GE SH208 User Manual

GE Appliances

175D1807P292 49-90025

04–00 JR

350A4502P193

131890000

GE Answer Center®800.626.2000, In Canada 1-800-361-3400

Washers

Spacemaker

WCXH208 WSXH208 SH208

Owner’s Manual

www.geappliances.com

Congratulations! You Are Now Part of the GE Family.

Welcome to the GE family. We’re proud of our quality products and we are committed to providing dependable service. You’ll see it in this easy-to-use Owner’s Manual and you’ll hear it in the friendly voices of our customer service department.

Best of all, you’ll experience these values each time you use your washer. That’s important, because your new washer will be part of your family for many years. And we hope you will be part of ours for a long time to come.

We thank you for buying GE. We appreciate your purchase, and hope you will continue to rely on us whenever you need quality appliances for your home.

A Service Partnership.

Safety Information

. . . . . .3, 4

Operating Instructions

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7

Loading and Using the Washer . . .8, 9

Fabric Care Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call For Service

. . . . 17–19

Customer Service

Warranty for U.S. Customers . . . . .22

Warranty for Canadian

Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Service Telephone

Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

You can find them at the top inside of the door opening.

IMPORTANT!

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain your washer properly. Just a little preventive care on your part can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your washer.

READ THIS MANUAL

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

You’ll find many answers to common problems in the

Before You

Call For Service

section. If you review our chart of

Troubleshooting Tips

first, you may not need to call for service at all.

If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away. A list of toll-free customer service numbers is included in the back section. Or,

in the United States,

you can always call the

GE Answer Center®, at 800.626.2000, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In Canada,

call 1-800-361-3400.

Visit our Website at:

www.geappliances.com

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Installation Instructions

Preparing to Install Your Washer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 12

Location of Your Washer . . . . . . . . 11

Unpacking Your Washer . . . . . . . . 12

Electrical Requirements. . . . . . . . . 13

Water Supply Requirements . . . . . 14

Drain Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Rough-In Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . 15

Installing the Washer. . . . . . . . . . . 16

Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

■ Install or store where it will not be exposed to

temperatures below freezing or exposed to the weather.

■Properly ground washer to conform with all governing

codes and ordinances. Follow details in Installation Instructions.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

The instructions in this manual and all other literature included with this washer are not meant to cover every possible condition and situation that may occur. Good, safe practice and caution

MUST

be applied when installing, operating, and maintaining any appliance.

WATER HEATER SAFETY

Under certain conditions hydrogen gas may be produced in a water heater that has not been used for two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas can be explosive under these circumstances.

If the hot water has not been used for two weeks or more, prevent the possibility of damage or injury by turning on all hot water faucets and allowing them to run for several minutes. Do this before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water system. This simple procedure will allow any built-up hydrogen gas to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame or appliance during this process.

PROPER INSTALLATION

This washer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

■Keep the area underneath and around your

appliances free of combustible materials such as lint, paper, rags, chemicals, etc.

■Do not leave the washer door open. An open door

could entice children to hang on the door or crawl inside the washer.

■Close supervision is necessary if this appliance is used

by or near children. Do not allow children to play on, with, or inside this or any other appliance.

YOUR LAUNDRY AREA

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions Installation Instructions

■ Never reach into washer while it is moving.

Wait until the machine has completely stopped before opening the door.

■ Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or

acids such as vinegar and/or rust remover. Mixing different chemicals can produce a toxic gas which may cause death.

■ Do not wash or dry articles that have been

cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with combustible or explosive substances (such as wax, oil, paint, gasoline, degreasers, drycleaning solvents, kerosene, etc.) which may ignite or explode. Do not add these substances to the wash water. Do not use or place these substances around your washer or dryer during operation.

■ The laundry process can reduce the flame

retardancy of fabrics. To avoid such a result, carefully follow the garment manufacturer’s wash and care instructions.

■ To minimize the possibility of electric shock,

unplug this appliance from the power supply or disconnect the washer at the household distribution panel by removing the fuse or switching off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

NOTE:

Turning the Cycle Selector knob to

an off position does

NOT

disconnect the

appliance from the power supply.

■ Never attempt to operate this appliance if

it is damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled, or has missing or broken parts, including a damaged cord or plug.

■ Do not slam the washer door closed or try

to force the door open when locked (Door Lock light ON). This could result in damage to the washer.

■ The washer is equipped with an electrical

overload protector. The motor will stop if it becomes overheated. The washer will automatically restart after a cool down period of up to 30 minutes, if the washer has not been manually turned off during this time.

WHEN USING THE WASHER

■Turn off water faucets to relieve pressure on

hoses and valves and to minimize leakage if a break or rupture should occur. Check the condition of the fill hoses; they may need replacement after 5 years.

