Models: BJLR473ET BJLR473GT
Dryer
Owner’s Manual
3
8
Important Safety Information
Operating Instructions
The Controls on Your Dryer
Other Dryer Features
11
15
Helpful Information
Specialized Fabric Guide
Loading Suggestions
Care of Product
If Something Goes Wrong
Before You Call For Service
Venting the Dryer
RCA Service Numbers
Warranty, Back Cover
Important Safety Information
Read all safety information before using
WARNING: For your safety the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property
damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
IF YOU SMELL GAS
1 Do not try to light any appliance.
2 Do not touch any electrical
switch; do not use any phone
in your building.
Installation and service must
be performed by a qualified
installer, service agency or
the gas supplier.
3 Clear the room, building or
area of all occupants.
4 Immediately call your gas
supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas
supplier’s instructions.
5 If you cannot reach your gas
supplier, call the fire department.
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.
3
Important Safety Information
Read all safety information before using
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons
when using your appliance, follow basic precautions, including
the following sections.
Safety Precautions
• Use this appliance only for its
intended purpose as described
in this Owner’s Manual.
— Gas dryers MUST be exhausted
to the outside. Carefully follow
the Exhausting details in the
Installation Instructions.
• 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
with your dryer, you can obtain
one by contacting the service
location nearest you.
— Exhausting electric dryers to
the outside is STRONGLY
RECOMMENDED to prevent
large amounts of moisture and
lint from being blown into the
room. Carefully follow the
Exhausting details in the
Installation Instructions.
— Properly ground to conform
with all governing codes and
ordinances. Follow details in
Installation Instructions.
• Do not repair or replace
any part of the 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.
— Install or store where the tempera-
ture is above 50°F. (10°C.). Do
not install the dryer where it will
be exposed to the weather.
• When disconnecting this
appliance pull by the plug rather
than the cord to avoid damage to
the cord or junction of cord and
plug. Make sure that the cord
is located so that it will not be
stepped on, tripped over or
otherwise subjected to damage
or stress.
—
Connect to a properly rated,
protected and sized power supply
circuit to avoid electrical overload.
4
• Exhaust Duct—See Installation
Instructions. 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 COL-
LAPSES OR BECOMES OTHER-
WISE RESTRICTED IN USE OR
DURING INSTALLATION.
• 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, paint,
oil, gasoline, degreasers, dry-
cleaning solvents, kerosene, etc.)
which may ignite or explode. Do
not add these substances to the
wash water. Do not use these
substances around your washer
and/or dryer during operation.
• Any article on which you have
used a cleaning solvent, or
which 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 all traces of these
flammable liquids or solids
and their fumes 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
• 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.) as
these materials may melt or
burn. Also, some rubber
materials, when heated, can
under certain circumstances
produce fire by spontaneous
combustion.
• Do not store items that may
burn or melt (such as clothing,
paper material, plastics or
plastic containers, etc.) on top
of the dryer during operation.
removers and products
containing petroleum distillates.
• Garments labeled “Dry Away
from Heat” or “Do not Tumble
Dry” (such as life jackets contain-
ing Kapok) must not be put in
your dryer.
5
Important Safety Information
Read all safety information before using
• 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.
• Close supervision is necessary
if this appliance is used by or
near children. Do not allow
children to play inside, on,
or with this appliance or any
discarded appliance. Dispose
of discarded appliances and
shipping or packing materials
properly. Before discarding a
dryer, or removing from service,
remove the door of the dryer
compartment.
• Keep the area around and
underneath your appliances
free from the accumulation
of combustible materials,
such as lint, paper, rags,
chemicals, etc.
• Keep all laundry aids (such
as detergents, bleaches, fabric
softeners, etc.) out of the reach
of children, preferably in a
locked cabinet. Observe all
warnings on container labels
to avoid personal injury.
• The interior of the machine
and the exhaust duct
connection inside the dryer
should be cleaned periodically
by a qualified individual.
• Never reach into the dryer
while the drum is moving.
Before loading, unloading or
adding clothes, wait until the
drum has completely stopped.
