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Common questions
Common Questions
28 totalWhat do the flashing lights on the control panel mean?
Flashing lights indicate specific problems: the Reset light flashing means electrical power was interrupted; the Dry light flashing means there is too much water in the dishwasher; the Wash light flashing means the drain is blocked; and the Rinse light flashing means not enough water is entering the dishwasher. Each flashing light has specific troubleshooting steps you should follow before calling for service. (Pages 10–11)
What water temperature is required for the dishwasher to clean effectively?
The entering water must be at least 120°F and not more than 150°F for effective cleaning and to prevent dish damage. You can check the water temperature using a candy or meat thermometer placed in a glass while running the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher. Adjust your water heater if needed. (Page 12)
How do I cancel or change a wash cycle after it has started?
Touch the Reset pad to cancel the current cycle. After the water is pumped out and the motor stops, you can reprogram and restart the dishwasher with a new cycle selection. (Page 9)
How should knives and silverware be loaded into the dishwasher?
Load fork and knife handles up to protect your hands, while spoons should be placed with handles down. Mix knives, forks, and spoons so they don't nest together, and distribute them evenly in the removable silverware basket. (Page 15)
How do I use the Delay Start feature?
You can delay the start of a wash cycle for up to 8 hours by tapping or pressing and holding the Delay Start pad to choose the number of hours you want to delay. The machine will count down and start automatically at the correct time. If you forget to latch the door, a reminder signal will beep until you do so. (Page 9)
What is covered under the GSD4210 warranty?
GE provides a full one-year warranty covering parts and labor for any defects in materials or workmanship, and a second-year limited warranty covering parts only (labor costs are your responsibility). Additionally, the dishwasher rack and electronic control module are covered for five years, and the PermaTuf tub or door liner is covered for twenty years against water containment failure. (Page 23)
Show 22 more questions
How do I properly use detergent in the dishwasher?
How do I clean the air gap, and why is it important?
What does it mean when the WASH light is flashing on my GSD4210?
What does a flashing RINSE light indicate and how do I fix it?
What should I do if the DRY light is flashing?
What water temperature is required for effective cleaning in the GSD4210?
How do I cancel or change a wash cycle after it has already started?
How much water does each wash cycle use and how long do they take?
How do I remove spots and filming from glasses and flatware?
What is covered under the GSD4210 warranty and for how long?
How do I properly load knives and silverware in the dishwasher?
How do I use the Delay Start feature on my GSD4210?
What water temperature should I use with my dishwasher?
What should I do if the WASH light is flashing?
How do I load the upper rack correctly?
What does it mean if the DRY light is flashing?
How should I load silverware in the basket?
What should I do if my dishwasher won't pump water out?
How do I add a forgotten dish during a wash cycle?
What is the proper way to use detergent in my dishwasher?
What warranty coverage does the GE Gsd4210 dishwasher include?
How do I clean the air gap to improve dishwasher drainage?
Full Manual
24 pages
GE Appliances GE Answer Center® 800.626.2000 Dishwashers Part No. 165D4700P137 Pub. No. 49-5791
Gsd4210
Gsd4220
Gsd4230
Owner’s Manual
Congratulations! You Are Now Part of the GE Family. Welcome to the GE family. We’re proud of our quality products and we are committed to providing dependable service. You’ll see it in this easy-to-use Owner’s Manual and you’ll hear it in the friendly voices of our customer service department. Best of all, you’ll experience these values each time you use your dishwasher. That’s important, because your new dishwasher will be part of your family for many years. And we hope you will be part of ours for a long time to come. We thank you for buying GE. We appreciate your purchase, and hope you will continue to rely on us whenever you need quality appliances for your home. Important! Staple sales slip or cancelled check here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty. Write the model and serial numbers here. # # You can find them on the tub wall just inside the door. 2
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information GE & You, A Service Partnership. Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain your dishwasher properly. Just a little preventive care on your part can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your dishwasher. Read this Manual Ask any GE appliance owner and they will tell you we stand behind our products with unmatched quality service. However, did you know that most questions result from simple problems that you can easily fix yourself in just a few minutes? This Owner’s Manual can tell you how. You’ll find many answers to common problems here. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service at all. Review the Section on Troubleshooting Tips If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away. A list of toll-free customer service numbers is included in the back section. Or you can always call the GE Answer Center® at 800.626.2000, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If You Need Service Safety Information . . . . . . .4–7 Operating Instructions Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9 Control Panel Lights . . . . . .10, 11 Using the Dishwasher . . . .12, 13 Loading the Dishwasher Racks . . . . . . .14, 15 Optional Accessories . . . . . . . .16 Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . .17 Troubleshooting Tips Before You Call For Service . . . . . . . . . 18–22 Customer Service Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Service Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover 3
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service
Important Safety Information.
