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Safety Instructions ............. 2,s
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning .................. 6, 7
Control Settings ....................... 4
Ice Service .............................. 5
Storage Drawers ....................... 4
Installation Instructions
Preparing to Install
the Refrigerator ...................... 8
Reversingthe Door Swing .......... 9j 12
Troubleshooting Tips ........ 1s-is
Normal Operating Sounds ........... 1:3
Consumer Support
Consumer Support .......... Back Cover
Warranty (Canada) .................. 18
Warranty (U.S.)...................... 17
GTRI OHAX
GTR12HAX
GTR12HBX
Cong@lateur sup@ieur
R frig rateurs
La section franqaise commence _ la page 19
Congelador superior
Refrigerodores
0
La secci6n en espa_ol empieza en la p_gina 37
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model #
Serial #
You can find them on a label inside
the refrigerator.
197D8071PO01 49-60568-1 IO-08JR
IMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION.
READALL INSTRUCTIONSBEFOREUSING.
WARNING!
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner's Manual.
SAFETYPRECAUTIONS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should befollowed, including the following:
This refrigerator must be properly installed
and located in accordance with the Installation
Instructions before it isused.
iiiiiiiiiiili
Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang
on the shelvesin the refrigerator.They could
damage the refrigerator and seriously injure
themselves.
Do not touch the cold surfaces inthe freezer
compartment, particularly when hands are
damp or wet. Skinmay stick to these extremely
cold surfaces.
Do not store or use gasoline orother flammable
vapors and liquids inthe vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
iiiiii;iii_
In refrigerators with automatic icemakers,
avoid contact with the moving parts of the
ejector mechanism, or with the heating element
that releasesthe cubes. Donot place fingers or
hands on the automatic icemaking mechanism
while the refrigerator isplugged in.
Keepfingers out of the "pinch point" areas;
clearances between the doors and between
the doors and cabinet are necessarily small.
Becareful closingdoors when children are
in the area.
Unplug the refrigerator beforecleaning and making
repairs.
NOTE:Westrongly recommend that anb4servicing
beperformed bg o qualified individual.
Turning the control to the COLD position does
not remove power to the light circuit.
Do not refreezefrozen foods which have
thawed completely.
Before replacing a burned-out light bulb, the
refrigerator should be unplugged in order to avoid
contact with a livewire filament. (Aburned-out light
bulb may break when beingreplaced.)
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
PROPERDISPOSAL OF THE REFRIGERATOR
Childentrapment and suffocation are not problems
of the past.Junked or abandoned refrigerators are
still dangerous...evenif they will sit for "just a few
days." If you are getting ridof your old refrigerator,
pleasefollow the instructions below to help prevent
accidents.
Before You Throw Away Your Old
Refrigerator or Freezer:
Takeoff the doors.
Leavethe shelves in place sothat children may not
easily climb inside.
Refrigerants
Allrefrigeration products contain refrigerants,
which must beremoved prior to product disposal.
If you are getting rid of an old refrigeration product,
check with the company handling the disposal about
what to do.
USEOF EXTENSIONCORDS
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the
use of an extension cord.
However,if you must usean extension cord, it isabsolutely necessarythat it bea UL-listed(inthe United States)
or aCSA-listed(inCanada),5-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and
2
outlet and that the electricalrating of the cord be15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.
WARNING!
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY
Do not, under ong circumstonces, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord.
For personol sofetg, this opplionce must be properlg grounded.
ge.col_
Thepower cord ofthis appliance isequipped
with a 3-prong (grounding)plug which mates
with a standard 3-prong (grounding)wall outlet
to minimizethe possibility of electric shock hazard
from thisappliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by
a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet
isproperly grounded.
Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet isencountered,
it is your personal responsibility and obligation to
have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong
wall outlet.
Therefrigerator should always be plugged into its
own individual electricaloutlet which has a voltage
rating that matches the rating plate.
Thisprovides the best performance and also prevents
overloading house wiring circuits which could cause
a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your refrigerator by pulling on the
power cord.Always grip plug firmly and pullstraight
out from the outlet.
Repairor replace immediately all power cordsthat
have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not
usea cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either end.
When moving the refrigerator away from the wall,
be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.
READAND FOLLOWTHISSAFETYINFORMATIONCAREFULLY.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS
About the controlon the refrigerator.
