Hotpoint 15, 16, 17, 18 Refrigerator Installation instructions

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Safety Information

Adapter Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Connecting Electricity . . . . . . . . . . 3

Extension Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Operating Instructions

Automatic Icemaker . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . 9, 10

Shelves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 6

Storage Drawers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7

Temperature Controls . . . . . . . . . . .4

Installation Instructions

Preparing to Install the Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Reversing the Door Swing . . . 16–22

Water Line Installation . . . . . . 12–16

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 25

Normal Operating Sounds . . . . . .23

Consumer Support

Consumer Support . . . . Back Cover

Product Registration . . . . . . . . 29, 30

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Owner’s Manual and

Installation Instructions

Models

15, 16, 17, 18

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model #__________________________

Serial # __________________________

You can find them on a label on the upper left side of the fresh food compartment.

162D6736P007 39-60256-1 10-03 JR

2

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 cold surfaces in the freezer 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.

■ In refrigerators with automatic icemakers, avoid contact with the moving parts of the ejector mechanism, or with the heating element that releases the cubes. Do not place fingers or hands on the automatic icemaking mechanism while the refrigerator is plugged in.

■

Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning and making repairs.

NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing be performed by a qualified individual.

■

Turning the control to the 0 position does not remove power to the light circuit.

■ 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.

Refrigerants

All refrigeration products contain refrigerants, which under federal law must be removed prior to product disposal. If you are getting rid of an old refrigeration product, check with the company handling the disposal about what to do.

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,

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.

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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.

Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is encountered, 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

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

3

About the temperature control dial.

Turning the dial to 0 stops cooling in both compartments—fresh food and freezer. It does not shut off power to the refrigerator.

Control Settings

Temperature Control Dial

The temperature control dial has nine settings plus 0. 1 is the warmest. 9 is the coldest.

At first, set the dial at 5.

After using the refrigerator, adjust the dial if necessary.

Insert a coin into the slot in the middle of the dial and you can turn the dial to the setting that’s best suited to your needs.

Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to get cold.

4

About the fresh food compartment shelves.

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

2 Lift up and out

1 Tilt up

Half-Width Shelves

One end of the shelf rests on a molded side-wall support; a bracket on the other end hooks into a track on the rear cabinet wall.

To remove, lift the shelf up at front, then off the support and out of the track.

To replace, select desired shelf height.

With shelf front raised slightly, hook the bracket’s top lug into the track, then lower the shelf onto the support.

NOTE: The shelf to the right of the track is designed to hook into the right-hand slot; the shelf to the left is designed to hook into the left-hand slot.

Full-Width Shelves

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

The full-width sliding shelf has stop-locks.

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, lift the rear of the shelf and pull forward.

To remove a full-width shelf when the fresh food compartment door cannot be opened

fully, lift the rear of the shelf, pull forward and down, tilt the shelf and take it out.

Spillproof Shelves

(on some models)

Spillproof shelves have special edges to help prevent spills from dripping to lower shelves. To remove or replace the shelves, see the above instructions.

5

About the freezer compartment shelves.

Some models have an ice-tray shelf and some have a full-width step shelf.

Plug Supports

Ice-Tray Shelf

To remove the ice-tray shelf, lift the left side of the shelf off its supports, then pull the shelf to the left to free it of the plug supports. Pull the shelf to the right to free the pins from the holes in the cabinet wall.

Step Shelf

To remove the step shelf:

1

2

Lift left side of shelf slightly.

Move shelf to the left to free its right ends from holes in the cabinet wall.

3

Lower right side of shelf, move shelf to the right and take it out.

To replace the step shelf:

1

With shelf tilted as shown, fit left ends of shelf into holes in cabinet wall.

2

Lift left side of shelf slightly, swing shelf up, fit right ends of shelf into holes in cabinet wall, and lower shelf into place.

About the storage drawers.

Not all features are on all models.

Fruit and Vegetable Drawers

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

Utility Drawer

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

6

About storage drawer and cover removal.

Not all features are on all models.

