GE Freezer FUM13 User Manual

ge.com  
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4  
Owner’s Manual &  
Installation Instructions  
Operating Instructions  
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10–12  
Defrosting Instructions  
Upright—Manual Defrost  
Models:  
FUM13, FUM14, FUM17,  
FUM21  
(for Manual Defrost Models) . . . . . . . . . . .9  
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8  
Starting the Freezer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5  
Upright—No-Frost Models:  
FUF12, FUF12S, FUF14,  
FUF14S, FUF17, FUF17C,  
FUF17S, FUF20, FUF20S,  
FUF21, FUF21S  
Installation Instructions  
Preparing to Install the Freezer . . . . . . 13  
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . .14–16  
Normal Operating  
Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14  
Chest—Manual Defrost Models:  
FCM5, FCM7, FCM9, FCM15,  
FCM20, FCM25  
Consumer Support  
Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . Back Cover  
Production Registration for  
Congélateur  
d’aliments  
Customers in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 20  
Production Registration for  
Customers in the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 18  
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
Manuel d’utilisation  
et d’installation  
La section française commence à la page 25  
Congelador  
de alimentos  
Manual del propietario  
y instalación  
La sección en español empieza en la página 43  
Model number: _____________________  
Serial number: _____________________  
You can find them on a plate either on  
the upper left wall inside the freezer  
(Upright models) or on the left exterior  
wall (Chest models).  
297252000 162D9627P010 49-60567 06-08 JR  
 
ge.com  
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT  
PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE FREEZER  
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:  
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems  
Refrigerants  
of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators and  
All refrigeration products contain refrigerants, which  
freezers are still dangerous…even if they will sit for  
under federal law must be removed prior to product  
“just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old  
disposal. If you are getting rid of an old refrigeration  
refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions  
product, check with the company handling the  
below to help prevent accidents.  
disposal about what to do.  
Before You Throw Away Your Old  
Refrigerator or Freezer:  
ITake off the doors.  
ILeave the shelves in place so that children may not  
easily climb inside.  
USE OF EXTENSION CORDS  
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the use  
of an extension cord.  
However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed (in the United  
States) or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type  
plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.  
3
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.  
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.  
WARNING!  
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY  
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord.  
For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.  
The power cord of this appliance is equipped with  
a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a  
standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize  
the possibility of electric shock hazard from this  
appliance.  
This provides the best performance and also prevents  
overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a  
fire hazard from overheated wires.  
Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power  
cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out  
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified from the outlet.  
electrician to make sure the outlet is properly  
Repair or replace immediately all power cords that  
grounded.  
have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not  
use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage  
along its length or at either end.  
If the outlet is a standard 2-prong wall outlet, it is  
your personal responsibility and obligation to have  
it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall  
outlet.  
When moving the freezer away from the wall, be  
careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.  
The freezer should always be plugged into its own  
individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating  
that matches the rating plate.  
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
4
 