Adjust Freezer Temperature
There is a temperature control in the fresh food compartment
Coldest Cold
Cold Coldest
Adjust Refrigerator
Temperature
Control Settings
as well as the freezer compartment. Initially set the control
to the mid point in the fresh food and freezer compartments.
Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize.
Adjust the fresh food control one increment
at a time.Allow 12hours after each adjustment
for the refrigerator to reach the temperature you
have set.
Adjust the freezer control by sliding approximately
1/4 the distance each time. Allow 12hours after each
adjustment for the freezerto reach the temperature
you have set.
About the storage drawers.
Fruit and Vegetable Drawers
Thesestorage drawers provide space to store fruits,
vegetables and meats.
After each adjustment, check both the freezer
and the freshfood compartments. Changing the fresh
food control will affect the temperature of the freezer
compartment. Likewise,changing the freezer control
can affect the temperature of the fresh food
compartment.
Control settings will vary basedon personal
preferences,usage and operating conditions
and may require more than one adjustment.
Factors that affect temperature includethe amount
of food in the fresh food and freezer compartments,
frequency of door opening,and temperature of food
when placed in either compartment.
Toreplacethe drawersand the cover above them,
the door must be fully opened. Insome installations,
the refrigerator may have to be moved away from
the wall for the doorto be fully opened.
4
About ice service, ge.com
Ice Trays
Toreleaseice cubes, turn the tray upside
down, hold it over a container and twist
both ends.
Foronly oneor two icecubes, leavethe tray
right-side up, twist both ends slightly and
remove as many cubes as you want.
Wash ice trays in lukewarm water only-
do not put them in an automatic dishwasher.
Icemaker Accessory Kit (ModelGTR22HBXOnly)
An icemaker accessory kit isavailable
from your dealer. Check the back of the
refrigerator for the specific icemaker kit
needed for your model.
Water Supply Kits (HodelGTR12HBXOnlg)
Kits containing copper tubing, shutoffvalve,
fittings and instructions needed to connect
the icemaker to your cold water line are
available at extra cost from your dealer
or from Partsand Accessories.Inthe U.S.,
call 800.626.2002.
Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.
Cleaning the Outside
Keepthe outside clean. Wipe with a clean
cloth lightly dampened with mild liquid dish
detergent. Dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Donot wipe the refrigerator with asoileddish
cloth or wet towel. Thesema_jleave a residue
that con erodethe paint. Donot use scouring
pads, powdered cleaners,bleachor cleaners
containing bleach becausetheseproducts
con scratch and weaken the point finish.
Protect the paint finish. The finish on the
outside of the refrigerator is a high quality,
baked-on paint finish.With proper care,
it will stay new-looking and rustfree for
years.Apply a coat of kitchen/appliance
wax when the refrigerator is new, and then
at leasttwice a year.
Cleaning the Inside
Tohelp prevent odors, leavean open box
of baking soda in the fresh food and freezer
compartments.
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.
If this isnot practical,wring excess moisture
out of spongeor cloth when cleaning around
switches, lights or controls.
Usewarm water and baking soda solution-
about a tablespoon (15 ml)of baking sodato
a quart (1 liter)of water.This both cleans and
neutralizesodors. Rinseand wipe dry.
Other parts of the refrigerator-including door
gaskets,fruit and vegetable drawers, and all
plastic parts-can be cleanedthe sameway.
After cleaning the door gaskets,apply a thin
layer of petroleumjelly to the door gaskets
at the hinge side.This helps keepthe gaskets
from sticking and bending out of shape.Do
not usecleansing powders or other abrasive
cleaners.
Behind the Refrigerator
Donot wash anblplastic refrigerator parts
in the dishwasher.
Avoid cleaningcoldglass shelves
(onsome models)with hot water because
the extremetemperature differencemabl
causethem to break. Handle glassshelves
carefullbl.Bumping tempered glasscon cause
it to shatter.
Oncea year,move the refrigerator out
and vacuum the back coils. Becareful when
moving the refrigerator away from the wall.
Alltypes of floor coverings can bedamaged,
particularly cushioned coverings andthose
with embossed surfaces.
6
Pullthe refrigerator straight out and return
it to position by pushing it straight in.
Movingthe refrigerator in a sidedirection
may resultin damage to the floor covering
or refrigerator.
Whenpushing the refrigerator back, make
sureyou don't roll over thepower cord.
Replacing the Light Bulb
ge.com
Moving the control to COLDdoes not remove
power to thelight circuit.
Thebulb is located behind the shield
_'::_::! !!!! !! ::/Screw
in the back wall.
