GE HDA400 Use and Care Manual

the best from

‘owtogetYour

Dkhwmher

Contents

Air Gap
Appliance Registration

Care and Cleaning
China, Crystal, Sterling

Consumer Services
Cycle Features

Detergent, Detergent Guide 6, 7
Dispenser Cups

Energy-Saving Tips
Front Panel Color Change

Loading
Model and Serial Numbers

Operating Guide 4,5

Cycle Selection
Drying Options

Plate Warmer 4,5

11

11

10

19

4,5

12

8,9

4,5

13-15

7

Use and Care of

6
3

btit-h

model

DA400

6

11

Soil Level

2

7
2

2

5

Problem Solver
Rinse Agent

Safety Instructions
User Maintenance Instructions 11

Warranty
Water Temperature

Winter Storage

GE Answer

800.626.2000

Center@

Back Cover

~LP

US

mLP

YOU...

Before using your
dishwasher, read this
guide carefully.

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

Keep it handy for answers to
your questions.

If you don’t understand something
or-need more help, write
your phone number):

Consumer Affairs

Hotpoint

Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

(include-

~

If you received Write down the model
a damaged dishwasher...

Immediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you the
dishwasher.

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

Check the Problem Solver in the
back of this
of minor ope;ating problems that
you can correct yourself.

guide.

It lists causes

and serial numbers.

You’ll find them on a label
fastened to the tub wall 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
calls concerning your dishwasher.

YOU NEED SERVICE...

To obtain service, see the Consumer
Services page in the back of this guide.

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 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 solve the problem.

NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write all
the details—including your phone number—to:

Manager, Consumer Relations

Hotpoint

Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

FINALLY, if your problem is still not resolved, write:

Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel
20 North
Chicago, IL 60606

Wacker

Drive

ENERGY-SAV~G TWS

● Operate dishwasher only when it’s full. Let the

dishes accumulate in dishwasher. When you put in

only

a partial load, use the RINSE & HOLD cycle to saver drying feature) that turns the drying
rinse off heavy soils. Be sure to latch the door when
waiting for a full load. This helps keep soils moist,
easier to remove.

● If you don’t need your dishes right away, use

your DRYING HEAT OFF option (energy
heater off automatically. Dishes dry naturally

over a longer period such as overnight.

● Always select the cycle that uses the least amount

of water that will remove the soil from the load.
(See the Operating section).

2

WARNING—When using this

appliance, always exercise basic

A

safety precautions, including the
following:

●

Use

this appliance only for its intended

purpose, as you will find described in this

Use

and Care Guide.

●

This dishwasher must be properly

‘Q “; ~

+.? ~~~

0

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 contacting the
service location nearest you.

—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

1

*

&

in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

●

Use only powder or liquid detergents or wetting

materials, gasoline or other

flammable vapors and

liquids

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

Calrod@

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 tamper with controls,

●

Do not touch the

Calrod@

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.

Vlubc

>upGl

v

l>lU1l

lb

Ilcucs>al

y

11 1111s dpplldllvc

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 all warnings on container labels
to avoid personal injury.

●

To minimize the possibility of

/“

y%

/“

before

attempting any

Turning the

does

n~t

electric shock, disconnect this
appliance from the power supply

maintenance. NOTE:

~ont~ol

dial to the OFF position

disconnect the appliance

f~om

the

power supply. We recommend having a qualified

technician service your appliance.

WARNING—HYDROGEN GAS

is produced by the chemical action

A

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

andor

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

3

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR DISHWASHER

STEP 1.

Load your dishwasher with dishes, silverware,

pots, pans, bowls, etc., according to the Loading section.
STEP 2. Add detergent to the detergent dispenser.

Make sure the Cycle Indicator Dial is at OFF position
before adding detergent. (See Detergent Guide).

Use rinse aid agent to help prevent spotting. Occasionally
check to insure that rinse agent container is at least half

full.

(See How to Use a Rinse Agent section).

STEP 3.
DRYING HEAT ON.

Select

drying option.

Turns the

DRYING

ON

H~:

drying heater on for fast drying.

DRYING HEAT OFF.

Turns the

drying heater off to save energy.

m

.“ergy sav.roptlons

The dishes will dry naturally over
a longer period such as overnight.

