GE WPSQ3120, WPXQ3090 Owner’s Manual

WPSQ3120 WPXQ3090

GE Appliances

Owner’s Manual

Part No. 175D1807P214 Pub. No. 49-9949

Washers

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 do the laundry. 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.

Important!

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

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

Write the model and serial numbers here.

You can find them behind the top edge

of the control panel.

GE & You, A Service Partnership.

Ask any GE appliance owner and they will tell you we stand behind our products with unmatched quality service. However, did you know that most questions result from simple problems that you can easily fix yourself in just a few minutes? This Owner’s Manual can tell you how.

Read this Manual

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.

Review the Section on

Safety Information . . . . . . .4–7

Operating Instructions

Control Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9

Washer Features . . . . . . . .10–12

Loading and Using

the Washer . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 14

Troubleshooting Tips

You’ll find many answers to common problems here. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service at all.

If You Need Service

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.

in the United States

Or call Answer Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Canada,

® at 800.626.2000,

call 800-361-3400.

the GE

Languages

English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Español. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You

Call For Service . . . . . . . . .15–19

Customer Service

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Service Telephone

Numbers . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

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.

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.

WATER HEATER SAFETY

WARNING!

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

This washer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used. If you did not receive an Installation Instructions sheet, you can receive one by calling, toll-free, in the United States the GE Answer Center

, 800.626.2000. In Canada, write to Manager, Consumer Relations, Camco Inc., 1 Factory Lane, Suite 310, Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3.

PROPER INSTALLATION

■

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.

■Keep the area underneath

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

■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

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. READ ALL INFORMATION BEFORE USING.

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

■ Never reach into washer while

it is moving. Wait until the machine has completely stopped before opening the lid.

■ 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, dry-cleaning 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.

WHEN USING THE WASHER

WARNING!

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

■ 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 lid 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 user-repair instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out.

■ Do not tamper with controls.

WHEN NOT IN USE

REMEMBER…

Your continued health and safety are important to us. Please read and follow this Safety Information carefully. We want you to remain a happy and healthy part of our

GE family.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

About the washer control panel.

You can locate your model number behind the top edge of the control panel.

KNITS

30 MIN

AUTO SOAK

15 MIN

AUTO SOAK

PREWASH

HEAVY

POWER WASH

NORMAL

LIGHT SOIL

PERMANENT PRESS

WRINKLE FREE COTTON

COTTONS

LOAD SIZE

SUPER

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

RESET

EXTRA SMALL

EASY CARE

GENTLE

SLOW

WASH/SPIN

SPEED

COLD COLD

WARM

COLD

WARM WARM

NORMAL

SLOW

NORMAL

FAST

WASH/RINSE TEMPS

HOT

COLD

EXTRA RINSE

EXTRA RINSE RESET

Automatic Cycle Signal

HANDWASH

SOAK/WASH

VARIABLE

2 3

Control Settings

Load Size

The water level should just cover the clothes. Adjust the load size accordingly. Loosely load clothes no higher than the top row of holes in the washer tub.

Some models allow you to increase the water level after you’ve made a selection. Select

RESET

and a new level.

KNITS

30 MIN

AUTO SOAK

HEAVY

POWER WASH

MEDIUM

LIGHT SOIL

PERMANENT PRESS

COTTONS

REGULAR

LOAD SIZE

SMALL

EXTRA SMALL

EXTRA LARGE

MEDIUM

PERMANENT

PRESS

GENTLE

SLOW

WASH/SPIN

SPEED

COLD COLD

WARM

COLD

WARM WARM

NORMAL

SLOW

NORMAL

FAST

WASH/RINSE TEMPS

HOT

COLD

EXTRA RINSE

EXTRA RINSE RESET

DELICATES

Model WPXQ3090

2 3

Model WPSQ3120

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

Wash/Spin Speed

The agitator moves clothes around for a cleaner wash; the basket spins later in the cycle to release water from the load. The Wash/Spin Speed dial sets the speed of both the agitator and the basket.

With NORMAL wash speed, the agitator moves faster. Use for cottons, denims and play clothes. With GENTLE wash speed, the agitator moves slower. Use for delicate and knit items.

The FAST spin speed is for durable items. The SLOW spin speed is for delicate items like sweaters and lingerie. Clothes will be less dry than when using FAST spin speed.

Wash/Rinse Temp

Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles. Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label or instructions when laundering. Follow the water temperature guide on washer lid.

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 clothing.

COTTONS/ For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens,

COTTONS REGULAR work and play clothes.

PERMANENT PRESS For easy care and wrinkle-resistant items.

KNITS Specially designed for normal soil knits.

DELICATES For lingerie and delicate fabrics with light to

normal soil.

HANDWASH

For lingerie and special-care fabrics with light soils. Select

EXTRA SMALL

for load size and for cycle. Provides periods of agitation and soak during wash and rinse.

AUTO SOAK For heavily soiled clothes. Begins with a brief agitation,

soaks for a specified period of time, then moves through the rest of the cycle automatically.

PREWASH

For heavily soiled clothes or for clothes with a care label that recommends prewashing before wearing.

