Safety Information . . . . . . . 2, 3
Owner’s Manual
Operating Instructions
Control Panels
and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–7
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 8
Loading and Using
WBSR3140
WCSR4170
WJSR4160
WHDRR418
WHDSR315
WHDSR417
WJRR4170
WLDSR416
WSERR417
the Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 10
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call
For Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–14
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . Back Cover
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model # __________________
Serial # __________________
You can find them in the upper
right corner on the back of your
washer.
175D1807P506 49-90238-1 06-05 JR
WHEN USING THE WASHER
ꢀ Never reach into washer while it is moving.
Wait until the machine has completely stopped
before opening the lid.
ꢀ
The laundry process can reduce the flame
retardancy of fabrics. To avoid such a result,
carefully follow the garment manufacturer’s
wash and care instructions.
Use this
ꢀ Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or
acids such as vinegar and/or rust remover.
Mixing different chemicals can produce a toxic
gas which may cause death.
appliance
only for its
intended
ꢀ To minimize the possibility of electric shock,
unplug this appliance from the power supply
or disconnect the washer at the household
distribution panel by removing the fuse or
switching off the circuit breaker before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
NOTE: Turning the Cycle Selector knob to an
off position does NOT disconnect the appliance
from the power supply.
purpose as
described in
this Owner’s
Manual.
ꢀ Do not wash or dry articles that have been
cleaned in, washed in, soaked in or spotted with
combustible or explosive substances (such as
wax, oil, paint, gasoline, degreasers, dry-cleaning
solvents, kerosene, etc.). These substances give
off vapors that may ignite or explode. Do not
add these substances to the wash water. Do not
use or place these substances around your
washer or dryer during operation.
ꢀ Never attempt to operate this appliance if it is
damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled,
or has missing or broken parts, including a
damaged cord or plug.
WHEN NOT IN USE
ꢀ Turn off water faucets to relieve pressure on
hoses and valves and to minimize leakage if
a break or rupture should occur. Check the
condition of the fill hoses; they should be
replaced every 5 years.
ꢀ Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of
this appliance unless specifically recommended
in this Owner’s Manual, or in published user-
repair instructions that you understand and
have the skills to carry out.
ꢀ Before discarding a washer, or removing it
from service, remove the washer lid to prevent
children from hiding inside.
ꢀ Do not tamper with controls.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3
About the washer control panel.
You can locate your model number on the back of your washer.
• Select load size and
other wash options
• Add clothes
• Add detergent
• Select wash cycle
• Close lid
• Pull knob
• Add diluted fabric
softener (on models
with a fabric
Quick Start Guide
softener dispenser)
Model WBSR3140
Model WCSR4170
4
Model WJSR4160 and WLDSR416
Model WHDSR315
Model WHDSR417 and WSERR417
Model WHDRR418
5
About the washer control panel.
Model WJRR4170
Control settings.
Load Size
Loosely load clothes no higher than the top row of holes in the washer basket. The water level should just cover the
clothes. Adjust the load size accordingly.
Temperature
Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles. Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label or
instructions when laundering.
Wash Cycle
The wash cycle controls the length of the washing process. The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting
with your clothing.
COTTONS For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens, work and play clothes.
EASY CARE For wrinkle-free and permanent press items, and knits.
DELICATES For lingerie and special-care fabrics with light to normal soil.
POWER WASH For heavily soiled and heavy-duty fabrics. This cycle provides a longer agitation.
POWER RINSE Provides an automatic, second deep rinse to thoroughly remove detergent or bleach from your clothes.
15 MIN/30 MIN For very soiled clothes. Begins with a brief agitation, soaks for a specified period of time, then moves through the rest
AUTO SOAK of the cycle automatically.
PREWASH For heavily soiled clothes or for clothes with a care label that recommends prewashing before washing.
6
About the washer features.
NOTE: Not all features are available on all washer models.
2nd Rinse Option (on some models)
When you use extra detergent or bleach
to clean heavily soiled clothes, you may
want to use the 2nd Rinse option. It
provides a second deep cold rinse. On
some models, this option can be found
on the cycle selector knob.
