GE SC3, TAX2, TAX3 Use and Care Manual

Use and Care Guide

Refrigerator

GE Quality Product

Compact Models:
SC2, SC3, SC4, TAX2, TAX3, TAX4

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

Operating Instructions, Tips

Temperature Controls .................................. 3

Shelves ............................................................. 4

Ice Service ....................................................... 4

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning—Outside ......................................... 4

Cleaning—Inside............................................. 4

Defrosting........................................................ 5

Problem Solver ................................ 8

More questions ?…call

GE Answer Center® 800.626.2000

Preparation

Location ........................................................... 5

Clearance......................................................... 5

Vacation ........................................................... 5

Moving ............................................................. 5

Installation

Grounding........................................................ 5

Adapter Plug ................................................... 6

Electrical Requirements............................... 6

Extension Cords ............................................. 6

Reversing the Door Swing .......................... 7

Consumer Services...................11

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

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

Warranty ....................................... Back Cover

Part No. 162D1938P008

Pub. No. 49-60041

7-99 JR

Printed in the United States

2

HELP US HELP YOU…

Read this guide carefully.

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

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

more help, call:

GE Answer Center

®

800.626.2000
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you received a damaged refrigerator…

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

Save time and money.
Before you request service…

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

Write down the model and serial numbers.

You’ll find them on a label on the rear wall of the
refrigerator.

These numbers are also on the Consumer Product
Ownership Registration Card that came with your
refrigerator.

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 refrigerator.

IF YOU NEED SER VICE

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 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
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

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:

• Take off the doors.

• Leave the shelves in place so that children may not
easily climb inside.

CFC Disposal

Your old refrigerator has a cooling system that used CFCs
(chlorofluorocarbons). CFCs are believed to harm
stratospheric ozone.

If you are throwing away your old refrigerator, make sure
the CFC refrigerant is removed for proper disposal by a
qualified servicer. If you intentionally release this CFC
refrigerant you can be subject to fines and imprisonment
under provisions of environmental legislation.

DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT

Proper Disposal of the Refrigerator

IMPOR TANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all instructions before using this appliance.

WARNING—When using this appliance,

always exercise basic safety precautions,
including the following:

• Use this appliance only for its intended purpose

as described in this Use and Care Guide.

• This refrigerator must be properly installed in

accordance with the Installation Instructions
before it is used. See grounding instructions in

the Installation section.

• This refrigerator should not be recessed or built

in—it is designed for free-standing installation only.

• If model SC2 or TAX2 is placed on a

countertop or stand, the front surface of the door

should be 3″ or more back from the edge of the
countertop or stand to avoid accidental tipping of
the appliance in normal usage.

• 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 electric

service 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 the plug or connector end.

• After your refrigerator is in operation, do
not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer
compartment, particularly when hands are
damp or wet. Skin may adhere to these extremely

cold surfaces.

• Don’t refreeze frozen foods which have thawed
completely.

• Do not use any electrical device or any sharp
instrument in defrosting your refrigerator.

• Unplug your refrigerator before cleaning or

before making any repairs.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that any

servicing be performed by a qualified individual.

• Do not operate your refrigerator in the
presence of explosive fumes.

SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Temperature Control Dial

The temperature control dial has settings from
‘‘MIN’’ to ‘‘MAX’’ plus ‘‘OFF.’’

‘‘MIN’’ is the warmest.
‘‘MAX’’ is the coldest.

Initially set the temperature control dial at
‘‘MED’’ or at the midpoint.

After using the refrigerator for 24 hours, adjust the

temperature control to the setting that is best suited to
your needs. Turning temperature control dial to
‘‘OFF’’ stops cooling but does not shut off power to
the refrigerator.

NOTE: If this refrigerator is unplugged or turned off,
you must allow 3 minutes before restarting it or
plugging it back in. If you attempt to restart it in less
than 3 minutes, it will not start.

3

Important Safety Instructions Operating Your Refrigerator

OFF

MIN

MAX

MED

MAX

OFF

MIN

SHELVES

Multi-Position Shelves

Shelves can be moved to different
levels to suit your varying food
storage needs.

Deep Door Shelves

Shelves on the door provide
convenient storage for frequently­used items. Some models have
doors deep enough to hold a six­pack. In addition, the door has an
extra-tall bottle zone.

CARE AND CLEANING

Cleaning—Outside

Wipe outside of refrigerator with a soft cloth
dampened with soapy water or Appliance Polish Wax
Cleaner, available from GE Appliance Service and
Parts Centers.

Use only mild, soapy water to clean the door gasket.
Never use acids, chemical thinner, gasoline, benzine or

the like for cleaning any part of the refrigerator. Boiling
water or benzine may deform or damage plastic parts.

Cleaning—Inside

Unplug the refrigerator and remove food, shelf and
trays. Wash inside with warm water and baking soda
solution—about two tablespoons of baking soda to a
quart of water. Then rinse and dry.

Don’t use cleansers such as soaps, detergents,
scouring powder or spray cleaners—they may cause
odors inside the refrigerator.