POWER WASH

For heavily soiled and heavy-duty fabrics. This cycle provides a longer agitation.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

About the washer features.

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

Extra Rinse

When you use extra detergent or bleach to clean heavily soiled clothes, you may want to use the

EXTRA

RINSE

option. This option provides a second deep cold

rinse in the

COTTONS/COTTONS REGULAR

and the

PERMANENT PRESS

cycles.

The washer will pause for a few minutes before the EXTRA RINSE option begins.

If the extra rinse light is lit and you don’t want this option, select

EXTRA RINSE RESET.

Liquid Bleach Dispenser

The dispenser dilutes liquid chlorine bleach before it reaches into your wash load.

Check clothing care labels for special instructions.

Measure liquid bleach carefully, following instructions on the bottle.

Before starting the washer, pour measured amount of bleach directly into bleach dispenser. Avoid splashing or over-filling dispenser. If you prefer to use powdered bleach, add it into the wash basket with your detergent.

Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto clothes or into the wash basket.

Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach dispenser. Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar

and/or rust remover. Mixing can produce a toxic gas which may cause death.

EXTRA

RINSE RESET

Fabric Softener Dispenser

This dispenser automatically releases liquid fabric softener at the proper time during the cycle. To use, follow these steps:

Make sure dispenser is securely attached to agitator.

Use only liquid fabric softener. Pour into dispenser, using amount recommended on package.

Add water to dispenser until it reaches the maximum fill line.

Do not stop the washer during the first spin. This will cause the dispenser to empty too soon.

Do not use the Fabric Softener Dispenser with AUTO SOAK or EXTRA RINSE cycle.

Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes. It may stain them.

Do not pour anything into the agitator if the top is removed.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

This will sound at the end of the cycle you choose, alerting you to remove the clothes to avoid excess wrinkling before drying.

Automatic Cycle Signal (on some models)

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

About the washer features.

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

Separate for cleaning.

Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser

Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.

Separate the dispenser cup from the cover by grasping the top and pushing down on the inside of the cup with your fingers. Dispenser cup will pop free from the cover.

To clean dispenser, soak both the dispenser cup and the dispenser cover in the following solution:

■

1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water

■

1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy duty liquid detergent

■

1 cup (240 ml) bleach

If necessary, loosen build-up with a clean, soft cloth after soaking. Do not use a stiff brush; you may roughen the surface of the dispenser.

Rinse and reassemble dispenser. Place dispenser back on the agitator.

Loading and using the washer.

Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

Proper Use of Detergent

Add detergent and start the washer before adding clothes so that the detergent can work effectively. Follow the detergent package directions. Using too little detergent is a common cause of laundry problems. Use more detergent if you have hard water, large loads, greasy or oily soils or lower water temperature.

Loading the Washer

Load dry items loosely, no higher than the top row of holes in the washer tub. When loading wet items make sure you set the load/water level high enough to allow the items to move freely. Water level should just cover the clothes. To add items after washer has started, push in Cycle knob and submerge additional items next to the agitator. Close the lid and pull Cycle knob out to restart.

Do not wrap large items like sheets around the agitator. Do not wash fabrics containing flammable materials (waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.). Washer will not start with the lid up.

Sorting Wash Loads

Colors

Whites Lights Darks

Soil

Heavy Normal Light

Fabric

Delicates Easy Care Sturdy Cottons

Lint

Lint Producers Lint Collectors

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

Loading and using the washer.

Care and Cleaning of the Washer

Wash Basket:

Leave the lid open after washing to allow moisture to evaporate. If you want to clean the basket use a clean soft cloth dampened with liquid detergent, then rinse. (Do not use harsh or gritty cleaners.)

Fill Hoses:

Hoses connecting washer to faucet should be replaced

every 5 years.

Lint Filter:

It is self-cleaning, requires no maintenance, and is located

under the agitator.

Exterior:

Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe with damp cloth.

Try not to hit surface with sharp objects.

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.

Before you call for service…

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

Troubleshooting Tips Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Washer won’t operate

Washer is unplugged • Make sure cord is plugged

securely into a working outlet.

Water supply is turned off • Turn both hot and cold

faucets fully on.

Controls are not set • Check controls and properly make sure Cycle knob is

pulled out to ONposition.

Lid is open • Close lid and pull Cycle

knob out to ONposition.

Circuit breaker/fuse is • Check house circuit tripped/blown breakers /fuses. Replace

fuses or reset breaker. Washer should have separate outlet.

Water temperature

Control is not set properly • Check water temperature

is incorrect

control and adjust.

Water supply is turned off • Turn both hot and cold or improperly connected faucets fully on and make

sure hoses are connected to correct faucets.

Water valve screens are • Turn off the water source stopped up and remove the water

connection hoses from the upper back of the washer. Use a brush or toothpick to clean the screens in the machine. Reconnect the hoses and turn the water back on.

House water heater is • Make sure house water not set properly heater is delivering water

at 120°F.–140°F. (48°C.–60°C.).

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Water won’t drain

Drain hose is kinked or • Straighten drain hose and improperly connected make sure washer is not

sitting on it.

• Top of drain outlet should

be less than 8 ft. above floor.