Read All Instructions Before Using.
4Warning!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. Under certain conditions hydrogen gas may be produced in a water heater that has not been used for two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas can be explosive under these circumstances. If the hot water has not been used for two weeks or more, prevent the possibility of damage or injury by turning on all hot water faucets and allow them to run for several minutes. Do this before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water system. This simple procedure will allow any built-up hydrogen gas to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame or appliance during this process.Water Heater Safety
5 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual. This dishwasher must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used. If you did not receive an Installation Instructions sheet with your dishwasher, you can receive one by calling us toll-free at the GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000. I Connect to a grounded metal, permanent wiring system; or run an equipment- grounding conductor with the circuit conductors and connect to the equipment- grounding terminal or lead of the appliance. I Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service representative if you are in doubt whether the appliance is properly grounded. I Dispose of discarded appliances and shipping or packing material properly. I Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of your dishwasher unless it is specifically recommended in this manual. All other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician. I To minimize the possibility of electric shock, disconnect this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance. NOTE: Turning the dishwasher off does not disconnect the appliance from the power supply. We recommend having a qualified technician service your appliance.
Proper Installation
And Maintenance
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service
Important Safety Information.
Read All Instructions Before Using.
6Do Not…
I Do not tamper with controls. I Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door or dish rack of the dishwasher. I Do not discard a dishwasher without first removing the door of the washing compartment. I Do not store or use combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. I Do not allow children to play inside, on or with this appliance or any discarded appliance.Warning!
7 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information
When Using Your Dishwasher
I Use only powder or liquid detergents or wetting agents recommended for use in a dishwasher. I Locate sharp items so that they are not likely to damage the door seal. I Load sharp knives with the handles up to reduce the risk of cut-type injuries. I Do not wash plastic items unless marked dishwasher safe or the equivalent. For plastic items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s recommendations. I Do not touch the heating element during or immediately after use. I Do not operate your dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are properly in place. I Close supervision is necessary if this appliance is used by or near children. I Load light plastic items so they will not become dislodged and drop to the bottom of the dishwasher— they might come into contact with the heating element and be damaged.Remember…
Your continued health and safety are important to us. Please read and follow this Safety Information carefully. We want you to remain a happy and healthy part of our GE family.Save These Instructions
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service About the dishwasher control panel. You can locate your model number on the tub wall just inside the door. Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model. 8 Control Settings Cycles NORMAL WASH For loads of everyday dishes, glasses and cookware with medium soils. NOTE: Many dishes have lighter soil than normal. Choosing a cycle other than NORMAL WASH will save energy and water. POTS PANS For heavily soiled dishes or cookware with dried-on or baked-on soils. Everyday dishes may be included. This cycle will not remove burned-on foods. SHORT WASH For quickly washing loads of everyday dishes with medium soils that have not dried on, such as loads consisting mostly of glasses. CHINA CRYSTAL For lightly soiled china and crystal. Water is aerated for a gentle wash. I Latch the door. I NOTE: The lights over the pads (on some models) come ON when pressed, to indicate the cycle/option that has been selected. Press pad firmly until light comes on. These lights remain on while the door is latched. 1
Cycle Selection
Options
Status
Normal
Wash
Pots
Pans
Short
Wash
China
Crystal
Temp
Boost
Reset
Delay
Start
Energy
Saver
Dry
4 6 8Wash
Rinse
Dry
Clean
Start
1 2 3
Options
Temp Boost
Provides extra heat for best performance. It is used best with heavily-soiled dishes.Energy
Shuts off the drying heat options. Dishes air drySaver
naturally and energy is saved. You can prop the doorDry On
open after the word CLEAN appears in the display.Energy
Turns the drying heater on for fast drying. ThisSaver
cycle will extend the time to your wash cycle.Dry Off
Reset
To change a cycle after washing starts, touch the RESET pad to cancel cycle. After water is pumped out and motor stops, you can reprogram and restart the dishwasher.Delay Start
You can delay the start of a wash cycle for up to 8 hours. Tap or press and hold the DELAY START pad to choose the number of hours you want to delay the start of the cycle. The machine will count down and start automatically at the correct time. NOTE: If you forget to latch the door a reminder signal will beep until you do so. Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information 2 Start Touch the START pad to begin the cycle. There is a time delay between start-up and water fill so you will not hear any wash action right away. 3 9 Cycle Sequence Water Time Cycles (approx.) (approx.) Cycle SequenceNormal Wash
8.4 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse RinsePots Pans
9.9 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse RinseShort Wash
6.9 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse RinseChina Crystal
7.7 gal. 63 min. Rinse Rinse Main Wash Rinse Rinse Rinse Drying Options: ENERGY SAVER DRY OFF. Available on all wash cycles. Add approximately 32 minutes to the cycle. ENERGY SAVER DRY ON. Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally.