About the operation of your freezer.  
ge.com  
Starting the Freezer  
Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Care and Cleaning).  
1
Connect cord to power outlet.  
2
3
4
5
6
On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the OFF position.  
Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.  
Allow freezer to operate for at least four hours before placing food inside.  
On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the ON position.  
Temperature Control  
For safe food storage, allow 4 hours for the  
freezer to cool down completely. The freezer  
will run continuously for the first several  
hours. Foods that are already frozen may be  
placed in the freezer after the first few hours  
of operation. Unfrozen food should NOT be  
placed in the freezer until it has operated for  
4 hours. Allow several hours after each one-  
step adjustment for the freezer temperature  
to stabilize.  
When loading the freezer, freeze only  
3 pounds of fresh food per cubic foot of  
space at a time. Distribute packages evenly  
throughout the freezer. It is not necessary to  
turn the control knob to a colder setting while  
freezing food.  
Turning the control to OFF stops the cooling  
process but does not shut off power to the  
freezer.  
Electromechanical Temperature Control (Chest and some Upright models)  
The electromechanical temperature control  
is preset to give satisfactory food storage  
temperatures. It is adjustable to provide a  
range of temperatures. Allow several hours  
for the temperature to stabilize between  
adjustments.  
The electromechanical temperature control is  
on the outside left on the chest models and  
inside the freezer on upright models.  
Electronic Temperature Control (some Upright Frost-Free models)  
This electronic temperature control is located on  
the front of the freezer door. The temperature is  
factory-preset to provide satisfactory food  
storage temperatures. To adjust the temperature  
setting, press Colder to decrease temperatures  
and Warmer to increase temperatures. Allow  
several hours for the temperature to stabilize  
between adjustments.  
This electronic control has a temperature  
alarm feature. If the inside temperature  
exceeds 23°F. An alarm will sound if the  
freezer temperature reaches unsafe levels.  
The alarm operates on household electricity.  
If the power fails, the alarm will not perform.  
When the freezer is initially plugged in, the  
red Hi Temp light will come on and a buzzer  
will sound. The indicator light will stay on until  
the freezer temperature reaches 23°F or  
below. To silence the buzzer, push Alarm  
Reset. If the temperature in the freezer goes  
above 23°F for any reason, the Hi Temp light  
will come on and the buzzer will sound every  
hour until the temperature is below 23°F. To  
silence the buzzer, push Alarm Reset.  
To turn the freezer off, press Warmer until the  
display reads “0.” To turn the freezer on, press  
Colder until the display shows “4” or the desired  
setting.  
To lock the controls, press Alarm Reset for  
3 seconds. The display will read “L.” To unlock  
the controls, press Alarm Reset for 3 seconds.  
The display will read “U” and then display  
the current temperature.  
If an “E” appears on the display, contact your  
authorized service technician for repair. The  
freezer will continue to run until serviced.  
5
 
About the operation of your freezer.  
Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator (some Upright Frost-Free models)  
The convertible model can operate as either a The temperature on this model is preset. To  
refrigerator or a freezer. The selection is made adjust the temperature, push the UP button  
using the switch at the back of the unit  
marked F and R. With the switch in the F  
for warmer and the DOWN button for cooler  
temperatures. Allow several hours for the  
position, the freezer controls below this switch temperature to stabilize between  
and to the left become active. With the switch adjustments.  
in the R position, the refrigerator controls  
When in the refrigerator mode, the Freeze  
below this switch and to the right become  
Control Feature maintains proper interior  
active. Placing the switch in the middle  
refrigerator temperature even if placed in an  
position will turn off the unit completely and  
area where the temperature is 10°F (-12°C).  
will disable all cooling functions.  
High-Temp Alarm Switch (on some models)  
An alarm will sound if the freezer  
CAUTION: Adding more than 3 pounds  
(1.5 kg) of warm food per cubic foot of  
freezer capacity can trigger the alarm.  
temperature reaches unsafe levels. The  
alarm operates on household electricity. If  
the power fails, the alarm will not perform.  
To activate the alarm, set the switch to the  
ON position.  
An ON/OFF switch allows the temperature  
alarm to be deactivated if desired. The freezer  
is shipped with the switch in the OFF position.  
After the freezer has run long enough to  
lower the temperature, you may set the  
switch to the ON position.  
To deactivate the alarm, set the switch to  
the OFF position.  
Located on back of lid.  
Indicator  
Lights  
On/Off  
Switch  
Electronic Temperature Alarm (some Electronic Chest models)  
This feature is designed to provide a warning  
if the inside temperature reaches an unsafe  
level. The Temp Alarm feature operates on  
household electricity. It will not function if  
household electricity is interrupted.  
red light will blink and the buzzer will sound.  
To silence the buzzer, press the ALARM OFF  
button. The indicator light will continue to  
blink until a safe freezing temperature is  
again reached. If the problem is not solved  
within twelve (12) hours, the buzzer will turn  
on again. If the ALARM OFF button is not  
pressed, the buzzer will turn itself off  
When the freezer is initially plugged in, the  
red Temp Alarm indicator light blinks. The  
indicator light will continue to blink until the  
freezer has reached a safe freezing  
temperature. If a malfunction causes an  
unsafe temperature inside the freezer, the  
automatically after 48 hours, but the red  
Temp Alarm light will continue to blink.  
6
 