■ Before discarding a washer, or removing it from

service, remove the washer door to prevent children from hiding inside.

■ Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of

this appliance unless specifically recommended in this Owner’s Manual, or in published userrepair instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out.

■ Do not tamper with controls.

WHEN NOT IN USE

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

About the washer control panel.

You can locate your model number at the top inside of the door opening.

HEAVY WASH

KNITS & DELICATES

WASH

REGULAR

TEMPERATURE

WASH/RINSE

Automatic Dispenser

WARM

COLD

HOT

COLD

COLD COLD

WARM WARM

CYCLE SIGNAL

OFF

EXTRA RINSE

REGULAR / PERM PRESS

YES

PERM PRESS

WASH

PREWASH

RINSES & SPINS

FAST SPIN

FINAL SPIN

DOOR

LOCKED

FINAL SPIN

SAFETY LATCH / SLIDE TO OPEN

Control Settings

Automatic Dispenser and Safety Latch

Safety latch slides to the right to open drawer. (Latch locks to the left on its own.) Add detergent, liquid bleach and fabric softener to this drawer.

Temperature

Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles. Always follow garment manufacturer’s care label instructions when laundering.

Wash Cycle

The wash cycle controls the length of the washing process. The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting with your loads.

PRE WASH For heavily soiled and protein-stained items. Follow Pre Wash with

a complete wash cycle.

REGULAR For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens, work and play

clothes.

HEAVY WASH For normal to heavily soiled loads.

WASH For lightly to normally soiled loads.

PERM PRESS For easy care and wrinkle-resistant items.

KNITS & DELICATES Specially designed for normally soiled knits and delicate fabrics.

Set the desired wash cycle by pushing in cycle knob and turning clockwise.

Start the washer by closing the door and pulling out the cycle knob.

To stop the washer, push in the cycle knob and pull out to restart.

■

The washer will not operate with the door open.

■

The door will automatically lock during the entire wash cycle.

Features and appearance may vary.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips

Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions

Installation Instructions

About the washer features.

NOTE: Not all features are available on all washer models.

Cycle Signal

When the Cycle Signal is ONit will sound at the end of the cycle. On some models the signal can be set at

OFF

(no sound) or from

QUIET

LOUD

Extra Rinse

Use an extra rinse when additional rinsing is desired to remove excess dirt and detergent from soiled loads. If you selected

YES

, an extra rinse will be included in the

REGULAR and PERM PRESS cycles.

Door Locked Indicator Light

The indicator light is ON when the cycle knob is pulled out. The light turns OFF at the end of the cycle.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

CYCLE SIGNAL

OFF

CYCLE SIGNAL

QUIET

OFF

EXTRA RINSE

REGULAR / PERM PRESS

YES

LOUD

DOOR

LOCKED

The Dispenser Drawer

Slowly open the dispenser drawer by first sliding the safety latch to the right, then pulling the drawer out until it stops.

After adding laundry products, slowly close the dispenser drawer. Closing the drawer too quickly could result in early dispensing of the bleach and fabric softener.

You may see water in the bleach and fabric softener compartments. This is a result of the siphoning action and is part of the normal operation of the washer.

If the dispenser drawer is pulled out more than 1 1/2” when the washer is in operation, the washer will shut off. The DOOR LOCK indicator light will turn off and the door will be unlocked. Slowly close the drawer, and the washer will automatically resume operation.

The Liquid Bleach Compartment

If desired, measure out the recommended amount of liquid bleach, not to exceed 1/3 cup (80 ml) and pour into the center compartment labeled “LIQUID BLEACH”

marked with this

symbol .

Do not exceed the maximum fill line. Overfilling can cause early dispensing of the bleach which could result in damaged clothes.

NOTE: Do not use powdered bleach in the dispenser.

The Fabric Softener Compartment

If desired, pour the recommended amount of fabric softener into the compartment labeled “FABRIC SOFTENER” and marked with this symbol .

Dilute with water to the maximum fill line.

Do not exceed the maximum fill line. Overfilling can cause early dispensing of the fabric softener which could stain clothes.

NOTE: Do not pour fabric softener directly on the wash load.

The Detergent Compartment

■ Add measured detergent to the

detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer.

■ Detergent is flushed from the

dispenser at the beginning of the cycle. Either powdered or liquid detergent can be used.

NOTE: Liquid detergent will drain into the washer drum as it is added.

■ Low sudsing detergent is

recommended for this washer. Use the manufacturer’s recommended amount.

■ Detergent usage may need to be

adjusted for water temperature, water hardness, size and soil level of the load. For best results, avoid oversudsing.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions Installation Instructions

Care and Cleaning

Loading and using the washer.

Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.

Sorting Wash Loads

Loading the Washer

Wash drum may be fully loaded with loosely added items.

Do not wash fabrics containing

flammable materials (waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.).

To add items after washer has started, push in cycle knob and wait until there is no longer any water on the door window. Do not force open the locked door; open gently. Add items, close the door and pull cycle knob out to restart.

Colors

Whites

Lights

Darks

Soil

Heavy

Normal

Light

Fabric

Delicates

Easy Care

Sturdy Cottons

Lint

Lint Producers

Lint Collectors

■

Combine large and small items in a load. Load large items first. Large items should not be more than half the total wash load.

■

Do not wash single items. This may cause an out-of-balance load. Add one or two similar items.

Exterior:

Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe with damp cloth. Try not to hit surface with

sharp objects.

Interior:

Dry around the washer door opening, flexible gasket and door glass. These areas should

always be clean to ensure a water tight seal.

Moving and Storage:

Ask the service technician to remove water from drain pump and hoses. Do not store the washer where it will be exposed to the weather. In the United States, call the GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000 for information on how to keep the tub stationary when moving the washer. In Canada, write to Manager, Consumer Relations, Camco Inc., 1 Factory Lane, Suite 310, Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3.

Long Vacations:

Be sure water supply is shut off at faucets. Drain all water from hoses if weather will be

below freezing.

Sort laundry into loads that can be washed together.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Dispenser Drawer Area:

Detergent and fabric softener may build up in the

dispenser drawer. Residue should be removed once or twice a month.

■ Remove the drawer by first sliding the safety latch to the right, then pulling

the drawer out until it stops. Reach back into the left rear corner of the drawer cavity and press down firmly on the lock tab, pulling out the drawer.

■ Remove the inserts from the bleach and fabric softener compartments.

Rinse the inserts and the drawer with hot water to remove traces of accumulated laundry products.

■ To clean the drawer opening, use a small brush to clean the recess. Remove

all residue from the upper and lower parts of the recess.

■ Return the bleach and fabric softener inserts to the proper compartments.

Replace the dispenser drawer and run the PRE WASH cycle without any wash load in the drum.

Lock tab is visible only after drawer has been pulled out

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips

Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions

Installation Instructions

About the washer features.

Fabric Care Labels

Machine wash cycle

Normal

Permanent Press/

wrinkle resistant

Gentle/

delicate

Hand wash

Do not wash Do not wring

Water temperature

Hot

(50°C/120°F)

Warm

(40°C/105°F)

Cold/cool

(30°C/85°F)

Tumble dry

Dry

Normal

Permanent Press/

wrinkle resistant

Gentle/

delicate

Do not tumble dry

Do not dry (used with

do not wash)

Heat setting

High

Medium

Low

No heat/air

Special instructions

Line dry/

hang to dry

Drip dry

Dry flat

In the shade

Bleach symbols

Any bleach

(when needed)

Only non-chlorine bleach

(when needed)

Do not bleach

Below are fabric care label “symbols” that affect the clothing you will be laundering.

WASH LABELS

DRY LABELS

BLEACH LABELS

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Preparing to install your washer.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips

Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions

Installation Instructions

Before you begin–Read these instructions completely and carefully.

IMPORTANT–OBSERVE ALL GOVERNING CODES AND ORDINANCES.

Note–This appliance must be properly grounded, and electrical service to the washer must conform with local codes and ordinances and the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 or in Canada, CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code Part 1.

■ 1/4″nut driver

■ 3/8″socket with ratchet

■ 3/8″open-end wrench

■ 7/16″socket with ratchet

■ 9/16″open-end wrench

■ Channel-lock adjustable pliers

■ Carpenter’s level

Tools Required for Washer Installation

Location of Your Washer

Do Not Install the Washer:

In an area exposed to dripping water or outside weather conditions. The ambient temperature should never be below 60°F (15.6°C) for proper washer operation.

In an area where it will come in contact with curtains or drapes.

In an area (garage-type building) where gasoline or other flammables are kept or stored (including automobiles).

On carpet. The floor MUST be solid with a

maximum slope of 1/2″per foot (1.27 cm

per 30.5 cm). To make sure the washer does not vibrate or move, you may have to reinforce the floor.

IMPORTANT

Minimum Installation Clearances

■ When installed in alcove: Sides, Rear,

Top = 0″(0 cm)

■ When installed in closet: Sides, Rear,

Top = 0″(0 cm), Front = 1″(2.54 cm)

■ Closet door ventilation openings required:

2 louvers each 60 square in. (387 cm2), located

3″(7.6 cm) from top and bottom of door

Undercounter Installation

If an undercounter* installation is desired, you MUST install a top sheet kit, 14-A037. This kit is available from an authorized parts distributor.

