Refri#erator

Safety Instructions ........................3

Operating Instructions, TipsTemperature Control .................................... 4

Shelves ............................................................. 4

Ice Service ....................................................... 4

Defrosting ........................................................ 4

Care and Cleaning ...........................5

PreparationLocation ...........................................................

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

Leveling Legs ..................................................

Moving .............................................................Vacation ...........................................................

Problem Solver ................................9More questions ?...call

GEAnswer Center® 800,626,2000

Consumer Services ................... 1 1

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

Repair Service ................................................. 2

Warranty ....................................... Back Cover

I CompactModel: TAX6 ]

Installation

Grounding ........................................................ 6

Adapter Plug ................................................... 6

Electrical Requirements ............................... 6

Extension Cords ............................................. 6

Free-Standing or Recessed ......................... 7

Reversing Door Swing .................................. 8

GEQuality Product

Part No. 162D3904PO05Pub. No. 49-60046

7-99JRPrintedin theUnitedStates

HELP US HELP YOU...

Read this book carefully.

It is intended to help you operate and maintain yournew refrigerator properly.

Keep it handy for answers to your questions.

If you don't understand something or need more help,write (include your phone number):

Consumer Affairs

GE AppliancesAppliance ParkLouisville, KY 40225

If you received a damaged refrigerator...

Immediately contact the dealer (or builder) that soldyou the refrigerator.

Save time and money. Before yourequest service...

Check the Problem Solver in the back of this book. It

lists minor operating problems that you can correctyourself.

Write down the model and serialnumbers.

You'll see them on a label on the back of the

refrigerator near the top.

These numbers are also on the Consumer Product

Ownership Registration Card that came with yourrefrigerator.

Before sending in this card, please write thesenumbers here:

Model Number

Serial Number

Use these numbers in any correspondence o1 servicecalls concerning your refiigerator.

• Your refrigerator is equipped with a reversibledoor. See how to move the door hinges from theright side to the left side in the Reversing theDoor section.

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

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

We're proud of our service and want you to bepleased. If for some reason you are not happy withthe service you receive, here are steps to follow forfurther help.

FIRST, contact the people who serviced yourappliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In mostcases this will solve the problem.

NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write all thedetails--including your phone number--to:

Manager, Consumer RelationsGE AppliancesAppliance ParkLouisville, KY 40225

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSRead all instructions before using this appliance.

WARNINCr--When using thisappliance, always exercise basic safer?precautions, including the following:

• Use this appliance only for its intended purposeas described in this Use and Care Guide

• This refrigerator must be properly installedin accordance with the Installation Instructionsbefore it is used. See grounding instructions andthe Installation section

. Never unplug your refrigeratorby pulling on the power cord. Alwaysgrip plug firmly and pull straight outfrom the outlet

• Repair or replace immediately all electricservice cords that have become frayed orotherwise damaged. Do not use a cord thatshows cracks or abrasion damage along itslength or at either the plug or connector end.

• When moving your refrigerator away fromthe wall. be careful not to roll over or damagethe power cord.

• After your refrigerator is in operation, donot touch the cold surfaces in the freezer

compartment, particularly when handsare damp or wet. Skin may" adhere to these

extremely cold surfaces

• Don't refreeze frozen foods which have

thawed completely.

• Unplug your refrigerator before cleaningand making repairs. NOTE: We stronglyrecommend that any servicing beperformed by a qualified individual.

Before replacing a burned-out light bulb. therefrigerator should be unplugged in order to avoidcontact with a live filament. (A burned-out lightbulb may break when being replaced.) NOTE:Turning control to OFF position does not removepower to the light circuit.

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammablevapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or anyother appliance.

• Do not allow children to climb, stand orhang on the shelves in the refrigerator. They SAVE THE SEcoulddamagetherefrigeratorandseriously IN S TRUCTIONSinjure themselves.

DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENTProper Disposal of the Refrigerator

Child entrapment and suflbcation are not problemsof the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are stilldangerous...even if they will sit tbr "just a few days." Ifyou are getting rid of your old refrigerator, please followthe instructions below to help prevent accidents.

Before You Throw Away Your OldRefrigerator or Freezer:

• Take off the doors.

• Leave the shelves in place so that children may noteasily climb inside.

CFC Disposal

Your old refrigerator has a cooling system that used CFCs(chlorotluorocarbons). CFCs are believed to harmstratospheric ozone.

If you are throwing away your old refrigerator, make surethe CFC refrigerant is removed tbr proper disposal by aqualified servicer. If you intentionally release this CFCrefrigerant you can be subject to fines and imprisonmentunder provisions of environmental legislation.

3

OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Temperature Control Dial

The temperature control dialhas settings from "MIN"to "MAX" plus "OFF':

"MIN" is the warmest.