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Adjustable Humidity Drawer

(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 and Cover Removal

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

Full-Width Drawer with Plastic Cover

To remove the cover, lift it off its supports, pull it forward, tilt it and take it out.

Twin Drawers with Glass Cover

To remove:

1

2

Remove the drawers.

Reach in, push the front of glass cover up, and at the same time, pull it forward 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 rear edge firmly into the rear frame channel and gently lowering the front into place.

3

Replace the drawers.

7

About the automatic icemaker.

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

Power

Switch Icemaker

Green

Power Light Feeler Arm

Power switch model

Feeler Arm in the ON (down) position

Feeler Arm in the STOP

(up) position

Feeler arm model

Automatic Icemaker

(on some models)

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

There are two types of icemakers: power switch models and feeler arm models.

If the refrigerator is operated before the water connection is made to the icemaker, set the power switch to O (off) or move the feeler arm to the STOP (up) position.

When the refrigerator has been connected to the water supply, set the power switch to the I (on) position or move the feeler arm to the ON (down) position.

On power switch models, the green light will come on.

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

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

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.

On power switch models, the green power light will blink if ice cubes get stuck in the icemaker. To correct this, set the power switch to O (off) and remove the cubes. Set the power switch to I (on) to restart the icemaker. After the icemaker has been turned on again, there will be a delay of about 45 minutes before the icemaker resumes operation.

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

Icemaker Accessory Kit

If your refrigerator did not already come 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.

8

Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.

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.

The stainless steel panels and door handles

(on some models) can be cleaned with a commercially available stainless steel cleaner. Do not use appliance wax or polish on the stainless steel.

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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.

Cleaning the condenser coils.

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.

Avoid cleaning cold glass shelves (on some models) with hot water because the extreme temperature difference may cause them to break. Handle glass shelves carefully. Bumping tempered glass can cause it to shatter.

Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts in the dishwasher.

Condenser

There is no need for routine condenser cleaning in normal home operating environments. However, in environments that may be particularly dusty or greasy, the condenser should be cleaned periodically for efficient refrigerator operation.

To clean the condenser, turn the temperature control dial to 0. Sweep away or vacuum up dust.

For best results, use a brush specially designed for this purpose. It is available at most appliance parts stores.

9

Care and cleaning of the refrigerator.

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.

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 icemaker 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

To replace a burned-out bulb, unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet, unscrew the bulb when cool and replace it with an appliance bulb of the same or lower wattage.

Turning the control to the 0 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 0 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.

Set the icemaker power switch to the

O (off) position or move the feeler arm to the STOP (up) position (depending on 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.

Be sure the refrigerator stays in an upright position during moving.

10

Installation

Instructions

Refrigerator

Models 15, 16, 17, 18

If you have questions, call 1.800.GE.CARES

or

visit our Website at: www.Hotpoint.com

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

•

•

•

•

IMPORTANT –

Save these instructions for local inspector’s use.

IMPORTANT –

Observe all governing codes and ordinances.

Note to Installer –

Be sure to leave these instructions with the Consumer.

Note to Consumer –

Keep these instructions for future reference.

• Skill level – Installation of this appliance requires basic mechanical skills.

• Completion time – Refrigerator Installation

15 minutes

Reversing the Door Swing

1 hour

• Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.

• Product failure due to improper installation is not covered under the Warranty.

WATER SUPPLY TO THE ICEMAKER

(on some models )

If the refrigerator has an icemaker, it will have to be connected to a cold water line. A water supply kit

(containing copper tubing, shutoff valve, fittings and instructions) is available at extra cost from your dealer or from Parts and Accessories, 800.626.2002.

CLEARANCES

Allow the following clearances for ease of installation, proper air circulation and plumbing and electrical connections.

• Sides 3/4 ″ (19 mm)

• Top 1 ″ (25 mm)

• Back 1 ″ (25 mm)

ROLLERS AND LEVELING LEGS

Leveling legs near each front corner of the refrigerator are adjustable. They firmly position the refrigerator and prevent it from moving when the doors are opened. Leveling legs should be set so the front of the refrigerator is raised just enough that the doors close easily when opened about halfway.