ge.com  
Power-On Light (on some models)  
The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer The light glows even when the temperature  
is properly connected to the electrical power.  
control is turned off.  
Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)  
The key for the spring-loaded lock is  
automatically ejected–key will not remain in  
lock in either the open or closed position.  
Keep the key out of reach of children and  
away from the freezer.  
Freezer Shelves (on some models)  
The spacers (on some models) are used to  
secure the shelves during shipping. Remove  
and discard the spacers.  
Small objects are a choke hazard to  
children.  
Tilt-Out Shelf (some Upright models)  
This shelf is located inside on the freezer door  
and provides additional storage space. To  
access an item, tilt the top of the “basket”  
shelf down.  
Slide-Out Basket (some Upright models)  
A slide-out basket provides separate storage  
space for items that are difficult to store on  
shelves. It is located at the bottom of the  
freezer. To remove this basket, pull out and  
lift up.  
Interior Light  
The interior light comes on when the freezer  
door is opened. To replace the bulb, set the  
temperature control to OFF and unplug  
the electrical cord. Replace the bulb by  
unscrewing it from the fixture. Replace  
with the same size and wattage.  
Upright Models  
Adjustable Shelves (Upright models)  
The adjustable shelves can be moved to  
different levels within the freezer. To move the  
shelf, grasp the shelf and push to either the  
right or the left to disengage the ends of the  
shelf from placement holes in the freezer. Tilt  
the shelf to release the other side. To install  
the shelf, reverse these directions.  
Some models will have glass shelves and  
some models will have wire shelves.  
Wire Shelf  
Placement Holes  
Glass Shelf  
Placement Holes  
7
 
About the operation of your freezer.  
Adjustable Door Bins (some Upright models)  
The adjustable door bins provide flexible  
storage space. The number of bins varies by  
model.  
Crispers (some Upright models)  
The crispers are designed for storing fruits,  
vegetables and other fresh produce. Items  
should be washed and drained well before  
placing in the crisper drawers.  
Lo  
One of the crisper drawers comes equipped  
with a Humidity Control. This allows you to  
control the humidity within that crisper. This  
can extend the life of fresh vegetables that  
keep best in high humidity.  
Hi  
Soft Freeze Zone (some Upright models)  
The Soft Freeze Zone is specifically for foods  
such as ice cream. It is designed to maintain  
a higher temperature than the rest of the  
freezer.  
Basket Divider (some Upright models)  
Organize your freezer basket by using  
the basket dividers supplied. To change  
the location, rotate the divider in a  
divider with the center of the line in the  
bottom of the basket as shown in the figure.  
Rotate the divider clockwise until it snaps into  
counterclockwise direction and pull up until it place.  
is free from the basket. Align the center of the  
Wire Shelf Bookend (some Upright models)  
Use these handy bookends to keep various  
boxed items stored neatly in your freezer.  
To adjust the location, simply unsnap the  
bookend from the wire shelf and snap into  
the next desired location.  
8
 
Defrosting instructions. (for Manual Defrost models)  
ge.com  
In most climates, defrosting will be necessary To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or  
only about twice a year.  
wood spatula or scraper.  
To have your freezer operate most  
efficiently, do not permit more than 1/2  
(13 mm) of frost to accumulate on the  
shelves.  
Do not use an ice pick or sharp-edged  
instrument as it may damage or scratch  
the freezer.  
Do not use any electrical device in  
defrosting your freezer.  
For Complete Defrosting  
Turn the temperature control to OFF and  
b. Some Chest models have a defrost  
water drain at the front and a hose  
adapter that is packaged in a bag in  
the bottom of the freezer. Remove  
the drain cap on the front of the  
freezer, insert the hose connector  
and attach the hose. Remove the  
drain plug inside the cabinet.  
1 unplug the freezer.  
Remove all food and place it in  
2 corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic  
coolers, etc. Use towels and newspapers  
for insulation as needed.  
With the door/lid open, use pans of  
3 hot water to speed loosening of frost.  
NOTE: Water may drip from the  
back flange of the lid cover during  
defrosting. This is normal. Ice builds  
up in the lid insulation when the lid is  
open for adding or removing food,  
and melts during the defrosting  
operation.  
Remove large pieces before they melt.  
On models without a defrost drain, place  
towels or newspapers on the freezer  
bottom to catch the frost. The frost will  
loosen and fall. Remove towels and/or  
newspapers.  
Sponge excess water from the bottom  
5 of the freezer as it collects to prevent  
overflowing.  
After defrosting, clean the inside of the  
6 freezer (see Care and Cleaning).  
7 a. On Upright models, be sure to replace  
Drain Hose  
the drain plug and return the drain  
tube to its position. Replace the  
base grille.  
4 a. Some Upright models have a hose  
adapter and a drain hose behind the  
base grille which carry the defrost  
water out from the freezer. Remove  
the base grille; then remove the drain  
plug and let the defrost water drain  
into a pan.  
b. On Chest models, replace the drain  
plug inside the cabinet and the cap  
on the defrost drain. Fold over and  
dry the gasket on the hinge side of  
the lid.  
Plug in the freezer. Return the  
8 temperature control to its previous  
position and return food to the freezer.  
To remove the base grille (on some  
models), remove the two Phillips-head  
screws and pull the grille away from  
the freezer.  
9
 