"MAX" is the coldest.

Initially set thetemperature control dial at "3?

After using the refrigerator for 24 hours, adjustthe temperature control to the setting that is bestsuited to your needs.

NOTE:

- If this refrigerator is unplugged or turned off,you must allow 3 minutes before starting it orplugging it back in. If you attempt to restart it inless than 3 minutes, it will not start.

* Turning the temperature control dial to "OFF"stops cooling but does not shut off power to therefrigeratm:

Shelves

Shelves can be moved to different levels to suit yourvarying 1hod storage needs. To remove a shell liftfront slightly and pull straight out.

Ice Service

Ice trays need to be set on the floor of the ice traycompartment to freeze properly.

To release ice cubes, hold the tray upside down overan ice bucket or bowl, and twist tray at both ends.

If the ice tray freezes to the floor, pour a littlelukewarm water around it to loosen it. Do not use

boiling water which can damage plastic parts, or sharpmetal objects such as a knife or screwdriver whichcan damage the cooling system tubing.

Wash ice trays in lukewarm water only.Do not put them in an automatic dishwasher.

Ice Tray Compartment

• This compartment is designed for production ofice cubes and short-term storage (a few days atthe most) of some commercially frozen foods.

• The temperature in the ice tray compartmentdoesn't get cold enough to freeze food safely.

DefrostingDefrost whenever frost on the wall of the ice traycompartment becomes 1/4" thick.

Never use a sharp or metallic instrument to removefrost as it may damage the cooling coils. (A puncturedcooling coil will cause serious problems and void thewarrant.) We recommend using a plastic scraper.

Do not use any electrical device in defrosting yourrefrigerator.

To defrost, remove foods and ice trays from the icetray compartment, put drip tray in place, and settemperature control dial at "OFF".

4

Defrosting usually takes a few hours. To defrost faster,keep the door open. Also, pouring warm (not hot) wateron the frosted part may speed defrosting. Do not useboiling water--it may damage plastic parts.

After defrosting, empty water from the drip tray.Wash the drip tray in warm water. Wipe the ice traycompartment with a damp cloth. Then turn thetemperature control to the desired setting and returnfood and ice trays to the refrigerator.

NOTE: If ice buildup is very thick, it may keep theice tray compartment door from opening or closingcompletely. Don't try to force it open; after defrosting,the door will open and close easily.

CARE AND CLEANING

Cleaning--Inside

Unplug the refrigerator and remove %od, shelves andtrays. Wash inside with warm water and baking sodasolution--about two tablespoons of baking soda to aquart of water. Then rinse and d U.

Don't use cleansers such as soaps, detergents,scouring powder or spray cleaners--they may causeodors inside the refrigerator.

Wash ice cube trays, drip tray and shelves in milddetergent solution and dry with a soft cloth.

To help prevent odors, leave an open box of bakingsoda in the rear of the refrigerator, on the shelf.Change the box every three months.

Wipe outside of refiigerator with a soft clothdampened with soapy water or Appliance Polish WaxCleaner (Cat. No. WR97X216), available from GEAppliance Se_wice and Parts Center. Use only mild,soapy water to clean the door gasket.

Never use acids, chemical thinner, gasoline, benzineor the like for cleaning any part of the refrigerator.Boiling water or benzine may deform or damageplastic parts.

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

PREPARATION

Location

The refrigerator must be installedon a floor strong enough to supportit when it is fully loaded.

If the refrigerator is in a 40°F. orcolder room, it will operate but itwill not cool foods properly.

Also see Energy-Saving Tips.

Clearances

Allow the following clearances forease of installation, door openingand proper air circulation:

• Top of refrigerator tounderside of countertop ......... 1V/'

• Above flooring(including carpeting) ............. 1*A"

• Hinge side, if refrigeratoris next to a wall ..................... 1*/4"

Leveling Legs

Adjustable legs at the front comersshould be set so the refrigerator isfirmly positioned on the floor. Legsshould extend 1¼" down from

bottom of cahinet; the front of therefrigerator may need to be raised abit more so the door closes easilywhen opened about halfway.

Turn leveling legs counterclockwiseto raise refrigerator, clockwise tolower it.

Preparing to Move

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

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

Be sure refrigerator stays in upright positionduring actual moving and in van. Refrigerator must besecured in van to prevent movement. Protect outsideof refrigerator with blanket.

Preparing for VacationFor extended vacations or absences, unplug therefrigerator. Clean the interior with baking sodasolution of one tablespoon of soda to one quart ofwater. Wipe dry. To prevent odors, leave an open boxof baking soda in refrigerator. Leave doors open.

For shorter vacations, remove perishahle tbods andleave the control at regular setting. However, if roomtemperature is expected to drop below 40°F. tbllowthe same instructions as for extended vacations.

