User Manual GE ABE20EGHBRWS 20.3 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

• Owner's manual - (English, French, Spanish)

Table of contents

• Operating Instructions
• Installation Instructions
• Troubleshooting Tips

User manual Refrigerator

Operating Instructions

About the controls with temperature settings.

NOTE: The refrigerator is shipped with protective film covering the digital temperature controls. If this film was not removed during installation, remove it now.

Initially, set the refrigerator control at 5 and the freezer control at 5. Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize. Several adjustments may be required. Adjust the controls one increment at a time, and allow 24 hours after each adjustment for the refrigerator to reach the temperature you have set.

Setting either or both controls to 0 for digital and 0 for the refrigerator control knob stops cooling in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments, but does not shut off electrical power to the refrigerator.

About the water filter. (on some models)

Water Filter Cartridge

The water filter cartridge is located in the back upper right corner of the refrigerator compartment.

When to Replace the Filter

The filter cartridge should be replaced when the flow of water to the icemaker decreases, or every six months.

Installing the Filter Cartridge

1. If you are replacing the cartridge, first remove the old one. Open the cartridge cover by pressing in on the tab at the front and pulling down.
2. Remove the cartridge by slowly rotating it counterclockwise. A small amount of water may drip down.
   • CAUTION If air has been trapped in the system, the filter cartridge may be ejected as it is removed. Use caution when removing.
3. Remove the protective foil from the end of the cartridge.
4. Lining up the arrow on the cartridge and the cartridge holder, slowly rotate the cartridge clockwise until it stops. When the cartridge is properly installed, you will feel it “click” as it locks into place. The grip on the end of the cartridge should be positioned vertically. Do not overtighten.
5. Close the cartridge cover.

Filter Bypass Plug

You must use the filter bypass plug when a replacement filter cartridge is not available. The icemaker will not operate without the filter or filter bypass plug.

Replacement Filters:

To order additional filter cartridges in the United States, visit our Website, GEAppliances.com, or call GE Parts and Accessories, 800.626.2002.

Filter Model GSWF

Customers in Canada should consult the yellow pages for the nearest Mabe Service Center.

About the shelves and bins.

Rearranging the Shelves

Shelves in the refrigerator compartment are adjustable.

Refrigerator Compartment

To remove:

1. Remove all items from the shelf.
2. Tilt the shelf up at the front.
3. Lift the shelf up at the back and bring the shelf out.

To replace:

1. While tilting the shelf up, insert the top hook at the back of the shelf in a slot on the track.
2. Lower the front of the shelf until the bottom of the shelf locks into place.

Non-Adjustable Shelves on the Door (on some models)

To remove: Lift the shelf straight up; then pull out.

To replace: Engage the shelf in the molded supports on the door and push down. It will lock in place.

About the crispers and pans.

Fruit and Vegetable Crisper

Excess water that may accumulate in the bottom of the drawers or under the drawers should be wiped dry

Adjustable Humidity Crisper (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.

Snack Pan (on some models)

This pan can be moved to the most useful location for your family’s needs. To remove, slide the pan out to the stop position, lift the pan up and past the stop position and lift it out

About the freezer drawer. (on some models)

Freezer Shelves and Baskets

1. A shelf above the ice storage bin
2. A half-width basket
3. A deep full-width basket

NOTE: Do not fill baskets higher than the rim of the basket. This may cause baskets to stick or jam when opening or closing

Basket Removal

To remove the deep full-width basket on freezer drawer models:

1. Open the freezer drawer until it stops.
2. The freezer basket rests on the inside tabs on the drawer slides.
3. Lift the basket so that it is out of all 6 slide bracket tabs.
4. Tilt the basket and lift out of the drawer.

When replacing the deep full-width basket:

Tilt the basket back and lower it down into the drawer. Rotate the basket to a horizontal position and press it down into the 6 alignment tabs.

NOTE: Always be sure that the basket is seated in all 6 slide bracket tabs before sliding back into the freezer. The basket can be turned in either direction front to back and installed into the freezer.