"_; : _-_ _' Hoe
_1 Unplug the refrigerator.
Removethe shelves (if necessarg).
_ _ I 0 Removethe screw.
,_ I_ Gentlg remove the light shield bg
inserting a flat head screwdriver
_Bulb into the slot at the top of the shield
/) and pop it off.
/
10'RefrigeratorLightLocation
Replace the bulb with an appliance
bulb of the same or lower wattage.
Insert the tab at the bottom of the light
shield into the light bulb housing and
snap into place.
01 Replace the screw.
Replace the shelves if removed.
Plug in the refrigerator.
', /
<._$j
Cover
12'RefrigeratorLightLocation
Preparing for Vacation
Forlong vacations or absences,remove food
and unplug the refrigerator. Cleanthe interior
with a baking soda solution of one
tablespoon (15ml)of baking soda to one
quart (1liter)of water. Leavethe doors open.
Preparing to Move
Secureall looseitems such as shelvesand
drawers bg taping them securelgin place
to prevent damage.
Be sure the refrigerator stags in an upright
position during moving.
Installation
Refrigerator
Instructions
I Ifgou have questions, call :Z.8OO.GE.CARES or visit our Website at:ge.com I
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Readthese instructions completely and carefully.
CLEARANCES
Free-standinginstallation onlg.
Models GTR:ZOHAX,
GTR12HAX
GTR12HBX
•IMPORTANT--Savetheseinstructionsfor
local inspector's use.
LEVELING LEGS
•IMPORTANT- Observeallgoverning codes
and ordinances.
• Note to Installer - Besure to leave these
instructions with the Consumer.
• Note to Consumer - Keepthese instructions
for future reference.
• Skilllevel- Installation of this appliance requiresbasic
mechanical skills.
• Completion time - RefrigeratorInstallation
15 minutes
Reversingthe Door Swing
1 hour
• Proper installation isthe responsibilitg of the installer.
• Product failure due to improper installation is not covered
under the Warrantg.
Adjustable legs at the front corners of the refrigerator
should be set so the refrigerator isfirmlg positioned
on the floor, and the front israisedjust enough that
the door closeseasilg when opened about halfwag.
Toadjust the leveling legs,turn the legsclockwise
to raise the refrigerator, counterclockwise to lower it.
Toraisetherefrigerator
REFRIGERATOR LOCATION
• Do not installthe refrigerator where the temperature will
go below 55°F(13°C)because it will not run often enough
to maintain propertemperatures.
• Install it on a floor strong enough to support itfullg
loaded.
• Do not install it closerthan 5" (13cm) next to a range.
Installation Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING
IMPORTANT NOTES
When reversing the door swing:
• Readthe instructions all the wag through before starting.
• Handle partscarefullg to avoid scratching paint.
• Setscrews down bgtheir related parts to avoid using
them inthe wrong places.
• Providea non-scratching work surfacefor the doors.
IMPORTANT:Once gou begin,do not movethe cabinet
until door-swing reversaliscompleted.
Theseinstructions are for changing the hinges from the
right sideto the left side-if gou everwant to change the
hinges back to the right side,follow these same instructions
and reverseall referencesto left and right.
Unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet.
Empty all door shelves.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
m REMOVE THE FREEZER DOOR
Removethe hinge cover screws (some models have
lock washers with each screw),top hinge and shim.
Setthe door on a non-scratching surface with
the outside up.
NOTE:When removing the door,watch for washer(s)
between the center hinge and the bottom of the
freezer door that mag stick to the door.Donot lose.
_a,CAUTION: Donotletdoordrop
to the floor.To do so could damage the door stop.
5/16" Socketdriver
Phillipsscrewdriver
Maskingtape
Puttyknifeor
thin-bladescrewdriver
Installation Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING {CONT.)
[] REMOVE THE FRESH FOOD DOOR
Tape the door shut with masking tape.
Removethe center hingeand shim by removing
the screws (some models have lock washers with
each screw).Lift up the hinge to remove it.
NOTE:Some models have a washer between
the center hingeand the top of the fresh food door.
Do not lose.
®
Removethe tape holding the door shut.
Lift the fresh food door up and off the bottom hinge.
Setthe door outside-up on a non-scratching surface.
NOTE:When removing the door,watch for washer(s)
between the bottom hinge and the bottom of the fresh
food door that may stick to the door.Do not lose.
®
®
[] TRANSFER TOP HINGE TO
THE LEFT
Usinga putty knifewith the edge coveredwith
masking tape, removethe plug buttons. Becareful
of the paint finish.