5

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTSIMPORTANT...Please Read Carefully

How to connect electricity

For personal safety, this appliance mustbe properly grounded.

The power cordof this applianceis equipped witha three-prong(grounding) plugwhich mates witha standard three-

prong (grounding)wall outlet tominimize the

Preferred

Method

Insure properground existsbefore use

possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.

Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by aqualified electrician to make sure the outlet isproperly grounded.

If you have only a standard two-prong wall outlet, it isyour personal responsibility and obligation to have itreplaced with a properly grounded three-prong walloutlet.

CUT OR REMOVE THE THIRD

POWER CORD.

Use of Adapter Plug

Because of potential safety hazards under certainconditions, we strongly recommend against use of anadapter plug. However, if you still elect to use anadapter, where local codes permit, a TEMPORARYCONNECTION may be made to a properly groundedtwo-prong wall outlet by use of a UL-listed adapter,available at most local hardware stores.

The larger slot inthe adapter mustbe aligned withthe larger slot inthe wall outlet to

provide properpolarity in theconnection of the

power cord.

Temporary Method

(Adapter plugs not

?errnitted in Canada) ] _.... -(IAlign large t ',kl_I' ]

__/pr°ngs/sl°ts "/__ ""-_< ]

_v Insure proper groundand firm connectionbefore use.

CAUTION: Attaching an adapter ground terminalto the wall outlet cover screw does not ground theappliance unless the cover screw is metal, and notinsulated, and the wall outlet is grounded through thehouse wiring. You should have the circuit checked bya qualified electrician to make sure the outlet isproperly grounded.

When disconnecting the power cord from theadapter, always hold the adapter with one hand. Ifthis is not done, the adapter ground terminal is verylikely to break with repeated use.

Should the adapter ground terminal break, DONOT USE the appliance until a proper ground hasagain been established.

Electrical Requirements

The refrigerator should always be plugged into itsown individual electrical outlet which has a voltagerating that matches the rating plate.

This provides the best performance and also preventsoverloading house wiring circuits which could cause afire hazard from overheated wires.

Use of Extension Cords

Because of potential safety hazards under certainconditions, we strongly recommend against the use ofan extension cord. However, if you still elect to use anextension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be aUL-listed 3-wire grounding type appliance extensioncord having a grounding type plug and outlet and thatthe electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes(minimum) and 120 volts.

6

THIS REFRIGERATOR IS DESIGNED FOR

FREE-STANDING OR RECESSEDINSTALLATION.

IF IT IS TO BE FREE-STANDING:

• Save the air grille that's packed with theappliance in case you want to recess therefrigerator later.

IF IT IS TO BERECESSEDNOW:1. Remove the counter top.

Take out four screws at the top rear of thecabinet, lift the top slightly at the rear andpush it forward to remove it.

2. Remove the 3 metal countertop retainingclips at the front.

_@ Metal Clip

'_ _j_/(remove 3)

Save removed parts in case you want to reinstallthe countertop later.

3. Install the air grille. Align front edge ofmounting tabs on grille with front edge ofcountertop and fasten grille in place withscrews saved in step 1. This will provide the1 '/_/' clearance needed for proper air flow.

4. Slide refrigerator into recess afterleveling it and plugging its power cordinto electrical outlet.

7

TOCHANGETHEDOORHINGESFROMTHERIGHTSIDEOFTHEREFRIGERATORTOTHELEFT:1. Unplug the refrigerator and empty it.2. Remove the countertop. See the RefrigeratorInstallation section.

Top Hinge '_'

Shim" (on some models)

3. Remove the top hinge and if there's a shimunder the hinge, remove it too. Set the hinge(and shim) aside.

4. Open the door slightly and lift it off.

5. Carefully set the refrigerator on its back.

S_

Hinge

\ Leveling Legs

6. Remove the leveling leg below the bottomhinge and the leveling leg and leg spacer at theopposite corner.

Bottom Hinge

(on some models)

7. Remove the bottom hinge and if there's ashim under the hinge, remove it too. Reinstallthe hinge (and shim) on the opposite side. Donot tighten screws at this time.

8. Reinstall the leveling legs. Be sure theleg spacer goes on the leg opposite therelocated hinge.

9. Place the door on a flat nonscratching surface.

Door Stop

\

10. Remove the door stop and reinstall it on theopposite side.

11. Remove the plug button from the top edgeof the door and press it into the hinge hole onthe opposite side.

12. Reinstall the top hinge (and shim, if any)that you removed in step 3. Do not tightenscrews at this time.

13. Set the door on the cabinet, align it, and fitthe hinge pins into the door sockets. Thentighten the top and bottom hinge screws andstand the refrigerator upright.

14. If the refrigerator is to be free-standing,reinstall the countertop. If the refrigerator is tobe recessed, remove the countertop retainingclips and install the air grille before sliding therefrigerator into place.

