GE TFX24VRSBWH, TFX24VRSBAD, TFX24VRSAWH, TFX24VRSAAD Owner’s Manual

I

I

Refr&erator

English Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

verSiOn franchise......................,... 23

Version en espafiol....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Problem Solver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Normal Operating Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

More questions ?...ln the United States call

GE Answer

In Canada consult your local telephone

Safe~

instructions......., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

tiiectory

for the Cameo

Preparation

Operating Instructions, Tips

Automatic

EnergV-Saving

Food Storage Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Shelves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Storage Drawers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Temperature Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Icemaker

Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

& Dispenser . . . . . . . . 5-7

.

9, 10

.

4

Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Level

ing............

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moving & Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Water Supply to Icemaker....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Installation

Care and Cleaning

Behind the Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Cleaning–Inside and Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Drawer and Cover Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Light Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Under Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Water Filter

AccessorV

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

12

.

11

.

7

installation... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adapter Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extension Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Water Line

Centerm 80~626.2000

Servjce

Center

Installation,...............,...

. 17-19

.

13

.

13

.

.

14-16

.

14

.

15, 16

13

.

13

14

GE Appliances

Consumer Services .................20

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

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

Warranty for Canadian Customers ........21

Warranty for U.S. Customers . . . . . . Back Cover

Models: SidebySide2Q2224and27
with Dispenser

HELP US HELP YOU...

Write down the model
and serial numbers.

You’ll sce
the

fresh food

These numbers are also
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.

them on a

top

drawer or at the bottom, just inside the

compartment door.

ltibel

on the

on

the Consumer

wall beside

Read this book carefully.

It is

in[ended

maintain your new refrigerator
Keep it handy for answers [o
If you don’t

more help,

In the United States:

Consumer

GE

Appliance Park

Louisville, KY 40225

In Canada:

Manager Consumer Relations
2645 Skymark Ave.,

Mississauga, Ontario

Canada L4W 4H2

to help you

undcrst~nd son]c(hing or IIccd

write

(include

Al”fairs

Appliances

ENERGY-SAV~G

● Location of your refrigerator is important. Avoid locating it next to

your range, a heating vent or

●

Close the doors as soon as possible, particularly in hot, humid weather.

wbere

the sun will shine directly on it.

opcra[c

and

pI-OpCrly.

yoLIr clucs[itJIls.

y(mI pllt)nc Il~IIIIbcI):

Save

time and

Ilef’ore

(heck (hc

book.
you can correct yourself.

you request service...

Problem Solver section in this

It

lists minor operating problems that

money.

TWS

● Be sure the doors are closed tightly. Before leaving the house or

retiring for the night, check to be sure the doors haven’t been
open accidentally.

●

Keep foods covered to reduce moisture buildup inside the refrigerator.

left

To obtain service, see the Consumer Services
page in the back of this book.

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

3

steps to follow for further help.

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

For Customers in the United States:

FIRST, contact the people who serviced your
appliance. Explain why you are not pleased.
In most cases this will solve

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

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

Major Appliance Consumer

Action Panel

20

North

Chicago, IL

Wacker

60606”

Drive

tbe

problem.

For Customers in Canada:

FIRST, contact the people who serviced your

appiiance.

In most cases this will solve the problem
NEXT.

the detai

Explain why you are

if you are still not pleased,

Is—includin&

Manager Consumer Relations
2645 Skymark Ave.,

Mississauga, Ontario

Canada L4W 4H2

not

pleased,

your phone number to:

write all

2

WORTANT SA~TY ~STRUCTIONS

Read W instructions

WARNIN&When

A

. Use this

o

always exercise basic safety precautions,
including the following:

appliance only for its intended purpose

as

described in this Use and Care Guide.

Q

‘Q-\”:~

?.+ -

This refrigerator must be properly

installed and located in accordance
with the Instillation Instructions

using this appliance,

before

before it is used.

●

Never unplug your refrigerator by

palling on the power cord.

plug

firmly

and pull straight out from

the

outlet.