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service About the control panel lights. 10 Display What It Means What To Do Electrical power to the
If Dishwasher Was In Use When
dishwasher has beenThe Power Failure Occurred:
interrupted but is now back on. 1 Press the RESET pad and wait approximately 30 seconds.Reset
2 Unlatch and open the door.Light
A If the detergent cup is open andFlashing
empty, close the door and rerun the cycle with detergent in the closed cup only. B If the detergent cup is closed reset the dishwasher for the wash cycle you want.If The Dishwasher Was Not In Use
when power failure occurred, use dishwasher as you normally would. There is too much water The dishwasher is designed to in the dishwasher. automatically pump out extra waterDry
as long as the door is latched. WhenLight
you hear the motor stop running:Flashing
1 Unlatch the door and see if all the water is gone. (It is normal for a small amount of water to remain in the bottom of tub to keep the water seal lubricated.) 2 If you see water entering the dishwasher, close and latch the door. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher. 3 Press the RESET pad. 4 If water is gone and no water is entering the dishwasher, restart cycle. 5 If the DRY light starts to flash again, shut off the water supply to the dishwasher. Call for service.Dry
Reset
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information 11 Display What It Means What To Do Drain is blocked. This Locate and remove the blockage in indicates that the drain the drain system.
Wash
is so clogged that the 1 Check the air gap (see the AirLight
dishwasher cannot Gap section).Flashing
continue to operate in 2 Check for a kink in the drain hose. a satisfactory manner. Dishwasher will stop. 3 Check for stopped-up drains. (NOTE: Warranty service does not cover household drain problems.) To pump any remaining water out of the machine: 1 Latch door. 2 Touch RESET. Select desired cycles and then touch START and RESET again. Not enough water is Unlatch the door. If there is no water entering the dishwasher. in the bottom of the dishwasher, checkRinse
the water supply to the dishwasher.Light
Flashing
on? (Valve usually located under the sink.)Rinse
Wash
I Try the cycle again to see if the light flashes again. The dishwasher may correct itself. I Electronic controls can be affected by outside interference. I Sometimes shutting off power to the dishwasher (at the fuse or circuit breaker) could correct the problem. Restore power after 15 seconds and try the cycle again. I Check the guide for things you can do to correct the problem. I See the Before you call for service section at the back of this manual. Before You Call For Service
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service Using the dishwasher. 12 Check the Water Temperature The entering water must be at least 120°F. and not more than 150°F., for effective cleaning and to prevent dish damage. Check the water temperature with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher, place the thermometer in a glass and let the water run continuously into the glass until the temperature stops rising. Adjust your water heater, if needed. Using a Rinse Agent A rinse agent,such as JET-DRY, makes water flow off the dishes quickly thereby reducing water spotting. Fill the rinse agent dispenser until it reaches the bottom of lip inside the opening. Replace cap. To check if rinse agent is needed, remove the cap and look into the dispenser. On some models, the dispenser can be checked by pressing the clear center of the fill cap 2 or 3 times. If rinse agent fills the center of the fill cap, you have enough. A full dispenser should last about 3 months. If rinse agent spills, wipe it up immediately. It can keep your detergent from working.
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information Proper Use of Detergent Use only detergent specifically made for use in dishwashers. Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Don’t put powder detergent into the dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes. The amount of detergent to use depends on whether your water is hard or soft. With hard water, you need extra detergent. With soft water, you need less detergent. Protect your dishes and dishwasher by contacting your water department and asking how hard your water is. Twelve or more grains is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without it, lime can build up in the water valve, which could stick while open and cause flooding. Too much detergent with soft water can cause a permanent cloudiness of glassware, called etching. You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside door of your dishwasher. All wash cycles require detergent in the main cup. Wash cycles with two washes will also use the open cup. Be sure the control panel lights are not lit before adding detergent. Otherwise, the detergent cup will not close and latch properly. Add detergent then close the main cup. NOTE: To open detergent cup after it has been closed, simply turn the detergent cup handle counter-clockwise until it releases. A snapping sound may be heard. Open Cup Main Cup Forget to Add a Dish? A forgotten dish can be added any time before the main wash. Push the door latch to the left. Once the water calms, open the door. Steam may rise out of the dishwasher. Add forgotten dishes. Close the door and push the latch to the far right. 4 3 2 1 13
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service Loading the dishwasher racks. For best dishwashing results, follow these loading guidelines. Features and appearance of racks and silverware baskets may vary from your model. Upper Rack The upper rack is for glasses, cups and saucers. Cups and glasses fit best along the sides. This is also a secure place for dishwasher-safe plastics. A cup shelf (on some models) may be placed in the up or down position to add flexibility. The upper rack is good for all kinds of odd-shaped utensils. Saucepans, mixing bowls and other items should be placed face down. Secure larger dishwasher-safe plastics over two fingers when possible. Make sure small plastic items are secure so they can’t fall onto the heating element. The Wash Tower Keep the center area clear in the lower rack. The wash tower rises through the center of the lower rack during the wash and rinse portions of the cycle. Don’t block it or load tall things next to it. Also, be careful not to let a portion of an item such as a pot or dish handle extend through the bottom rack. This could block the wash arm and cause poor washing results. 14
15 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information Lower Rack When loading the lower rack, do not load large platters or trays in the front right corner. They may prevent detergent from circulating during the wash cycle. The lower rack is best used for plates, saucers, and cookware. Large items such as broiler pans and racks should go along the sides. Load platters, pots and bowls along the sides, in corners, or in the back. The soiled side of items should face the center of the rack. Silverware Basket Put flatware in the removable basket with fork and knife handles up to protect your hands. Place spoons in the basket with handles down. Mix knives, forks and spoons so they don’t nest together. Distribute evenly. Small plastic items, such as measuring spoons and lids from small containers, should go in the bottom of the silverware basket with silverware on top. A security cell cover (on some models) hinged in some handles can be lowered to either side to secure lightweight items from the effects of the vigorous wash action. Don’t let any item extend through bottom.