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

Rollers next to the leveling legs allow you to move the refrigerator away from the wall for cleaning.

Turn the legs counterclockwise until the weight of the refrigerator is transferred from them to the rollers.

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

• Install it on a floor strong enough to support it fully loaded.

11

12

Installation Instructions

1 INSTALLING THE WATER LINE

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Recommended copper water supply kits are WX8X2,

WX8X3 or WX8X4, depending on the amount of tubing you need. Approved plastic water supply lines are refrigerator tubing kits WX08X10002,

WX08X10006, WX08X10015 and WX08X10025.

When connecting your refrigerator to a reverse osmosis water system, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

This water line installation is not warranted by the refrigerator or icemaker manufacturer. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of expensive water damage.

Water hammer (water banging in the pipes) in house plumbing can cause damage to refrigerator parts and lead to water leakage or flooding. Call a qualified plumber to correct water hammer before installing the water supply line to the refrigerator.

To prevent burns and product damage, do not hook up the water line to the hot water line.

If you use your refrigerator before connecting the water line, make sure the icemaker power switch is in the O (off) position (on power switch models) or the feeler arm is in the STOP (up) position (on feeler arm models).

Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas where temperatures fall below freezing.

When using any electrical device (such as a power drill) during installation, be sure the device is double insulated or grounded in a manner to prevent the hazard of electric shock, or is battery powered.

All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Copper or approved plastic refrigerator tubing kit,

1/4

″ outer diameter to connect the refrigerator to the water supply. If using copper, be sure both ends of the tubing are cut square.

To determine how much tubing you need: measure the distance from the water valve on the back of the refrigerator to the water supply pipe. Then add 8

′

(2.4 m). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing

(about 8

′ [2.4 m] coiled into 3 turns of about 10″

[25 cm] diameter) to allow the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation.

Approved plastic refrigerator tubing kits are available in the following lengths:

2

′ (0.6 m)

6

′ (1.8 m)

15

′ (4.6 m)

25

′ (7.6 m)

– WX08X10002

– WX08X10006

– WX08X10015

– WX08X10025

Be sure that the kit you select allows at least 8

′ (2.4 m) as described above.

NOTE: The only approved plastic tubing is that supplied in the refrigerator tubing kits listed above.

Do not use any other plastic water supply line because the line is under pressure at all times. Certain types of plastic will crack or rupture with age and cause water damage to your home.

Installation Instructions

WHAT YOU WILL NEED (CONT.)

• A water supply kit (containing tubing, shutoff valve and fittings listed below) is available at extra cost from your dealer or from Parts and Accessories,

1.888.261.3055.

• A cold water supply. The water pressure must be between 20 and 120 p.s.i. (1.4–8.1 bar).

• Power drill.

• 1/2

″ or adjustable wrench.

• Straight and Phillips blade screwdriver.

Install the shutoff valve on the nearest frequently used drinking water line.

1 SHUT OFF THE MAIN WATER

SUPPLY

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

2 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.

• Two 1/4 ″ outer diameter compression nuts and

2 ferrules (sleeves) —to connect the copper tubing to the shutoff valve and the refrigerator water valve.

OR

• If you are using an approved plastic refrigerator tubing kit, the necessary fittings are preassembled to the tubing.

• If your existing copper water line has a flared fitting at the end, you will need an adapter (available at plumbing supply stores) to connect the water line to the refrigerator OR you can cut off the flared fitting with a tube cutter and then use a compression fitting. Do not cut formed end from approved plastic refrigerator tubing.

3 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.

• Shutoff valve to connect to the cold water line.

The shutoff valve should have a water inlet with a minimum inside diameter of 5/32

″ at the point of connection to the COLD WATER LINE. Saddle-type shutoff valves are included in many water supply kits.

Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve complies with your local plumbing codes.

13

Installation Instructions

1 INSTALLING THE WATER LINE

(CONT.)