Care and cleaning of the freezer.  
Cleaning Your Freezer  
IOutside. Protect the paint finish. The finish  
IInside. Clean the inside of your freezer at  
least once a year. We recommend that the  
freezer be unplugged before cleaning. If this  
is not practical, wring excess moisture out  
of sponge or cloth when cleaning in the  
vicinity of switches, lights or controls.  
on the outside of the freezer is a high  
quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper  
care, it will stay new-looking and rust-free  
for years. Apply a coat of appliance polish  
wax when the freezer is new and then at  
least twice a year. Appliance polish wax  
also works well to remove tape residue  
from freezer surfaces.  
Use warm water and baking soda  
solution–about a tablespoon of baking  
soda to a quart of water. Rinse thoroughly  
with water and wipe dry. Do not use  
cleaning powders or other abrasive  
cleaners. DO NOT wash removable parts in  
a dishwasher.  
Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean  
cloth lightly dampened with appliance  
polish wax or mild liquid dishwashing  
detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft  
cloth. Do not wipe the freezer with a soiled  
dishwashing cloth or wet towel. Do not use  
scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach,  
or cleaners containing bleach.  
An open box of baking soda in the freezer  
will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the  
box every three months.  
CAUTION: Damp objects stick to cold metal  
surfaces. DO NOT touch interior metal  
surfaces with wet or damp hands.  
CAUTION: Care should be taken in moving  
the freezer away from the wall. All types of  
floor coverings can be damaged,  
particularly cushioned coverings and those  
with embossed surfaces.  
CAUTION: Freezer must be unplugged to  
avoid electrical hazard from power source  
when defrosting unit.  
Some upright freezers are frost-free and  
defrost automatically, but should be  
cleaned occasionally.  
No Defrosting (on No-Frost models)  
You never have to defrost your new No-Frost  
freezer. It has been pre-set at the factory to  
defrost itself automatically.  
During defrosting, a slight noise may be  
noticed if the door is opened while the freezer  
is in the automatic defrosting cycle.  
Package labels always remain clearly legible,  
and packages will remain easy to separate  
and remove.  
10  
 
ge.com  
To Remove the Freezer Door (on Non-Electronic Control Upright models)  
Plastic Hinge  
Cover  
Hinge  
Remove the plastic hinge cover by either  
To replace the doors, reverse the order of the  
above instructions.  
1 lifting it off or folding it back (depending  
Screws  
on model).  
CAUTION: It is very important that all hinge  
screws are securely tightened to ensure a  
secure assembly and prevent hinge slippage.  
Remove the screws holding the hinge  
2 to the top of the cabinet using a  
Top Hinge  
screwdriver, 5/16socket driver or wrench  
(depending on model).  
(on some models)  
Remove the top hinge from the cabinet  
3 and lift the door up and off the lower  
hinge pin. Set the door aside.  
Remove the two screws from the bottom  
4 hinge.  
To Remove the Freezer Door (on Electronic Control Upright models)  
The hinge screws are tamperproof.  
Please have an authorized service  
technician remove the door.  
Lid Removal (on Chest models)  
See lid removal instructions on either the  
back of the cabinet or the hinge label.  
11