*Custom-sized countertop is required.

Mobile Home Installation

Installation must conform to Standard for Mobile Homes, ANSI A119.1 and National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (PL93-383).

Preparing to install your washer.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

WARNING:

Destroy the carton and plastic bags

after the washer is unpacked. Children might use them for play. Cartons covered with rugs, bedspreads, or plastic sheets can become airtight chambers causing suffocation. Place all materials in a garbage container or make materials inaccessible to children.

Cut the shipping carton along the dotted line at the base of the unit.

While it is in the carton, carefully lay the washer on its back side.

Remove the styrofoam base.

Carefully return the washer to an upright

position and remove the carton.

Carefully move the washer to within 4 feet

(122 cm) of the final location.

Remove the following from the back side of the washer: 4 bolts,

4 yellow plastic spacers, 4 metal “P” clamps.

Remove the service panel from the front of the washer.

Remove the 4 nuts and 6 large washers that attach the 2 yellow shipping braces to the drum and the base. Lift up on the drum and remove the braces (a yellow ribbon surrounds the items to be removed). These braces must be removed to allow the power supply cord to be released from the shipping ring.

NOTE:

Failure to remove the shipping braces can

cause the washer to become severely unbalanced.

Remove the large styrofoam block located under the drum. Lift up on the drum, tilt the base of the foam block inwards toward the rear of the washer until free, then pull the block out.

Remove and discard the yellow ribbon and label from the front of the washer.

From the rear of the washer, carefully pull out the power supply cord through the hole in the backsheet.

Replace the service panel and screws.

NOTE:

If you must transport the washer at a later date, you must reinstall the shipping support hardware to prevent shipping damage. Keep the hardware in the plastic bag provided.

6 11

BOLT

SPACER

"P" CLAMP

Unpacking the Washer

Electrical requirements.

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips

Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions

Installation Instructions

CIRCUIT–Individual, properly polarized and grounded 15 amp. branch circuit fused with 15 amp. time delay fuse or circuit breaker.

POWER SUPPLY–2-wire, with ground, 120 volt, single phase, 60 Hz, Alternating Current.

OUTLET RECEPTACLE–Properly grounded 3-prong receptacle to be located so the power supply cord is accessible when the washer is in an installed position.

WARNING:

Improper connection of the

equipment grounding conductor can result in a risk of electrical shock. Check with a licensed electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the appliance is properly grounded.

The washer MUST be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of electrical shock by a path of least resistance for electrical current.

Since your washer is equipped with a power supply cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug, the plug MUST be plugged into an appropriate, copper-wired receptacle that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all

local codes and ordinances or in the absence of local codes, with the National Electrical Codes, ANSI/NFPA 70 (latest edition). If in doubt, call a licensed electrician. DO NOT cut off or alter the grounding prong on the power supply cord. In situations where a two-slot receptacle is present, it is the owner’s responsibility to have a licensed electrician replace it with a properly grounded three-prong grounding-type receptacle.

Grounding Requirements

Water supply and drain requirements.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Water Supply Requirements

Hot and cold water faucets MUST be installed within 42 inches (107 cm) of your washer’s water

inlet. The faucets MUST be 3/4″(1.9 cm) garden

hose-type so inlet hoses can be connected. Water pressure MUST be between 10 and 120 pounds

per square inch (maximum unbalance pressure, hot vs. cold, 10 psi.) Your water department can advise you of your water pressure. The hot water temperature should be set to deliver water at 120° to 150°F (50°–60°C).

Drain Requirements

Drain capable of eliminating 17 gals (64.3 L) per minute.

A standpipe diameter of 1 1/4″(3.18 cm)

minimum.

The standpipe height above the floor should be:

Minimum height: 24″(61 cm) Maximum height: 96″(244 cm)

NOTE:

The drain hose attached to the washer can

reach a 58″(147 cm) high standpipe. For a higher

standpipe, contact an authorized parts distributor.

If the drain is less than 24″(61 cm), install a siphon

break kit, available at your local hardware store.

96 in.

(244 cm)

Max.

24 in.

(61 cm)

Min.

BACK

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions Installation Instructions

Rough-In Dimensions

(43.2)

(1.9)

24 1

(62.9)

(152.4)

(2.54)

(3.81)

Power

Cord

(85)

SIDE

Adjustable Legsinch (cm)

(67.9)

(29.8)

(7.3)

(91.5)

Under

Counter

(87.9)

BACK

Roller Wheels

Water Inlets

(80.3)

+ 33 hidden pages