●

Repair or replace immediately all electric

Always

grip-

service cords that have become frayed or
otherwise damaged.

shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length

or

at either the plug or connector end.

●

When moving your refrigerator away from the

wall, be

carefd

not to roll over or damage the

Do not use a cord that

power cord.

c

Do not allow children to climb, stand or

hang on the shelves in the refrigerator. They

could damage the refrigerator and seriously
injure themselves.

●

If your old refrigerator is still around

the house but not in use, be sure to
remove the doors.

a

c

After your refrigerator is in operation, do

possibility of danger to children.

This will reduce the

not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer
compartment, particularly when hands are
damp or wet.

cold

surfaces.

●

If your refrigerator has an automatic

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
refrigerator is plugged in.

Skin may adhere to these extremely

icemaker,

icemaking

mechanism while the

using

●

Don’t refreeze frozen foods which have thawed

completely.

Agriculture in Home and Garden Bulletin
No. 69 says:

“..
have thawed if they still contain ice crystals or if
they are still cold—below

“..
have any off-odor or off-color should not be
refrozen and should not be eaten. Thawed ice

cream should be discarded. If the odor or color of

any

food may be dangerous to eat.

“Even partial thawing and refreezing reduces the
eating quality of foods, particularly fruits,

vegetables and prepared foods. The eating quality
of red meats is affected less than that of many
other foods. Use refrozen foods as soon as
possible to save as much of their eating quality as
you can.”

ttis

appliance.

The United States Department of

.You

may safely refreeze frozen foods that

40°F, (4°C.).

.Thawed

food is poor or questionable, get rid of it. The

ground meats, poultry or fish that

●

Unplug your refrigerator before

cleaning and making repairs.
NOTE:

any servicing be performed by a
qualified individual.

●

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,)

NOTE:

not remove power to the light circuit,

●

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable

Turning control to OFF position does

vapors and

We strongly recommend that

Iiquids

in the vicinity of this or any

other appliance.

SAW T~SE

~STRUCTIONS

3

OPEMT~G

YOUR

Set the Temperature Controls

The temperature controls let you regulate the temperature in the fresh

food and freezer compartments.
At

first,

set the Fresh Food control at “5” and the Freezer control at “C”.

Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize, whether you are
setting the controls for the first time or adjusting them later. Then, if
you want colder or warmer temperatures in either compartment, adjust
the controls one step at a time.

NOTE: Moving the Fresh Food control to OFF turns off cooling in
both

compartments-fresb food and freezer—but does not shut off

power to the refrigerator.

How to Test Temperatures

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

top

shelf in the fresh food compartment. Check it a day

REFMGEWTOR

Use the ice cream test for the freezer compartment. Place a

container of ice cream in the center of the freezer compartment. Check
it after a day. If it’s too hard or too soft, adjust the temperature controls.

Always
temperature you set.

allow

24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the

Automatic Energy Saver System

You won’t find an “energy saver” switch on this refrigerator.

Warm liquid from the refrigerator’s condenser is automatically
circulated around the front edge of the freezer compartment to help
keep moisture from forming on the outside of the refrigerator during
humid weather,

Marry

refrigerators use special electric heaters. This refrigerator needs
none. That’s why there is no “energy saver” switch.. there’s no need
for it.

If you turn your household thermostat below

,. you may want to move the freezer control one
step colder. Cooler temperatures in the house may
cause the compressor to operate less frequently,
thus allowing the freezer compartment to warm
somewhat. To protect your frozen food supply,
leave the freezer

tbe

entire winter or for-as long as you keep

thermostat tuined down.

setting

at this colder setting for

~our

#o

D

60°F. (16°C.)

,,. ,.

,.

! ,’

‘.

$

‘“

No Defrosting

It is not necessary to defrost the freezer or fresh food compartments.
Your refrigerator is designed and equipped to defrost itself automatically.

at night...

