GE HDA487 Use and Care Manual

Dishwasher

Conknk

Air Gap
Appliance Registration

Care and Cleaning
China, Crystal, Sterling

Cycle Features
Detergent, Detergent Guide 6,7

Dispenser Cups
Energy-Saving Tips

Front Panel Color Change
Loading

Model and Serial Numbers
Operating Instructions

Cycle Selection
Drying Options

Problem Solver

Repair Service

Rinse Agent

Safetv

Instructions

User Maintenance Instructions 14

Warranty

Back Cover

14

2

14
10

4,5

7
2

14

8,9

2

4,5
4,5

4,5

11-13

15

6
3

Use and Care of

built-in model

HDA487

Water Temperature
Winter Storage

GE Answer

800.626.2000

Center@

6

14

Help us help you...

Ene~y-saving tips

Before

usiw

your

&hwasher,

read this book 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 (include
your phone number):

Consumer Affairs

Hotpoint

Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

Write down the model
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:

If you received

dam~ed

a

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

dishwasher . . .

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

Check the Problem Solver (pages

11-13). It lists causes of minor
operating problems that you can
correct yourself.

The power consumption of your
dishwasher can be minimized if
you follow these suggestions:

c

Operate dishwasher only

when full.

in dishwasher. When you put in a
partial load, use RINSE HOLD
cycle to rinse off heavy soils. Be
sure to latch door when waiting for
full load. This helps keep soils
moist, easier to remove.

●

Select cycle that uses least
amount of water to remove soil
from load. See

●

If you don’t need your dishes
right away,

HEAT OFF feature

drying heater off automatically and
saves energy. Dishes dry naturally
over a longer period such as
overnight.

Let dishes accumulate

pages 4 and 5.

use your DRYING

that turns the

Mdel

Number

Serial Number

Use these numbers in any
correspondence or service calls
concerning your dishwasher.

2

W~G—Men

using this
appliance, always exercise basic
safety precautions, including the
following:

●

Use

this appliance only for
its intended purpose, as you

wfll find

described in this Use

and Care Book.

●

This dishwasher must be

properly

instiled

and

lmted

in accordance with the
Insolation 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 ground~

meti,

permanent wiring system; or an
equipment-grounding conductor
must be run with the circuit
conductors and connected to the
equipment-grounding

termiti

or lead of the appliance.
–Connect to a properly rated,

SM

protected and

power-supply

circuit to avoid electrical overload.

Q

Use

ordy

powder or liquid
detergents or wetting agents

recornmendd

for use in a

dishwasher.
. Do not wash plastic items

udess

marked “dishwasher safe” or the

equitient.

For plastic items not so

markd, 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
unit and be damaged.

To

minimti

the

possibfity

of

i~ury.

●

men

loading items to be

washed:

A. Locate sharp items so that
they are not likely to damage
the door

sd,

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

atir

use.

. Do not operate your dishwasher

udess

rdl

enclosure panels are

properly in place.

●

Do not tamper with controls.

●

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

chddren

to play inside, on or with this
appliance or any

discardd

appliance. Dispose of discarded
appliances and shipping or
packing material properly.
Before discarding a dishwasher,
remove the door of the washing
compartment.

●

Keep dl washing detergents
and wetting agents out of the
reach of children, preferably in
a locked cabinet. Observed
warnings on container labels to
avoid

persoti

●

~ROGEN

produced by
within your water heater.

injury.

GM

is

tie

chemical action

It can

accumulate in the water heater
and/or water pipes if hot water
has not been used for a period of

M ~ks
~S

or longer.

IS

EXPLOSWE.

~RffiEN

To prevent
the possibility of damage or
injury, if you have not used hot
water for two weeks or more, or
move into a residence in which
the hot water system may not
have been
turn on

usti

for sometime,

dl

hot water faucets and
allow them to run for several
minutes before using any

elwtricd appliance which is

connected to the hot water
system. This will

rdlow

any
hydrogen gas to escape. Also,
since the gas is flammable, do
not smoke or use an open flame
or appliance during this process.

