Ge GSD500 User Manual

Dishwasher

Guide

Safety instructions.........................3

Problem Solver ...................... I 3- I 5

More questions

GE Answer Center” 800.626.2000

Operating Instructions, Tips

Appliance Registration .................................2

China, Crystal, Sterling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cycle Description ......................................4, 5

Cycle Selection

Detergent Guide .............................................7

Dispenser Cups

Drying Options ................................................4

Energy-Saving Tips ........................................5

Features
Loading

Operating Instructions .............................4, 5

Rinse Agent

Water Temperature .......................................6

5
9

Preparation

Front Panel Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Consumer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Important Phone Numbers 19

Model and Serial Numbers ..........................2

Repair Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Warranty

Models

Care and Cleaning

Air Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Winter Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

11

Cover

obtain

version

Spanish language

this book, call

GE Answer Center

800.626.2000
consumer information service.

GE Appliances

obtener

GE Answer

manual,

en

A note to consumer—

We’d like to thank you and congratulate you for making the wise decision in purchasing your dishwasher.
This User Guide is designed to be kept near your dishwasher at all times for quick and easy reference. Features

may vary on some dishwasher models. Please read the following tips to insure your dishwasher is operating at its
best performance.

We care about you and your appliance and we want your dishwasher to do its job for you.

.-, -<..

● HOT WATER—Your dishwasher

needs hot water for best results. Water
entering the dishwasher should be at
least

but your dishwasher
performs BETTER with HIGHER
water temperatures not to exceed

WATER HARDNESS-The hardness

of the water plays an important part in
how well your dishwasher cleans. In

where water is very hard (12 grains
or more), it may be necessary to install
a water softener. If you do

know the

hardness of your water supply, contact

your local water department.

●

use detergents

labeled for use in automatic dishwashers.

Never use laundry detergents or
liquid soaps.. that will cause
and leaks. The amount of detergent you

use depends on the water hardness and the
amount of soil on your dishes. In most
cases, detergent amounts should be
increased for hard water and heavy soil.

●

RINSE AGENT—should always be used:

— to reduce water spotting
— to improve drying.
Always check and refill the rinse agent
when

● FOR BEST RESULTS—The

and the options you choose

an
effect on the results you get. The
following are examples. (Please, see the
Operating Instructions, Tips for more
information).

● WASH HEAT BOOST OPTION—

—

use with heavily soiled loads.

— extends cycle to heat water for best

washing and drying.

Before using your dishwasher,

Keep it handy for answers to your questions.
If you don’t understand something or need more help, call

the GE Answer Center
days a week.

read this guide carefully.

It is intended to help you operate and
maintain your new dishwasher properly.

a

800.626.2000, 24 hours a day, 7

If you received

a damaged dishwasher...

Immediatelvcontactthedealer(or

builder)

sold you the dishwasher.

Save time and money.
Before you request service...

Check the Problem Solver in the back of this guide. It lists
causes of minor operating problems that you can correct
yourself.

Write down the model

and serial numbers.

You’ll find them on a label fastened
tub

just inside the dishwasher door.

These numbers are also on the Consumer Product

Ownership Registration Card that came with your
dishwasher. Before sending in this card, please write
these numbers here:

Model Number

Serial Number

Use these numbers in any correspondence or service

concerning your dishwasher.

the

2

POTSCRUBBER CYCLE—

—

use with dried or baked-on heavily

soiled loads.

● HEATED DRY OPTION—

— assures faster drying.
— be sure to use a rinse agent.

We ‘[l be there . . .

No matter what major appliance you buy from us, you

always get more than a quality product. You receive the

added assurance that, should you ever need our help, we’ll

be there.

We ask that you please be sure to read all the Important

Safety Instructions before operating your new appliance

to insure your safety.

WARNING-When using this

appliance, always exercise basic

A

safety precautions, including the
following:

●

Use this appliance only for

intended
purpose, as you will find described in this
Use and Care Guide.

●

This dishwasher must be properly

installed and located in accordance
with the Installation Instructions
before it is used. If you did not

. .

receive an Installation Instructions sheet with your
dishwasher, you can obtain one by calling, toll
free, the GE Answer

—This appliance must be connected to a grounded

metal, permanent wiring system; or an
equipment-grounding conductor must be run
with the circuit conductors and connected to
the equipment-grounding terminal or lead of
the appliance.