Moving the freezer control to colder setting should have no effect on
your fresh food compartment. However, if freezing occurs, move the
fresh food control one step warmer,

When you stop turning the thermostat down, turn the refrigerator’s
controls back to their regular settings.

4

AUTOWTIC ICEW~R

(on some models)

How They Work

The automatic icemaker makes ice continually. The dispenser
dispenses water, ice
compartment door. Here’s how they work.

Water flows from the
(1)

dual solenoid valve

to the

(2) water tubing and

to the

(3) automatic icemaker

as needed.

Water is frozen in the

(4) cube mold and

ejected into the
storage bin where

(s)

a motor-powered
auger moves
cubes forward.

Important Facts about Your Ice & Water Dispenser

● If this is your first icemaker you’ll hear occasional sounds that

may be unfamiliar. These are normal
cause for concern.

● Your icemaker will produce 8 cubes per cycle—approximately

120 cubes in a 24-hour period—depending on freezer compartment
temperature. room temperature, number of door openings and other
use conditions.

● Intermittent dispensing of ice is normal. If ice

more than brief, ice clump(s) may be the cause and should be
removed following instructions in this section.

● Avoid overfilling glasses with ice and using narrow or extra-tall

glasses. This can jam the chute or cause the door in the chute to
freeze shut. Periodically open the freezer compartment door and look
down into the chute. If ice is blocking the chute, poke it through with
a wooden spoon.

cubes or crushed ice through the

icemaking

freezer

sounds and are not

flow

interruption is

& DISPENSER

Cubes fall
pad is pressed.

When CRUSHED is selected (on some models), a baffle channels

cubes through the crusher and crushed
the glass,

When WATER is selected, (on some models) water flows through
(6) tubing in the door and is dispensed when the dispenser

(7) A light switch (on some models) turns the night light in the

The
The light in the dispenser should be replaced with a 7 watt maximum

bulb when it burns out.

● To help keep bits of ice from being sprayed beyond the glass,

place the glass close to the ice chute—but not so close that it blocks

outcoming

● Fill glasses with ice before adding soda or other beverage mixes.

● Beverages and foods

storage bin. Cans, bottles or food packages in the storage bin may
cause the icemaker or auger to jam.

● Do not add ice from trays or bags to the storage bin.

crush or dispense well.

throtrgb

the chute in the door when the dispenser

pad is pressed.

dispenser on or off.

Iigbt

also comes on

ice.

ice

falls through J chute into

wben

the dispenser pad is pressed.

sbould

not be quick-chilled in the ice

It

may not

tbe

Before Using Your Icemaker and Dispenser

If you use your refrigerator before the water

connection is made, raise the ice access door
make sure the icemaker feeler arm is in the
STOP (up) position. When the water supply has
been connected to the icemaker, move the feeler
arm to ON (down) position.

arm in
(up)

position position

and

~

,

4

~!4

min

n)

At first there will be a

delay

before water is dispensed and ice is

On models with a water dispenser,
if no water is dispensed when the refrigerator is
first installed, there may be air in
system. Press the dispenser pad for

the

water line

at

least two
minutes to remove trapped air from the water
line and to fill the water system.

Push the dispenser pad

/

until the water line is filled.

The ice cube mold will automatically fill with water

A~ER

cooling
to freezer temperatures. The first cubes normally freeze after
several hours.

NOTE: With a newly-installed refrigerator, allow about 24 hours
for the freezer compartment to get cold enough to make ice.

(((ltll;llu(,(l ?1(,.1-[ [?[1,s<,)

made.

5

AUTOWTIC ICEWmR

(continued)

Once Your Icemaker and Dispenser are in Operation

Throw away the first few batches of ice cubes (16 or 24 cubes). This

will

flush away

after vacations or extended periods when ice isn’t used.
On models

the kitchen sink. The first water through the system picks up a slight

“plastic” taste from the water tubing.