SAW

=E

~STRU~IONS

3

How to operate your dishwasher

Steam Vent

STEP 1.

Load your dishwasher
with dishes, silverware, pots,
pans, bowls, etc., according to
instructions on pages 8 and-9.

STEP 2. Add detergent to the
detergent dispenser. Make sure the
Cvcle Indicator dial is at OFF

p;sition

before adding detergent.

(See pages 6 and 7.)
Use rinse aid agent to help prevent

spotting. Occasionally check to
insure rinse agent container is at
least half full. (See page 6.)

STEP 3.

Select DRYING HEAT
option. It must be OFF for RINSE

HOLD

cycle. It can be ON or OFF,
at your option (see below), for
either of the wash cycles.

DRYING

HEAT OFF

~

ORYING

HEAT ON

DRYING HEAT-ON. Turns the

drying heater on for fast drying.
DRYING HEAT-OFF. Turns the

drying heater off to save energy.
Dishes will dry naturally over a
longer period such as overnight.

yrour

If you need

dishes sooner,
open the dishwasher door after
the cycle is complete to reduce
the natural drying time.

Use of this option reduces the

electrical energy used by this

%

model approximately 7

for

the NORMAL WASH cycle.

Door Latch (unlocked)

STEP 4. Select the

cvcle

and start
the dishwasher. (See Cycle Selection
Hints at

right.)

-.

If your dishwasher drains into a
food waste disposer, operate the

disposer until it is empty before

s~rting

●

the dishwasher.

For NORMAL WASH cycle:

a. Latch the door.

‘GHT;;@m,,,,

ORYING

g

HkAT

ON

~

Slowlv

b.
to ON

turn Cvcle Indicator dial

p;sition t:

start the cycle.
You will hear the motor start.
There is a time delay between

stirt-

up and water fill so you will not
hear any wash action right away.

To obtain the benefits of a complete

vou

cvcle. be careful that

turn the dial any
necessary

to start the dishwasher.

do not

fu;ther

than

Cvcle Indicator Dial

●

For LIGHT WASH cvcle:

a.

Be sure door is unlatched.

‘lGHT;;@:;,,

~

ORVING

.

B

HEAT ON

b. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator dial
to LIGHT WASH position.

c. Latch door to start the cycle.

●

For RINSE HOLD

a.

Be sure door is unlatched.

cycle:

b. Select DRYING HEAT-OFF
drying option.

c.

Slowly turn Cycle Indicator

dial to RINSE HOLD position.
d. Latch door to start the cycle.

4

Cycle selection hints

It is important to follow the loading

and

instructions on pages 8
NORMAL WASH—For most

loads of everyday dishes, glasses
and cookware with medium soils.

LIGHT WASH—For dishes
that have been

pre-rinsed

loading. Also, for washing very

lightly

soiled dishes with soils

that have not dried on.
RINSE HOLD—For rinsing

partial loads which will be washed
later. Select DRYING
OFF drying option. Do

detergent.

9.

before

HEAT–

not

use

What

happem

Wash

Cycles

NORMAL

LIGHT WASH

RINSE HOLD

WASH

in each cycle

Water Use

Gallons (approx.

(approx.)

12.1

10.3

3.6

Wash

Cycle Time

minutes)

S6

51

10

Cycle Sequence

mBHWHHH

k4HHHHHl

Hwl

Drying Options:

DRYING HEAT–ON. Available on all wash cycles except RINSE HOLD.
Add 29 minutes to wash cycle time.

DRYING HEAT–OFF. Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally.

●

You’ll hear occasional clicking

sounds:
–Soft food disposer shredding

action.

—Drain valve opening to pump

water out.

—Timer control as cycle

progresses.

—Detergent cup opening.

●

The motor stops during drying.

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

5

tid dishwashing sta~

with

H~

water.