Wash ice cube trays, drip tray and shelf in mild
detergent solution and dry with a soft cloth.

T o help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking
soda in the rear of the refrigerator, on the shelf. Change
the box every three months.

Do not wash any plastic parts from your
refrigerator in your automatic dishwasher.

4

Deep doors
(on some models)

ICE SER VICE

For most efficient ice service, place trays side by

side on the ice tray compartment floor.

Ice Tray Compartment

This compartment is designed for production of ice
cubes and short-term storage (a few days at the most)
of some commercially-frozen foods.

The ice tray compartment should not be used to
freeze foods.

To release ice cubes, hold the tray upside down over
an ice bucket or bowl, and twist tray at both ends.

If the ice tray freezes to the floor, pour a little
lukewarm water around it to loosen it. Do not use
boiling water which can damage plastic parts, or sharp
metal objects such as a knife or screwdriver which
can damage the cooling system tubing.

Wash trays in lukewarm water only. Do not put them
in an automatic dishwasher.

PREPARATION

Defrosting

Defrost whenever frost on the wall
of the ice tray compartment
becomes 1/4″ thick. Never use a
sharp or metallic instrument to
remove frost as it may damage the
cooling coils. (A punctured cooling
coil will cause serious problems
and void the warranty.) We
recommend using a plastic scraper.
Do not use any electrical device
in defrosting your refrigerator.

To defrost, remove foods and ice

trays from the ice tray compartment,
put drip tray in place, and set
temperature control dial at ‘‘OFF’’
position. Defrosting usually takes a
few hours. To defrost faster, keep
the door open. Also, pouring warm
(not hot) water on the frosted part
may speed defrosting. Do not use
boiling water—it may damage
plastic parts. After defrosting,
empty water from the drip tray .

Wash the drip tray in warm water.
Wipe the ice tray compartment with
a damp cloth. Then turn the
temperature control to the desired
setting and return food and ice trays
to the refrigerator.

NOTE: If ice buildup is very
thick, it may keep the ice tray
compartment door from opening or
closing completely. Don’t try to
force it open; after defrosting, the
door will open and close easily.

Location: Refrigerator is designed for free-standing
installation only. It should not be recessed or built­in. Install refrigerator on a base strong enough to
support a fully loaded refrigerator. If the base is not

level, adjust the feet of the refrigerator.

If refrigerator is in a 40°F. or colder room, it will
operate but it will not cool properly. Also see Energy­Saving Tips regarding location.

Clearance: Allow the following clearances for proper
air circulation:

Top, 12″ Back, 5″ Sides, 1/2″

Food Storage Ice Service Care and Cleaning Preparation & Installation

Refrigerator installation

When Going on Vacation... For extended vacations
or absences, unplug the refrigerator and clean the
interior. To prevent odors, leave an open box of baking
soda inside and leave the door open.

For shorter vacations, remove perishable foods and
leave the control at regular setting. However, if room
temperature is expected to drop below 40°F. follow
the same instructions as for extended vacations.

When You Move... Disconnect the power cord from
wall outlet, remove food and defrost refrigerator.
Then clean and dry the interior.

Secure all loose items such as ice trays and drip tray
by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

Be sure refrigerator stays in upright position only
during actual moving and in van. Refrigerator must be
secured in van to prevent movement. Protect outside
of refrigerator with blanket.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

Important…Please Read Carefully

How to Connect Electricity

For personal safety, this appliance must be
properly grounded.

The power cord of this appliance
is equipped with a three-prong
(grounding) plug which mates
with a standard three-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 two-prong wall outlet is encountered,
it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have
it replaced with a properly grounded three-prong wall
outlet.

(continued next page)

Preferred
Method

Insure proper
ground exists
before use

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CUT OR REMOVE THE THIRD (GROUND)
PRONG FROM THE POWER CORD.

5

6

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

(continued)

Use of Adapter Plug

Because of
potential safety
hazards under
certain conditions,
we strongly
recommend against
use of an adapter
plug. However, if
you still elect to
use an adapter,
where local codes
permit, a
TEMPORARY CONNECTION may be made to a
properly grounded 2-prong wall outlet by use of a UL
listed adapter available at most local hardware stores.

The larger slot in the adapter must be aligned with the
larger slot in the wall outlet to provide proper polarity
in the connection of the power cord.

CAUTION: Attaching the adapter ground terminal
to a wall outlet cover screw does not ground the
appliance unless the cover screw is metal, and not
insulated, and the wall outlet is grounded through the
house wiring. You should have the circuit checked by
a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is
properly grounded.

When disconnecting the power cord from the
adapter, always hold the adapter in place with one

hand while pulling the power cord plug with the other
hand. If this is not done, the adapter ground terminal
is very likely to break with repeated use.

Should the adapter ground terminal break, DO
NOT USE the appliance until a proper ground has
again been established.

Electrical Requirements Use of Extension Cords

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.

Because of potential safety hazards under certain
conditions, we strongly recommend against the use of
an extension cord. However, if you still elect to use an
extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a
UL-listed, 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.

Temporary Method

(Adapter plugs not
permitted in Canada.)