If you need your dishes sooner, open
the dishwasher door after the

cvcle

,

is

complete to reduce the natural drying time.
Use of this option reduces the electrical energy

used by this

model

approximately

10Yo

for the

NORMAL WASH cycle.

STEP 4.

Select the wash

cycle

and start the dishwasher.

(See Cycle Selection Hints).
If your dishwasher drains into a food waste disposer,

operate the disposer until it is empty before starting
the dishwasher.

To obtain the benefits of a complete cycle,
be careful that you

farther than necessary

do not turn the dial any

to start the dishwasher.

●

For POTS & PANS and NORMAL WASH cycles:

a. Push selected cycle button.
b. Latch the door.
c. Slowly turn the Cycle

m

Indicator Dial to ON
position to start the
cycle. You will hear
the motor start. There
is a time delay between
the start-up and the water

fill

so you will not hear any

WAIER

SAVER

ON

.

DFF

● ●

~qing

●

@

washing

● ;!::O

,.””, -,m,

. PUIEWARMER <~”T-”.10.,

wash action right away.

●

For WATER SAVER cycle:

a. Be sure door is unlatched.
b. Slowly turn the Cycle

Indicator

Dial

to the

WATER SAVER position.

c.

Latch door to start the cycle.

● For RINSE & HOLD cycle:

Be sure door is unlatched.

a.

Select DRYING HEAT

b,

OFF drying option.

c.

Slowly

turn the Cycle
Indicator Dial to the
RINSE & HOLD position.

Latch the door to start the cycle.

d.

“

For PLATE WARMER cycle:

a. Load clean

~lates

and dishes

to be warm;d.

b. Select DRYING HEAT ON :

drying option.

c. Leave the door unlatched.

d. Slowly turn the Cycle

WATE

SAVE

ON .

FF ●

O

dvlng

~j~:

●

9
9

n9

washi”g

.;~::o

,Wws.

.

PUIEWAaMERtO”..

washing

. RINSE

●

&HOU
!Mmwrm,

. PLAIEW&RMER (o”,$.”., m,

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●

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g

‘

I

washl”g

.J~g:~

,W,-.,,

9

. PLkTEWARMER,n”,W WAI.8

o”,

Indicator Dial clockwise
to the PLATE WARMER position.

e. Latch the door to start the cycle.

w

4

—

Cycle Selection Hints

It is important to follow the Loading instructions.

● POTS & PANS—For items such as pots, pans

cookware, dishes and glasses with heavy soil.
Everyday dishes may be included.

● NORMAL WASH—For

glasses and cookware with medium soils. Designed
to yield high performance on normal soils.

loads

of everyday dishes,

What Happens in Each Cycle

●

You’11 hear occasional clicking sounds:
—Soft food disposer shredding action.
—Drain valve opening to pump water out.
—Timer control as cycle progresses.
—Detergent cup opening.

Wash Cycle

Time

Minutes

POTS & PANS

NORMAL WASH

WATER SAVER

RINSE & HOLD

1 I .4

I

1.4

8.2

3.1

(approx.)

97

82

72

1

mmmmmmm

mmmmmmm

13

● WATER SAVER—For dishes with light

have not dried on, or that have extra preparation
before loading. It saves water and energy.

● RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing partial loads which

will be washed

● PLATE WARMER—For warming clean dishes

and serving plates for the serving of hot food.

● 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.

Cycle Sequence

later. Do not u.~’e detergetzt.

soils

that

mmmmm

mm

——

Drying Options:

DRYING HEAT ON. Available on
DRYING HEAT OFF. Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally,

Good

To get your dishes clean
temperature, your dishwasher automatically heats the water in the wash cycle. For good washing
and drying, the entering water must be at

Dishwashing

all wash

cycles except RINSE & HOLD. Add 25 minutes to wash cycle time.

Starts with HOT Water

and

dry, you need hot water. To help you get water of the proper

120°F.

To prevent dish damage, the inlet water should not exceed

150°F,

5

——

How to Test Water Temperature

Higher water temperature is needed to dissolve grease
and activate powder detergents. Check water temperature
with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on the hot water
faucet nearest dishwasher. Put the thermometer in a glass
and let the water run continuously into the glass
temperature stops rising. If the water temperature is
below

1200F.,

adjust your water heater.