To get dishes clean and dry you
need hot water. To help you get
water of the proper temperature,
your dishwasher automatically
heats the water in the wash cycle.
For good washing and drying, the
entering water must be at least

120°F. To prevent dish damage,

inlet water should not exceed

How

to test water temperature:

Check the water temperature
inside your dishwasher with a
candy or meat thermometer.

Let the dishwasher run through
one fill and pump out cycle, then
let the dishwasher fill with water
the second time.

When you hear the water stop
filling, unlatch the door and slowly
open it.

the

Measure
in the bottom of the tub this way:

Remove the silverware basket and

Dlace
;n

the water
the tub. If the temperature is less
than 120°F, you will not get good
washing results. Higher water
temperature is needed to dissolve
grease and activate powder
detergents.

Helpful hints:

temperatures are unusually low, or
if your water travels a long distance
from water heater to dishwasher,
you may need to set your water
heater’s thermostat up. If you have
not used hot water for some time,
the water in the pipes will be cold.
Turn on the hot water faucet at the
sink and allow it to run until the
water is hot. Then start the
dishwasher. If you’ve recently

temperature of the water

a

candv

or meat thermometer

;owards

the middle of

If outside

fiO°F.

done laundry or run hot water for
showers, give your water heater
time to recover before operating the
dishwasher.

To improve washability if the water

is less than 120°F and you cannot
adjust your water heater: Select a
longer cycle and fill both detergent
cups at least half-full with detergent.

How to use a rinse agent.

A rinse agent makes water flow
off dishes quicker than usual. This
lessens water spotting and makes
drying faster, too.

For best
use of a rinse agent such as JET-DRY
brand is recommended.

Rinse agents come in either liquid
or solid form. Your dishwasher’s
dispenser uses the liquid form.

How to
dispenser.

the 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
final rinse water.

If you accidentally

up the rinse agent with a damp
cloth. Don’t leave the spill in the
dishwasher. It can keep your
detergent from working.

If you can’t find any rinse agent,

write:

BENCKISER
PRODU~S,

(“JET DRY”)

411 W. Putnam Ave.
Greenwich, ~ 06830

Your dishwasher’s rinse agent
container holds
should last about 3 months. Fill
as needed. Do not overfill.

dishwashing

fill

the rinse agent

Unscrew the cap. Add

CONSUMER

INC.

performance,

spili:

Wipe

4~z

ounces. This

How to choose and use
detergent.

First, use only powder or liquid

detergenk

use in dishwashers. Other types
will cause

Second, check the phosphate
content.

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
level will probably work better. If
the phosphate content is low (8.7%
or less), you’ll have to use extra
detergent with hard water.

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

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

How much detergent should you
use?

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

Too much detergent with soft water
not only wastes money, it can be
harmful. It can cause a permanent
cloudiness of glassware, called
“etching.” An outside layer of glass

etchd

is
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.

place to store detergent. 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
or lumpy, throw it away.

wash well. 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 water.

specifically made for

oversudsing.

Phosphate helps prevent

That depends. Is your water

“sofi”?

With hard water,

away! Of course, this takes

Under the sink isn’t a good

old

It won’t

6

How to prepare the
dishes for

washi~

You’ll find two detergent
dispensers on the inside door of

your dishwasher.

There are two,

because some cycles use two washes.

See “Detergent Usage Guide’’ below.

(Be sure the Cycle Indicator Dial

is at

OFFposition

detergent.

-

Otherwise, the detergent

cup lid will not close and latch

properly. )

GRASP HANDLE,

ROTATE
AND CLOSE
TIGHTLY -

,-,

I

‘.

c&

before adding

,-~z”–

J )

[

,.

If this is

your first dishwasher, or

if you’re replacing a much older
model, you may wonder how much
pre-preparation your dishes need.
Actually very little. Pre-rinsing of

normal food soils is not necessary.
With common sense and a little
practice, you’ll soon

how

what

foods to remove. Here are some
guidelines:

1.

Scrape off bones, seeds, stins,
toothpick and other hard solids. It
is also best to remove hard shelled
vegetables, meat trimmings, lea~
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

awav.

