GMS10AARRWW - Fridge GE - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL GMS10AARRWW GE

Connect Electricity .....4

Extension Cords ....3

Proper Disposal ....3

Safety Precautions .....2

Operating Instructions

Care and Cleaning....8, 9

Chiller Tray Baffle ....5

Controls 5

Defrosting 8

Food Storage Suggestions ....6, 7

Ice Trays 6

Light Bulb Replacement .....9

Shelves....6

Installation Instructions ....10

Troubleshooting Tips ....11, 12

Consumer Support

Consumer Support ...Back Cover

Product Registration .....13, 14

Warranty 15

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model #

Serial #

Find these numbers on a label on the right wall inside the fresh food compartment.

Owner's Manual

10' Single Door

Manual Defrost

GE Quality Product

Abstract decorative swirl design with no text or symbols

162D3907P004 49-60106 12-00 JR

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 chiller tray or cold surfaces in the frozen food 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.
- 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.

■ Setting the control to OFF does not remove power to the light circuit.

- Don't use an electrical device or sharp instrument in defrosting the frozen food storage compartment.

- 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.

Before You Throw Away Your Old Refrigerator or Freezer:

■ Take off the doors.
Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

CFC Disposal

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

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

USE OF EXTENSION CORDS

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 a UL-listed (in the United States) or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.

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 (Adapter plugs not permitted in Canada)

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 a UL-listed adapter available at most local hardware stores.

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

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

COOL OFF COLDCOLDEST

Temperature Control

The temperature control can be set at COOL, COLD or COLDEST, or can be set any place in between these settings.

COOL is the warmest.

COLDEST is the coldest.

Initially set the temperature control at COLD. After using the refrigerator for 24 hours, adjust the temperature control to the setting that is best suited to your needs.

NOTE: Turning the temperature control to OFF stops cooling but does not shut off power to the refrigerator.

Simple line drawing of a rectangular device with a circular top and base (no text or symbols)

If you turn your household thermostat below 60°F at night...

... you may want to move the temperature control a half step warmer. It should be left at this setting for the entire period that you are turning down your thermostat. When you stop turning the thermostat down, turn the temperature control back to its regular setting.

About the chiller tray baffle.

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Chiller Tray Baffle

The normal position for the chiller tray baffle is OUT.

Baffle out—normal position

Simple line drawing of a rectangular box with a small top and dashed bottom lines (no text or symbols)

For colder fresh food compartment temperatures during hot weather or periods of heavy usage, place the chiller tray baffle in the IN position.

Baffle in—for colder fresh food compartment temperatures

About the shelves.

Refrigerator Shelves

Pure technical line drawing of a mechanical joint or bracket (no text or symbols)

Shelves can be moved to different levels to suit your varying food storage needs. To remove a shelf, pull it out to the stop position, lift up the front and pull the shelf straight out.

About the ice trays.

Ice Trays

Illustration of two hands holding a tray with scattered small objects (no text or symbols)

To release ice cubes, invert the tray, hold it over the storage bucket or bowl and twist tray at both ends.

For only one or two ice cubes, leave the tray right-side up, twist both ends slightly and remove the desired number of cubes.

Trays can be stacked to save storage space.

For faster ice service when you need it, place ice trays on the frozen food storage compartment floor.

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

Illustration of a hand holding a tool interacting with a tray of food items (no text or symbols visible)

Food storage suggestions.

Frozen Food Storage Compartment

This refrigerator's frozen food storage compartment will make ice and will store pre-frozen foods for about two weeks.

It will not effectively freeze fresh foods or provide long term storage for meats, poultry or fish. These products should be used within several days.

Pre-frozen concentrates and high sugar content foods, such as frozen orange juice and ice cream will not remain completely solid (frozen) and must be used quickly. For best results, such items should be placed in direct contact with the refrigerated surface (where frost forms first).

If additional firmness is desired in ice cream:

• Set temperature control to colder position.
• Transfer ice cream from original carton to a covered, flat-bottomed container.

For best storage of frozen foods:

Use moisture-proof wrapping material and bags or regular freezer containers. Commercially-frozen foods are usually suitably packaged.

Fresh Food Storage Tips

Vegetables:

• Use the vegetable drawer—it has been designed to preserve the natural moisture and freshness of produce.
  • Covering vegetables with a moist towel helps maintain crispness.
• As a further aid to freshness, prepackaged vegetables can be stored in their original wrapping.