—Connect to a properly rated, protected and sized

power-supply circuit to avoid electrical overload.

●

Do not store or use combustible

materials, gasoline or other

flammable vapors and liquids

in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

●

Use only powder or liquid detergents or wetting

agents recommended for use in a dishwasher.

●

Do not wash plastic items unless marked

“dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic
items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.

● Load light plastic items so they will not

become dislodged and drop to the bottom of the
dishwasher—they might come into contact with
the heating element and be damaged.

To minimize the possibility of injury.

●

When loading items to be washed:

A. Locate sharp items so that they are not likely

to damage the door seal, and

B. Load sharp knives with the handles up to

reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.

●

Do not touch the heating element during or

immediately after use.

●

Do not operate your dishwasher unless all enclosure

panels are properly in place.

●

Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door or dish

rack of the dishwasher.

●

Close supervision is necessary if this appliance

is used by or near children. Do not allow children
to play inside, on or with this appliance or any

discarded appliance. Dispose of discarded

appliances and shipping or packing material

properly. Before discarding a dishwasher, remove

the door of the washing compartment.

●

Keep all washing detergents and wetting agents

out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked

cabinet, Observe

warnings on container labels

to avoid personal injury.

●

To minimize the possibility of

electric shock, disconnect this

/-

before

appliance from the

any

power supply

-

Turning the control dial to the OFF position
does not disconnect the appliance from the
power supply. We recommend having a qualified
technician service your appliance.

GAS

is

produced by the chemical action

A

within your water heater. It can
accumulate in the water heater

water pipes if hot water has not been used for a
period of two weeks or longer, HYDROGEN GAS
IS EXPLOSIVE. To prevent the possibility of
damage or injury, if you have not used hot water
for two weeks or more, or moved into a residence
in which the hot water system may not have been
used for some time, turn on all hot water faucets
and allow them to run for several minutes before
using any electrical appliance which is connected
to the hot water system. This will allow any
hydrogen gas to escape. Also, since the gas is
flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame
or appliance during this process.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

●

Do not tamper with controls,

3

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR DISHWASHER

NOTE: If dishwasher drains into a food waste

disposal, operate the disposal until it is empty
before starting dishwasher.

II

Step 1.

Load your dishwasher. (See Loading section.)

Step 2.

Make sure the Cycle Indicator Dial is at the OFF
position and the door is unlatched. Add detergent
to the detergent dispenser. (See Detergent Guide.)
Use a rinse aid agent to help prevent spotting.
(See How to Use a Rinse Agent section.)

Step 3.

Latch the door.

Step

Select the desired wash cycle.

● HEAVY WASH—For items such

casseroles with dried-on or baked-on soils. Everyday
dishes
soiled dishes cleaner than the normal cycle. It
not remove burned-on foods.

● NORMAL WASH—For most loads of everyday

dishes, glasses
Designed to yield high performance on normal soils.

● SHORT WASH—For most loads of everyday

dishes (loads consisting mostly of glasses) with
medium

allow you to quickly wash these loads.

● RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing partial loads which

will

DRY ON

be included. This cycle will

cookware with medium soils.

that have not dried on. This cycle

washed

use detergent. HEATED

pots, pans and

heavily

Step 5.

the desired Drying Options.

● HEATED DRY ON—Turns the drying heater on

for fast drying. When selected, the cycle time

be extended for

● HEATED DRY OFF—Shuts off the heating unit,

thus saving energy. Dishes air-dry naturally. It takes
longer but saves energy. You can open the door after
the motor stops to speed drying. Excellent for
overnight drying.

minutes.

Step 6.

the Cycle Indicator Dial to selected wash cycle.

● Turning the

begin the cycle immediately. To
of a complete cycle, be careful that you
the dial any farther than is necessary to start the
dishwasher. There is
and water fill so you will not hear any wash action
right away.

to the selected wash cycle will

the benefits

not turn

time

between start-up

4

HEAWWASH

WASH

HEATED

ON

1,

HEATED

Cycle Selection Chart

Water Use

HEAVY WASH
NC)

WASH

WASH

RINSE

ON.