It can handle small amounts of
soft foods, but large amounts

wil’

be difficult to handle.

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
more difficult to wash and may
not come clean in the NORMAL
WASH cycle. Remember to use
your

NNSE

HOLD cycle for small

“holding” loads.

Note:

The foods mentioned here
are for examples only. Other foods
not mentioned may also need to be
removed from your dishes. You

dso

may

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.

Always close the

men

it

is$rmly

min

cup tightly.

latched, you will

heara clicking sound. Do not
overtighten.

NOTE: Detergent cup maybe opened
manually with no harm. Turn handle
counterclockwise until it releases.
A snapping sound is normal when
it opens.

Dete~ent Us~e

~CLES

NORMAL WASH cycle

LIGHT WASH cycle

RINSE HOLD cycle

*I2

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

lime can build up in water valve. Water valve may stick

Guide (powder or liquid)

SOFT WATER
(O-3 grains hardness) (3-7 grains)

Main

Cup~I Open

1

Tablespoon + 1 Tablespoon Half

minimum minimum

1

Tablespoon

minimum

Use

no detergent

Cup~

None

while open and cause flooding.

MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER

Main

Half Full

Cup$

Full

Use

no detergent

(7-12 grains*)
Main

I

Open

Cup*

+

Hdf

Full ~:l~pletely

None Completely None

Cup$

~ Completely

Full

Use

no detergent

$Filled Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons;

Filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.

]

Open

Full

Cup*

7

How to load your dishwasher

~is

is a random mixed load,

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.

the

most common type you

How to load the

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
items are lodged in tightly so they can’t

Calrod@

move easily. Don’t let the glasses touch each other.

heating unit. Arrange stemware so that it cannot

~PRACK

small

fall

onto the

plastic

WAXH

The wash tower rises through the center of the bottom
rack during the wash and rinse portions of the cycle.

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 wash arm and cause poor washing results.

OUT FOR THIS.

8

This rack is ideal for dishwasher-safe plastics. When

along

loading, place plastic items
that each plastic tumbler is secured over two fingers.

will

This
through rack onto heating unit.

prevent dislodging; tumbler will not fall

the back and be sure

Sauce

pans, mixing

placed-—face down-—in the top rack. The top rack
handy for all kinds of odd shapes.

bowls and other small items

may

be

is-

Load platters, pots, pans and bowls along the sides, in
corners or in the back. All large items, such as pitchers,
salad bowls and mixing bowls, should be washed in the
lower rack.

How to load the

B~~M

““’’ .,. -,.+.,.

,,,,

WCK

I

Fit plates and saucers between the pins. Place items so
that water and detergent from wash arm can reach soiled
surfaces.

Put flatware in the removable basket with handles up to
protect your hands. Mix knives, forks and spoons so
they don’t nest together. Distribute evenly. Small plastic
items, such as measuring spoons and lids from small
containers are not recommended for automatic

dishwashing.

in the bottom of silverware basket with silverware on top.

If placed in the dishwasher, they should go

o

Heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles MUST be
loaded in the bottom rack, facing down. Prop broiler
pans and racks along the edge.

fiecaution!

Take out anything that may fall or extend through the
bottom of the basket.

—

9

What you can usually wash safely in your dishwasher.
And what you

Material Safe Exceptions (not safe)
Aluminum

China/
Stoneware

Crystal

Non-dishware

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

Glass
Iron NO

Pewter
Plastics

Stainless steel

Sterling Silver

and Silver plate

Non-stick

coatings
Tin

Wood

can’t.

Usually

YES

YES

YES

NO

YES

NO
YES

YES Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acid foods

YES

YES

NO

NO

Some colored anodized
aluminum can fade. scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.

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

Gold leaf will discolor.
Antique, metal-trimmed or

hand-painted patterns fade.
Gold leaf will discolor.

Milk Glass may yellow.
Iron will rust.
Pewter tarnishes.

Don’t put in same silverware
basket with stainless steel.