4 FASTEN THE SHUTOFF VALVE

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

Pipe Clamp

Saddle-Type

Shutoff Valve

Vertical Cold

Water Pipe

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.

7 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 an approved 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.

Saddle-Type

Shutoff Valve

Compression

Nut

Approved

Plastic Tubing

5 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.

Pipe Clamp

Washer

Inlet End

Clamp Screw

Packing Nut

Outlet Valve Ferrule (sleeve)

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.

8 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.

6 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.

NOTE: Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing

(about 8 feet [244 cm] coiled into 3 turns of about

10

″ [25 cm] diameter) to allow the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation.

14

Installation Instructions

9 CONNECT THE TUBING

TO THE REFRIGERATOR

NOTES:

• Before making the connection to the refrigerator, be sure the refrigerator power cord is not plugged into the wall outlet.

• We recommend installing a water filter 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 an approved plastic refrigerator tubing kit, you will need an additional tube (WX08X10002) to connect the filter. Do not cut plastic tube to install filter.

Remove the access cover.

9 CONNECT THE TUBING TO THE

REFRIGERATOR (CONT.)

Fasten the tubing into the clamp provided to hold it in a vertical position. You may need to pry open the clamp.

1/4 ″ Copper

Tubing

Tubing Clamp

Refrigerator

Connection

Reattach the access cover.

1/4

″ Compression

Nut

Ferrule

(sleeve)

Approved

Plastic Tubing

Remove the plastic flexible cap from the water valve (refrigerator connection).

10 TURN THE WATER ON AT THE

SHUTOFF VALVE

Tighten any connections that leak.

Place the compression nut and ferrule (sleeve) onto the end of the tubing as shown. On an approved plastic refrigerator tubing kit, the nuts are already assembled to the tubing.

Insert the end of the tubing into the water valve connection as far as possible. While holding the tubing, tighten the fitting.

For plastic tubing from an approved 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.

15

Installation Instructions

1 INSTALLING THE WATER LINE

(CONT.)

11 PLUG IN THE REFRIGERATOR

Arrange the coil of tubing so that it does not vibrate against the back of the refrigerator or against the wall. Push the refrigerator back to the wall.

12 START THE ICEMAKER

On power switch models, set the icemaker power switch to the l (on) position. On feeler arm models, move the feeler arm to the ON (down) 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.

Power switch

Power switch model

Feeler Arm in the

STOP (up) position

Feeler Arm in the ON (down) position

Feeler arm model

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

2 REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

TOOLS REQUIRED IMPORTANT NOTES

When reversing the door swing:

• Read the instructions all the way through before starting.

• Handle parts carefully to avoid scratching paint.

• Set screws down by their related parts to avoid using them in the wrong places.

• Provide a non-scratching work surface for the doors.

IMPORTANT: Once you begin, do not move the cabinet until door-swing reversal is completed.

These instructions are for changing the hinges from the right side to the left side—if you ever want to change the hinges back to the right side, follow these same instructions and reverse all references to left and right.

Phillips screwdriver

5/16 ″ hex-head socket driver

Putty knife or thin-blade screwdriver

Masking tape

T20 or T25 Torxdriver,

(needed for some models)

5/16

″ open-end wrench

16

Installation Instructions

1 BEFORE YOU START

1.1

Unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet.

2 REMOVE THE FREEZER DOOR

(CONT.)

2.2

With a 5/16

″ hex-head socket driver, remove the screws that hold the top hinge to the cabinet.

1.2

Empty all door shelves, including the dairy compartment.

2.3

Lift the hinge (and the shim glued to it) straight up to free the hinge pin from the socket in the top of the door and set it aside, along with its screws.

Top Hinge

CAUTION: Do not let either door drop to the floor. To do so could damage the door stop.

2 REMOVE THE FREEZER DOOR

2.1

Tape the door shut with masking tape.

2.4

Remove the tape and tilt the door away from the cabinet. Lift it off the center hinge pin.

2.5

Set the door on a non-scratching surface with the outside up.

17

Installation Instructions

2 REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

(CONT.)