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service About optional accessories. 16 Wood panel trim kits are available at an extra cost by calling, toll-free, 800-626-2002. Your order will be sent directly to your home. VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted. Wood Panel Trim Kits Wood panel trim kits contain trim and instructions for adding a decorative wood door panel and bottom access panel to match your kitchen cabinets. Specify the trim of your choice from the following options: I GPF45 1/4″ Panel Trim Kit I GPF46 3/4″ Panel Trim Kit
17 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information Check the air gap any time your dishwasher isn’t draining well. Caring for the dishwasher. To clean the control panel use a lightly dampened cloth then dry thoroughly. To clean the exterior use a good appliance polish wax. Never use sharp objects, scouring pads or harsh cleaners on any part of the dishwasher. Protect Against Freezing If your dishwasher is left in an unheated place during the winter, ask a service technician to: Cut off electrical power to the dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip circuit breaker. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water inlet line from the water valve. Drain water from the inlet line and water valve. (Use a pan to catch the water.) Reconnect the water inlet line to the water valve. Remove the plastic sump cover in the tub bottom and use a sponge to soak up water in the rubber boot. 5 4 3 2 1 Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap? An air gap protects your dishwasher against water backing up into it if a drain clogs. The air gap is not a part of the dishwasher. It is not covered by your warranty. Not all plumbing codes require air gaps, so you may not have one. The air gap is easy to clean. Turn off the dishwasher and lift off the chrome cover. Unscrew the plastic cap and clean with a toothpick. 2 1 Two types of air gaps Sump cover screws
Safety Information Operating Instructions Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service 18 Problem Possible Causes What To Do Dishwasher won’t run Fuse is blown, or the
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information Problem Possible Causes What To Do Water standing in This is normal
Problem Possible Causes What To Do Stained tub interior Detergent with
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information Problem Possible Causes What To Do Spots and filming Extremely hard water
Problem Possible Causes What To Do Yellow or brown film Tea or coffee stains
Warning
Before cleaning interior wait at least 20 minutes after a cycle for the heating element to cool down. Failure to do so can result in burns. An overall yellow or
For The Period Of: GE Will Replace, At No Charge To You: One Year Any part of the dishwasher which fails due to a defect in From the date of the materials or workmanship. During this full one-year original purchase warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and in-home service to replace the defective part. Second Year Any part of the dishwasher which fails due to a defect in From the date of the materials or workmanship. During this second-year original purchase limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or in-home service costs. Five Years The dishwasher rack, if it should rust, or the electronic From the date of the control module, if it should fail due to a defect in original purchase materials or workmanship. During this five-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or in-home service costs. Twenty Years The PermaTuf ® tub or door liner, if it fails to contain From the date of the water due to a defect in materials or workmanship. original purchase During this full twenty-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and in-home service to replace the defective part. 23 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Information GE Dishwasher Warranty All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care® technician. For service, call 800-GE-CARES. 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. I Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product. I Improper installation. I Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers. I Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for other than the intended purpose or used commercially. I Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God. I Incidental or consequential damage to personal property caused by possible defects with this appliance. I Cleaning or servicing of the air gap device in the drain line. What GE Will Not Cover:
Service Telephone Numbers. The GE Answer Center® is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GE Answer Center® 800.626.2000 Expert GE repair service is only a phone call away. In-Home Repair Service 800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737)