The Agitator Cap or Fabric Softener Dispenser (depending on model)
Add water to dispenser until it reaches
the maximum fill line.
The agitator cap fits into the top of the
agitator. If it accidentally comes off, simply
put it back on.
3
The fabric softener dispenser automatically
releases liquid fabric softener at the
proper time during the cycle.
Do not stop the washer during the first spin.
This will cause the dispenser to empty too soon.
To use, follow these steps:
Make sure dispenser is securely
attached to agitator.
1
Do not pour anything into the agitator if the
agitator cap or dispenser is removed.
Use only liquid fabric softener.
Pour into dispenser, using amount
recommended on package.
2
Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes.
It may stain them.
7
About the washer features.
NOTE: Not all features are available on all washer models.
Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser (on some models)
Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.
1
Separate the dispenser cup from the cover by grasping the top and pushing down
on the inside of the cup with your fingers. Dispenser cup will pop free from the
cover.
2
To clean the dispenser, soak both the dispenser cup and the dispenser cover in the
following solution:
3
ꢀ 1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water
ꢀ 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy duty liquid detergent
ꢀ 1 cup (240 ml) bleach
Separate for cleaning.
If necessary, loosen buildup with a clean, soft cloth after soaking. Do not use a stiff
brush; you may roughen the surface of the dispenser.
4
5
Rinse and reassemble dispenser. Place dispenser back on the agitator.
Liquid Bleach Dispenser (on some models)
The dispenser dilutes liquid chlorine bleach before it reaches your wash load.
Check clothing care labels for special instructions.
1
Measure liquid bleach carefully, following instructions on the bottle.
2
ꢀ Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto clothes or into the wash basket.
ꢀ Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach dispenser.
Before starting the washer, pour measured amount of bleach directly into bleach
dispenser. Avoid splashing or over-filling dispenser. If you prefer to use powdered
bleach, add it into the wash basket with your detergent.
3
ꢀ Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar and/or rust remover.
Mixing can produce a toxic gas which may cause death.
8
Loading and using the washer.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Sorting Wash Loads
Sort by color (whites, lights, colors), soil level,
fabric type (sturdy cottons, easy care, delicates)
and whether the fabric produces lint (terry cloth,
chenille) or collects lint (velveteen, corduroy).
Proper Use of Detergent
Add detergent and start the washer before adding
clothes so that the detergent can work effectively.
Using too little or too much detergent is a common
cause of laundry problems.
You can use less detergent if you have soft water,
a smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Loading the Washer
Load dry items loosely, no higher than the top
row of holes in the washer basket. When loading
wet items, make sure you set the load/water level
high enough to allow the items to move freely.
Water level should just cover the clothes. To add
items after washer has started, push in Cycle
knob and submerge additional items next to the
agitator. Close the lid and pull Cycle knob out
to restart.
ꢀ Do not wrap long items like sheets or pants
around the agitator.
ꢀ Do not wash fabrics containing flammable
materials (waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.).
ꢀ Agitation will not start with the lid up.
9
Loading and using the washer.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Care and Cleaning of the Washer
Wash Basket: Leave the lid open after washing to
Moving and Storage: Ask the service technician to
allow moisture to evaporate. If you want to clean the remove water from drain pump and hoses. See the
basket, use a clean soft cloth dampened with liquid
detergent, then rinse. (Do not use harsh or gritty
cleaners.)
Installation Instructions packed with product for
information on how to reinstall the shipping rod to
keep the tub stationary when moving the washer.
or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). Do not store
the washer where it will be exposed to the weather.
Fill Hoses: Hoses connecting washer to faucet
should be replaced every 5 years.
Exterior: Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe with
damp cloth. Try not to hit surface with sharp objects.
Long Vacations: Be sure water supply is shut off at
faucets. Drain all water from hoses if weather will
be below freezing.
Fabric Care Labels
Below are fabric care label “symbols” that affect the clothing you will be laundering.