Helpful hints:

or if your water travels a long distance from water heater
to dishwasher, you

If outside temperatures are unusually low,

may

need to set your water heater’s

until

the

How to Use a Rinse Agent

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

For best
agent such as JET-DRY brand is recommended.

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

How to fill rinse agent dispenser.

Unscrew the cap. Add liquid rinse agent
until it just reaches the bottom of the lip
inside the dispenser opening. Replace the
cap. The dispenser automatically releases
the rinse agent into the

dishwashing

performance, use of a rinse If you can’t find any rinse agent, write:

final

flow

off dishes quicker

rinse water.

solid

form.

II* I ,Im!llllml

““F’

Y

J i

I

i

\

FULL

thermostat up. If you have not used hot water for some
time, the water in the pipes
water faucet at sink and
Then start dishwasher. If you’ve recently done laundry or
run hot water for showers, give your water heater time to
recover before operating the dishwasher.

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

cycle

and fill both detergent cups at least

half-full with detergent.

If you accidentally spill: Wipe up the rinse

agent with
dishwasher. [t can keep your detergent from working.

BENCKISER CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.

(“JET-DRY”)
Corporate Centre 1
55 Federal Road
P. O. Box
Danbury, CT 06813-1991

a damp cloth.

1991

will

be cold. Turn on the hot

allow

it to run until water is hot.

120°F.

Don’t leave the spill in the

How to Choose and Use the Right Detergent

First, use only powder or liquid detergent

specifically made for use in dishwashers.

Other types will cause
Second, check the phosphate content. Phosphate

helps prevent hard-water materials from forming
spots or film on your dishes. If your water is hard

(7 grains or more), your detergent has to work
harder. Detergents with a higher phosphate

will probably work better. If the phosphate content is

low

(8.77.

or less),

with hard water.

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

area’s water softener company. Just call and ask them
how many “grains”

can your county extension agent or your

oversudsing.

you’ll

have to use extra detergent

of hardness there

tire

level

in your water.

6

How much detergent should you use? That
depends. Is your water
hard water, you need extra detergent to get dishes
clean. With soft water, you need less detergent.

Too much detergent with
money, it can be harmful. It can cause a permanent
cloudiness of glassware,
layer of glass is etched away! Of course, this takes
some time. But why take a chance when it’s easy
to find out the hardness of your water.

Keep your detergent fresh and dry.

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. (It won’t be

fresh OR dry).

If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it

away.

Old detergent often won’t dissolve. Jf 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.

“hard” or “soft”? With

soft

water not only wastes

called

“etching.” An outside

Under the sink

You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside
door of your dishwasher. Two, because some cycles
use two washes.

Close the main cup,

befo;e rotat;ng-the

Indicator Dial. This will help
reduce the amount of detergent
and rinse aid agent spillage into the tub.

Detergent Usage Guide

SO~

(O-3 grains hardness)
CYCLES
POTS & PANS

NORMAL WASH
WATER SAVER Half Full

RINSE & HOLD

*12

grains and

lime can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding. Filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.

up is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without it,

I

Main Cup I Open Cup I Main Cup

Half Full

(powder or liquid)

WATER

~

Half Full

None

Use no detergent Use no detergent

MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(3-7 grains)

I

Open Cup ] Main

Completely

Full Full

Half Full

~

Half Full

None

‘Cycle

$Filled

GRASP HANDLE,
ROTATE AND
CLOSE TIGHTLY

(7-12 grains*)

Cup$ I

Open

~

Completely

Completely
Full

Use no detergent

Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons;

Completely

Cup~

Full
None

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 how much
preparation your dishes need. Actually very little.

Prerinsing

With common sense and a little practice you’ll soon
know what foods to remove. Here are some guidelines:

1. Scrape off bones, seeds, skins, toothpicks and other

hard solids. It is also best to remove hard-shelled

vegetables, meat trimmings, leafy vegetables and

crusts. Remove excessive quantities of oil or grease.

2. Remove large quantities of any food. Your

dishwasher has a built-in soft food disposer that
pulverizes soft food bits and flushes them away.
It can handle small amounts of soft foods, but
large amounts will be difficult to handle.

of normal food soils is not necessary.

