GE MBC12 User Manual

geappliances.ca

Bottom-Freezer

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . 2, 3

Operating Instructions

Care and Cleaning of

the refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7

Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, 5

Installation Instructions

Preparing to Install

the Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Reversing the Door Swing . . . . . 9-11

Troubleshooting Tips . . . 12-14

Normal Operating Sounds . . . . . . 12

Consumer Support

Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Product Registration . . . . . . . . 15, 16

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Owner’s Manual and

Installation Instructions

Model MBC12

La section française

commence à la page 19.

Write the model and serial
numbers here:

Model__________________
Serial __________________

You can nd them on a label inside
the refrigerator on the upper left
side wall.

Refrigerators

350A4502P715

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Safety InstructionsOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips

Safety InstructionsOperating Instructions

Installation

Installation

Installation

Instructions

Instructions

Instructions

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:

■ This refrigerator must be properly installed

■

and located in accordance with the Installation
Instructions before it is used.

■ Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang

■

on the shelves in the refrigerator. They could
damage the refrigerator and seriously injure
themselves.

■ Do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer

■

compartment, particularly when hands are
damp or wet. Skin may stick to these extremely
cold surfaces.

■ Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable

■

vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any
other appliance.

■ In refrigerators with automatic icemakers,

■

avoid contact with the moving parts of the
ejector mechanism, or with the heating element
that releases the cubes. Do not place fingers or
hands on the automatic icemaking mechanism
while the refrigerator is plugged in.

■ Keep fingers out of the “pinch point” areas;

■

clearances between the doors and between
the doors and cabinet are necessarily small.
Be careful closing doors when children are
in the area.

■ Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning and making

■

repairs.

NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing
be performed by a qualified individual.

■ Turning the control to the OFF position does

■

not remove power to the light circuit.

■ Do not refreeze frozen foods which have

■

thawed completely.

■ Before replacing a burned-out light bulb, the

■

refrigerator should be unplugged in order to avoid
contact with a live wire filament. (A burned-out
light bulb may break when being replaced.)

DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT

PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE REFRIGERATOR

Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of
the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are still
dangerous…even if they will sit for “just a few days.”
If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator, please
follow the instructions below to help prevent
accidents.

Before You Throw Away Your Old
Refrigerator or Freezer:

Troubleshooting Tips

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions

2

■ Take off the doors.

■ Leave the shelves in place so that children may not

easily climb inside.

USE OF EXTENSION CORDS

Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the
use of an extension cord.

However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed (in the United States)
or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and
outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.

Refrigerants

All refrigeration products contain refrigerants, which
must be removed 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.

geappliances.ca

WARNING!

HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY

Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. For
personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.

The power cord of this appliance is equipped with
a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a
standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize
the possibility of electric shock hazard from this
appliance.

Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a
qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is
properly grounded.

Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is encountered,
it is your personal responsibility and obligation to
have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong
wall outlet.

The refrigerator should always be plugged into its
own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage
rating that matches the rating plate.

This provides 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 pull straight
out from the outlet.

Repair or replace immediately all power cords that
have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not
use a 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.

USE OF ADAPTER PLUGS

Adapter plugs are not permitted in Canada.

Instructions

Installation

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Troubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions

Consumer Support

3

Super Freeze

Safety Instructions

geappliances.ca

If you desire the temperature inside the freezer
compartment to drop quickly, press the SUPER

FREEZE button. Once the button is pressed, the
SUPER FREEZE indicator illuminates and the

appliance will run continuously for 26 hours, thereby
rapidly decreasing the freezer temperature.

Alarm

An alarm will sound under the following conditions:

1. DOOR ALARM - if refrigerator door is left open for 2
minutes the alarm will sound intermittently until it
is turned o by pressing the ALARM button, or
after 10 minutes it will automatically shut o.

2. FREEZER ALARM - If the freezer compartment
temperature becomes warmer than -10°C, the
Freezer Alarm indicator on the control panel will
begin to ash and the alarm will sound
intermittently. Press the ALARM button to cancel
the alarm, or it will continue to sound intermittently
for 2 minutes and stop automatically. The Freezer
Alarm indicator will stay illuminated until the
temperature drops below -10°C.

Following this period the appliance will return to its
normal cycling and operation, and the freezer
temperature will return to the original programmed
temperature.

Press the SUPER FREEZE button or
desire to exit SUPER FREEZE mode.

NOTE:

1. When you rst plug in the refrigerator, the Freezer
Alarm indicator on the control panel will illuminate.

Once the temperature drops below -10°C it will
shut o.

2. The Freezer Alarm will not be triggered if you have
set the temperature control of the freeze
compartment higher than 0°C (using the
compartment for fresh food storage).

buttons if you

r

Operating Instructions

Instructions

Installation

Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips

5

Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.