OFF. Drying

10.4

7.1

3.()

011 :111

is

55
50

except RINSE

RINsE& HOLD

cycle.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

●

● Operate dishwasher only when it’s full.

dishes accumulate in dishwasher. When you put in the dishes
only

partial

to rinse

● Always select the cycle that uses the least amount

of water that
(See the Operating section,)

use the RINSE & HOLD cycle such

remove the soil from the load.

the

you

‘t need your dishes right

naturally

allow

period

5

Good

To get dishes
the entering water must be

Starts with HOT Water

and dry, you need hot water. For good washing drying,

least

To prevent dish damage, inlet water should not exceed

How to Test Water Temperature

your water temperature with

thermometer. Turn on the hot water

dishwasher. Put the thermometer in

nearest

glass and

or

the water run continuously into the glass until the
temperature stops rising. If the water temperature is
below

adjust your water heater.

How to Use a Rinse Agent

The rinse agent makes water
quicker than usual. This lessens water spottin
and makes drying faster, too.

For best

such as

performance, use of a rinse

brand is recommended.

Rinse agents come in either
Your dishwasher uses the liquid form.

How to fill the rinse agent dispenser.
Unscrew the cap. Note the FULL

line

the top of the cap. Add

liquid rinse agent until it just
reaches the top of the FULL line.
Replace the cap. The dispenser
automatically releases the rinse
agent into the final rinse water.

off dishes

or solid form.

Full

Helpful hints:

low,

or if your water travels a long distance from water

outside temperatures are

heater to dishwasher, you may need to set your water

heater’s thermostat up.
for some time,
on the

water faucet at the sink and allow it to run

water in the pipes

have not used hot

be

Turn

until the water is hot. Then start the dishwasher, If

you’

recently done laundry or run hot water for

showers, give your water heater time to recover before

operating the dishwasher.

improve washability if the water is less than
and you cannot adjust your water heater: Select a
longer cycle

fill both detergent cups at least

full with detergent.

g

Your dishwasher’s rinse agent container holds
approximately ounces. This should last about
3 months. Fill as needed.

If you accidentally spill: Wipe up the rinse

agent with a damp

Don’t leave the

in the

dishwasher. It can keep your detergent from working,

If you can’t find any rinse agent, write:

(“JET-DRY” )
Corporate Centre
5S Federal Road

Box 1991

Danbury, CT 068 13-i991

6

How to Choose and Use the Right Detergent

Use only powder or liquid detergent specifically
made for use in dishwashers. Other types will cause

How much detergent should you use? That depends.
1s

your water “hard” or “soft”? With hard water, you
need extra detergent to get dishes clean. With soft water,
you need less detergent.

Your water department can tell you how hard your
water is.

your

extension agent or your
area’s water softener company. Just call and ask them
how many “grains” of hardness there are in your water.

Too much detergent with soft water not

it can be harmful. It

cause a permanent

wastes

Detergent Dispensers

cloudiness of glassware, called “etching.” An outside
layer of glass is etched away! Of

time.

But why take a chance when it’s easy to find out the

course, this takes some

hardness of your water.

Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Under the sink
isn’t a good place to store detergent because there is too
much moisture. Don’t put powder detergent into the
dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes, either. (It
won’t be fresh OR dry.)

If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it
away.

Old detergent often won’t dissolve. If you use a
liquid dishwasher detergent, these precautions are not
necessary because liquid detergents don’t “lump” as
they age or come in contact with moisture.

You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside

Detergent Usage Guide

SOFT WATER

I

CYCLES Main Cup
HEAVY WASH Half Full

NORMAL WASH

SHORT WASH

RINSE & HOLD

~lalns

build up in the water valve. The

is extrelncly

Half

(powder or liquid)

grains hardness)

Open Cup Main Cup

Half Full

Half Full

None Half Full

Use

no detergent Use no detergent

A water softener is recommended. Without it,

valve may stick while open and cause flooding.

Close the

NOTE:

detergent cup

closed, unlatch the

turn

When the

best that the

cup

be in a partially

before rotating the
Indicator Dial, This will help
detergent and rinse aid agent spillage

MEDIUM WATER (3-7 grains)

Open Cup

Completely
Full

Completely
Full

Half Full

Half Full

None

it has been

and

the

the

it is

the

Grasp handle,

rotate and

close

tightly

the tub.