Unfrozen meats, fish and poultry:

• Always remove store wrappings.
- Rewrap in foil, plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate immediately.

Cheese:

• 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.

Suggested Storage Times for Meat and Poultry\*

Eating quality DAYS IN drops after REFRIGERATOR time shown AT 35° to 40°F

(2° to 4°C)

Fresh Meats

Roasts (Beef & Lamb) ....3 to 5 Roasts (Pork & Veal) ....3 to 5
Steaks (Beef) ....3 to 5 Chops (Lamb) ....3 to 5
Chops (Pork)....3 to 5 Ground & Stew Meats....1 to 2
Variety Meats....1 to 2 Sausage (Pork)....1 to 2

Processed Meats

Bacon 7
Frankfurters ....7 Ham (Whole) ....7
Ham (Half)....3 to 5 Ham (Slices)....3
Luncheon Meats 3 to 5
Sausage (Smoked) 7
Sausage (Dry & Semi-Dry) 14 to 21

Cooked Meats

Cooked Meats and Meat Dishes 3 to 4
Gravy & Meat Broth 1 to 2

Fresh Poultry

Chicken & Turkey (Whole) 1 to 2
Chicken (Pieces) 1 to 2
Turkey (Pieces) 1 to 2
Duck & Goose (Whole) 1 to 2
Giblets 1 to 2

Cooked Poultry

Pieces (Covered with Broth) 1 to 2
Pieces (Not Covered) 3 to 4
Cooked Poultry Dishes ....3 to 4
Fried Chicken 3 to 4

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

New techniques are constantly being developed. Consult the College or County Extension Service of your local Utility Company for the latest information on freezing and storing foods.

*U.S. Department of Agriculture

Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.

Outside

The door handles and trim can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with a solution of mild liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Dry with a soft cloth. Don't use wax on the door handles and trim.

Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with kitchen appliance wax or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel. These may leave a residue that can crode the paint. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach or

cleaners containing bleach because these products can scratch and weaken the paint finish.

Protect the paint finish. The finish on the outside of the refrigerator is a high quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it will stay new-looking and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of kitchen/appliance wax when the refrigerator is new and then at least twice a year.

Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner is available from GE Appliance Service and Parts Centers.

Inside

Inside the fresh food and frozen food storage compartments should be cleaned at least once a year. 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 warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. This both cleans and neutralizes odors. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Other parts of the refrigerator, including door gasket, vegetable drawer, ice trays and all plastic

parts, can be cleaned the same way. Do not use cleansing powders or other abrasive cleaners. To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in the rear of the refrigerator, on the top shelf. Change the box every three months. An open box of baking soda in the frozen food storage compartment will absorb stale odors.

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

Defrosting

Defrost whenever frost becomes 1/4" to 1/2" thick. Never use a sharp or pointed instrument to remove frost as it may result in damage to the cooling coils. Use of a plastic scraper is recommended. Do not use any electrical device in defrosting your refrigerator.

To Defrost:

- Remove foods from frozen food storage compartment and chiller tray. To reduce the amount of thawing of frozen food while defrosting the frozen food storage compartment, store the food in a picnic cooler or other insulated container.

- Turn temperature control to OFF.

- Place pans of hot water in frozen food storage compartment to speed melting of ice.

After Defrosting:

• Empty water from chiller tray.
- Wash chiller tray in warm water and wipe frozen food storage compartment with a damp cloth.
- Remove vegetable pan and wipe up spills in bottom of refrigerator.

CAUTION: Do not touch refrigerator coils or refrigerating surfaces, particularly when hands are damp or wet.

Light Bulb Replacement

A 40-watt appliance bulb and socket are located behind the light shield next to the temperature control. To replace a burned-out bulb, reach in behind the light shield, unscrew the bulb, and screw in a same-size, same-type bulb.

Before replacing a burned out light bulb, unplug the refrigerator. Setting the control to OFF does not remove power to the light circuit.

Beneath and Behind the Refrigerator

- In the refrigeration process, it is normal that heat be expelled in the area under the refrigerator. Some synthetic floor coverings will discolor at these normal and safe operating temperatures. Your floor covering supplier should be consulted if you object to this discoloration.