Cleaning the Outside

geappliances.ca

Keep the outside clean. Wipe with a clean cloth

lightly dampened with mild liquid dish detergent. Dry
with a clean, soft cloth.

Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dish cloth or

Safety InstructionsOperating Instructions

wet towel. These may leave a residue that can erode
the paint. Do not use scouring pads, powdered
cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing bleach because
these products can scratch and weaken the paint
finish.

Cleaning the Inside

To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking

soda in the fresh food and freezer compartments.

Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.

If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of
sponge or cloth when cleaning around switches,
lights or controls.

Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a
tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter) of
water. This both cleans and neutralizes odors. Rinse
and wipe dry.

Other parts of the refrigerator—including door
gaskets, fruit and vegetable drawers, and all plastic
parts—can be cleaned the same way.

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
rust free for years. Apply a coat of kitchen/appliance
wax when the refrigerator is new, and then at least
twice a year.

Defrost water pan. The non-removable pan is
located under the compressor at the rear of the
refrigerator. It should be cleaned at least once a year.
Move the refrigerator out from the wall as far as
necessary, and unplug the power cord from the wall
outlet. Let the compressor cool before cleaning the
pan. Use a clean cloth or sponge dampened in warm
water and baking soda solution—one tablespoon
(15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter) of water. Do
not use cleansing powders, abrasive cleaners, bleach
or cleaners containing chlorides.

Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts in the
dishwasher.

Installation

Installation

Instructions

Instructions

After cleaning the door gaskets, apply a thin layer of
petroleum jelly to the door gaskets at the hinge side.
This helps keep the gaskets from sticking and bending
out of shape. Do not use cleansing powders or other
abrasive cleaners.

Behind the Refrigerator

Once a year, move the refrigerator out and vacuum
the back coils. Be careful when moving the
refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor
coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned
coverings and those with embossed surfaces.

Troubleshooting Tips

Pull the refrigerator straight out and return it to
position by pushing it straight in. Moving the
refrigerator in a side direction may result in damage
to the floor covering or refrigerator.

When pushing the refrigerator back, make sure you
don’t roll over the power cord.

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions

6

Replacing the Light Bulb

geappliances.ca

Turning the refrigerator OFF does not remove power to
the light circuit.

The bulb is located behind the shield in the ceiling.

Unplug the refrigerator.
Apply pressure with your hand near the back of

the transparent light shield, pressing upwards and
out towards you.

Preparing for Vacation

For long vacations or absences, remove food and
unplug the refrigerator. Clean the interior with a
baking soda solution of one tablespoon (15 ml) of
baking soda to one quart (1 liter) of water. Leave the
doors open.

Preparing to Move

Secure all loose items such as shelves and drawers by
taping them securely in place
to prevent damage.

Replace the bulb with an appliance bulb of the
same or lower wattage (10 Watt maximum).

Slide the light shield completely into position.

Be sure the refrigerator stays in an upright position
during moving.

Instructions

Installation

Troubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions

Consumer Support

7

Installation

Refrigerator

Instructions

Model MBC12

If you have questions, call 1.800.561.3344 or visit our Website at: geappliances.ca .

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

•

IMPORTANT – Save these instructions for

local inspector’s use.

•

IMPORTANT – Observe all governing codes

and ordinances.

• Note to Installer – Be sure to leave these

instructions with the Consumer.

• Note to Consumer – Keep these instructions for

future reference.

• Skill level – Installation of this appliance requires basic
mechanical skills.

• Completion time – Refrigerator Installation

15 minutes
Reversing the Door Swing
1 hour

• Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.

• Product failure due to improper installation is not covered

under the Warranty.

CLEARANCES

For optimal performance of your refrigerator, the following
clearances are recommended:

• Sides 3/8” (0.9 cm)

• Top 1” (2.5 cm)

• Back 2” (5 cm)

LEVELING LEGS

Adjustable legs at the front corners of the refrigerator

should be set so the refrigerator is rmly positioned on
the oor, and the front is raised just enough that the door
closes easily when opened about halfway.

To adjust the leveling legs, turn the legs clockwise to
raise the refrigerator, counterclockwise to lower it.

REFRIGERATOR LOCATION

• Do not install the refrigerator where the temperature will
go below 55°F (13°C) because it will not run often enough
to maintain proper temperatures.

• Install it on a oor strong enough to support it
fully loaded.

• Do not install it closer than 5” (13 cm) next to a range.

To raise the refrigerator

INSTALLING THE HANDLES

Remove the plug buttons from the left side of the doors.
Install the handles using the screws provided, and snap
screw covers in place.