• Keep the floor around your
appliances clean and dry to
reduce the possibility of slipping.
• 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).
• Do not dry fiberglass articles
in your dryer. Skin irritation
could result from the remaining
glass particles that may be picked
up by clothing during subse-
quent dryer uses.
• The laundry process can
reduce the flame retardancy
of fabrics. To avoid such a
result, the garment manufacturer’s
care instructions should be
followed very carefully.
• NOTE: Turning the Cycle
Selector knob to an OFF
position does NOT
disconnect the appliance
from the power supply.
6
• Do not tamper with the controls. • You may wish to soften your
laundered fabrics or reduce
the static electricity in them
• Do not operate this appliance
if it is damaged, malfunctioning,
by using dryer-applied fabric
partially disassembled, or
softeners or an anti-static
has missing or broken parts,
conditioner. We recommend
including a damaged cord
you use either a fabric softener
or plug.
in the wash cycle, according to
• Never climb on or stand on the
the manufacturer’s instructions
dryer top.
for those products, or try a
• If yours is a gas dryer, it is
equipped with an automatic
dryer-added product for which
the manufacturer gives written
electric ignition and does not
assurance on the package that
have a pilot light. DO NOT
their product can be safely used
ATTEMPT TO LIGHT WITH
in your dryer.
A MATCH. Burns may result
Service or performance prob-
from having your hand in the
lems caused by the use of these
vicinity of the burner when the
products are the responsibility
automatic ignition may turn on.
of the manufacturers of those
products and are not covered
under the warranty of this
appliance.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
7
Operating Instructions
The
START
FABRIC CARE
PRESS GUARD
controls
on your
dryer
START
COTTONS
HIGH HEAT
PERM. PRESS
MED. HEAT
OFF
S
KNITS
DELICATES
LOW HEAT
FLUFF
NO HEAT
4
2
2
1
Clean the Lint Filter
Fabric Care Selections
Clean the lint filter each time you use the dryer.
Always follow Fabric Manufacturer’s Care Label or
instructions when laundering. Use this chart as a
general guide.
CAUTION:
Do not operate the dryer without the lint filter
in place.
Drying Selections
Usage
Cottons/High Heat
For regular to heavy cottons.
Perm. Press/Med. Heat
Knits Delicates/Low Heat
Fluff/No Heat
For synthetics, blends and items
labeled “permanent press.”
For delicates, synthetics and items
labeled “tumble dry low.”
For “fluffing” items without heat. Use
the Timed Dry cycle.
8
Cycle Descriptions
Automatic Drying Cycles
Timed Dry Cycles
Cycles run for a selected time
Cycles automatically sense fabric dryness
Timed Dry
Automatic Permanent Press
Automatic Cottons
Set the Cycle Selector at
the desired drying time.
For synthetic blends. Select More Dry for
heavier loads, Less Dry for lighter loads.
For cottons and most linens For most loads
set at the Large Dot. Set towards More Dry for
.
heavier fabrics, Less Dry for lighter fabrics.
Damp Dry
To leave items partially
dry set Cycle Selector on
Damp Dry setting.
Dewrinkle
For removing wrinkles
from items that are clean
and dry or that are very
lightly damp. Set the
Cycle Selector on the
Dewrinkle setting.
OFF
PRESS GUARD
MORE
DRY
AUTOMATIC
COTTONS
AUTOMATIC
PERMANENT
PRESS
LESS
DRY
LESS
DRY
COOL
DOWN
PRESS
GUARD
NOTE:
Automatic 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.
MORE
DRY
OFF
80 MIN
OFF
TIMED
DEWRINKLE
DAMP DRY
70
60
40
50
3
4
3
Selecting Drying Cycle
Starting Dryer
Select an automatic or timed cycle. See the
above Cycle Descriptions.
• Close the dryer door.
• Select START.
Opening the door during the operation will
stop the dryer. To restart the dryer, close the
door and select START to complete the cycle.