Contact between metals can
damage silver.

Don’t wash copper cookware in
the same load. Silver may
brown film.

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

Tin can rust.
Wood can warp, crack or lose

its finish with any type washing.

get

Special Instructions

Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by

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 manufacturer’s instructions for your crystal.

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

If it doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one piece
before

dishwashing an entire set. Wash in top rack only.

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

can stain if left on. Dry detergent can cause difficult­to-remove black spots. Place in back section of silverware
basket to avoid exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.

a

After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with

vegetable

oil

to

keep it from losing its non-stick quality.

Damage to dishwasher

Fo~et

a dish? Here’s when

you can add it.

Add dishes any time during a
RINSE HOLD cycle. With other
wash cycles, you can add dishes

at

any time BEFORE the main

detergent wash portion of the cycle.

However, opening

the door during
any cycle lessens cleaning power
because the temperature inside the
dishwasher is lowered.

So

try to

load everything at the beginning.
Here’s how to

1. Push the door

Washing

will

add

a forgotten dish:

latch

to the left.

stop.

10

2. Wait a
water calms. Then open the

few

seconds until the

door,

3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.

4. Close the door

to

latch

the far right. When the

and

push

the

door is locked, washing will
continue.

~

~
~~~

Questions?

Use This Problem Solver

~

PROBLEM

DISHWASHER
WON’T RUN

UNUSUAL NOISE

DISHES DON’T DRY

UNCLEAN DISHES
AND FLATWARE

POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY

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 page 6.)
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.

inlet

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

further than necessary

water temperature. It should be at least

to start the dishwasher.

120°F.

(To test, see page 6.)

do

not turn the dial any

BLACK OR GRAY
MARKS ON DISHES

DETERGENT LEFT
IN DISPENSER CUPS

DETERGENT CUP
LID WON’T
AFTER ADDING

DETERGENT

YELLOW OR BROWN

FILM

LA~H

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 page 14.)
Improper rack loading. (See pages 8 and 9.)

Aluminum deposits often leave marks when they rub against other things. Remove
marks with a mild abrasive cleanser.

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 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 in OFF position for cup lid to close and latch properly.
If you unlatch the door and open it to dry your dishes, the Cycle Indicator does not
advance to OFF by itself.

Tea or coffee can stain cups. Remove the stains by hand, using a solution of

bleach and 3

cups warm water.

1/2

cup

An overall yellow or brown film on dishes or glassware can be caused by iron deposits

filter

in water. A special
Your water softener company can

Yellow film on sterling silver results when you wash copper utensils in the same load.
Silver polish

will

in the water supply line is the

tell

you about the filter.

usually remove this stain.

11

ody

way to correct

tis

problem.

.

The Problem

Solver

(continued)

PROBLEM

SP~S

AND FILMING
ON GLASSES AND
FLATWARE

POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY

Spotting can be caused by all these things:
. Extremely hard water. (See page 6.)
. Low inlet water temperature. (To test, seepage 6.)

@

Overloading the dishwasher.
. Improper loading. (Seepages 8 and 9.)
. Old or damp powder detergent.
. Phosphate level in detergent too low. (See page 6.)
. Rinse agent dispenser empty. (See page 6.)

c

Too little detergent. (See pages 6 and 7.)
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. Start the dishwasher (use NORMAL WASH cycle) and allow to run for 15 to 20

minutes. The dishwasher will now be in the main wash.

CLOUDINESS ON
GLASSWARE

CHIPPING OF CHINA

4. Then open the door and pour 2 cups
the dishwasher.

5. 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

Using a vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse more than twice a month? Consider a home
water softener.

If vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse doesn’t work, the cloudiness is
cannot be removed.

It can be prevented:

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 page 8 for correct way to load glassware.) 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.

Hotpoint

Factory Service.)

Use less detergent if you have soft water. Wash glassware in the

Repeat as above, except use 1/4 cup (60 ml) of citric

(500

ml)

of white vinegar into the bottom of