Water leaks

Fill hoses or drain hose is • Make sure hose improperly connected connections are tight at

faucets and make sure end of drain hose is correctly inserted in and secured to drain facility.

Household drain may • Check household be clogged plumbing. You may need

to call a plumber.

Constant water pressure • Tighten hoses at the to the fill hoses at the faucets and turn the water water source off after each use.

• Check condition of the fill

hoses; they may need replacement after 5 years.

Washer is noisy

Washer is uneven • Make sure washer is level

and firm to the floor.

Washer load is • Push the Cycle knob in to unbalanced stop the washer, open the

lid and redistribute the load evenly. Close the lid and restart.

Washer pauses in cycle

The washer normally pauses between washing steps

Clothes too wet

Incorrect cycle selected • Make sure the cycle

selected matches the load you are washing.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Lint or residue on clothes

Incorrect sorting • Separate lint producers

from lint collectors.

Washing too long • Wash small loads for a

shorter time than larger loads.

Detergent not dissolving • Add detergent as wash

basket fills with water, before you load clothes.

• Try a liquid detergent.

• Use warmer water

temperature.

Overloading • Load clothes no higher

than the top row of holes in the washer tub.

• Make sure load size

selector matches clothes load size.

Incorrect use of fabric • Check fabric softener softener package for instructions

and follow directions for using dispenser.

Colored spots

Incorrect use of fabric • Check fabric softener softener package for instructions

and follow directions for using dispenser.

• Pretreat stain and rewash.

Dye transfer • Sort whites or lightly

colored items from dark colors.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Wrinkling

Improper sorting • Avoid mixing heavy items

(like work clothes) with light items (like blouses).

• Try a fabric softener.

Overloading or • Load your washer so incorrect water level clothes have enough room

to move freely.

Incorrect wash and • Match Cycle selection to dry cycles the type of fabric you are

washing (especially for easy care loads).

Repeated washing in • Wash in warm or cold water water that is too hot with plenty of detergent.

Too many suds

Type of detergent • Switch to a lower sudsing

detergent brand and follow instructions on package.

Very soft water • Try less detergent.

Snags, holes, tears, rips

Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp • Fasten snaps, hooks,

or excessive wear

buttons, belt buckles buttons, and zippers. zippers, and sharp objects

• Remove loose items like

left in pockets

pins, objects in pockets and sharp buttons.

• Turn knits (which snag

easily) inside out.

Undiluted chlorine bleach • Check bleach package

instructions for proper amount.

• Never add undiluted

bleach to wash or allow clothes to come in contact with undiluted bleach.

Chemicals like hair bleach • Rinse items that may have or dye, permanent wave chemicals on them before solution washing.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Pilling

Result of normal wear on • While this is not caused by poly-cotton blends and the washer, you can slow fuzzy fabrics the pilling process by

washing garments inside out.

Grayed or yellowed

Not enough detergent • Use more detergent

clothes

(especially with larger loads).

Hard water • Use a water conditioner

like Calgon brand or install a water softener.

Water is not hot enough • Make sure water heater is

delivering water at 120°F.–140°F. (48°C.–60°C.).

Washer is overloaded • Select load size to match

clothes load.

Detergent is not • Add detergent as wash dissolving basket fills with water

before you load clothes.

Dye transfer • Sort clothes by color. If

fabric label states

wash

separately,

unstable dyes

may be indicated.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service

GE Washer Warranty

(For customers in the United States)

All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care

technician. For service, call 800-GE-CARES.

Warranty may vary in Canada. See your approved Profile dealer for details.

■Service trips to your home to teach you

how to use the product.

■Improper installation.

■Failure of the product if it is

abused, misused, or used for other than the intended purpose or used commercially.

■ Replacement of house fuses or

resetting of circuit breakers.

■ Damage to the product caused by

accident, fire, floods or acts of God.

■ Incidental or consequential damage to

personal property caused by possible defects with this appliance.

What GE Will Not Cover:

For The Period Of: GE Will Replace, At No Charge To You:

One Year Any part

of the washer which fails due to a defect

From the date of the

in materials or workmanship. During this

full one-year

original purchase warranty,

GE will also provide,

free of charge,

all labor

and in-home service to replace the defective part.

Two Years Any part

of the washer which fails due to a defect

From the date of the

in materials or workmanship. During this

two-year

original purchase limited warranty,

you will be responsible for any labor

or in-home service costs.

Five Years The suspension rod and spring assembly,

if any of these

From the date of the

parts should fail due to a defect in materials or

original purchase

workmanship. GE will also replace the

washer lid or

cover,

if they should rust under normal operating

conditions. During this

five-year limited warranty,

you will be responsible for any labor or in-home service costs.

Ten Years The transmission and washer tub,

if any of these parts

From the date of the

should fail due to a defect in materials or workmanship.

original purchase

During this

ten-year limited warranty,

you will be

responsible for any labor or in-home service costs.

Lifetime The washer basket,

if it should fail due to a defect in

From the date of the

materials or workmanship. During this

lifetime

original purchase limited warranty,

you will be responsible for any labor

or in-home service costs.

This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home use within the USA. In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. 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, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.

Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225

202122

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