GE TBM18JAC AA, TBM18JAC WW, TBM18GAD WW Owner’s Manual

GE Appliances

Top-mount no-frost

Refrigerators

Owner’s Manual

Models

TBM18JAC AA

TBM18JAC WW

TBM18GAD WW

Read me to get the most from this appliance!

015	MR	Part

Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Proper Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Use of Extension Cords . . . . . . . . . . 3 How to Connect Electricity . . . . . . . 4 Use of Adapter Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Operating Instructions

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–9

Automatic Icemaker . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Ice and Water Dispenser . . . . . . . 11

Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13

Replacing the Light Bulbs . . . . . . . 13

Installation Instructions

Preparing to

Install the Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . 14

Troubleshooting Tips

Normal Operating Sounds . . . . . . 15

Before You

Call For Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 15–17

Customer Service

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

You can find them on a label on the left side, near the top of the fresh food compartment.

READ THIS MANUAL

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

USE OF EXTENSION CORDS

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.

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 an approved 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and outlet and that meets local regulations and standards. The electrical rating of the cord must be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

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.

If the outlet is a standard 2-prong outlet, 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

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

However, if you must use an adapter, where local codes permit, a temporary connection may be made to a properly grounded 2-prong wall outlet by use of an approved adapter that meets local regulations and standards.

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.

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.

If the adapter ground terminal breaks, DO NOT USE the refrigerator until a proper ground has been established.

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.

Read and follow this Safety Information carefully.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

About the controls on the refrigerator.

The temperature controls on your refrigerator have letters and numbers. Initially set the fresh food control at 5 and the freezer control at C.

If you want colder or warmer temperatures, adjust the fresh food temperature first. When satisfied with that setting, adjust the freezer temperature.

OFF 9

5 INITIAL SETTING

9 COLDEST

FRESH FOOD

Damper

(Coldest

Cold air

INITIAL SETTING C

setting)

from freezer

COLDEST E

compartment

FREEZER

(Warmest A

Damper

setting)

Side View

Control Settings

Fresh Food Control

The fresh food control maintains the temperatures throughout the refrigerator.

Moving the fresh food control to OFF stops cooling in both areas—fresh food and freezer—but does not shut off power to the refrigerator.

Freezer Control

The freezer control moves a damper to change the amount of cold air that moves from the freezer to the fresh food compartment.

How To Test Temperatures

Use the milk test for the fresh food compartment. Place a container of milk on the top shelf and check it a day later. If the milk is too warm or too cold, adjust the temperature controls.

Use the ice cream test for the freezer compartment. Place a container of ice cream in the center of the freezer and check it after a day. If it’s too hard or too soft, adjust the temperature controls.

After changing the controls, allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the temperature you have set.

Power Saver Switch

Push switch to the POWER SAVER setting to reduce the amount of electricity required to operate your refrigerator.

With this switch turned to the POWER SAVER setting, moisture may form on the outside of the refrigerator, especially when the weather is humid.

Over time, moisture that forms on the surface may cause rust.

To prevent moisture on the outside, move the power saver switch from the POWER SAVER setting.

Cost? About the same as it costs to use 2 night lights.

About the refrigerator shelves, dishes and bins.

Not all features are on all models.

Rearranging the Shelves

Shelves in the fresh food and freezer compartments are adjustable.

To Remove		To Replace
2 Lift up and out	1	Tilt up
	1	Tilt up
		1	Insert
			top hook
		2	Lower to
			lock in place

Quick Serve™ System

CAUTION: Dishes and lids are not designed for use on the range top, broiler or in the regular oven. Such use can be hazardous.

Quick Serve™ dishes fit into a rack that hangs on the fresh food or freezer door. The rack can be moved in the same manner as the door bins.

Dishes and lids are safe for use in microwave ovens, refrigerators and freezers.

Do not use when cooking high-fat foods, such as bacon, and high-sugar foods, such as candy and syrup. The high temperatures of the fat and sugar can cause bubbles to form on the inside of the dish.

To open:

QUICK	1 Push up
S

2 Pull forward

Quick Store Bin

To avoid damaging the refrigerator, make sure the bin is closed and latched before closing the refrigerator door.

This bin can be placed on the fresh food or freezer door.

To remove the bin, lift up and out of the bin housing.

To move, lift the bin housing up and out of the supports on the door. You do not have to remove the bin from the housing when moving it.

Bin Housing

About the storage drawers.

Not all features are on all models.

Fruit and Vegetable Drawers

Excess water that may accumulate in the bottom of the drawers should be emptied and the drawers wiped dry.

Adjustable Humidity Drawers

Slide the control all the way to the HIGH setting to provide high humidity recommended for most vegetables.

Slide the control all the way to the LOW setting to provide lower humidity levels recommended for most fruits.

Snacks Drawer

The snacks drawer can be moved to the most useful location for your family’s needs.

Adjustable Temperature Meat Drawer

When the drawer is placed in the top 6 slots on the left side and the lever is set at COLDEST, air from the freezer is forced around the drawer to keep it very cold.

You can move the drawer to any location if you don’t want the extra cold storage.

The settings can be adjusted anywhere between COLD and COLDEST.

When set at COLD, the drawer will stay at the normal refrigerator temperature.

The COLDEST setting provides the coldest storage area.

About storage drawer and cover removal.

Not all features are on all models.

Storage Drawers

To Remove:

These drawers can be removed easily by lifting up slightly while pulling the drawers past the stop location.

When the door cannot be opened enough to pull the drawer straight out, slide the drawer toward the middle and remove it.

Step 1

4	2	1
	2

Step 2
		3

4
1	1
	2

Remove the glass, then the frame. When replacing the glass, push the rear edge firmly into the frame.