HARD WATER (7- 12 grains*)

Main

Completely
Full

Completely Completely
Full

Completely
Full

Use no detergent

Main Cup holds

filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.

Open

Completely

Full

Full
None

tablespoons;

.

How to Prepare the Dishes for Washing

If this is your first dishwasher, or if you’re

replacing a much older model, you may wonder

much preparation your dishes need. Actually

very little. Scrape

other hard solids. Remove excessive quantities of

I

grease.

NOTE: You may also want

consider removing

foods such as mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon

juice and other foods that can cause discoloration

stainless steel if allowed to remain on dishes

a

period of time.

7

HOW TO LOAD YOUR DISHWASHER

NOTE: Do

rack. They

platters

prevent detergent

trays in

right corner

circulating in the wash cycle.

The upper rack is best for glasses, cups and
saucers. Cups and glasses fit best
This is also the place for dishwasher-safe plastics.
Make sure small plastic items are lodged in tightly so
they can’t fall onto the heating unit. Arrange stemware
so that it cannot move easily. Don’t let the glasses
touch each other.

the sides.

The upper rack is handy for

down. When

will insure good washing results.

kinds of

dishwasher safe plastics make

8

shapes. Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other items should be

each

item is secured over two

This

The lower
cookware.

should
platters, pots

or in the back. For best washing results, all items

should be positioned with the soiled side

the center of the

is best used

in

lower

items such

bowls

plates, saucers, and

broiler pans and racks

along the

the sides, in corners,

Load

the dish

Keep center area clear in the lower rack.

The wash tower rises through the center

rack during the wash and rinse portions of the cycle.

Don’t block it or load
careful not to let a portion of an item such as a pot or
dish handle extend-through the bottom rack. This
block the wash arm and cause poor washing results.

things next to it. Also, be

I

Put flatware in
to
so they don’t nest together.

lids
automat

should

silverware on

your

plastic

small

in bottom of silverware basket with

removable

Mix knives, forks

such

i f

Don’t let
item extend”
through bottom

with handles

spoons

evenly.

spoons
recommended for
i n

Precaution!

Take out anything that may

bottom of the

or extend through

I

9

WHAT YOU CAN USUALLY WASH SAFELY

IN YOUR DISHWASHER.

Material

Aluminum

Stoneware

Crystal

Non-dishwasher
items—such
as electronic
air cleaner
filters, furnace
filters, paint
brushes, etc.

Glass
Iron
Pewter
Plastics

Stainless steel

Sterling silver
and silver plate

Non-stick
coatings

Tin
Wood

Usually

Safe

YES

YES

YES

NO

YES

NO
NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO
NO Wood cart warp, crack or lose

Exceptions (not safe)

Some colored anodized
aluminum can fade.

Antique, metal-trimmed,
hand-painted or over-the-glaze
patterns fade. Gold leaf

Antique, metal-trimmed or
hand-painted patterns fade.
Gold leaf

Iron will rust.
Pewter tarnishes.

Don’t put in same silverware
basket with stainless
Contact between metals can

Don’t wash copper utensils in
the same
brown film.

Adhesive used to attach some
hollow-handle knives can loosen.

Tin can

its finish with any type of washing.

discolor.

Silver may get a

Special Instructions

Some

darkening or spotting possible.

scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
If in

one piece daily for at least a month. Compare with the
rest of the set.

Load securely to prevent movement. Check your
manufacturer’s instructions for your crystal.

Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher
and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.

If it doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one piece in
the top rack before

Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acidic foods
can stain if left on.

Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acidic foods can
stain
black spots. Place in back section of silverware basket to
avoid exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.

After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.

check with the manufacturer. Or test wash

Remove by

Forget a dish?

dishes

cycle. With other wash cycles, you

time during the RINSE & HOLD

when you can add it.

dishes

at any time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion

However, opening the door during

cycle
lessens cleaning power. So try to load everything
at the beginning.

10

Here’s how to

1.

Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.

forgotten dish:

2. Wait a few seconds until the water calms. Then
open the door.
from opened door.

3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.