WASH LABELS
Machine
wash
cycle
Normal
Permanent Press/
wrinkle resistant
Do not wash
Do not wring
Gentle/
delicate
Hand wash
Water
temperature
Hot
(50°C/120°F)
Warm
(40°C/105°F)
Cold/cool
(30°C/85°F)
DRY LABELS
Tumble
dry
Do not dry
Dry
Normal
(used with
Permanent Press/
wrinkle resistant
Gentle/
delicate
Do not tumble dry
do not wash)
Heat
setting
High
Medium
Low
No heat/air
Special
instructions
Dry flat
Line dry/
hang to dry
In the shade
Drip dry
BLEACH LABELS
Bleach
symbols
Any bleach
(when needed)
Do not bleach
Only non-chlorine bleach
(when needed)
10
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages, or
WATER
Too many suds
Possible Causes
What To Do
Type of detergent
• Switch to a lower sudsing detergent brand and follow
instructions on package.
Soft water
• Try less detergent.
Too much detergent
• Measure your detergent carefully. Use less soap if you
have soft water, a smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Water leaks
Fill hoses or drain hose is
improperly connected
• Make sure hose connections are tight at faucets and
rubber washers are installed. Make sure end of drain
hose is correctly inserted in and secured to drain facility.
The drain hose should be inserted into the washer and
the collar or clip should be screwed in. Remove any kinks
from the drain hose. Make sure that the hose connection
is not strained when the washer is pushed close to the
wall.
Household drain may be clogged • Check household plumbing. You may need to call a
plumber.
Constant water pressure to the fill • Tighten hoses at the faucets and turn the water off after
hoses at the water source
each use.
• Check condition of the fill hoses; they should be replaced
every 5 years.
Using too much detergent in
washer
• Use less detergent. Use less soap if you have soft water, a
smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Fill hoses, washers and screens
• Check that the rubber washers and screens have been
installed correctly. Fill hoses, washers and screens should
be replaced every 5 years.
Overloading the washer
• Loosely load clothes no higher than the top row of holes
in the washer basket. The level of the water should be just
above the clothes.
Water temperature
seems incorrect
Cooler water temperatures provide • New laundry detergents have been formulated to
improved energy efficiency
work with cooler water temperatures without affecting
wash performance.
Control is not set properly
• Check water temperature control (on some models) or
Cycle knob and adjust.
Water supply is turned off
or improperly connected
• Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on and make sure
hoses are connected to correct faucets.
Water valve screens are
stopped up
• Turn off the water source and remove the water
connection hoses from the upper back of the washer. Use
a brush or toothpick to clean the screens in the machine.
Reconnect the hoses and turn the water back on.
House water heater is
not set properly
• Make sure house water heater is delivering water
at 120°F–140°F (48°C–60°C).
Water won’t drain
Drain hose is kinked or
improperly connected
• Straighten drain hose and make sure washer is not sitting
on it.
• Top of drain outlet should be less than 8 ft. (2.5 m)
above floor.
11
Before you call for service…
WATER
Water fills and drains
Possible Causes
What To Do
Siphoning
• If your standpipe or drain for the washer is less than 3
feet off the floor, the water will drain from the tub while
it is filling. Lifting the drain hose at least 3 feet off the
floor will allow the water to remain in the tub until the
pump drains it out. The anti-siphon clip will lift the drain
hose high enough to do this. The anti-siphon clip is
included with the installation parts package for your
washer.
at the same time
• Another way siphoning can occur is if the standpipe is
stuffed with rags or other items that prevent air from
escaping with the water. Air flow is needed to break the
suction.
• Check to make sure only the straight part of the drain
hose is inserted into the standpipe; no ribs of the drain
hose should be in the standpipe or drain pipe.
• The washer drain must be 3 feet or more off of the floor
to prevent the washer from draining during fill. If your
washer drain is less than 3 feet above the floor, use the
anti-siphon clip shipped with your washer to attach the
drain hose to the back of your washer. The clip will hold
the drain hose in place and ensure that the washer does
not self-drain during fill. See installation instructions for
details.