2 REMOVE THE FREEZER DOOR

(CONT.)

2.6

Transfer the 2 screws from the opposite side of the cabinet to the screw holes vacated by the top hinge removal.

3 REMOVE THE FRESH FOOD

DOOR (CONT.)

3.4

Set the door outside-up on a non-scratching surface.

3 REMOVE THE FRESH FOOD DOOR

3.1

Tape the door shut with masking tape.

3.5

Transfer the two screws from the opposite side of the cabinet to the screw holes vacated by the center hinge removal.

3.2

Using a 5/16

″ hex-head socket screwdriver and a 5/16

″ open-end wrench, remove the two screws holding the center hinge (and the shim glued to it) to the cabinet. Lift the center hinge to free its pin from the socket in the top of the door, and set hinge and screws aside. Be careful not to lose the center hinge spacer and washer.

3.6

Transfer the washer (if your model has one) to the opposite side.

3.3

Remove the tape and tilt the door away from the cabinet. Lift the door from the pin in the bottom hinge bracket. (If the plastic washer sticks to the door bottom, put it back on the hinge.)

3.7

Take one of the screws removed in step 2 and start it in the outermost screw hole on the opposite side.

Do not drive it all the way down—leave enough space under the screw head for thickness of shim and bracket.

18

Installation Instructions

4 REVERSING THE HARDWARE

4.1

Remove the base grille (if your refrigerator has one) by pulling it straight out.

5 REVERSING THE DOOR HANDLES

5.1 Transfer fresh food door handle

5.1.1

Remove the bottom cap by pushing it toward the bottom of the door, and remove the screw underneath.

Remove the two screws holding the handle to the top of the door.

Top

4.2

Move the bottom hinge bracket (and shim glued to it) and plastic washer from the right side to the left side.

Plastic

Washer

Plastic

Washer

Hinge

Bracket

Models with a hinge bracket that has 2 screw holes.

Hinge

Bracket

Models with a hinge bracket that has 4 screw holes.

Switch the hinge pin to the opposite side of the bracket.

4.3

Interchange hinge (and the shim glued to it) and screws at top right with screws at top left of cabinet.

Do not tighten screws on hinge side at this time.

5.1.2

Remove the handle.

5.1.3

Remove the screws from the right edge of the door top and insert them into the handle screw holes on the opposite side.

Screws for

Handle Holes

Installing the hinge on the left.

Installing the hinge on the right.

NOTES:

• Some hinges have four holes. Which holes you use for installing the hinge depends on which side you install the hinge.

• The outer edge of the hinge should be parallel to the edge of the case for correct installation.

19

Installation Instructions

2 REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

(CONT.)

5 REVERSING THE DOOR HANDLES

(CONT.)

5.1 Transfer fresh food door handle

(cont.)

5.1.4

With tape-tipped putty knife or thinblade screwdriver, pry out the plug button from the hinge hole on the left side of the door and insert it into the hole on the opposite side that was vacated by removal of the top hinge.

Plug Button

5.2 Transfer door stop

(cont.)

5.2.2

Move any screws from the left end to the right end.

Right Side

5.3 Reinstalling the Fresh Food Door

Handle

5.3.1

Attach the handle to the right side of the door with screws at the top and under the handle plug.

5.1.5

Pull the plug button from the front of the door and transfer it to the opposite side.

Plug Button

5.3.2

Reinstall the handle plug.

To reattach the handle on the opposite side.

5.2 Transfer door stop

5.2.1

Move the metal door stop from the right end to the left end.

Door Stop

Left Side

20

Installation Instructions

5.4 Transfer Freezer Door Handle

5.4.1

Remove the screw holding the handle to the top of the door and the two screws holding the handle to the bottom of the door.

5.4 Transfer Freezer Door Handle

(cont.)

5.4.4

Transfer the door stop as shown on the preceding page.

5.4.5

Attach the handle to the right edge of the door with screws at top and bottom, using bottom holes vacated by removal of the door stop screws.

5.4.2

Remove the handle.