To Dispense Ice and Water

any

impurities in the water line. Do the same thing

witb

a water dispenser, pour the first 6 glassfuls of water in

ect

CUBES, CRUSHED ICE

some

models)

Dispenser
pad

or WATER.

& DISPENSER

To make sure the bin

When cubes fall into tbe bin they may pile up close to the icemaker
and push the feeler arm to the STOP (up) position before the bin gets

full.

Keeping the cubes level allows the icemaker to

fills with ice, level the cubes occasionally.

fill

the bin.

● Grip tbe glass or other container

near the rim and press the rim
against the center of the dispenser
pad.

Dispenser
pad

When Dispensing Ice...

Some”crushed ice maybe dispensed even though you selected
CUBES. This happens occasionally when a few cubes

to the crusher.

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.

Sometimes crushed ice will spray beyond the glass. To
hold the glass up close to the chute.

CAUTION: Never put fingers or other objects into the

dispenser

opeting.

get

channeled

avoid

this,

To Stop Dispensing

Release pressure from the
dispenser pad and wait a few
seconds to catch the last bits of ice
or drops of water.

There may be some dripping after
dispensing crushed ice or water. If
there is a lot of dripping, the spill
should be wiped dry right away.

When Dispensing Water...

The first glass of water dispensed may be warmer than the
following ones. This is normal.

Dispensed water is cool, not iced. For colder water, simply add

crushed ice or cubes before dispensing water.

If Ice Clumps Form in the Storage Bin...

The icemaker ejects cubes in groups of 8,
cubes to be joined together. However, if you don’t use the

ice very often, ice clumps may form in the storage bin and can clog
the dispenser.

If this happens:

● Remove the storage bin from the freezer.

● Break up ice clumps with your hands, Throw away any clumps that

you can’t break up.

● Replace the bin before the remaining cubes melt and fuse together.

and

it is normal for several

Do not pour water in the spill shelf because it is not self draining—
pour it in the kitchen sink. The shelf

;egularly according to Care and Cleaning

instructions.

by pressing on the back right corner.

Tbe grille is easily removed

and

its

~rille

should be cleaned

Press here to remove grille

A

6

To Remove Ice Storage Bin

[.ift [he left

the shelf. Pull the bin straight
supporting it at front

corner to tree

and back.

the

bin

out

from

while

To Replace Ice Storage Bin

Slide

the bin back until the tab on the bin locks

into the slot in the shelf.
If the bin does not

it

and

turn the drive mechanism I/4 turn. Then
push the bin back again until the
bin locks into the slot in the shelf.

go

all the way back, remove

tab

on the

If Ice Is Not Used Often...

“Old’. ice

storage bin periodically and wash it in lukewarm water, Be sure to
allow storage bin to cool before replacing it—otherwise ice cubes will
stick to the metal auger.

cubes will become cloudy and taste

stale.

Empty

ice

Water Filter Accessory

Yout ice cubes can

only bc as fresh-tasting as the water that produces them.

Move Feeler Arm to STOP (up) Position when...

● Home water supply is to be turned off

● Ice storage bin is to be removed for a period of time.

●

Goin&

away on vacation, at which time you should also turn off the

valve in the water supply line to your refrigerator.

for

several hours,

/ I

FOOD

STOMGE

SUGGESTIONS

Suggested storage times for meat and poultry*

DAYS

Eating

quali~

drops after
time

shown

Fresh Meats

Roasts (Beef & Lamb) 3 to 5 6 to 12

Roasts (Pork & Veal) 3 to 5 ..,........................4 to 8

Steaks (Beef) . 3 to 5 6 to 12 Turkey (Pieces) 1 to 2 ...............................6

Chops (Lamb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to 5 ...........................6to 9

Choos

(Pork) 3 to 5

Ground &

Variety Meats 1 to 2 ...........................3 to 4

Sausage (Pork) 1 to 2 ...........................1 to 2

Stew

Meats . 1 to 2

Processed Meats

DAYS IN

REFRIGERATOR

AT 35° to

40°F.