3. Try to remove food scraps and place dishes in
dishwasher before soil has a chance to dry and
become hard. Dishes with dried-on soil are

difficult to wash and may not come clean in the
POTS & PANS cycle. Remember to use your

RINSE & HOLD cycle for small “holding” loads.

NOTE: The foods mentioned are examples only.
Other

foods not mentioned may also need to be
removed from your dishes. You may also want to
consider removing foods such as mustard, mayonnaise,
vinegar, lemon juice and other foods that can cause
discoloration of stainless steel if allowed to remain
on dishes for a long period of time.

When using the POTS & PANS
is required before loading. The POTS & PANS cycle can
wash heavily soiled dishes and remove dried-on and
baked-on soils from pots, pans and casseroles, Items with
burned-on soils may not come clean, and the dishwasher

cannot remove bum marks or restore fading caused by
overheating during cooking.

cycle,

less preparation

more

7

HOW TO LOAD YOUR

DISHWAS~R

This is a random mixed load, the most common type

you will have.

Make sure dishes are properly loaded to insure that
water can reach the soiled surfaces. The wash arm
in the bottom sprays water up. The tower that rises
in the center sends water out over the dishes to wash
the items in the upper rack. A spray arm in the top
washes down also. Make sure to place tall items to
the outside so the upper wash arm is not blocked.

HOW TO LOAD T

WATCH OUT FOR THIS.

The wash tower rises through the center of the bottom
rack during the wash and rinse portions of the
Don’t block it or load tall things next to it. Also, be
careful not to let a portion of an item such as a pot or
dish handle extend through the bottom rack. This could
block the

‘m

wash

arm and cause poor washing results.

TOP RACK

cycle.

Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other
be placed face down in the top rack. The top rack is
handy for all kinds of odd shapes. Be sure the force
of water and detergent can reach soiled surfaces.

smalll

items may

8

The top rack is best for glasses, cups and saucers.
Cups and glasses fit best along the sides. This is the
place for dishwasher-safe plastics, too. Make sure

small plastic items are
fall onto the
stemware so that they cannot move easily. Don’t
let the glasses touch each other.

Calrod@

lodged

in tightly so they can’t

heating element. Arrange

1

Pots, pans, casseroles,
lids must be loaded in the bottom rack,

Fit

plates

and saucers between the pins. Place items
so that water
soiled surfaces.

and

salad

bowls, mixing bowls and

detergent from wash

facing

arm can

down.

reach

Load platters, pots, pans and bowls along the sides, in
corners or in
salad

howls

lower rack.

the ba~k. All large

and mixing bowls, should be washed in the

items, such as pitchers,

(

\,

:

“

Heavily soiled pots, pans
in

the

racks

bottom

along

rack, facing

the

edge.

;ind

casseroles MUST be loaded

down. Prop broiler

puns

and

Don’t let any
item extend
through bottom.

—

Put flatware in the removable

.

A

01

to protect your
so they
plastic items, such

small
dishwashing. [f placed

in the bottom 01. silverware basket with silverware on top.

Precaution!

Take out anything
bottom

c~ln’t

containers

of the

hands.

Mix knives,

nest together, Distribute evenly. Small

us

measuring spoons and

are

not recommended

in the dishwasher, they should

tha[ may t’alt

basket.

busket

with handles up

forks and

or extend through the

spoons

lids from

for

automatic

go

9

WHAT YOU CAN USUALLY WASH SAFELY

IN YOUR

Subhead that goes all the way across

Usually

Material

Aluminum

Chinti

Stoneware

Crystal

No[l-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

co~tings

Tin
Wood

Safe

YES

YES

YES Antique, metal-trimmed or

NO

YES

NO
NO Pewter tarnishes.

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

Exceptions (not safe) Special Instructions

Some colored anodized
aluminum can

Antique, metal-trimmed,
hand-painted or over-the-glaze

p~tterns

will discolor.

hand-painted patterns fade.
Gold leaf will discolor.

Milk

glass

Iron will rust.

Don’t put in same silverware

basket with stainless steel.
Contact between metals can
damage silver.

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

Adhesive

hollow-handle knives can loosen.