4. Close the door

push the latch to the far right.

When the door is locked, washing will continue.

USER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Clean the control panel with a lightly dampened

Dry thoroughly.

sharp objects

the panel. They can damage it.

use abrasives or

the outside with a good appliance polish

wax. The outside cabinet finish is durable, but it

can scratch. So use no scouring pads, or harsh or
gritty cleaners.

Appliance Polish

Parts Centers.

The inside usually takes care of itself.

ever need cleaning, use a mild cleansing powder.
Scouring pads and harsh cleaners can mar the finish.

& Cleaner

Not Using Your Dishwasher in Winter? Protect Against Freezing.

If your dishwasher is left in an
unheated place during the winter,

ask a service technician to:

● Cut off electrical power to the

dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip
circuit breaker.

● Turn off the water supply.

● Disconnect the water inlet line

from the water

Pump

Screws

● Drain water from the inlet line

and water valve. (Use a pan to
catch the water.)

● Reconnect the water inlet

the water valve.

● Remove the plastic pump cover

in the tub bottom and use
sponge to soak up water in
the rubber boot.

(Cat. No.

it should

to

Built-in Dishwashers Often

An air gap is a plumbing device.
It protects your dishwasher against
water backing up into it if a drain

clogs. The air

the dishwasher. And you may not
even have one. Not
codes require

is not a part of

plumbing

gaps.

Use an Air Gap. Keep It Clean.

Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.

If you have an air gap, check it at
least once a month. IT IS NOT
PART OF YOUR DISHWASHER.
IT IS NOT COVERED IN YOUR

WARRANTY.

The air gap is easy to clean.

With most types, first turn

the
dishwasher, then lift off the
cover. Then unscrew the plastic

check for

buildup of grit.

A toothpick makes cleaning easy.

11

HOW TO CHANGE COLOR PANELS

are redecorating, you

or blend with your new
panel is
own choice.

different color. You may also paint

How to Change the Door Panel:

1.

Take out trim screws on either side

dishwasher door. Remove the side trim.

2.

3. Turn the door panel around

4. Replace the door panel, side trim

the door panel out.

(Careful—edges

want in front.

be sharp.)

your dishwasher’s

by flipping it over. Each side of each

the

put the color you

screws.

panel to

panel with a color of your

NOTE: Do not operate
dishwasher while changing
panels or when lower access
panel is removed.

Wood

Wood panel trim kits, contain trim and
instructions

panel

to match kitchen cabinets.

Specify the trim color of your choice from the
following options:

The kit is available for $5.00 (shipping and handling).

Make check payable to the General Electric Co.

Trim Kits

for adding a decorative wood door

lower access panel no thicker than 1/4”

(Available for both models)

If you have redecorated, and the color panels in
your dishwasher do not blend with your new
scheme you may order one additional color
without char&e.

Specify the color panel you would like from the
following options:

Order a Trim Kit or a Color Panel from:
GE Appliances
c/o
4706
Louisville. KY 40209

(For model

Manufacturing

Ave.

only)

12

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

DISHWASHER
WON’T RUN

UNUSUAL NOISE

DISHES DON’T DRY

UNCLEAN DISHES
AND FLATWARE

DETERGENT
IN DISPENSER CUPS

A fuse in your home may be blown, or the circuit breaker tripped. Replace fuse or

reset circuit

Remove any other appliances from the circuit.

Utensils may not be secure on rack pins, or something small may have dropped from
the rack. Water is causing utensils to rattle. Make sure everything is securely placed
in dishwasher.

Make sure inlet water temperature is correct. (See How to Test Water
Temperature section).

Unload the bottom rack first. Water from dishes in the top rack may be spilling into
the bottom rack.

Check for improper loading. Dishes shouldn’t nest together. Avoid overloading.
Check the rinse agent dispenser to see that it’s not empty.
Check inlet water temperature. It should be at least

(To test, see How to Test

Water Temperature section).
Water pressure may be temporarily low. Turn on a faucet. Is water coming out slower

than usual? If so, wait until pressure is normal before using your dishwasher.
Plugged air gap. (See Care and Cleaning section).
Improper rack loading. (See Loading section).