Align large prongs/slots.

Insure proper grounding
and firm connection
exists before use.

7

REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

(on some models)

1. Remove the top hinge cover and loosen and
remove the two screws holding the top hinge in
place.

2. Lift the door up and off the bottom hinge pin.

3. Loosen and remove the leg and two screws

from the bottom hinge.

4. Remove the leg from the left side of the
cabinet.

5. Remove and transfer the bottom hinge to the
left side without flipping or turning it. Lift and
transfer the bottom hinge pin to its adjacent hole.

6. Install the leg (removed from the left side) to
the right side of the cabinet.

7. Place the door over the bottom hinge pin and
guide the door bottom hole to the pin.

8. Remove the two plugs from the top left side of
the cabinet. Place the top hinge over these holes
and the hinge pin into the hole on top of the
door. Drive the screws into the top of the
cabinet. Do not tighten until the door is checked
for proper gasket seal alignment. Insert two new
plugs into the holes in the top right side of the
cabinet.

8

QUESTIONS?

USE THIS PROBLEM SOLVER

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE

REFRIGERATOR DOES • Not plugged in.
NOT OPERATE

• The circuit breaker tripped, or fuse blown.

TURNS ON AND OFF • This is normal. Small refrigerators cycle more often than larger ones.
FREQUENTLY

SEEMS TO RUN TOO LONG • Check for proper clearances.

• Frequent door opening lets cold air escape.

VIBRATION • If refrigerator vibrates, it probably is not level. Use shims to make it level.

• On models SC4 and TAX4, the left front leg is adjustable.

CABINET HAS ODOR • Foods with strong odors should be tightly covered.

• Check for spoiled food.

• Interior may need cleaning.

• Keep an open box of baking soda in refrigerator; replace every three months.

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

®

800.626.2000
consumer information service

9

Problem Solver

NOTES

10

NOTES

11

Upon request, GE will provide
Braille controls for a variety of GE
appliances, and a brochure to
assist in planning a barrier-free
kitchen for persons with limited
mobility. To obtain these items,
free of charge, call 800.626.2000.

Consumers with impaired hearing or speech who have
access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter may
call 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322) to request
information or service.

We’ll Be There

With the purchase of your new GE appliance, receive the assurance that if you ever need
information or assistance from GE, we’ll be there. All you have to do is call—toll-free!

In-Home Repair Service

800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737)

A GE consumer service professional will provide expert repair service,
scheduled at a time that’s convenient for you. Many GE Consumer Service
company-operated locations offer you service today or tomorrow, or at your
convenience (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays).
Our factory-trained technicians know your appliance inside and out—so most
repairs can be handled in just one visit.

GE Answer Center®

800.626.2000

Whatever your question about any GE major appliance, GE Answer Center

®

information service is available to help. Your call—and your question— will be
answered promptly and courteously. And you can call any time. GE Answer
Center

® service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Service Contracts

800-626-2224

You can have the secure feeling that GE Consumer Service will still be there
after your warranty expires. Purchase a GE contract while your warranty is still
in effect and you’ll receive a substantial discount. With a multiple-year contract,
you’re assured of future service at today’s prices.

Parts and Accessories

800-626-2002

Individuals qualified to service their own appliances

can have parts or accessories sent directly to their home.
The GE parts system provides access to over 47,000
parts…and all GE Genuine Renewal Parts are fully
warranted. VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards
are accepted.

User maintenance instructions contained in this guide
cover procedures intended to be performed by any user.
Other servicing generally should be referred to qualified
service personnel. Caution must be exercised, since
improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.

For Customers With Special Needs…

800.626.2000

Consumer Services

WHAT IS COVERED

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

For one year from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and service labor to
repair or replace any part of the
refrigerator that fails because of a
manufacturing defect.

LIMITED ADDITIONAL
FOUR-YEAR WARRANTY

For the second through fifth year
from date of original purchase, we
will provide, free of charge, a
replacement compressor if the
compressor fails because of a
manufacturing defect. You pay for
any service labor charges.

For each of the above warranties:

You must take the refrigerator to
a GE Appliance Service and Parts
Center or a General Electric
Customer Care®servicer. In-home
service is also available, but
you must pay for the service
technician’s travel costs to
your home.

******************************

This warranty is extended
to the original purchaser and any
succeeding owner for products
purchased for use in the 48
mainland states, Alaska, Hawaii
and Washington, D.C.

All warranty service will be
provided by our GE Appliance
Service and Parts Centers or
by our authorized Customer
Care®servicers during normal
working hours.

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

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

• 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.

• Replacement of house fuses or
resetting of circuit breakers.

• Failure of the product if it is used
for other than its intended
purpose or used commercially.

• Loss of food due to spoilage.

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

WARRANTOR IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

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.

Warrantor: General Electric Company

If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:

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

SC2, SC3, SC4

TAX2, TAX3, TAX4

YOUR GENERAL ELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR

WARRANTY

Staple sales slip or cancelled check

here. Proof of original purchase date

is needed to obtain service

under warranty.