Tin can rust.
Wood can warp, crack or lose

its finish with any type of washing.

fade.

fade. Gold leaf

may yellow.

load,

Silver may get a

used to attach some

DIS~ASHER.

Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.

If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. Or test wash
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

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 acid foods
can stain if left on.

Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acid foods can
stain if left on. Dry detergent can cause difficult-to-remove
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.

in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher

dishwashing an entire set.

Forget a dish? Here’s when you can add it.

Add dishes
cycle. With other wash cycles, you can

at any
of

the cycle.

However, opening the door during any cycle lessens
cleaning power. So try to load everything at the
beginning.

any

time during the RINSE & HOLD

add

dishes

time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion

10

Here’s how to add a forgotten dish:

1.

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

2. Wait a few seconds until the water calms. Then
open the door. WARNING: Hot vapor may rise
from opened door.

3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.

4. Close the door and 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

cloth.

Dry thoroughly. Do not use abrasives or

sharp objects on the

Clean 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

panel.

They can damage it.

Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner (Cat. No.

WR97X02 16) is available from GE Appliance

Parts Marts.
The inside usually takes care of itself. If it should

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

gritty cleaners.

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:

Q

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 valve.

PUMP COVER SCREWS

● Drain water from the

and water valve. (Use a pan to

catch the water. )

● Reconnect the water inlet line to

the water valve.

● Remove the plastic pump cover

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

Built-in Dishwashers Often Use an Air Gap. Keep It Clean.

inlet

line

An air gap is a plumbing device.

It protects your dishwasher against
water backing up into it if a drain
clogs. The air gap is not a part of
the dishwasher. And you may not
even have one. Not

all

plumbing

codes require air gaps.

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

TWO

TYPES

OF A!

tiA~~

i

If you have an air gap, check it at

I

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 off the
dishwasher, then lift off the chrome
cover. Then unscrew the plastic cap
and check for any buildup of grit.
A toothpick makes cleaning easy.

HOW TO

C~NGE

COLOR PANELS

If you are
redecorating,
you can
your dishwasher’s
front panels
to match or
blend with
your new colors.

The panel is
held in
the doo; trim
Each side of each panel is a different color. Or you can
paint a panel with the

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

change

Place by

aid

the trim on the panel below the door.

color of your own choice.

How to change door panel insert:

1. Take out trim screws on either side

of the dishwasher door. Remove the side trim.

2. Slide out the insert panel.

3. Put the color you want in front.
(Careful—edges may be sharp).

4. Replace the insert panel, side trim and screws.

How

to

change lower panel insert:

1. Remove panel attachment screws.

2. Remove the entire panel.

3. Take out screws and remove the top trim.

4. Slide out the insert panel.

5. Put the color you want in front.

6. Replace the insert panel, top trim and screws.

7. Replace the entire panel and attachment screws.

A wood panel trim kit contains trim and instructions

for adding a decorative wood door panel and lower
access panel no thicker than 1/4” to match kitchen
cabinets. The kit is available at no extra cost. (Specify

GPF40).

Order from:

GE Appliances
c/o

Dri-View

4706

Allmond

Louisville, KY 40209

Manufacturing

Ave.

12

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

DISHWASHER
WON’T RUN

UNUSUAL NOISE

DISHES DON’T DRY

UNCLEAN DISHES
AND FLATWARE

DETERGENT
IN DISPENSER CUPS

LE~

A fuse in

your home maybe blown, or the circuit breaker tripped. Replace fuse or

reset circuit breaker. 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 maybe 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.

120°F.

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).
Water may not be reaching the detergent cups. Move dishes that maybe blocking

detergent cup.

DETERGENT CUP
LID WON’T LATCH

A~ER

DETERGENT
YELLOW OR

BROWN FILM

ADDING

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

automaticrdly, cdl

for service.

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

Cycle Indicator Dial must be OFF for cup lid to close and latch properly, If you

Did

unlatch the door and open it to dry your dishes, the Cycle Indicator

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 yellow 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.

(continued next

page)

13

THE PROBLEM SOLVER

(continued)

PROBLEM

SPOTS AND
FILMING ON
GLASSES AND
FLATWARE

POSSIBLE CAUSE

Spotting can be caused by all these things:

● 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

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 POTS & PANS 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 (500 ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of
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 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.