Choose another cycle to give you longer washing time.
Water may not be reaching the detergent cups. Move dishes that maybe blocking

detergent cup.
The dispenser cover may not be opening or may be blocked by improperly loaded

items. If you used a powder detergent, open the cup and remove any caked-on
detergent. If the cup still doesn’t open automatically, call for service.

DETERGENT CUP
LID WON’T LATCH
AFTER ADDING

DETERGENT

YELLOW OR
BROWN FILM

Detergent may be old. If the powder detergent is hard or caked in the box, throw it
away. The detergent may not be working

Cycle Indicator

must be OFF for cup lid to close and latch properly. If you

Try another brand.

unlatch the door and open it to dry your dishes, the Cycle Indicator Dial does
not advance by itself.

Tea or coffee can stain cups. Remove the stain by hand, using a solution of 1/2 cup
bleach and 3 cups warm water.

An overall

or brown film on dishes or glassware can be caused by iron
deposits in water. A special filter in the water supply line is the only way to correct
this problem. Your water softener company can tell you about the filter.

Yellow film on sterling silver results when you wash copper utensils in the same load.
Silver polish will usually remove this stain.

13

I

1

THE PROBLEM

(continued)

PROBLEM

SPOTS AND
FILMING ON
GLASSES AND

FLATWARE

POSSIBLE CAUSE

Spotting can be caused by

●

Extremely hard water. (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section.)

●

Low inlet water temperature. (See How to Test Water Temperature section.)

●

Overloading the dishwasher.

●

Improper loading. (See Loading section.)

●

Old or damp powder detergent.

●

Phosphate level in detergent too low. (See How to Choose and Use

these things:

Detergent section.)

●

Rinse agent dispenser empty. (See How to Use a Rinse Agent section.)

●

Too little detergent. (See How to Choose and Use Detergent section. )

Local water conditions and personal preferences vary. Try several brands of
detergents to find one that gives the best results for you. A liquid dishwasher
detergent may help reduce filming.

To remove stubborn spots and film from glassware:

1.

Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.

2. Do not add detergent.

3. Select HEAVY WASH cycle.

4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run for 18 to 22 minutes. The dishwasher will
now be in the main wash.

5. Then open the door and pour 2 cups

the dishwasher.

6. Close the door and allow to complete the cycle.

If vinegar rinse doesn’t work:

acid crystals instead of vinegar. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals. If

Repeat as above, except use 1/4

(500 ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of

cup

(60 ml)

citric

yours

doesn’t, call GE Factory Service).
Using a vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse more than twice a month? Consider a home

water softener.

CLOUDINESS ON
GLASSWARE

CHIPPING OF CHINA

14

If vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse doesn’t work, the cloudiness is “etching.”
The film cannot be removed.

It can be prevented:

Use

less detergent if you have soft water. Wash glassware in

the shortest cycle that will get them clean.
Water temperature entering dishwasher exceeds

Rough handling can cause chipping. Load with care. Make sure glassware and china
are secure and can’t jar loose. (See Loading section.) Make sure tall glasses and
stemware will clear the top of the tub when you push the rack into the dishwasher.

Always use the top rack for delicate items.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

BLACK OR GRAY
MARKS ON DISHES

SMALL AMOUNT OF
WATER STANDING
IN THE BOTTOM
OF THE TUB

WATER WON’T PUMP
OUT OF THE TUB

SUDS IN THE TUB

DISHWASHER
LEAKS

Aluminum utensils often leave marks when they rub against dishes. Remove marks

with a mild abrasive cleanser.
Water around the outlet on the tub bottom at the back of the tub is normal. It is

water. It’s there to keep the water seal lubricated.

If the entire bottom of the tub has water, you may have a drain problem. Clean the air
gap, if you have one. (See Care and Cleaning section).

Check the kitchen sink. Is it draining well? You may need a plumber,
If dishwasher drains into disposer, run disposer to clear. Be sure disposer is not

clogged.

detergents are not meant for dishwashers. USE ONLY AUTOMATIC

DISHWASHER DETERGENTS TO AVOID

To remove suds from the tub:

Open the dishwasher. Let suds evaporate. Add

1 gallon of cold water to the tub. Close and latch the dishwasher. Pump out water

by slowly turning the control dial until a drain period is reached.
Repeat if necessary.