See next page for other dryer features
9
Operating Instructions
Other dryer features your model has
Press Guard
Use this option to minimize the
wrinkles in clothes. It provides
approximately 15 minutes of
no-heat tumbling after the clothes
are dry.
The clothes should be removed
after the timer passes EXTRA
CARE (or PRESS GUARD) but
before the dryer stops tumbling.
This will help prevent wrinkles
from setting in.
SET
OFF
Drum Lamp
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
A handy drying rack may be used
for drying articles such as stuffed
toys, pillows or washable sweaters.
NOTE:
•
The drying rack must be used with
the Timed Cycle.
Hook the rack over the lint filter so
the rack extends into the dryer
drum.
•
Do not use this drying rack when
there are other clothes in the dryer.
10
Helpful Information
Specialty Care Guide
Always follow Fabric Manufacturer’s Care Label or instructions when laundering.
Otherwise use the information below as a general guide.
Item
Suggested Care
Pillows
Mend any holes or weak seams where feather or filling could
escape. Dry only one pillow at a time. Stop dryer occasionally and
shake pillow, redistributing filling for even drying. Check pillow
at the end of drying time. If it is not completely dry, reset dryer
for more drying time.
Dry on low heat only.
CAUTION: Do not dry pillows containing foam rubber.
Blankets
Add 2–4 dry towels and one blanket and set timer for 20–25 minutes.
Dry only one blanket at a time. Do not set control for more than 25
minutes. At the end of drying cycle block the blanket back to its
original shape. Allow blanket to dry thoroughly before storing.
Cotton
Synthetic
Down
Use a medium heat drying setting.
Use a low heat drying setting.
Use a low heat drying setting.
Extra Large Items
Use a low heat drying setting.
(
Includes
Dry only one extra large item at a time. Set dryer for 20 minutes.
When time is up, check and redistribute load. Reset dryer for 15
minutes. When time is up, check and redistribute load. Reset timer
and check at 5 minute intervals to ensure articles do not fill dryer
drum. Large, wet articles should have ample room in the dryer,
but as they dry and fluff up they may not have room to tumble.
comforters,
blankets and
mattress pads.)
CAUTION: Items without room to tumble may block air flow and
could result in scorched items. Dry mattress pads separately. Use
a low heat drying setting.
11
Helpful Information
Loading
Sorting
As a general rule, if clothes are
sorted properly for the washer, they
are sorted properly for the dryer.
Sort by color
(Separate colorfast from
non-colorfast fabrics*)
Separate lint producers from
lint collectors
• Lint producers: terry cloth and
chenille
• Lint collectors: velveteen and
corduroy
• Whites
• Lights
• Darks
Separate by fabric type
Sort by weight
• Heavy Items
• Light Items
* Non-colorfast fabrics may bleed or fade. Sort by
individual color.
• Cottons and linens
• Permanent press cottons
and blends
• Synthetic and poly knits
• Delicates
Loading Hints
• Avoid drying very small loads.
• Do not dry the following items:
• Sort clothes by weight so you
won’t have to run an extra cycle
for one or two heavier, slower
drying items.
• Fiberglass items
• Woolens
• Rubber coated items
• Plastics
• Items with plastic trim
• Foam-filled items
• Do not add fabric softener sheets
once the load has become warm.
This may cause fabric softener
stains.
• Do not overload. This causes
inefficient operation and
unnecessary wrinkling. Clothes
need to tumble freely.
12
Care & Cleaning
The Interior
The drum is rust-resistant and
requires no special care.
The Exterior
The Lint Filter
Storage
Wipe off any spills or washing
compounds. Wipe or dust with
a damp cloth. Try not to strike
the surface with sharp objects.
Dryer control panel and finishes
may be damaged by some laundry is not covered by your warranty.
pretreatment soil and stain remover
products if such products are
Apply these pretreatment products
away from the dryer. The fabric
may then be washed and dried
normally. Damage to your dryer
caused by pretreatment products
sprayed on or have direct contact
with the dryer.
Before every dryer use, clean the
lint filter. Moisten your fingers and
reach into the filter opening. Run
your fingers across the filter.