- Care should be taken in moving your refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces. - When pushing the refrigerator back, make sure you don't roll over the power cord.

When You Move

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

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

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

When You Go on Vacation

For extended vacations or absences, unplug the refrigerator. Clean the interior with a baking soda solution of one tablespoon of soda to one quart of water. Wipe dry. To prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator. Leave doors open.

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

Preparing to install the refrigerator.

Location

Do not install the refrigerator where the temperature will be below 60^ F. At these temperatures the refrigerator will operate but it will not cool foods properly.

The refrigerator must be installed on a floor strong enough to support it when fully loaded.

Clearances

Allow the following clearances for ease of installation, door opening and proper air circulation:

Top: 2" Back: 1" Sides: 5/8"

Leveling Legs

Adjustable legs at the front corners of the refrigerator should be set so the refrigerator is firmly positioned on the floor, and the front is raised just enough that the door closes easily when opened about halfway.

To adjust the leveling legs, turn legs clockwise to raise the refrigerator, counterclockwise to lower it.

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
Refrigerator does not operate	Temperature control set to OFF. • Set the control to a temperature setting.
	Refrigerator is unplugged.	• Push the plug completely into the outlet.
	The fuse is blown/circuit •Replace fuse or reset the breaker. breaker is tripped.
Vibration or rattling (slight vibration is normal)	Leveling legs need adjustment. •See Leveling Legs.
	Floor is weak or uneven.	• Install on a floor strong enough to support the refrigerator fully loaded.
Motor operates for long periods or cycles on and off frequently.	Normal when refrigerator is first plugged in. cool down.	• Wait 24 hours for the refrigerator to completely
	Often occurs when large amounts of food are placed in refrigerator.	• This is normal.
	Door left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door open.
	Hot weather or frequent door openings.	• This is normal.
	Temperature controls set at the coldest setting.	• See About the controls.
Fresh food compartment too warm	Temperature control not set cold enough.	• See About the controls.
	Warm weather or frequent door openings.	• Set the temperature control one step colder. See About the controls.
	Door left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door open.
	Chiller tray baffle is in the OUT position.	• Slide the baffle to the IN position. See About the chiller tray baffle.
Fresh food compartment too cold	Chiller tray baffle is in the IN position.	• Slide the baffle to the OUT position. See About the chiller tray baffle.
	Temperature control set too cold.	• Set the temperature control one step warmer. See About the controls.
Frost or ice crystals on frozen food (frost within package is normal)	Door left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door open.
	Too frequent or too long door openings.
Slow ice cube freezing	Temperature control not set cold enough.	• See About the controls.
	Door left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door open.
	Ice trays not in contact with refrigerated surface.	• Make sure the ice tray is contact with a refrigerated surface.

Before you call for service...

Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Ice cubes have odor/taste	Food transmitting odor/taste • Wrap foods well. to ice cubes.
	Interior of refrigerator • See needs cleaning.	Care and cleaning.
Refrigerator has odor	Foods transmitting odor to refrigerator.	• Foods with strong odors should be tightly wrapped.• Keep an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator; replace every three months.
	Interior needs cleaning. • See	Care and cleaning.
Moisture forms on outside of refrigerator	Not unusual during • Wipe surface dry periods of high humidity.
Moisture collects inside the refrigerator	In humid weather, air carries moisture into the refrigerator when doors are opened.	• Prevent too frequent or too long door openings.• Defrost freezer when ice build-up is more than 1/4"-1/2" thick.
Interior light does not work	No power at outlet.	• Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
	Light bulb burned out.	• See Replacing the light bulbs.
Hot air from bottom of refrigerator	Normal air flow cooling motor. In the refrigeration process, it is normal that heat be expelled in the area under the refrigerator. Some floor coverings are sensitive and will discolor at these normal and safe temperatures.
Door is hard to open	A vacuum is created by a tight seal around the door.	• Wait 15 seconds between door openings. Order a vacuum break, part number WR02X8905.

GE Service Protection Plus™

GE, a name recognized worldwide for quality and dependability, offers you Service Protection Plus ^™ —comprehensive protection on all your appliances—

No Matter What Brand!

We'll Cover Any Appliance. Anywhere. Anytime.\*

Benefits Include:

• Backed by GE
• All brands covered
  • Unlimited service calls
• All parts and labor costs included
  • No out-of-pocket expenses
• No hidden deductibles
  • One 800 number to call

You will be completely satisfied with our service protection or you may request your money back on the remaining value of your contract. No questions asked. It's that simple.

