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Common Questions
20 totalWhat are the electrical requirements for installing the Whirlpool front load dryer?
The dryer requires a 240-volt, 30-amp dedicated circuit. You must use a UL-approved power supply cord or direct wire connection to safely operate the unit.
How do I set up and install my Whirlpool front load dryer?
Position the dryer near the power source and vent, level it using the adjustable feet, and connect the vent to the exhaust outlet. Ensure a 240-volt, 30-amp dedicated circuit is available before installation.
What should I do before each drying load?
Clean the lint screen before each load to ensure optimal performance and proper drying of your clothes. This simple maintenance step helps maintain the dryer's efficiency.
What does the E1 error code mean on my Whirlpool dryer?
The E1 error code indicates that the door is not closed properly. Ensure the door is fully closed and latched securely before starting a cycle.
What does the E2 error code mean on my Whirlpool dryer?
The E2 error code indicates that overheating has been detected. Stop using the dryer immediately and allow it to cool down before investigating the cause.
Why isn't my dryer starting?
First, ensure the dryer is plugged in and the door is closed securely. Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse to confirm power is flowing to the dryer's dedicated circuit.
Show 14 more questions
Why are my clothes not drying properly?
What is the Wrinkle Shield feature on the Whirlpool dryer?
What is Steam Refresh and how does it work?
What is EcoBoost and how does it save energy?
Why are my clothes taking too long to dry?
How often should I clean the lint filter?
What type of ductwork should I use to vent the dryer?
Why won't my dryer start?
Why is my dryer tumbling but not heating?
How do I reduce static electricity in my clothes?
How do I reverse the door on my dryer?
How do I clean and maintain the exhaust duct?
What items should I never put in the dryer?
What does the warranty cover and for how long?
Full Manual
16 pages
Model Types 453 473 Dryers Owner’s Manual Part No. 175D1807P276 Pub. No. 39-90009
5-99 Jr
500A295P004 Rev.1
Congratulations! You Are Now Part of the Hotpoint Family. Welcome to the Hotpoint 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 dryer. That’s important, because your new dryer 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 Hotpoint. We appreciate your purchase, and hope you will continue to rely on us whenever you need quality appliances for your home. Hotpoint & You, A Service Partnership. Safety Information . . .3–5 Operating Instructions Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Reversing The Door . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Loading and Using The Dryer . . .10 Venting The Dryer . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Troubleshooting Tips Before You Call For Service . .12, 13 Customer Service Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Service Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
For Your Records
Write the model and serial numbers here: # # They are on the label on the front of the dryer behind the door. Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain your dryer properly. Just a little preventive care on your part can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your dryer.Read This Manual
Proper Venting
For the best drying performance the dryer needs to be properly vented. The dryer will use more energy and run longer if it is not vented to the specifications outlined in the Venting the Dryer section in this manual and the Exhausting section in the Installation Instructions.If You Need Service
You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before You Call For Service section. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service at all. 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, in the U.S., you can always call the GE Answer Center® at 800.626.2000, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Canada, call 1-800-361-3400.Important!
Staple sales slip or cancelled check here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty. 2 Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips
IProperly ground dryer to conform with all governing codes and ordinances. Follow details in Installation Instructions. IInstall or store where it will not be exposed to temperatures below freezing or exposed to the weather. IConnect to a properly rated, protected and sized power supply circuit to avoid electrical overload. IRemove all sharp packing items and dispose of all shipping materials properly. Exhaust/Ducting: Gas dryers MUST be exhausted to the outside. Exhausting electric dryers to the outside is strongly recommended to prevent large amounts of moisture and lint from being blown into the room. Use only rigid metal or flexible metal 4″ diameter ductwork inside the dryer cabinet or for exhausting to the outside. USE OF PLASTIC
Or Other Combustible Ductwork Can
Cause A Fire. Punctured Ductwork Can
Cause A Fire If It Collapses Or Becomes
Otherwise Restricted In Use Or During
Installation.
For complete details, follow the Installation Instructions. 3 2 1 3Important Safety Information.
Read All Instructions Before Using.