8

Installation Instructions

REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

IMPORTANT NOTES

1

REMOVE THE TOP COVER

When reversing the door swing:

• Read the instructions all the way through before starting.

• Handle parts carefully to avoid scratching paint.

• Set screws down by their related parts to avoid using
them in the wrong places.

• Provide a non-scratching work surface for the doors.

IMPORTANT: Once you begin, do not move the cabinet
until door-swing reversal is completed.

These instructions are for changing the hinges from the
right side to the left side—if you ever want to change the
hinges back to the right side, follow these same
instructions and reverse all references to left and right.

Unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet.

Empty all door shelves.

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

3/8” and 5/16” Socket driver

Thin-blade screwdriver

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the 5 screws

A

holding the top cover in place (3 at the rear, 2 on
the top).

Slide the top cover back and up in order to

B

remove it and expose the top hinge.

2

REMOVE THE FRESH FOOD DOOR

Prior to removing the top hinge, tape the door

A

shut with masking tape. This will secure the door
in place as you remove the hinge.

Remove the hinge using a 5/16" socket driver.

B

Remove the cover plate and bolts from the left

C

side to allow transfer of the top hinge to the left
side in step 8.

Phillips screwdriver

Masking tape

Remove the tape and tilt the door away from the

D

cabinet. Lift the door off the center hinge pin.
Set the door on a non-scratching surface.

E

CAUTION:Do not let door drop

to the floor.

9

Installation Instructions

REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

3

REMOVE THE FREEZER DOOR

Tape the door shut with masking tape.

A

Remove the center hinge and shim(s) by removing

B

the screws. Be sure to keep the shim(s).

Remove the tape and lift the door off the bottom

C

hinge pin.

Set the door on a non-scratching surface.

D

CAUTION:Do not let door drop

to the floor.

(CONT.)

5

6

TRANSFER BOTTOM HINGE
TO THE LEFT

Remove the bottom hinge bolts with a 5/16"

A

socket driver. Discard the hinge to the accessory
bag, saving the shim(s).

Using a flat blade screw driver, remove the

B

bottom hinge hole covers from the left side and
transfer to the right side.

Retrieve a new bottom hinge from the accessory

C

bag and install the new hinge and shim(s) on the
left side. Do not tighten the bolts completely.

REHANG THE FREEZER DOOR

Place the freezer door on the bottom hinge, close

A

the door, MAKE SURE IT IS ALIGNED PROPERLY,
and tape it in place with masking tape.

Tighten the bottom hinge bolts completely,

B

ensuring that the door is level and aligned
properly.

4

INSTALLING THE DOOR STOPS

With the doors laying on a non-scratching

A

surface, remove the door stop from the bottom of
each door using a Phillips screw driver.

Retrieve new door stops from the accessory bag.

B

Install new door stop on the opposite side of each

C

door by fully inserting the pin into the hole in the
door. You may have to clear the hole of insulation
foam using a screw driver. Secure each door stop
in place with the screw provided.

10

Installation Instructions

7

INSTALL CENTER HINGE ON THE LEFT

Remove the two plug buttons on the left side and

A

install them on the right. Remove the mullion
screw and screw cover on the left side with a
Phillips screwdriver and install on the right.

Rotate the center hinge and shim(s) 180 degrees

B

and install on the left side as shown. Make sure
that the hinge pin inserts into the hole in the top
of the freezer door.

8

REHANG THE FRESH FOOD DOOR

A

Using a 3/8" socket driver, remove the nut and
locking washer that is holding the top hinge pin in
place. Once removed, insert the threaded part of
the hinge pin through the opposite side of the
hinge bracket (thereby reversing the top hinge).

Secure the hinge pin in the bracket by installing

B

the locking washer and tightening the nut.
Place the fresh food door onto the center hinge,

C

close the door, MAKE SURE IT IS PROPERLY
ALIGNED, and tape it in place with masking tape.

Install the top hinge on the left side so that the

D

hinge pin inserts into the hole in the top of the
fresh food door. Tighten the bolts, ensuring that
the door is level and aligned properly.

Tighten the screws and remove the tape holding

C

the door shut.

CAUTION:When assembled correctly,

the hinge is tight against the cabinet.

ATTENTION: The screws must be properly tightened.

Turn the screws until snug. Then tighten the screws a
minimum of 1/2 turn using both hands.

Transfer the other hinge cover to the right side

E

and secure with bolts.

9

INSTALL TOP COVER

Re-install the top cover, sliding it into place and

A

securing with the 5 original screws.

10

REVERSING THE HANDLES

Follow instructions for installing the Handles

A

(page 8) for the right side.
Transfer the plug buttons from the right side to

B

the left side to cover the holes.

11