User Manual GE GTS16GSHSS 15.5 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator

• User Manual - (English, French, Spanish)

• Energy Guide - (English)

• Specification - (English)

Table of contents

• USING THE REFRIGERATOR
• CARE AND CLEANING
• TROUBLESHOOTING

User Manual Refrigerator

USING THE REFRIGERATOR

Temperature Control

The temperature control adjusts the refrigerator from its warmest to coldest settings.

Your refrigerator will come with the recommended

factory setting on “Colder”. For colder temperatures, turn the knob clockwise to setting “Coldest”. For warmer temperatures, turn the dial counter-clockwise to setting “Cold”. To turn off the cooling in both compartments, turn the knob counter-clockwise to setting “Off”. Note that this does not shut off power to the refrigerator

Fresh Food Compartment Shelves

Shelf supports at various levels allow you to custom-space your shelves. Not all features are on all models.

Full-Width Shelves

Some models have a stationary tempered glass shelf, a spillproof shelf or two steel wire stationary shelves. These shelves can be moved to another place in the fresh food compartment.

When placed correctly on the shelf supports, the shelf will stop before coming completely out of the refrigerator and will not tilt when you place food on it or remove food from it.

To remove the full-width shelves

Freezer Compartment Shelves

When placed correctly on the shelf supports, the two steel wire stationary shelves will stop before coming completely out of the freezer and will not tilt when you place food on it or remove food from it.

Some models have glass shelves.

Storage Drawers

Not all features are on all models.

Snack Drawer

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

Fruit and Vegetable Drawers

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

Humidity-Controlled Drawer and Cover (on some models)

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.

Drawer Removal

Drawers can be removed easily by grasping the sides and lifting up slightly while pulling drawers past the stop location

Cover Removal

1. Remove the drawers.

2. Reach in, push the back of glass cover-up, and at the same time, pull it back as far as it will come. Tilt it and take it out. Avoid cleaning the cold glass cover with hot water because the extreme temperature difference may cause it to break.

3. Remove the drawer frame. (Always remove the glass cover before you take out the drawer frame.) Lift the frame off the supports at each side and back, pull it forward, tilt it and take it out.

To replace:

1. Lower the frame until it rests on the supports at each side and back.

2. Replace the glass cover, pushing its front edge firmly into the front frame channel and gently lowering the back into place.

3. Replace the drawers.

Automatic Icemaker (on some models)

Not all features are on all models.

WARNING : Connect to potable water supply only. A cold water supply is required for automatic icemaker operation. The water pressure must be between 40 and 120 psi (275-827 kilopascals).

Caution : Avoid contact with the moving parts of the ejector mechanism, or with the heating element (located on the bottom of the ice maker) that releases the cubes. Do not place fingers or hands on the automatic ice-making mechanism while the refrigerator is plugged in.

A newly-installed refrigerator may take 12-24 hours to begin making ice.

The ice maker will produce approximately 70-100 cubes in a 24-hour period, depending on the 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 ice maker, set the switch OFF.

When the refrigerator has been connected to the water supply, set the switch ON position.

The ice maker will fill with water when it cools to 15°F (-9°C). A newly-installed refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice cubes.

Once the ice maker starts to make ice, it may take up to 48 hours to fill the bin, depending on the temperature settings and number of door openings.

You will hear a buzzing sound each time the ice maker fills with water.

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

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

When the bin fills to the level of the feeler arm, the ice maker will stop producing ice.

It is normal for several cubes to be joined together.

If ice is not used frequently, old ice cubes will become cloudy, taste stale, shrink or fuse together.

Ice maker accessory kit:

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

This refrigerator will accept accessory icemaker kit IM-4D or IM-6D. Use instructions V supplied in the kit for assembly.

AutoFill Pitcher (on some models)

1. Place the lid onto the pitcher so it fits securely. Align the notch in the pitcher lid to the dispenser guide in the top of the refrigerator and slide the pitcher toward the back of the refrigerator until it stops.