8

QUESTIONS?USE THIS PROBLEM SOLVER

PROBLEM

REFRIGERATORDOES NOT OPERATE

TURNS ON AND OFF

FREQUENTLY

SEEMS TO RUNTOO LONG

VIBRATION

CABINET HAS ODOR

POSSIBLE CAUSE

• Not plugged in.

• The circuit breaker tripped, or fuse blown.

• This is normal. Small refrigerators cycle more often than larger ones.

• Check for proper clearances.

• Frequent door openings let cold air escape.

• If refrigerator vibrates, it probably is not level. Adjust front leveling legs.

• Foods with strong odors should be tightly covered.

• Check for spoiled food.

• Interior may need cleaning.

• Keep an openbox of baking soda in refrigerator: replace ever}, three months.

If you need more help...call, toll free:GE Answer Center °800.626.2000consumer information service

9

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NOTES

10

We'll Be ThereWith the purchase of your new GE appliance, receive the assurance that if you ever needinfbrrnation or assistance fiom GE, we'll be there. All you have to do is call-toll-fiee!

In-HomeRepairService800-GE-CARES(800-432-2737)AGE consumer service professional xdll provide expert repair service,scheduled at a tilne that's convenient for you. Many GE Consulner Servicecompany-operated locations otter you service today or tomorrow, or at yourconvenience (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays).Our thctoD_trained technicians know your appliance inside and ore-so mostrepairs can be handled in just one visit.

GEAnswerCenter®800.626.2000

Whatever your question about any (rE major appliance, GE Answer Center ®information servi( e is available to help. Your (all-and your question-will be

answered promptly and (ourteouslv. Ai_d you (an call any time. GE AnswerCenter secvt(e ts open 24 hours a day, ¢ days a week.

ForCustomersWithSpecialNeeds...800.626.2000

Upon request, C,E will provideBraille controls fin a variety of GEappliances, and a brochure toassist in planning a barrier-fleekitchen for persons with limitedmobility. To obtain these items,Dee of charge, call 800.626.2000.

Consumers with impaired hearing or speech who havea((ess to a TDD or a (onventional teletype_Titer may(rail 800-TI)I)-(;E4(_ (800-833-4322) to requestinfi)rmation or servi(e.

ServiceContracts800-626-2224

You can have the secure feeling that GE Consumer Service will still be thereafter your wanamy expires. Purchase a GE contract while your warranty is stillin ettect and you'll receive a substantial discount. With a muhiple-year contract,you're assured offlmne service at today's prices.

PartsandAccessories800-628-2002

Individuals qualified to service their own appliancescan have needed parts or accessories sent directly totheir home. The GE parts system provides access to ()vet47,1100 parts...and all GE Genuine Renewal Parts arefiflly warranted. VISA, MasterCard and Discover cardsare accepted.

User maintenance instructions contained in this booklet

cover procedures intended 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.

11

t_

_o

YOUR GE REFRIGERATOR

WARRANTYStaple sales slip or cancelled checkhere. Proof of original purchase date

is needed to obtain serviceunder warranty.

WHAT IS COVERED FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

For one year from date of originalpurchase, we will provide, free ofcharge, parts and service labor inyour home to repair or replaceany part of the refrigeratorthat fails because of amanufacturing defect.LIMITED ADDITIONALFOUR-YEAR WARRANTY

For the second through fifth yearfrom date of original purchase, wewill provide, free of charge, areplacement compressor if thecompressor fails because of amanufacturing defect. You pay forany service labor charges.

This warranty is extended tothe original purchaser and anysucceeding owner for productspurchased for use in the 48mainland states, Alaska, Hawaiiand Washington, D.C.

All warranty service will beprovided by GE ApplianceService and Parts Centers or byour authorized Customer Care®servicers during normal workinghours.

Should your appliance needservice, during warranty period orbeyond, call 800-GE-CARES(800-432-2737).

WHAT IS NOT COVERED• Service trips to your home to

teach you how to use the product.

Read your Use and Care material.If you then have any questionsabout operating the product,please contact your dealer or ourConsumer Affairs office at theaddress below, or call, toll free:GE Answer Center ®800.626.2000consumer information service

• Improper installation.

If you have an installation problem,contact your dealer or installer.You are responsible for providingadequate electrical, plumbing andother connecting facilities.

• Replacement of house fuses orresetting of circuit breakers.

• Failure of the product if it is usedfor other than its intended purposeor used commercially.

• Damage to product causedby accident, fire, floods or actsof God.

• Loss of food due to spoilage.WARRANTOR IS NOTRESPONSIBLE FORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusionmay not apply to you. 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 in your state, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state's Attorney General.

Warrantor: General Electric Company

If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:Manager--Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225

TAX6