Reinstallthe plug button on the right sideby inserting
it into the holes vacated by the top hinge screws.
Reassemblethe top hinge and shim on the left side,
turning the screwsjust enough to hold the hinge
in place.
CAUTION:oonotletdoordrop
to the floor.To do socould damage the door stop.
10
Installation Instructions
I-_ TRANSFER BOTTOM HINGE
TO THE LEFT
To accessthe bottom hinge,move the refrigerator
so it is30" from a wall. Then carefullg tip the
refrigerator back until it rests against the wall.
CAUTION: Sesurethatthecoils
on the back of the refrigerator do not rest against
the wall. Doing socould damage the coils.
I
|
I
|
30 rt
Removethe screws (some models hove washers
with each screw),levelingleg and bottom hinge from
the right side.Removethe levelingleg from the leftside
of the cabinet and install itin the right side.
Reassemblethe bottom hinge on the left side.
NOTE: The leveling legs are not interchangeable.
i-6-1REHANG THE FRESHFOOD DOOR
Makesurethe washer(s)ore in place on the bottom
hinge pin. Placethe fresh food door onthe bottom
hinge,close the door and tope it in place with
masking tope.
Removethe plug button from the leftedge of the door
and insert it into the hole on the opposite side.
Plugiut_
m INSTALL CENTER HINGE
ON THE LEFT
Removethe three plug buttons on the left side
and install them on the right.
151TRANSFER FRESH FOOD DOOR STOP
TO THE LEFT
Removethe door stopfrom the bottom of the right
sideof the door.Transferthe plug buttons from
the bottom left sideto the right side.
Installthe doorstop on the left side.
Installthe center hinge designedfor the left side
that comewith the refrigerator,with the screws, spacer
and washer(s)(on some models)that you removed
in Step 2.
®
®
Removethe tope holdingthe door shut.
CAUTION: When assembled correctly,
the hinge istight against the cabinet.
ATTENTION:The screws must be properlg tightened.
Turnthe screws until snug.Thentighten the screws
a minimum of 1/2 turn usingboth hands.
11
Installation Instructions
REVERSING THE DOOR SWING {CONT.)
[]
TRANSFER FREEZER DOOR STOP
TO THE LEFT
Removethe door stopfrom the bottom of the right
sideof the door.Trunsferthe plug buttons from
the bottom left sideto the right side.
Installthe doorstop on the left side.
[] REHANG THE FREEZER DOOR
ALIGN THE DOORS
Alignthe freezer door with the fresh food door sothGt
the gop between the doors iseven.
Tighten the top hingescrews bg turning them until
snug.Thenturn the screws o minimum of 1/2 turn
using both hGnds.
Plocethe freezer door on the center hinge over
the pin.
Roisethe top hinge bg hond ond insert the top
hinge pin into the hole in the door.Then swing
the door shut.
Tronsfer the plug button on top of the door
to the opposite side.
Plugbutton
Instollthe hinge cover overthe top hinge.
12
Normal operating sounds.
Newer refrigerotors sound different from older refrigerotors. Modern refrigerotors
hove more feotures ond use newer technologg.
Do gou hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.
ge.com
HUMMM...
--WHOOSH...
The new high-efficiency compressor mog run foster
ond longer thon gour old refrigerotor, ond gou mog
heor o high-pitched hum or pulsoting sound while
it is operoting.
Youmog heor o whooshing sound when the doors close.
Thisisdue to pressureequolizing within the refrigerotor.
CLICKS, POPS,
CRACKS and CHIRPS
You moy heor crocking or popping sounds when
the refrigerotor is first plugged in. This hoppens •
os the refrigerotor cools to the correct temperoture.
The compressor moy couse o clicking or chirping •
sound when ottempting to restort (this could toke
up to 5 minutes).
Exponsion ond controction of cooling coils during ond •
ofter defrost con couse o crocking or popping sound.
On models with on icemoker, ofter on icemoking cgcle,
gou mag hear the ice cubes dropping into the ice •
bucket.
WHIR./
• You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds.
This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in,
when the doors are opened frequentlg or when a large
omount of food is odded to the refrigerotor or freezer
comportments. The fons ore helping to mointoin
the correct temperotures.
WATERSOUNDS
6
The flow of refrigeront through the freezer cooling coils
mog moke o gurgling noise like boiling woter.