Warning!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or death.What To Do If You Smell Gas:
Do not try to light a match, or cigarette, or turn on any gas or electrical appliance. Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building. Clear the room, building or area of all occupants. Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions carefully. If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department. 5 4 3 2 1 California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act This act requires the governor of California to publish a list of substances known to the state to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm and requires businesses to warn customers of potential exposure to such substances. Gas appliances can cause minor exposure to four of these substances, namely benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and soot, caused primarily by the incomplete combustion of natural gas or LP fuels. Properly adjusted dryers will minimize incomplete combustion. Exposure to these substances can be minimized further by properly venting the dryer to the outdoors.Proper Installation
This dryer 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, you can receive one by calling, toll-free, in the United States the GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000. In Canada, call, 1-800-361-3400. Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions I Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. I Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
4
Important Safety Information.
Read All Instructions Before Using.
Warning!
Your Laundry Area
I Keep the area underneath and around your appliances free of combustible materials, (lint, paper, rags, etc.), gasoline, chemicals and other flammable vapors and liquids. I Keep the floor around your appliances clean and dry to reduce the possibility of slipping. I Close supervision is necessary if this appliance is used by or near children. Do not allow children to play on, with, or inside this or any other appliance. I Keep all laundry aids (such as detergents, bleaches, etc.) out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Observe all warnings on container labels to avoid injury. I Never climb on or stand on the dryer top.When Using Your Dryer
Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips I Never reach into the dryer while the drum is moving. Before loading, unloading or adding clothes, wait until the drum has completely stopped. I Clean the lint filter before each load to prevent lint accumulation inside the dryer or in the room.Do Not Operate The Dryer Without The Lint
Filter In Place.
I 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.) which 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. I Do not place items exposed to cooking oils in your dryer. Items contaminated with cooking oils may contribute to a chemical reaction that could cause a clothes load to catch fire. I Any article on which you have used a cleaning solvent or that contains flammable materials (such as cleaning cloths, mops, towels used in beauty salons, restaurants, or barber shops, etc.) must not be placed in or near the dryer until solvents or flammable materials have been removed. There are many highly flammable items used in homes such as acetone, denatured alcohol, gasoline, kerosene, some household cleaners, some spot removers, turpentines, waxes, wax removers and products containing petroleum distillates. I The laundry process can reduce the flame retardancy of fabrics. To avoid such a result, carefully follow the garment manufacturer’s care instructions. I Do not dry articles containing rubber, plastic, or similar materials such as padded bras, tennis shoes, galoshes, bath mats, rugs, bibs, baby pants, plastic bags, pillows, etc. that may melt or burn. Some rubber materials, when heated, can under certain circumstances produce fire by spontaneous combustion. I Do not store plastic, paper or clothing that may burn or melt on top of the dryer during operation. I Garments labeled Dry Away from Heat or Do Not Tumble Dry (such as life jackets containing Kapok) must not be put in your dryer. I Do not dry fiberglass articles in your dryer. Skin irritation could result from the remaining particles that may be picked up by clothing during subsequent dryer uses. I To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply or disconnect the dryer at the household distribution panel by removing the fuse or switching off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or cleaning (except the removal and cleaning of the lint filter). NOTE: Turning the Cycle Selector knob to an OFF position does NOT disconnect the appliance from the power supply.