To remove the half-width basket:

1. Pull the basket out to the stop location.
2. Lift the basket up at the front to release it from the stop hooks on each side.
3. Lift the basket out to remove it from the sides.

When replacing the basket, make sure that the basket goes under the stop hooks on each side.

NOTE: Always be sure to fully close this basket

About the freezer compartment. (on some models)

Freezer Shelf and Basket

1. A full-width fixed wire shelf
2. A full-width sliding wire basket

NOTE: Do not fill basket higher than the rim of the basket. This may cause basket to stick or jam when opening or closing.

Basket Removal

To remove the full-width sliding wire basket on door models:

1. Open the basket out to its full extension.
2. Lift up the front of the basket and pull straight out to remove.

When replacing the full-width sliding wire basket:

Insert the wire basket into the lower liner’s rails and push back into place.

Fixed Shelf Removal

NOTE: The full-width wire shelf is not intended to slide.

To remove for cleaning:

Hold the shelf at the front and pull it firmly forward.

When replacing the full-width sliding wire shelf:

Insert the wire shelf into the upper liner’s rails and push back into place.

Non-Adjustable Shelf on Freezer Door

To remove: Lift the shelf straight up; then pull out.

To replace: Engage the shelf in the molded supports on the door and push down. It will lock in place.

About the automatic icemaker. (on some models

Automatic Icemaker

The icemaker will produce seven cubes per cyxcle approximately 100–130 cubes in a 24-hour period, depending on freezer compartment temperature, room temperature, number of door openings and other use conditions.

See below for how to access ice and reach the power switch.

If the refrigerator is operated before the water connection is made to the icemaker, set the power switch in the O (off) position.

When the refrigerator has been connected to the water supply, set the power switch to the l (on) position. The icemaker power light will turn green when the freezer light switch is pressed in or when the freezer door is closed.

The icemaker will fill with water when it cools to 15°F (–10°C). A newly installed refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice cubes.

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

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 icemaker 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 and shrink.

NOTE: In homes with lower-than-average water pressure, you may hear the icemaker cycle multiple times when making one batch of ice.

NOTE: Set the power switch to the O (off) position if the water supply is shut off.

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.

Accessing Ice and Reaching the Power Switch

To reach the icemaker power switch, pull the shelf above the ice bin straight out. Always be sure to replace the shelf.

To access ice, simply pull the bin forward.

Icemaker Accessory Kit

If your refrigerator did not come already 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.

Care and cleaning of the refrigerator

Cleaning the Outside

The door handles and trim. Clean with a cloth dampened with soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth. Do not use wax on the door handles and trim.

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.

The stainless steel panels and door handles.

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 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 refrigerator 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 boking 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.

CAUTION

Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. Glass shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact such as bumping or dropping.

Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many small pieces if it breaks.

Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts in the dishwasher.

Behind 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.

Raise the leveling legs located at the bottom front of 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.

Lower the leveling legs until they touch the floor.

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

Preparing for Vacation

For long vacations or absences, remove food and unplug the refrigerator. 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.

Set the icemaker power switch to the O (off) position 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 base grille, shelves and drawers by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

When using a hand truck to move the refrigerator, do not rest the front or back of the refrigerator against the hand truck. This could damage the refrigerator. Handle only from the sides of the refrigerator.

Be sure the refrigerator stays in an upright position during moving

Replacing the light bulbs.

WARNING 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.

Refrigerator Lights

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. To remove the light shield, grasp the shield at the back and pull out to release the tabs at the back.
3. Rotate the shield down and then forward to release the tabs at the front of the shield.
4. After replacing with an appliance bulb of the same or lower wattage, replace the shield.
5. Plug the refrigerator back in.

NOTE: Appliance bulbs may be ordered from GE Parts and Accessories, 800.626.2002.

Freezer Light

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. The bulb is located at the top of the freezer inside a light shield. To remove the shield, grasp the shield at the back and pull out to release the tabs at the back.
3. Rotate the shield down and then forward to release the tabs at the front of the shield.
4. After replacing with an appliance bulb of the same or lower wattage, replace the shield.
5. Plug the refrigerator back in.