Protect your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, range, TV, VCR and much more—any brand! Plus there's no extra charge for emergency service and low monthly financing is available. Even icemaker coverage and food spoilage protection is offered. You can rest easy, knowing that all your valuable household products are protected against expensive repairs.

Place your confidence in GE and call us in the U.S. toll-free at 800-626-2224 for more information.

*All brands covered, up to 20 years old, in the continental U.S.

Cut here

Please place in envelope and mail to:

General Electric Company

Warranty Registration Department

P.O. Box 32150

Louisville, KY 40232-2150

Consumer Product Ownership Registration

Dear Customer:

Thank you for purchasing our product and thank you for placing your confidence in us.

We are proud to have you as a customer!

Follow these three steps to protect your new appliance investment:

1

Complete and mail

your Consumer

Product Ownership

Registration today.

Have the peace of

mind of knowing we

can contact you in the

unlikely event of a

safety modification.

2

After mailing the

registration below,

store this document

in a safe place. It

contains information

you will need should

you require service.

Our service number is

800 GE CARES

(800-432-2737).

3

Read your Owner's

Manual carefully.

It will help you

operate your new

appliance properly.

Model Number Serial Number

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Important: If you did not get a registration card with your product, detach and return the form below to ensure that your product is registered, or register online at www.GEAppliances.com.

Cut here

Consumer Product Ownership Registration

Model Number Serial Number

Two identical horizontal lines with tick marks, no text or symbols present

Mr. □ Ms. □ Mrs. □ Miss □ First Name

E-mail Address

Occasionally, we may allow selected companies to send you information.

□ Check here if you do not want this information.

GE Appliances

General Electric Company

Louisville, Kentucky

www.GEAppliances.com

Refrigerator Warranty.

All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care® technician. To schedule service, on-line, 24 hours a day, contact us at www.GEAppliances.com, or call 800-GE-CARES.

Staple your receipt here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

For The Period Of: GE Will Replace:

One Year Any partFrom the date of the original purchase	of the refrigerator which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.During thisfull one-year warranty, GE will also provide,free of charge, all labor and in-home service to replace the defective part.
Five Years Any part of the sealed refrigerating systemFrom the date of the original purchase	(the compressor, condenser, evaporator and all connecting tubing) which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.During thisadditional four-year limited warranty, GE will also provide,free of charge, all labor and in-home service to replace the defective part in the sealed refrigerating system.

What GE Will Not Cover:

■ 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.
■ Loss of food due to spoilage.
■ 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 caused by possible defects with this appliance.

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

GE Appliances Website

www.GEAppliances.com

Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day, any day of the year! For greater convenience and faster service, you can now download Owner's Manuals, order parts, catalogs, or even schedule service on-line. You can also "Ask Our Team of Experts" your questions, and so much more...

Schedule Service

www.GEAppliances.com

Expert GE repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and schedule your service at your convenience 24 hours any day of the year! Or call 800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737) during normal business hours.

Real Life Design Studio

www.GEAppliances.com

GE supports the Universal Design concept—products, services and environments that can be used by people of all ages, sizes and capabilities. We recognize the need to design for a wide range of physical and mental abilities and impairments. For details of GE's Universal Design applications, including kitchen design ideas for people with disabilities, check out our Website today. For the hearing impaired, please call 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322).

Extended Warranties

www.GEAppliances.com

Purchase a GE extended warranty and learn about special discounts that are available while your warranty is still in effect. You can purchase it on-line anytime, or call 800-626-2224 during normal business hours. GE Consumer Home Services will still be there after your warranty expires.

Parts and Accessories

www.GEAppliances.com

Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted). Order on-line today, 24 hours every day or by phone at 800-626-2002 during normal business hours.

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

Contact Us

www.GEAppliances.com

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE, contact us on our Website with all the details including your phone number, or write to: General Manager, Customer Relations GE Appliances, Appliance Park Louisville, KY 40225

Register Your Appliance

www.GEAppliances.com

Register your new appliance on-line—at your convenience! Timely product registration will allow for enhanced communication and prompt service under the terms of your warranty, should the need arise. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material, or detach and use the form in this Owner's Manual.