When Not Using Your Dryer
I Grasp the plug firmly when disconnecting this appliance to avoid damage to the cord while pulling. Place the cord away from traffic areas so it will not be stepped on, tripped over or subjected to damage. I Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of this appliance or attempt any servicing unless specifically recommended in this Owner’s Manual or in published user-repair instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out. I Before discarding a dryer, or removing it from service, remove the dryer door to prevent children from hiding inside. I Do not tamper with controls. I 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. I The interior of the machine and the exhaust duct connection inside the dryer should be cleaned at least once a year by a qualified technician. See the Loading and Using the Dryer section. I If yours is a gas dryer, it is equipped with an automatic electric ignition and does not have a pilot light. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT WITH A MATCH. Burns may result from having your hand in the vicinity of the burner when the automatic ignition turns on. I You may wish to soften your laundered fabrics or reduce the static electricity in them, by using a dryer-applied fabric softener or an anti-static conditioner. We recommend you use either a fabric softener in the wash cycle, according to the manufacturer’s instructions for those products, or try a dryer-added product for which the manufacturer gives written assurance on the package that their product can be safely used in your dryer. Service or performance problems caused by use of these products are the responsibility of the manufacturers of those products and are not covered under the warranty to this appliance. Read and follow this Safety Information carefully.Save These Instructions
5 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions
6 About the dryer control panel. You can locate your model number on the label on the front of the dryer behind the door. Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
Start
Start
Less
Dry
Auto Perm. Press
Auto Cottons
Cool
Down
80 Min.
Timed
70 60 50 40Damp Dry
Dewrinkle
More
Dry
More
Dry
Off
Off
Off
Less
Dry
Fabric Care
Knits
Delicates
Low Heat
Cottons
Reg. Heat
Perm. Press
Med. Heat
Fluff
No Heat
Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Model Types 453Start
Start
Less
Dry
Auto Perm. Press
Auto Cottons
Cool
Down
Press Guard
80 Min.
Timed
70 60 50 40Damp Dry
Dewrinkle
More
Dry
More
Dry
Off
Off
Off
Less
Dry
Press Guard
Fabric Care
Knits
Delicates
Low Heat
Cottons
Reg. Heat
Perm. Press
Med. Heat
Fluff
No Heat
Press Guard
Off
Set
Signal
Off
Loud
Medium
Model Types 473 Optional Feature, on some modelsNote:
Drying times will vary according to the type of heat used (Electric, Natural or LP gas), size of load, types of fabrics, wetness of clothes and condition of exhaust ducts. 2 3 1 1 2 3
7 IMPORTANT: Clean the lint filter each time you use the dryer. Fabric Care COTTONS For regular to heavy cottons.
Reg. Heat
PERM. PRESS For synthetics, blends, delicates and items labeled permanent press.Med. Heat
FLUFF For fluffing items without heat. Use the TIMED DRY cycle.No Heat
KNITS For delicates, synthetics and items labeled tumble dry low.Delicates
Low Heat
Drying Cycles— Automatic cycles automatically determine fabric dryness. Select MORE DRY for heavier fabrics, LESS DRY for lighter fabrics. Timed cycles run for a selected time. AUTO For cottons and most linens. For most loads set at AUTO COTTONS.Cottons
AUTO. For synthetic blends and delicates.Perm.
Press
TIMED DRY Set the Cycle Selector at the desired drying time. DAMP DRY For leaving items partially dry. DEWRINKLE For removing wrinkles from items that are clean and dry or that are very lightly damp. Start— Close the dryer door. Select START. Opening the door during operation will stop the dryer. To restart the dryer, close the door and select START to complete the cycle. Control Settings Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions 1 2 3
8 About your dryer features. Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Press Guard—On some models Use this option to minimize the wrinkles in clothes. It provides approximately 15 minutes of no-heat tumbling after the clothes are dry. This option can only be used with the Automatic cycles. If the Cycle Signal knob is selected, the Signal will sound at the end of the drying time and will sound several times during the PRESS GUARD cycle. This will remind you that it is time to remove the clothes.
Press Guard
Off
Set
Cycle Signal—On some models This signal will sound just before the end of the cycle to remind you to remove the clothes. On some models the signal sound level cannot be adjusted. If you selected the PRESS GUARD option the signal will sound at the end of the drying time and will sound several times during the PRESS GUARD cycle. This will remind you that it is time to remove the clothes.Note:
I Remove garments promptly at the sound of the signal. Place clothes on hangers so wrinkles won’t set in. I Use the Cycle Signal especially when drying fabrics like polyester knits and permanent press. These fabrics should be removed so wrinkles won’t set in.Signal
Off
Loud
Medium
Drum Lamp—On some models Before replacing the light bulb, be sure to unplug the dryer power cord or disconnect the dryer at the household distribution panel by removing the fuse or switching off the circuit breaker. Reach above dryer opening from inside the drum. Remove the bulb and replace with the same size bulb. Drying Rack—On some models A handy drying rack may be used for drying articles such as stuffed toys, pillows or washable sweaters. Hook the rack over the lint filter so the rack extends into the dryer drum.Note:
I The drying rack must be used with theTimed Cycle.