Repeat as above, except use 1/4 cup

(60 ml) of citric

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.

150°F.

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

If the entire
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

clogged.

Sudsing

DISHWASHER DETERGENTS TO AVOID SUDSING.
To remove suds from the tub: Open the dishwasher.

of cold water to the tub.
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 accidental spill of rinse agent with a damp cloth.

bottom

of the tub has water, you may have a drain problem. Clean the

detergents are not meant

Close

and

for dishwashers. USE ONLY AUTOMATIC

latch

the dishwasher. Pump

back

of the tub is normal. It is clean

clear.

Be sure disposer is

Let

suds evaporate. Add 1 gallon

out

water by slowly

air

not

MOTOR HUMS

If you need more help.. call, toll free:
GE Answer

800.626.2000
consumer information service

Center@

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 seal moist,

and

the garbage disposer clear.

15

NOTES

16

NOTES

17

NOTES

18

Wdll

Be There

With the purchase of your new Hotpoint appliance, receive
the assurance that if you ever need

~ce,

In-Home

we’ll be there. Ml you have to do is cdl—toll-free!

Repak

Service Contracts

~nform~t~on

or

assis-

GEAnswer Center@

Whatever your question about any
Hotpoint major appliance,

C;ente@

able to help. Your cdl—and your
question-will be answered promptly
and courteously And you can
time. GE Answer Cente@ service is

open 24 bours a day, 7 days a week.

information semice is

C;E Answ(

avai].

call an)

Service

8ofl-GE-cAREs

Our consumer service professionals
will provide expert repair service
your Hotpoint appliance, scheduled

at a time
Many GE Consumer Service conlpany-
operated locations offer you service
today or tomorrow, or at your con­venience
days,
Our factory-trained technicians
your appliance inside and
most repairs can be handled in
one visit.

hat’s convenient for

(7:00

a.m. to

9:00

a.m. to

2:00

7:00

p.m. week-

p.m. Saturdays).

(m

you.

know

out-so

just

800-626-2224

You

can have the secure feeling that

GE

~;onsumer Service will still be

your

there after
warranty expires. Purchase a GE

c(mtract wbile your warranty is still in

effect and you’ll receive a substantial
discount. With a multiple-year
tract, you’re assured of

at

today’s prices.

Hotpoint product

con.

fiture

service

Patis andAccessories

Individu& qudfied

own appliances can have needed

(Jr

parts

their home. Our parts system pro-

vicles

Renewal Parts... and all are fully war­ranted. VISA, Mastercard and

I)iscover cards
contined

dures intended to be performed by

anywer.
shotdd be referred to

vice personnel. Caution must be
exercised, since improper servicin
may cause unsafe operation.

accessories sent directly to

access to over 47,000 ~,enuine

User maintenance instructions

in this

Other

to service

are

accepted.

booHet

seficinggenerwy

cover proce-

qufified

heir

ser-

g

Telecommunication

Dtice

for the Deaf

For Customers With
Special Needs...

Up(m request, we will provide Braille
controls

aPPli~ces,

planning a harrier-free kitchen for
persons with limited mobility To

t;iin

800.626.2000.

or speech who have access to a TDD

or
Cdl
to

fi)r

a variety of Hotpoint

and a

br~)chLlre to

these items, free of charge,

(;onsumers with impaired hearing

a conventional teletypewriter may

800-TDD-GEAc (800-833-4322)

request information or service.

assist in

ob-

cdl

YOUR HOTPOINT AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER

Save proof of original purchase date such as your sales slip or

WHAT IS COVERED

WARRANTY

cancelled

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
part of the dishwasher that fails
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 the

tub

or door

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

/iner

if it fails to contain

check to establish warranty period.

any

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

D.C.

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 home.

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

Should your appliance need
service, during warranty period or
beyond, call 800-GE-CARES
(800-432-2737).

Care@

In Alaska the

servicers during

I

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

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.

If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:

Manager<onsumer

● 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.

Warrantor: General Electric Company

Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225

● 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.

This book is printed on recycled paper.

Pad No.

Pub. No. 39-3218

7-92 CG

165

D3080P249