Installation Instructions

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

INSTALLING THE REFRIGERATOR

REFRIGERATOR LOCATION

• Do not install the refrigerator where the temperature will go below 60°F (16°C) because it will not run often enough to maintain proper temperatures.
• Do not install the refrigerator where the temperature will go above 100°F (37°C) because it will not perform properly.
• Do not install the refrigerator in a location exposed to water (rain, etc.) or direct sunlight.
• Install it on a floor strong enough to support it fully loaded.

CLEARANCES

For clearance for ease of installation, proper air circulation and plumbing and electrical, please refer to the rating plate on the top left wall of the refrigerator.

REMOVE TOP CAP (on some models)

• IMPORTANT NOTE: This refrigerator is 34-1/2” deep. Doors and passageways leading to the installation location must be at least 36” wide in order to leave the doors and handles attached to the refrigerator while transporting it into the installation location. If passageways are less than 36”, the refrigerator doors and handles can easily be scratched and damaged. The top cap and doors can be removed to allow the refrigerator to be safely moved indoors. Start with Step A.
• If it is not necessary to remove doors, skip Step A. Leave tape and all packaging on doors until the refrigerator is in the final location.
• SKID REMOVAL: Tilt refrigerator to each side to remove skid.
• NOTE: Use a padded hand truck to move this refrigerator. Place the refrigerator on the hand truck with a side against the truck. We strongly recommend that TWO PEOPLE move and complete this installation.

1. Locate and remove the two Phillips head screws on the top of the refrigerator. Remove the two screws on each side at the rear of the top cap. Lift off and remove top cap.
2. Remove the fresh-food door(s). Refer to Steps 1 and 3 of “Reversing the Door Swing” section or Steps 1 and 2 of “Removing the Doors” section.
3. Remove the bottom freezer drawer or door. Refer to “Removing Freezer Drawer” section or Step 2 of “Reversing the Door Swing” section.
4. Move refrigerator to the installation location.

REINSTALL DOORS, DRAWERS AND TOP CAP

1. Carefully lower the door(s) onto the center hinge(s). Reinstall top hinge(s). NOTE: Ensure the door is properly aligned to the case top to avoid readjustment of the door during top cap reinstallation.
2. Place cap over the top of the refrigerator. Reinstall the original screws in the top and back of the cap.
3. Reinstall the bottom freezer drawer or door. Refer to “Replacing the Freezer Drawer” section or Step 8 of “Reversing the Door Swing” section.

CONNECTING THE REFRIGERATOR TO THE HOUSE WATER LINE (icemaker models)

A cold water supply is required for automatic icemaker operation. If there is not a cold water supply, you will need to provide one. See Installing the Water Line section.

NOTES:

• Before making the connection to the refrigerator, be sure the refrigerator power cord is not plugged into the wall outlet.
• If your refrigerator does not have a water filter, we recommend installing one if your water supply has sand or particles that could clog the screen of the refrigerator’s water valve. Install it in the water line near the refrigerator. If using GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing Kit, you will need an additional tube (WX08X10002) to connect the filter. Do not cut plastic tube to install filter.

CONNECTING THE REFRIGERATOR TO THE HOUSE WATER LINE (cont.)

1. If you are using copper tubing, place a compression nut and ferrule (sleeve) onto the end of the tubing coming from the house cold water supply.
   • If you are using the GE SmartConnect™ tubing, the nuts are already assembled to the tubing.
2. If you are using copper tubing, insert the end of the tubing into the refrigerator connection, at the back of the refrigerator, as far as possible. While holding the tubing, tighten the fitting.
   • If you are using GE SmartConnect™ tubing, insert the molded end of the tubing into the refrigerator connection, at the back of the refrigerator, and tighten the compression nut until it is hand tight. Then tighten one additional turn with a wrench. Overtightening may cause leaks.
3. Fasten the tubing into the clamp provided to hold it in position. You may need to pry open the clamp.

One of the illustrations below will look like the connection on your refrigerator.