5.4.3

Remove the screw from the right top edge of the door and insert it into the handle screw hole on the left side.

21

Installation Instructions

2 REVERSING THE DOOR SWING

(CONT.)

6 REHANGING THE DOORS

6.1 Rehang the fresh food door

6.1.1

Lower the fresh food door onto the bottom hinge pin. Be sure the washer is in place on the pin.

6 REHANGING THE DOORS (CONT.)

6.2 Rehang the freezer door

6.2.1

Lower the freezer door onto the center hinge pin. Be sure the washer and spacer are in place on the pin.

Plastic

Washer

Plastic

Washer Hinge

Bracket

Models with a hinge bracket that has 2 screw holes.

Hinge

Bracket

Models with a hinge bracket that has 4 screw holes.

Center Hinge Pin

Plastic Washer and Spacer

6.2.2

Tilt the door toward the cabinet, lifting the top hinge so the pin fits into the socket on the top of the door.

6.1.2

Insert the pin on the center hinge into the socket in the top of the door. Place the spacer, then the washer, on the hinge pin.

NOTE: The center hinge must be turned over as shown when mounted on the left side.

Hinge Pin

Plastic Washer and Spacer

6.1.3

Tilt the door toward the cabinet. As the door is brought into position, slide the hinge under the head of the screw which earlier had been partly driven into the outermost hole. Insert the remaining screw, then tighten both screws securely.

6.2.3

Make sure the door is slightly above the top of the cabinet and the gap between the doors is even across the front. Tighten the top hinge screws. Do not overtighten these screws— tighten them until they are just snug, then turn them another one-half turn.

22

Normal operating sounds.

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

www.Hotpoint.com

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

HUMMM...

WHOOSH...

■

■

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 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.

CLICKS, POPS,

CRACKS and CHIRPS

■

■

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 icemaker, after an icemaking cycle, you may hear the ice cubes dropping into the ice bucket.

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.

For additional information on normal icemaker operating sounds, see the

About the automatic icemaker section.

23

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.

Problem

Refrigerator does not operate

Vibration or rattling

(slight vibration is normal)

Motor operates for long periods or cycles on and off frequently.

(Modern refrigerators with more storage space and a larger freezer require more operating time. They start and stop often to maintain even temperatures.)

Fresh food or freezer compartment too warm

Frost or ice crystals on frozen food

(frost within package is normal)

Possible Causes

Refrigerator in defrost cycle.

Temperature control dial in 0 position.

Refrigerator is unplugged.

The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.

Roller screws or leveling legs need adjusting.

Normal when refrigerator is first plugged in.

Often occurs when large amounts of food are placed in refrigerator.

Door left open.

Hot weather or frequent door openings.

Temperature control dial set at the coldest setting.

Grille and condenser need cleaning.

Temperature control dial not set cold enough.

Warm weather or frequent door openings.

Door left open.

Package blocking air duct in freezer compartment.

Door left open.

Too frequent or too long door openings.

What To Do

• Wait about 30 minutes for defrost cycle to end.

• Move the temperature control dial to a temperature setting.

• Push the plug completely into the outlet.

• Replace fuse or reset the breaker.

• See Rollers and Leveling Legs.

• Wait 24 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool down.

• This is normal.

• Check to see if package is holding door open.

• This is normal.

• See About the temperature control dial.

• See Care and cleaning.

• See About the temperature control dial.

• Set the temperature control dial one step colder.

See About the temperature control dial.

• Check to see if package is holding door open.

• Check to see if package is blocking air duct in freezer compartment.

• Check to see if package is holding door open.

24

www.Hotpoint.com

Problem

Automatic icemaker does not work

(on some models)

Possible Causes

Icemaker power switch is not on.

Water supply turned off or not connected.

Freezer compartment too warm.

Piled up cubes in the storage bin cause the icemaker to shut off.

Frequent “buzzing” sound Icemaker is on but the water supply to the refrigerator has not been connected.

Cubes too small

Slow ice cube freezing

Ice cubes have odor/taste

What To Do

•On power switch models, set the power switch to the

I (on) position. On feeler arm models, move the feeler arm to the ON (down) position.