I Do not use this drying rack when there are other clothes in the dryer.
About reversing the door. 9 Reversing the Door Tools needed: I Standard #2 I Tape-tipped I Needle-nosed Phillips screwdriver putty knife pliers Open the door and remove the filler plugs opposite the hinges. With the door completely open, remove the bottom screw from each hinge on the dryer face. Insert these screws about half way into the TOP holes, for each hinge, on the opposite side (where you removed the filler plugs). Apply firm pressure to get the screw started in untapped holes. Loosen top screw from each hinge on the dryer face half way. With one hand holding the top of the door and the other hand holding the bottom, remove the door from the dryer by lifting it UP and OUT. Rotate the door 180°. Insert it on the opposite side of the opening by moving the door IN and DOWN until the top hinge and the bottom hinge are resting on the top screws inserted in step 1. Remove the remaining screws from the side of the opening from which the door was removed. With these screws secure each hinge at the bottom. Tighten the two top screws of each hinge. Reinsert the plastic plugs on the side from which the door was removed. 4 3 2 1 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions
10 Loading and using the dryer. Always follow the fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering. Sorting and Loading Hints As a general rule, if clothes are sorted properly for the washer, they are sorted properly for the dryer. Do not add fabric softener sheets once the load has become warm. They may cause fabric softener stains. Bounce® Fabric Conditioner Dryer Sheets have been approved for use in all GE Dryers when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not overload. This wastes energy and causes wrinkling. Do not dry the following items: fiberglass items, woolens, rubber-coated items, plastics, items with plastic trim and foam-filled items. Fabric Care Labels The Exterior: Wipe or dust any spills or washing compounds with a damp cloth. Dryer control panel and finishes may be damaged by some laundry pretreatment soil and stain remover products. Apply these products away from the dryer. The fabric may then be washed and dried normally. Damage to your dryer caused by these products is not covered by your warranty. The Lint Filter: Clean the lint filter before each use. Moisten your fingers and reach into the filter opening. Run your fingers across the filter. Have a qualified technician vacuum the lint from the dryer once a year. The Exhaust Duct: Inspect and clean the exhaust ducting at least once a year to prevent clogging. A partially clogged exhaust can lengthen the drying time. Follow these steps: Turn off electrical supply by disconnecting the plug from the wall socket. Disconnect the duct from the dryer. Vacuum the duct with the hose attachment and reconnect the duct. The Exhaust Hood: Check with a mirror that the inside flaps of the hood move freely when operating. Make sure that there is not wildlife (birds, insects, etc.) nesting inside the duct or hood. 3 2 1 Care and Cleaning of the Dryer Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Machine wash cycle Normal Permanent Press/ wrinkle resistant Gentle/ delicate Hand wash Do not wash Do not wring Water temperature Hot
(50°C/120°F)
Warm(40°C/105°F)
Cold/cool(30°C/85°F)
Tumble dry Dry Normal Permanent Press/ wrinkle resistant Gentle/ delicate Do not tumble dry Do not dry (used with do not wash) Heat setting High Medium Low No heat/air Special instructions Line dry/ hang to dry Drip dry Dry flat In the shade Bleach symbols Any bleach (when needed) Only non-chlorine bleach (when needed) Do not bleach Below are fabric care label “symbols” that affect the clothing you will be laundering.Wash Labels
Dry Labels
Bleach Labels
11 For the best drying performance the dryer needs to be properly vented. The dryer will use more energy and run longer if it is not vented to the below specifications. Carefully follow the details on Exhausting in the Installation Instructions. I Use only rigid metal or flexible metal 4″ diameter ductwork inside the dryer cabinet or for exhausting to the outside. I Do not use plastic or other combustible ductwork. I Use the shortest length possible. I Do not crush or collapse. I Avoid resting the duct on sharp objects. I Venting must conform to local building codes. Venting the Dryer Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Correct Venting Incorrect Venting
Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Before you call for service… Problem Possible Causes What To Do Dryer doesn’t start Dryer is unplugged