Icemaker-Ready models

Icemaker-Installed Models

TURN ON THE WATER SUPPLY (icemaker models)

Turn the water on at the shutoff valve (house water supply) and check for any leaks.

PLUG IN THE REFRIGERATOR

On models with an icemaker, before plugging in the refrigerator, make sure the icemaker power switch is set to the O (off) position.

See the grounding information attached to the power cord.

PUT THE REFRIGERATOR IN PLACE

Move the refrigerator to its final location.

LEVEL THE REFRIGERATOR

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 the legs clockwise to raise the refrigerator, counterclockwise to lower it.

REMOVE THE FRESH FOOD DOOR HANDLE (For placement in the installation location or reversal of the handles – on some models)

Stainless steel (on some models):

A REMOVING THE DOOR HANDLE: Loosen the set screws with the 3/32” Allen wrench and remove the handle. NOTE: For Double Door models follow the same procedure on the opposite door.

Plastic handle (on some models):

A REMOVING THE DOOR HANDLE: Depress the tab on the underside of the handle and slide the handle up and off of the mounting fasteners.

B REVERSING THE DOOR HANDLE (on some models):

• Remove the handle mounting fasteners with a 3/16” Allen wrench and transfer the handle mounting fasteners to the right side.
• Remove the logo badge.
• Remove and transfer the plug button to the left side of the fresh food door. NOTE: Use a flat plastic edge to prevent damaging the door. Remove any adhesive on the door with a mild detergent. Remove the paper covering on the adhesive backing on the logo badge prior to carefully attaching the badge to the door.

REMOVE THE FREEZER DOOR HANDLE

Stainless steel and plastic handles:

A Loosen the set screws located on the underside of the handle with the 1/8” Allen wrench and remove the handle.

NOTE: If the handle mounting fasteners need to be tightened or removed, use a 3/16” Allen wrench.

ATTACH THE FRESH FOOD DOOR HANDLE

Stainless steel handle:

A Attach the handle to the handle mounting fasteners and tighten the set screws with a 3/32” Allen wrench.

NOTE: For Double Door models follow the same procedure on the opposite door.

Plastic handle:

A Attach the handle to the handle mounting fasteners by aligning the slots with the handle mounting fasteners.

B Slide it down until it is firmly locked into position.

ATTACH THE FREEZER DOOR HANDLE

Stainless steel and plastic handles:

A Attach the handle firmly to the mounting fasteners and tighten the set screws on the bottom of the handle with a 1/8” Allen wrench.

LEVEL THE REFRIGERATOR

The leveling legs have 2 purposes:

1. Leveling legs adjust so the refrigerator is firmly positioned on the floor and does not wobble.
2. Leveling legs serve as a stabilizing brake to hold the refrigerator securely in position during operation and cleaning. The leveling legs also prevent the refrigerator from tipping.

Remove the grille by removing the two Phillips head screws.

Turn the leveling legs clockwise to raise the refrigerator, counterclockwise to lower it.

CAUTION To avoid possible personal injury or property damage, the leveling legs must be firmly touching the floor.

Replace the base grille by inserting the two Phillips head screws.

SET THE CONTROLS

Set the controls to the recommended setting.

REMOVE PACKAGING, START ICEMAKER (icemaker models)

A) Remove all tape, foam and protective packing from shelves and drawers.

B) Remove the tie downs from the freezer baskets.

C) Place half width basket onto drawer slides. See About the freezer section for instructions.

Set the icemaker power switch to the I (on) position. The icemaker will not begin to operate until it reaches its operating temperature of 15°F (–9°C) or below. It will then begin operation automatically. It will take 2–3 days to fill the ice bin.

NOTE: In lower water pressure conditions, the water valve may turn on up to 3 times to deliver enough water to the icemaker.

REMOVING THE FREEZER DRAWER (on some models)

The freezer drawer can be removed, if needed, to fit through tight areas.

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

REMOVE THE BASKET

1. Open the freezer drawer until it stops.
2. The freezer basket rests on a frame inside the freezer drawer. Lift the basket up at the back.
3. Lift the front up and lift the entire basket up and out of the drawer.