•See Installing the water line.

•Wait 24 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool down.

•Level cubes by hand.

• Turn the icemaker off. On power switch models, set the power switch to the O (off) position. On feeler arm models, move the feeler arm to the STOP (up) position.

Keeping it on will damage the water valve.

Water shutoff valve connecting •Call the plumber to clear the valve.

refrigerator to water line may be clogged.

Door left open.

Temperature control dial not set cold enough.

•Check to see if package is holding door open.

•See About the temperature control dial.

Ice storage bin needs cleaning.

•Empty and wash bin. Discard old cubes.

Food transmitting odor/taste to ice cubes.

•Wrap foods well.

Interior of refrigerator needs cleaning.

•See Care and cleaning.

Not unusual during periods of high humidity.

•Wipe surface dry and reset temperature control dial one setting colder.

Moisture forms on cabinet surface between the doors

Moisture collects inside

(in humid weather, air carries moisture into refrigerator when doors are opened)

Refrigerator has odor

Too frequent or too long door openings.

Foods transmitting odor to refrigerator.

Interior needs cleaning.

• Foods with strong odors should be tightly wrapped.

• Keep an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator; replace every three months.

• See Care and cleaning.

25

Notes.

26

Notes.

27

Notes.

28

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!

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

We’ll Cover Any Appliance.

Anywhere. Anytime.*

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

29

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:

can contact you in the unlikely event of a safety modification.

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 in the USA is: 800 GE

CARES (800.432.2737).

Read your Owner’s

Manual carefully.

It will help you operate your new appliance properly.

Model Number Serial Number

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.

Im po rta nt

Ma

To il da y!

✁

Cut here

Consumer Product Ownership Registration

Model Number Serial Number

First

Name

Mr.

■

Ms.

■

Mrs.

■

Miss

■

Street

Address

Last

Name

Apt. #

City

Date Placed

In Use

Month Day

GE Consumer Products

General Electric Company

Louisville, Kentucky www.GEAppliances.com

GE Appliances

E-mail Address*

State

Zip

Code

Phone

Number

_ _

Year

* Please provide your e-mail address to receive, via e-mail, discounts, special offers and other important communications from GE Appliances (GEA).

■

Check here if you do not want to receive communications from GEA’s carefully selected partners.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS CARD DOES NOT DIMINISH YOUR

WARRANTY RIGHTS.

For information about GEA’s privacy and data usage policy, go to www.GEAppliances.com and click on “Privacy Policy” or call 800.626.2224.

30

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, visit us at www.Hotpoint.com, or call

800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737).

Staple your receipt here.

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

For The Period Of: We Will Replace:

One Year

From the date of the original purchase

Any part of the refrigerator which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.

During this full one-year warranty, we will also provide, free of charge, all labor and in-home service to replace the defective part.

Five Years

From the date of the original purchase

Any part of the sealed refrigerating system (the compressor, condenser, evaporator and all connecting tubing) which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.

During this additional four-year warranty, we will also provide, free of charge, all labor and in-home service to replace the defective part.

What Is Not Covered:

■

Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.

■

Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.

■

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.

■

Damage caused after delivery.

■

Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.

■

Replacement of light bulbs.

■

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

31

Consumer Support.

Hotpoint Website

www.Hotpoint.com

Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the Hotpoint Website 24 hours a day, any day of the year! You can also shop for more great Hotpoint products and take advantage of all of our on-line support services designed for your convenience.

Schedule Service

www.Hotpoint.com

Expert Hotpoint 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 Hotpoint 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. Hotpoint Consumer Home Services will still be there after your warranty expires.

Parts and Accessories

www.Hotpoint.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.Hotpoint.com

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from Hotpoint, contact us on our Website with all the details including your phone number, or write to: General Manager, Customer Relations

Hotpoint, Appliance Park

Louisville, KY 40225

Register Your Appliance

www.Hotpoint.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.

Printed in the United States

Printed on Recycled Paper