Step 3

About the additional features.

Not all features are on all models.

Snuggers

Place a finger on either side of the snugger near the front to move the snugger back and forth to fit your needs.

Two-Position Freezer Shelf

For models without an icemaker, the shelf can be placed in either position.

For models with an icemaker, the shelf must be placed in the lower position.

Condiment Caddy

The condiment caddy keeps frequently used condiments together. It fits in your refrigerator door shelf. A convenient handle allows condiments to be easily carried to the table.

Beverage Rack

Slide-out beverage rack holds twelve cans of soda or two wine/water bottles

(lengthwise). Can be removed for cleaning.

Extra Freezer Shelf	Baking Soda Holder

Bins on the Doors

About the automatic icemaker.

A newly-installed refrigerator may take 8 to 12 hours to begin making ice.

		Feeler arm
	Icemaker	in the STOP
	Icemaker	(up) position
		(up) position

Ice Storage Bin

Feeler arm in the ON

(down) position

Automatic Icemaker (on some models)

The icemaker will produce eight cubes per cycle—approximately 100 cubes in a 24-hour period, depending on freezer compartment temperature, room temperature, number of door openings and other use conditions.

If the refrigerator is operated before the water connection is made to the icemaker, keep the feeler arm in the STOP (up) position.

When the refrigerator has been connected to the water supply, move the feeler arm to the ON (down) position.

The icemaker will fill with water when it cools to freezing. A newly-installed refrigerator may take 8 to 12 hours to begin making ice cubes.

Throw away the first few batches of ice to allow the water line to clear.

Be sure nothing interferes with the swing of the feeler arm.

It is normal for several cubes to be joined together.

If ice is not used frequently, old ice cubes will become cloudy and taste stale.

Feeler arm in the

STOP (up) position

Feeler arm on the dispenser model.

Icemaker Accessory Kit

If your refrigerator did not already come equipped with an automatic icemaker, an icemaker accessory kit is available at extra cost.

Check the back of the refrigerator for the specific icemaker kit needed for your model.

About the ice dispenser.

On some models

	To Use the Dispenser
	Press the rim of the glass gently against the
	dispenser pad.
	Select ICE CUBES, CRUSHED ICE or WATER
	(on some models).
	The spill shelf is not self-draining. To
Spill Shelf	reduce water spotting, the shelf and its
Spill Shelf	grille should be cleaned regularly.

If no water is dispensed when the refrigerator is first installed, there may be air in the water line system. Press the dispenser pad for at least two minutes to remove trapped air from the water line and to fill the water system. To flush out impurities in the water line, throw away the first six glassfuls of water.

CAUTION: Never put fingers or any other objects into the ice crusher discharge opening.

Ice Storage Bin

To remove:

Rotate

Lift the front of the bin and pull the bin straight out while supporting it at front and rear.

To replace:

Drive

Slide it back on the ice bin shelf. If the bin Mechanism does not go all the way back, remove it and

rotate the drive mechanism 1/4 turn. Then push the bin back again.

Water Filter Accessory

The water filter is an option at extra cost and is available from your dealer. Specify WR97X0214. It has complete installation instructions and installs on 1/4″ O.D. copper water line.

Important Facts About Your Dispenser

■Add ice before filling the glass with a beverage. This will prevent splashing, which could cause the ice selector switch to stick or bind.

■Do not add ice from trays or bags to the storage bin. It may not crush or dispense well.

■Avoid overfilling glass with ice and use of narrow or extra-tall glasses. Backed-up ice can jam the chute or cause the door in the chute to freeze shut. If ice is blocking the chute,pokeitthroughwithawoodenspoon.

■Beverages and foods should not be quickchilled in the ice storage bin. Cans, bottles or food packages in the storage bin may cause the icemaker or auger to jam.

■Some crushed ice may be dispensed even though you selected ICE CUBES. This happens occasionally when a few cubes accidentally get directed to the crusher.

■After crushed ice is dispensed, some water may drip from the chute.

■Sometimes a mound of snow will form on the door in the ice chute. This condition is normal and usually occurs when you have dispensed crushed ice repeatedly. The snow will eventually evaporate.

■Dispensed water is not ice cold. For colder water, add crushed ice or cubes before dispensing water.

Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.

Press here to remove grille.

Cleaning the Outside

The dispenser well (on some models), beneath the grille, should be wiped dry. Water left in the well may leave deposits. Remove the deposits by adding undiluted vinegar to the well. Soak until the deposits disappear or become loose enough to rinse away.

The dispenser pad (on some models). Clean with warm water and baking soda solution— about a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 l) of water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

HINT: Open the freezer door part way to prevent dispensing of ice when cleaning.

The door handles and trim (on some models). Clean with a cloth dampened with soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth.

The soft door handles (on some models) are easy to keep clean if they are waxed every few months. Use a household wax such as Pledge brand or Jubilee brand to coat the handles. Clean with soapy water or a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner.

Keep the outside clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with kitchen appliance wax or mild liquid dish detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth.

Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dish cloth or 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 an appliance wax polish on the inside surface between the doors.

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

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.

Avoid cleaning cold glass shelves (on some models) with hot water because the extreme temperature difference may cause them to break. Handle glass shelves carefully. Bumping tempered glass can cause it to shatter.

Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts in the dishwasher except Quick Serve dishes and lids.

Under the Refrigerator

For most efficient operation, keep the area under the refrigerator clean. Remove the

base grille and sweep away or vacuum

up dust.

Clean the condenser coils at least once a year.

For best results, use a brush specially designed for this purpose. It is available at most appliance parts stores.

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