REMOVE THE DRAWER FRONT

Remove the screw on each side of the railing

REMOVE THE DRAWER FRONT (cont.)

Lift up on both sides of the freezer drawer handle to separate the drawer railings from the rail assemblies.

Set the drawer front on a non-scratching surface.

Push the rail assemblies back into locking position.

REMOVE THE BASE GRILLE (if needed)

If, after removing the freezer drawer and refrigerator door, the refrigerator will still not fit through a doorway, the base grille can be removed.

Remove the base grille by removing the screws.

REPLACING THE FREEZER DRAWER (on some models)

Two people may be required to complete this procedure.

ATTACH AND SECURE THE DRAWER FRONT TO THE SLIDES

Pull out the rail assemblies to the full length on each side of the cabinet.

Locate the slots on the inside of the rail assemblies near the back

Insert the hooks at the back of the drawer railings into the slots on the rail assemblies.

Lower the front of the drawer, making sure the tabs on the sides of the railings fit into the front slots in the rail assemblies.

Replace the screws on both rail assemblies.

REPLACE THE FREEZER BASKET

Replace the lower freezer basket by lowering it into the frame.

SHUT OFF THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY

Turn on the nearest faucet long enough to clear the line of water.

CHOOSE THE VALVE LOCATION

Choose a location for the valve that is easily accessible. It is best to connect into the side of a vertical water pipe. When it is necessary to connect into a horizontal water pipe, make the connection to the top or side, rather than at the bottom, to avoid drawing off any sediment from the water pipe.

DRILL THE HOLE FOR THE VALVE

Drill a 1/4” hole in the water pipe (even if using a self-piercing valve), using a sharp bit. Remove any burrs resulting from drilling the hole in the pipe.

Take care not to allow water to drain into the drill.

Failure to drill a 1/4” hole may result in reduced ice production or smaller cubes.

FASTEN THE SHUTOFF VALVE

Fasten the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe clamp.

NOTE: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plumbing Codes 248CMR shall be adhered to. Saddle valves are illegal and use is not permitted in Massachusetts. Consult with your licensed plumber.

TIGHTEN THE PIPE CLAMP

Tighten the clamp screws until the sealing washer begins to swell.

NOTE: Do not overtighten or you may crush the tubing.

ROUTE THE TUBING

Route the tubing between the cold water line and the refrigerator.

Route the tubing through a hole drilled in the wall or floor (behind the refrigerator or adjacent base cabinet) as close to the wall as possible.

CONNECT THE TUBING TO THE VALVE

Place the compression nut and ferrule (sleeve) for copper tubing onto the end of the tubing and connect it to the shutoff valve.

Make sure the tubing is fully inserted into the valve. Tighten the compression nut securely.

For plastic tubing from a GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing kit, insert the molded end of the tubing into the shutoff valve and tighten compression nut until it is hand tight, then tighten one additional turn with a wrench. Overtightening may cause leaks.

NOTE: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plumbing Codes 248CMR shall be adhered to. Saddle valves are illegal and use is not permitted in Massachusetts. Consult with your licensed plumber.

FLUSH OUT THE TUBING

Turn the main water supply on and flush out the tubing until the water is clear. Shut the water off at the water valve after about one quart (1 liter) of water has been flushed through the tubing.

To complete the installation of the refrigerator, go back to Step 1 in Installing the Refrigerator.

Troubleshooting Tips

Normal operating sounds.

Newer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features and use newer technology

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.

CLICKS, POPS, CRACKS and SNAPS

• 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 freezer control will click when starting or stopping the compressor.
• Defrost timer snapping in and out of the defrost cycle.
• Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.
• On models with an icemaker, after an icemaking cycle, you may hear the ice cubes dropping into the ice bucket.
• On models with a dispenser, during water dispense, you may hear the water lines move at initial dispense and after dispenser button is released.

• You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds. 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.
• The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal cooling and energy savings.

WATER SOUNDS

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

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

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