up. Make sure the door is
supported while removing the screws.
Then loosen top
screw, remove door
and remove screw
First remove
three lower
hinge screws
Hinge
3
REINSTALL HINGE ASSEMBLY
A. Place the hinge in the opposite side of the
door as shown. Push the hinge in place until
the hinge holes align with the door holes.
Hinge shown
on opposite
side
D. Loosen the top screw as shown. Unhook the door
by lifting and pulling. Remove the top screw.
12 49-90585
Optional Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING (if desired)
3
REINSTALL HINGE ASSEMBLY
B. Hold the hinge in place and turn the door
over. Install the hinge using the 6 machine
screws removed earlier.
Hinge
4
REINSTALL HINGE COVER
A. Turn the door over and place the hinge cover
in the opposite side of the door as shown. Align
the hinge cover holes with the holes in the door.
4
REINSTALL HINGE COVER (cont.)
B. Hold the hinge cover in place and turn the
door over. Install the hinge cover using the 2
machine screws removed earlier.
Hinge
Cover
MOVE STRIKE BRACKET
5
A. Using a putty knife or any other flat tool,
remove the 4 beauty buttons located on the
dryer where the door will be installed and
install them on the opposite side.
Hinge cover
shown on
opposite
side
49-90585 13
Optional Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING (if desired)
MOVE STRIKE BRACKET (cont.)
5
B. Switch the strike bracket and its cover to
the opposite side by removing the screws.
Reinstall both on the opposite side.
6
REINSTALL DOOR ASSEMBLY
A. Install the door on the dryer. To ease this
step, the hinge has keyholes that allow a
partially fastened screw to be used as a
hook.
Partially fasten a screw to the uppermost
screw hole. Hook the door on the partially
fastened screw.
Fasten the hinge by installing the other 3
screws and tightening the partially fastened
screw above.
First partially install
top hinge screw in
dryer and hang door
from it
Then secure with all
screws
B. Align the outer ring in the door and fasten
the 6 tapping screws located around the
perimeter of the door outlining the gasket.
14 49-90585
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