Suds can cause unit to overflow. That’s why it’s so important to use a detergent that’s
designed for automatic dishwashers.

Spilling the rinse agent can cause foam during washing. This can lead to overflowing.
Wipe up

spill of rinse agent with a damp cloth.

MOTOR HUMS

STAINING OF
TUB INTERIOR

SOUNDS YOU
WILL HEAR

VAPOR AT

THE VENT

If you need more help. ..call,
GE Answer

800.626.2000
consumer information service

Dishwasher has not been used on a regular basis.
If you do not use your dishwasher often, set it to fill and pump out once every week.

This will help keep the
Some detergents contain colorant (pigment or dyes) that will discolor the tub

interior with extended use. Check the detergent cup for signs of any discoloration.
If cup is discolored, change to detergent without any colorant.

You’ll hear occasional clicking sounds. These are normal.

●

Soft food disposal shredding action.

●

Drain valve opening to pump water out.

●

Timer control as cycle progresses.

●

Detergent cup opening.

During the drying period:

●

The motor stops.

Water vapor comes through the vent by the door latch during drying and when
water is being pumped out.

free:

15

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

To obtain service, see the Consumer Services
the back

We’re proud of our service
pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the
service you receive, here are three 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

this guide.

want you to be

the problem.

in

NEXT, if
details—including your phone number—to:

Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

FINALLY, if your problem is

Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel
20 North

Chicago, IL 60606

you

still not pleased, write all the

not resolved, write:

Drive

16

NOTES

18

Be There

With the purchase

information or assistance from GE, we’ll be

h-Home Repair Service

A

consumer service professional will provide expert repair service, sched-

uled

a

operated locations offer you service today or tomorrow, or at your convenience

a.m. to

p.m. weekdays,
trained technicians know your appliance inside and out—so most repairs can be
handled in just

Whatever your question about any GE major appliance, GE Answer

answered promptly and courteously. And you can call any time. GE Answer

new GE appliance, receive the assurance

All you have to do is call—toll-free!

for you. Many GE Consumer Service

a.m. to

p.m. Saturdays). Our

ever need

SECT,

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,

of’charge, call 800.626.2000.

With Special Needs...

Consumers with impaired hearing or speech who have
access to a
call

Service Contracts

80&626-2224

can have [he secure feeling that GE Gonsumer Service will still be there

your warranty expires. Purchase a GE contract while your warranty is still

in eflkc[ and you’ll receive

substantial discount. With a multiple-year contract,

qualified to service their

have needed parts or accessories sent directly to

can

their home. The

47,000”
fully

are

parts... and all GE Genuine Renewal Parts are

warranted. VISA, Master(lard and Discover cards

parts system provides access to over Other servicing

appliances User maintenance instructions contained in this booklet

cover procedures intended to be performed by any user.

service

improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.

personnel. Caution must be exercised, since

be referred to qualified

YOUR GE AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER

WARRANTY

Staple sales slip or

check

here. Proof of original purchase date

is

needed to obtain service

under warrantv.

WHAT IS COVERED

WHAT IS NOT 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

because of a manufacturing defect.
FULL TEN-YEAR WARRANTY
For ten years from date of original

purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and service labor in
your home to repair or replace

or door /iner

water because of a manufacturing
defect such as cracking, chipping,
peeling or rusting.

● 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

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.

if it fails to contain

This warranty is extended to
the original purchaser and any

succeeding owner for products
purchased for ordinary home use
in the 48 mainland states, Hawaii
and Washington,
warranty is the same except that it
is LIMITED because you must pay
to ship the product to the service
shop or for the service technician’s
travel costs to your

All warranty service will be
provided by our Factory Service
Centers or by our authorized
Customer
normal working hours.

Should your appliance need

during warranty period or
beyond, call 800-GE-CARES
(800-432-2737).

● Replacement of house fuses or

resetting of circuit breakers,

● Cleaning or servicing of air gap

device in drain line.

● 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

WARRANTOR IS NOT

RESPONSIBLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

In Alaska the

servicers during

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.

Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225

This

book is printed on recycled paper.

Pub No. 49-5678

I

Warrantor: General Electric Company

If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:

Printed

in Louisville,