2. Water will fill the pitcher until it reaches a specified level and will then shut off.

The Water Filter is located on the underside of the dispenser housing. The filter should be replaced every six months or if the flow of water decreases. You must have a water filter or the bypass plug in place when using the AutoFill Pitcher

To remove the water filter or bypass plug, swing the water filter or bypass plug down until it stops (45°) and gently pull it toward you to unseat it from the water filter or bypass plug holder. DO NOT TWIST THE FILTER

To replace the water filter or bypass plug, align it into the water filter or bypass plug holder. The keys on the sides of the water filter or bypass plug will seat into key slots on the inside of the water filter or bypass plug holder. Push the water filter or bypass plug straight into the opening and continue to push as you swing the water filter or bypass plug upward until it snaps into place. If the water filter or bypass plug will not swing easily, check to ensure it is properly aligned and fully seated into the holder. A newly installed water filter or bypass plug may cause water to drip from the dispenser.

After replacing the water filter, run 2 gallons of water (approximately 3 full pitchers) through the autofill dispenser (about 5 minutes) to remove air from the system.

NOTE: It is normal for water to appear discolored during the initial system flush. The watercolor will return to normal after the first minutes of dispensing.

Reset the filter status on the housing, after installing new

filter, by holding the Filter Change button for 3 seconds. The filter indicator light above “Good” will turn green for Water Filter Status

CARE AND CLEANING

Cleaning the Outside

The door handles and trim (on some models). Clean with

a cloth dampened with soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth. 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 dishcloth or wet towel. These may leave a residue that can erode the paint. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing either bleach or ammonia because these products can scratch and weaken the paint finish.

The stainless steel doors and door handles (on some models) can be cleaned with a commercially available stainless steel cleaner. Cleaners with oxalic acid such as

Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser™ will remove surface rust, tarnish and small blemishes. Use only a liquid cleanser free of grit and rub in the direction of the brush lines with a damp soft sponge. Do not use appliance wax or polish on the stainless steel.

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 warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter) 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.

To Clean the AutoFill Pitcher

The AutoFill pitcher and lid are dishwasher safe. The lid should be placed in the top rack only and the pitcher in the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Run on normal wash.

To maximize performance of your AutoFill pitcher, it is recommended that you rinse it thoroughly after washing to remove all soap residue. If your AutoFill pitcher has been in contact with food that is likely to cause discoloration (e.g. tomato ketchup, mustard), clean your pitcher promptly. This is to avoid possible discoloration of your pitcher.

Moving the Refrigerator

Be careful when moving the refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.

Turn the leveling legs at each front corner of the refrigerator counterclockwise until the rollers support the refrigerator. Pull the refrigerator straight out and return it to position by pushing it straight in. Moving the refrigerator in a side direction may result in damage to the floor covering or refrigerator.

When pushing the refrigerator back, make sure you don’t roll over the power cord or ice maker supply line (on some models).

After rolling the refrigerator back into place, turn the legs clockwise until the legs again bear the weight of the refrigerator.

Light Bulb Replacement

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.)

Turning the control to the OFF position does not remove power to the light circuit.

Preparing for Vacation

For long vacations or absences, remove food and unplug the refrigerator. Move the temperature control dial to the OFF position, and clean the interior with a baking soda solution of one tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to one quart (1 liter) of water. Leave the doors open.

Move the switch to the OFF position on the power switch model, and shut off the water supply to the refrigerator.

If the temperature can drop below freezing, have a qualified servicer drain the water supply system (on some models) to prevent serious property damage due to flooding.

Preparing to Move

Secure all loose items such as grille, shelves and drawers by taping them securely in place to prevent damage. To prevent the doors from opening while moving, secure them to the case with tape. Be sure the refrigerator stays in an upright position during moving.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Normal Operating Sounds

Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.

■The new high-efficiency compressor may run faster and longer than your old refrigerator and you may hear a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while it is operating.

■ You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close. This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.

■ You may hear the fans spinning at high

This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in, when the doors are opened frequently or when a large amount of food is added to the refrigerator or freezer compartments. The fans are helping to maintain the correct temperatures.

■ You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.

■ The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping sound when attempting to restart (this could take up to 5 minutes).

■ Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.

■ On models with an ice maker, after an ice making cycle, you may hear the ice cubes dropping into the ice bucket.

■ The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling coils may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.

■ Water dripping on the defrost heater can cause a

sizzling, popping or buzzing sound during the defrost cycle.

■ A water-dripping noise may occur during the defrost cycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain pan.

■ Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to

pressure equalization.

Troubleshooting Tips