• Only the straight top portion of the drain hose should be
inserted into the drain. Inserting the ribbed section of
the hose may create a siphon, and cause the washer to
drain as it fills.
• If the drain opening is excessively tight around the drain
hose, or if the opening around the hose is closed with
rags or other material, a siphon may occur, and the
washer will drain as it fills. To avoid this problem, ensure
that there is open area around the end of the drain hose
to allow air to flow into the drain as water is pumped out
of the washer.
OPERATION
Possible Causes
What To Do
Washer pauses during
spin cycle
This is normal
• The washer may pause during the spin cycle to remove
soapy water more efficiently.
Washer won’t operate
Washer is unplugged
• Make sure cord is plugged securely into a working outlet.
• Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on.
Water supply is turned off
Controls are not set
properly
• Check controls and make sure Cycle knob is pulled out
to ON position.
Lid is open—safety feature
prevents agitation and spinning
when lid is up
• Close lid and reset cycle, to the beginning if necessary.
Circuit breaker/fuse is
tripped/blown
• Check house circuit breakers/fuses. Replace fuses or
reset breaker. Washer should have separate outlet.
PERFORMANCE
Colored spots
Possible Causes
What To Do
Incorrect use of fabric
softener
• Check fabric softener package for instructions and follow
directions for using dispenser.
• Pretreat stain and rewash.
Dye transfer
• Sort whites or lightly colored items from dark colors.
12
PERFORMANCE (cont.)
Possible Causes
What To Do
Grayed or yellowed
clothes
Not enough detergent
• Use more detergent (especially with larger loads). Be
sure to follow detergent manufacturer’s directions.
Hard water
• Use a water conditioner like Calgon brand or install
a water softener.
Water is not hot enough
Washer is overloaded
• Make sure water heater is delivering water at
120°F–140°F (48°C–60°C).
• Select load size to match clothes load.
Detergent is not
dissolving
• Add detergent as wash basket fills with water before
you load clothes.
Dye transfer
• Sort clothes by color. If fabric label states wash separately,
unstable dyes may be indicated.
Lint or residue on
clothes
Clothes are air or line dried
• If you do not dry your clothes with a clothes dryer, your
clothes may retain more lint.
Incorrect sorting
• Separate lint producers from lint collectors.
Washing too long
• Wash small loads for a shorter time than larger loads.
Detergent not dissolving
• Add detergent as wash basket fills with water, before you
load clothes.
• Try a liquid detergent.
• Use warmer water temperature.
Overloading
• Load clothes no higher than the top row of holes in the
washer basket.
• Make sure load size selected matches clothes load size.
Incorrect use of fabric softener
• Check fabric softener package for instructions and follow
directions for using dispenser.
Pilling
Result of normal wear on
poly-cotton blends and
fuzzy fabrics
• While this is not caused by the washer, you can slow the
pilling process by washing garments inside out.
Snags, holes, tears, rips
or excessive wear
Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp
buttons, belt buckles,
zippers and sharp objects
left in pockets
• Fasten snaps, hooks, buttons and zippers.
• Remove loose items like pins, objects in pockets
and sharp buttons.
• Turn knits (which snag easily) inside out.
Undiluted chlorine bleach
• Check bleach package instructions for proper amount.
• Never add undiluted bleach to wash or allow clothes
to come in contact with undiluted bleach.
Chemicals like hair bleach
or dye, permanent wave
solution
• Rinse items that may have chemicals on them before
washing.
Wrinkling
Improper sorting
• Avoid mixing heavy items (like work clothes) with
light items (like blouses).
• Try a fabric softener.
Overloading or
incorrect water level
• Load your washer so clothes have enough room
to move freely with water covering all of the clothes.
Incorrect wash and
dry cycles
• Match Cycle selection to the type of fabric you are
washing (especially for easy care loads).
Repeated washing in
water that is too hot
• Wash in warm or cold water.