(2° to

4“C.)

..........................,3

......,........,...........3

MONTHS IN

FREEZER

AT O“F.

(-18°c,)

to 4

to

Eating

quali~

drops after

REFRIGERATOR

time shown

Fresh Poultry

Chicken & Turkey

Chicken (Pieces) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2 ,..............................9

Duck & Goose (Whole) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2...............................6

4+

Giblets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cooked Poultry

Pieces (Covered with Broth) ..............1 to 2................................6

Pieces (Not Covered) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to 4......,,.......................1

Cooked Poultry Dishes 3 to 4 ...........................4 to 6

(Whole) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2..............................12

IN

AT 35° to

(2°

.

to4°c.)

1 to 2

40”F.

....................,..........3

MONTHS IN

FREEZER

AT O“F.

(-18°C.)

Frankfutiers...

Ham (Whole)

Ham (Half) 3 to 5 ...........................1 to 2

Ham (Slices) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Luncheon Meats 3 to 5.......... Freezing not recommended.

Sausage (Smoked) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.............. Freezing not recommended.

Sausage (Dry & Semi-Dry) .............14 to 21 ........ Freezing not recommended.

Cooked Meats

Cooked Meats and Meat Dishes . . . . . . . . 3 to 4 ...........................2 to 3

Gravy & Meat Broth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2 ...........................2 to 3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................,......,,,......,,,. 7..,,,,.......,,................1

.

7..................................l/z

.

3...............................1 to 2

to 2

(Other than for meats& poult~)

Most fruits and vegetables ..........8-12 months

Lean fish .......................................6-8 months

Fatty fish, rolls and breads, soups, stew, casseroles .........2-3 months

Cakes, pies, sandwiches, leftovers (cooked),

ice cream (original carton) ......1 month max.

Meats, fish and poultry purchased from the store vary in quality and age;
consequently, safe storage time in your refrigerator will vary.

*U.S. Department of Agriculture

Fresh Food Storage Tips

To store vegetables:

● Use the vegetable drawers — they have

been designed to preserve the natural
moisture and freshness of produce. Unfrozen meats,

● Covering vegetables with a moist towel ● Always remove store wrappings.

helps maintain crispness.

● As a further aid to freshness,

prepackaged vegetables can be
stored in their original wrapping.

fish,

and poultry:

● Rewrap in foil, plastic wrap or wax paper

and refrigerate immediately.

Tips on Freezing Foods

There are 3 essential requirements for efficient home freezing.

1. Initial quality. Freeze only top-quality foods, Freezing retains

quality and flavor; it cannot improve quality.

2. Speed. The quicker fruits and vegetables are frozen after picking,

the better the frozen product will be. You’ll save time, too, with less
culling and sorting to do.

3. Proper packaging. Use food wraps designed especially

for freezing.

To freeze meat, fish and poultry, wrap well in freezer-weight foil (or
other heavy-duty wrapping material), forming it carefully to the shape
of the contents. This expels air. Fold and crimp ends of the package to
provide a good, lasting seal. Don’t refreeze meat that has been
completely thawed; meat, whether raw or cooked, can be frozen
successfully only once.

Fine-quality ice cream, with high cream content, will normally
require slightly lower temperatures than more “airy” already-packaged
brands with low cream content.

● It will be necessary to experiment to determine the freezer

compartment location and temperature control setting to keep your
ice cream at the right serving temperature.

● The rear of the freezer compartment is slightly colder than the front.

New

technique.r are

Exten.~ion
information on,tkeezirrg und .\toring ji)od.~.

Service or your

c~n.stantly

FREEZER

Cbeese:

● Wrap well with wax paper or aluminum

foil,

or

put in a plastic bag.

●

Carefully wrap to

expel air and help

prevent mold.

● Store prepackaged cheese in its own

wrapping if you wish.

being

local

developed.

Utility Company for the latest

Con.rult

the County

8