Woter dropping on the defrost heoter con couse o
sizzling, popping or buzzing sound during the defrost
cgcle.
A water dripping noise mag occur during the defrost
cgcle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into
the drain pan.
Closing the door mag cause a gurgling sound due
to pressure equalization.
13
Before you call for service...
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following
pages first and you may not need to call for service.
Possible Causes
Refrigerator indefrost cycle.
Refrigerator is unplugged.
Thefuse is blown/circuit
breaker istripped.
Front leveling legs need * SeeLevelingLegs.
(slightvibration adjusting.
isnormal)
Normal when refrigerator • Wait 24 hoursfor the refrigerator to completely
is first plugged in. cool down.
cgcles on and off Often occurs when large * Thisis normal.
frequentlg. (Modern amounts of food are
refrigerators with
more storagespace placed in refrigerator.
and a larger freezer Door left open. •Check to see if package is holding door open.
operating time. They Hot weather or frequent * Thisis normal.
start and stop often dooropenings.
to maintain even Temperature control • SeeAbout the control.
temperatures.) set at the coldestsetting.
Fresh food or freezer Temperature control not * SeeAbout the control.
compartment too warm set cold enough.
Warm weather or frequent • Set the temperature control one step colder.
door openings. SeeAbout the control.
Door left open. • Checkto see ifpackage is holding door open.
What To Do
• Wait about ]0 minutes for defrost cycle to end.
• Pushthe plug completely into the outlet.
• Replacefuse or resetthe breaker.
Frost or ice crystals Door left open. • Checkto see ifpackage is holding door open.
on frozen food
(frostwithin package Toofrequent or too long
isnormal) dooropenings.
Ice cubeshave Foodtransmitting odor/taste • Wrap foods well.
odor/taste to ice cubes.
Interior of refrigerator • SeeCoreand cleaning.
needs cleaning.
Slowicecubefreezing Door left open. • Check to see ifpackage is holding door open.
Temperature control not • SeeAbout the control.
set cold enough.
14
Possible Causes What To Do
Refrigerator has odor Foodstransmitting odor • Foodswith strong odors should be tightlg wrapped.
to refrigerator. * Keepan open box of baking soda in the refrigerator;
replaceevery three months.
Interior needs cleaning. ° SeeCareand cleaning.
Moisture forms on Not unusual during periods ° Wipe surface dry.
outside of refrigerator of high humiditg.
ge.com
Moisture collects inside
(inhumid weather, air
Toofrequent or too long
door openings.
carries moisture into
refrigerator when doors
are opened}
Interiorlight does No power at outlet. ° Replacefuse or reset the breaker.
not work
Light bulb burned out. ° SeeReplacingthelight bulb.
Foodis freezing Foodtoo close to the air vent • Hove the food awag from the air vent.
in the refrigerator at the back of the refrigerator.
Refrigerator control isset
too cold.
° Movethe refrigerator control to a warmer temperature
setting one increment at a time.
15
Notes.
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Refrigerator Warranty. IFor intheUnitedStates)
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers,
or on authorized Customer Core®technician. To schedule service
on-line, visit us at ge.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737).
Please have serial number and model number available when
calling for service.
Staple Four receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase
date is needed to obtain service
under the warrant F.
GEWi,R plo "
one year Any part ofthe refrigerator which failsdue to a defect in materials or workmanship.
Fromthe doteof During thislimited one-gear warranty, GEwill also provide,free of charge, all labor and
theorigindpurchase related serviceto replace the defective part.
Service trips to gour home to teach gou how to use
the product.
installation, deliverg or maintenance.
Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for
other than the intended purpose or used commerciallg.
Loss of food due to spoilage.
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
breakers.
Damage causedafter deliverg.
Replacement of the water filter cartridge, if included, due
to water pressure that isoutside the specified operating
range or due to excessive sediment in the water supplg.
Replacementof the light bulbs, if included, or water filter
cartridge, if included, other than as noted above.
Damage to the product caused bg accident, fire, floods
or acts of God.
Incidental or consequential damage caused bg possible
defects with thisappliance.
Product not accessible to provide required service.
EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES--Your sole and exclusive remedy is product repair as provided in
this Limited Warranty. Ang implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one gear or the shortest period allowed bg law.
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased
for home use within the USA. If the product is located in on area where service by a GE Authorized Servicer
is not available, you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the product to on
Authorized GE Service location for service. In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service coils
to your home.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. 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 ore, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state's Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Compang. Louisville, KV 40225
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