13 Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Problem Possible Causes What To Do Clothes take too long Improper sorting •Separate heavy items from lightweight items (generally, to dry a well-sorted washer load is a well-sorted dryer load). Large loads of heavy fabrics (like •Large, heavy fabrics contain more moisture and take beach towels) longer to dry. Separate large, heavy fabrics into smaller loads to speed drying time. Controls improperly set •Match control settings to the load you are drying. Lint filter is full •Clean lint filter before every load. Improper or obstructed ducting •Check installation instructions for proper ducting/venting. •Make sure ducting is clean, free of kinks and unobstructed. •Check to see if outside wall damper operates easily. •Check the Installation Instructions to make sure the dryer venting is correct. Blown fuses or tripped circuit •Replace fuses or reset circuit breakers. Since most breaker dryers use 2 fuses/breakers, make sure both are operating. Overloading/combining loads •Do not put more than one washer load in the dryer at a time. Underloading •If you are drying only one or two items, add a few items to ensure proper tumbling. Clothes are wrinkled Overdrying •Select a shorter drying time. •Remove items while they still hold a slight amount of moisture. Letting items sit in dryer after •Remove items when cycle ends and fold or hang cycle ends immediately. Clothes shrink Some fabrics will naturally shrink •To avoid shrinkage, follow garment care labels exactly. when washed. Others can be safely washed, but will shrink •Some items may be pressed back into shape after drying. in the dryer. •If you are concerned about shrinkage in a particular item, do not machine wash or tumble dry it.
Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Notes 14
15 Hotpoint Dryer Warranty (For customers in the U.S.) All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care® technician. For service, call 800-GE-CARES. For The Period Of: We Will Replace: One Year Any part of the dryer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this full From the date of the one-year warranty, we will also provide, free of charge, all labor and in-home service to replace the original purchase defective part. Five Years Any extra large or super capacity dryer drum which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. From the date of the During this five-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or in-home service costs. original purchase IService trips to your home to teach you how to use the product. IImproper installation. IFailure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for other than the intended purpose or used commercially. IReplacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers. IDamage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God. IIncidental or consequential damage to personal property caused by possible defects with this appliance. What We Will Not Cover: 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 Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Operating Instructions Safety Instructions
Printed in Canada Operating Instructions Safety Instructions Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips 16 Service Telephone Numbers. GE Answer Center® In the U.S.: 800.626.2000 The GE Answer Center® is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Canada, contact: Manager, Consumer Relations, Camco Inc., 1 Factory Lane, Suite 310, Moncton, N.B., E1C 9M3. In-Home Repair Service In the U.S.: 800-432-2737 Expert GE repair service is only a phone call away. In Canada, call 1-800-361-3400. Special Needs Service In the U.S.: 800.626.2000 GE offers, free of charge, a brochure to assist in planning a barrier-free kitchen for persons with limited mobility. In the U.S., call 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322). In Canada, contact: Manager, Consumer Relations, Camco Inc., 1 Factory Lane, Suite 310, Moncton, N.B., E1C 9M3. Service Contracts In the U.S.: 800-626-2224 Purchase a GE service contract while your warranty is still in effect and you’ll receive a substantial discount. GE Consumer Service will still be there after your warranty expires. In Canada, call 1-800-461-3636. Parts and Accessories In the U.S.: 800-626-2002 Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted). 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. Please consult your yellow pages for your local Camco number. Service Satisfaction If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE: First, contact the people who serviced your appliance. Next, if you are still not pleased, in the U.S., write all the details—including your phone number—to: Manager, Consumer Relations, GE Appliances, Appliance Park, Louisville, KY 40225; or, in Canada, to Director, Consumer Relations, Camco Inc., 1 Factory Lane, Suite 310, Moncton, N.B.,