13
Before you call for service…
NOISE
Washer is noisy
Possible Causes
What To Do
Washer is uneven
• To level the front of the washer, adjust the front leveling
legs by rotating the individual leg in the proper direction
for up or down. To level back of washer, lift back of
machine 4″ (11 cm) and set down.
Washer load is
unbalanced
• Push the Cycle knob in to stop the washer, open the lid
and redistribute the load evenly. Close the lid and restart.
Shipping rod is still assembled
in unit
• To remove shipping rod from washer, pull yellow tag and
attached rod from the bottom right hand side of washer.
Washer is sitting too close
to wall (causes knocking
during cycle)
• Pull washer away from the wall; about 4″ (11 cm) is
needed.
Whistle or knock during fill
• Normal sounds during fill include the water filling
in through the house plumbing. As the water pressure
goes up and down, a knock or hammer can develop.
Make sure the water faucets are fully turned on.
Clanking or clunking
• Many washers have features such as pulse agitation and
pauses during rinse and spin for reduced clothes wear
and to reduce likelihood of soap residue. These short
pauses of less than 1 minute are normal and will reduce
clothing wear and increase water extraction. Sounds such
as a metallic knock, double knock or metallic clunk
occur when the washer transitions from a stop or paused
state to running or spinning. They occur several times
per cycle after speed changes or pauses.
• Normal sounds during fill include the sound of water
flowing through your household pipes. Additionally, a
knock or hammering sound may also occur when the
washer water valves turn off. To reduce this noise, make
sure that the washer fill faucets are fully opened.
• Your washer will pause between the various wash, rinse,
spin and drain portions of the wash cycle. It may also
pause during agitation if a Pulsed Agitation cycle is
selected. Sounds such as metallic knocks or clinking may
occur during these transitions from running to stopped
or from stopped to running. They may also occur if your
machine changes speeds or brakes during a wash cycle.
OTHER
Possible Causes
What To Do
Labels on the exterior
of the washer will not
peel off cleanly
Occasionally the adhesive
used on the labels does
not release cleanly
• Use a hair dryer set at the lowest heat setting, directing
the air at the label for a short amount of time. This will
release the adhesive easily, without damaging the surface
of the washer.
14
GE Washer Warranty.
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers,
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase
date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.
or an authorized Customer Care® technician. To schedule service,
or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737).
For The Period Of:
We Will Replace:
One Year
From the date of the
original purchase
Any part of the washer 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 related service to replace
the defective part.
Second through
Fifth Year
From the date of the
original purchase
The transmission, suspension rod and spring assembly if any of these parts should fail due to a defect
in materials or workmanship. GE will also replace the washer lid or cover, if they should rust
under operating conditions. During this additional four-year limited warranty, you will be
responsible for any labor or related service costs.
Second through
Tenth Year
The washer tub, if it should fail due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this
additional nine-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or related service costs.
From the date of the
original purchase
Second through
Twentieth Year
From the date of the
original purchase
The washer basket, if it should fail due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this
additional nineteen-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or related
service costs.
What Is Not Covered:
ꢀ Service trips to your home to teach you how to use
the product.
ꢀ Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or
acts of God.
ꢀ Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.
ꢀ Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
ꢀ Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or
used for other than the intended purpose or used
commercially.
ꢀ Defects or damage due to operation in freezing
temperatures.
ꢀ Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
ꢀ Damage caused after delivery.
breakers.
ꢀ Products which are not defective or broken, or which are
working as described in the Owner’s Manual.
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
15
Consumer Support.
GE Appliances Website
Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day,
any day of the year! For greater convenience and faster service, you can now download Owner’s Manuals,
order parts, catalogs, or even schedule service on-line. You can also “Ask Our Team of Experts™”
your questions, and so much more...
Schedule Service
Expert GE 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
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
Purchase a GE 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.
GE Consumer Home Services will still be there after your warranty expires.
Parts and Accessories
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
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE, contact us on our Website with all the details
including your phone number, or write to: General Manager, Customer Relations
GE Appliances, Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
Register Your Appliance
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
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