To keep your dryer operating at
peak performance, be sure to have
a technician vacuum the lint from
the machine every three years.
To store your dryer for a short
period of time, disconnect the
power supply and clean the lint
filter.
13
Helpful Information
The Exhaust Duct
Inspect and clean the dryer
To clean the exhaust duct follow
these steps:
exhaust ducting at least once
a year to prevent clogging. A
partially clogged exhaust can
lengthen the drying time.
1 Turn off electrical supply by
disconnecting the plug from
the wall socket.
2 Disconnect exhaust duct from
the dryer.
3 Vacuum the exhaust duct with
the hose attachment
.
4 Reconnect the exhaust duct to
the dryer.
The Exhaust Hood
• Make sure the inside flaps of the
exhaust hood move freely (you
may want to check with a mirror).
• Make sure inside flaps are fully
open when dryer is operating.
• Make sure there is not wild life
(birds, insects, etc.) nesting
inside the exhaust duct or hood.
Check the inside of the exhaust
hood with a mirror to rid of debris
14
If Something Goes Wrong
Before you call for service
Problem
Possible Causes
What to Do
Dryer doesn’t Start
Dryer is unplugged
• Make sure the dryer plug is pushed
completely into the outlet.
Fuse is blown/circuit
breaker is tripped
• Check the house fuse/circuit breaker
box and replace fuse or reset breaker.
NOTE: Most electric dryers use two breakers.
Dryer doesn’t Heat
Fuse is blown/circuit breaker
is tripped, the dryer may
tumble but not heat
• Check the house fuse/circuit breaker box
and replace fuse or reset breaker.
Gas service is off
• Make sure gas shutoff at dryer and main
shutoff are fully open.
Dryer Shakes or Makes
Excessive Noise
Some shaking/noise is normal.
Dryer may be sitting unevenly
• Move dryer to a flat place on the floor, or
adjust as necessary until even.
Greasy Spots on
Clothes
Improper use of fabric softener
•
•
Follow directions on fabric softener package.
Drying dirty items with
clean ones
Use your dryer to dry only clean items. Dirty
items can stain clean items and the dryer.
Clothes were not completely
clean
•
Sometimes stains which cannot be seen when
the clothes are wet “appear” after drying. Use
proper washing procedures before drying.
Lint on Clothes
Lint filter is full
Improper sorting
• Clean lint screen before each load.
• Sort lint producers (like chenille) from
lint collectors (like corduroy).
Static electricity can attract lint
Overloading
•
See suggestions in this section under STATIC.
• Separate large loads into smaller ones.
Paper, tissue, etc. left in pockets
•
Empty all pockets before laundering clothes.
15
If Something Goes Wrong
Problem
Possible Causes
Overdrying
What to Do
Static Occurs
• Try a fabric softener.
•
Adjust controls for less drying.
No fabric softener was used
• Try a fabric softener.
Synthetics, permanent press
and blends can cause static
• Try a fabric softener.
Clothes Take
too Long to Dry
Improper sorting
• Separate heavy items from lightweight items
(generally, a well-sorted washer load is a
well-sorted dryer load).
Large loads of heavy fabrics
(like beach towels)
• Large, heavy fabrics contain more moisture
and take 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.
• See the Venting the Dryer section.
Blown fuses or tripped
circuit breakers
•
Replace fuses or reset circuit breakers. Since
most 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.
16
Problem
Possible Causes
What to Do
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 cycle ends
• Remove items when cycle ends and fold or
hang immediately.
Clothes Shrink
Some fabrics will naturally
shrink when washed. Others
can be safely washed, but will
shrink in the dryer.
• To avoid shrinkage, follow garment care
labels exactly.
•
Some items may be pressed back into shape
after drying.
• If you are concerned about shrinkage in
a particular item, do not machine wash or
tumble dry it.
17
If Something Goes Wrong
Venting the Dryer
For the best drying performance
the dryer needs to be properly
vented. Carefully follow the details
on Exhausting in the Installation
Instructions.
• Use the shortest length possible.