“etching:’

150°F.

The film

12

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY

SMALL AMOUNT OF
WATER STANDING
IN THE
OF THE TUB

WATER WON’T PUMP If the entire bottom of the tub has water, you may have a drain problem. Clean the air
OUT OF THE TUB

SUDS IN THE TUB

DISHWASHER

B~TOM

LEMS

Water around the outlet on the tub bottom at the back of the tub is normal. It is

water

water. It’s there to keep the

gap, if

you

have one. (See page 14.)
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.

Sudsing

DISHWASHER DETERGENTS ~ AVOID

To

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 accidenti spill of rinse agent with a damp cloth.

detergents are not meant for dishwashers. USE ONLY

remove

suds from

the

tub:

seal lubricated.

AU~MATIC

SUDSING.

Open the dishwasher. Let suds evaporate. Add 1 gallon

clean

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

8W.62&2~

consumer information service

13

Care and

CIeati~

USER

M~TEN~CE

~STRUCTIONS

Clean the control panel with a
lightly dampened cloth.

thoroughly. Do not use abrasives
or sharp objects on the panel.
They can damage it.

Clean the
appliance polish wax.

cabinet finish is durable, but it can
scratch. So use no scouring pads,
or harsh or gritty cleaners.

Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner
(Cat. No.
from GE Appliance Parts Marts.

The inside usually takes care
of itself.

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

ou~ide

with a good

WRWX0216)

If it should ever need

Dry

The outside

is available

Built-in &hwashers
often use an air gap.
Keep it clean.

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

The air gap is easy to

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.

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

Rotect

your

clean.

Whwasher

against freezing.

. Turn off the water supply.

●

Disconnect the water inlet line

from the water valve.
. Drain water from the inlet line

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.

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.

How to

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

The panel is held in place by the
door trim. Each side of the panel is
a different color. Or you can paint a
panel with the color of your own
choice.

cha~e

color panel

If your dishwasher is left in an

unheated place during the winter,
ask a service technician to:

●

Cut off electric power to the
dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip
circuit breaker.

How to change the door

1.

Take out three trim screws on
either side of the dishwasher door.
Remove the side trim.

2. Slide the door panel out.

(Careful–edges may be sharp.)

3. Turn the door panel around and
put the color you want in front.

4. Replace the door panel, side

trim and screws.

Do not operate the dishwasher

while changing panel or when

lower access panel is removed.

panel:

A wood panel trim kit

trim and instructions for adding

decorative wood door panel or

lower access panel to match kitchen
cabinets. The kit is an option at
extra cost and is available from
your GE dealer. Specify

contains

GPF40.

Change color in minutes. Just
remove trim and change.

14

If You Need Service

To obtain service, see your warranty

on

the back

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

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, Kentucky 40225

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

Major Appliance
Consumer Action Panel
20 North
Chicago, Illinois 60606

page

of this book.

Wacker

Drive

help.

15

YOUR HOTPOINT DISHWASHER

WARRANTY

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

cancelled

check to establish warranty period.

WHAT IS COVERED

WHAT IS NOT COVERED ● ServicetriPsto Yourhometo

FULL ONEWEAR WARRANTY

For one year from date of

purchase, we will provide, free of

charge, parts and service labor

in your home to repair or replace

any

part of

fails because of a manufacturing
defect.

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.

the

dishwasher

Center@

original

that

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 home.

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

Look in the White or Yellow Pages
of your telephone directory for
HOTPOINT FACTORY SERVICE,
GENERAL
FACTORY SERVICE or HOTPOINT
CUSTOMER CARE@ SERVICE.

● 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.

c

Damage to product caused
by accident, fire, floods or acts
of God.

WARRANTOR IS
FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

D.C.

in Alaska the

ELECTRIC-HOTPOINT

NOT

RESPONSIBLE

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.

Pafl

No. 165 D308OP1O2

Pub,

No.

39-5192

9.89

Warrantor: General Electric Company

If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:

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

HDA48.

~Im