• Use only rigid metal or flexible
metal 4″ diameter ductwork
inside the dryer cabinet or for
exhausting to the outside.
• Do not crush or collapse.
• Avoid resting the duct on sharp
objects.
• Do not use plastic or other com-
bustible ductwork.
• Venting must conform to local
building codes.
Correct Venting
Incorrect Venting
18
Notes
19
Notes
20
Notes
21
RCA Service Numbers
We’ll be there!
In-Home Repair Service
A GE consumer service professional Our factory-trained technicians
will provide expert repair service,
scheduled at a time that’s conve-
know your appliance inside and
out—so most repairs can be han-
nient for you. Many GE Consumer dled in just one visit.
Service company-operated loca-
800-GE-CARES
(800-432-2737)
tions offer you service today or
tomorrow, or at your convenience
(7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays,
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays).
For Customers With
Impaired Hearing
Consumers with impaired
hearing or speech who have
access to a TDD or a conventional
teletypewriter may call 800-TDD-
GEAC (800-833-4322) to request
information or service.
800-833-4322
Service Contracts
You can have the secure feeling that GE Consumer Service will still
be there after your warranty expires. Purchase a GE contract while your
warranty is still in effect and you’ll receive a substantial discount. With a
multiple-year contract, you’re assured of future service at today’s prices.
800-626-2224
22
Parts and Accessories
Individuals qualified to service
their own appliances can have
parts or accessories sent directly
to their home. The GE parts system
provides access to over 47,000
parts…and all GE Genuine Renewal
Parts are fully warranted. VISA,
MasterCard and Discover cards
are accepted.
Care and cleaning instructions con-
tained in this manual cover proce-
dures to be performed by any user.
Other servicing generally should be
referred to qualified service person-
nel. Caution must be exercised,
since improper servicing may cause
unsafe operation.
800-626-2002
Further Service
We’re proud of our service and
Finally, if your problem is still
want you to be pleased. If for some not resolved, write:
reason you are not happy with the
Major Appliance Consumer
Action Program
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
service you receive, here are three
steps to follow for further help.
First, contact the people who ser-
viced your appliance. Explain why
you are not pleased. In most cases,
this will solve the problem.
Next, if you are still not pleased,
write all the details—including
your phone number—to:
Manager, Consumer Relations
RCA Appliances, Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
23
DRYER
WARRANTY
Staple sales slip or cancelled check here. Proof of original purchase
date is needed to obtain service under warranty.
What is Covered
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
For one year from date of original
************************************
purchase, we will provide, free of charge,
parts and service labor in your home to
repair or replace any part of the dryer that
fails because of a manufacturing defect.
This warranty is extended to the original
purchaser and any succeeding owner for
products purchased for ordinary home
use in the 48 mainland states, Hawaii and
Washington, D.C. In Alaska the warranty
is the same except that it is LIMITED
because you must pay to ship the product
to the service shop or for the service tech-
nician’s travel costs to your home.
FOR SERVICE
We at RCA strive to provide the highest
quality products and service. Therefore
we have designated GE CONSUMER
SERVICE, a leader in the service indus-
try, to fulfill your service needs.
Should your appliance need service,
during warranty period or beyond, call
800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737).
What is Not
Covered
• Service trips to your home to teach you If you have an installation problem,
how to use the product.
contact your dealer or installer. You are
responsible for providing adequate elec-
trical, exhausting and other connecting
facilities.
• Replacement of house fuses or resetting
of circuit breakers.
• Failure of the product if it is misused,
or used for other than the intended
purpose or used commercially.
Read your Owner’s Manual. If you then
have any questions about operating the
product, please contact your dealer or:
Manager, Consumer Affairs
RCA Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
• Improper installation.
•
Damage to product caused by accident,
fire, floods or acts of God.
WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. 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 in your state, con-
sult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: RCA Appliances
If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:
Manager—Consumer Affairs, RCA Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225
Part No. 113D5580P206-1
Pub. No. 79-9049
C
BJLR473ET BJLR473GT
9-95 CG
Printed in Louisville, KY
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