GEAppliances.com
Safety Instructions
Owner’s Manual &
How to Connect Electricity . . . . . . 4
Proper Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Use of Adapter Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Use of Extension Cords . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation Instructions
Upright – Manual
Defrost Models:
FUM5
Chest – Manual
Defrost Models:
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9
Defrosting Instructions
FCM7
FCM15
FCM25
(for Manual Defrost Models) . . . . .7
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 6
Starting the Freezer . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Installation Instructions
Preparing to Install the Freezer . . 10
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call For Service . . .11, 12
Normal Operating
Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Product Registration for
Customers in the U.S. . . . . . . . 13, 14
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Model number: __________________
Serial number: __________________
You can find them on a plate on the
back of the freezer.
197D3356P002 49-60181 4-35827-001 Rev. 00 10-01 JR
SafeyIructions
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE FREEZER
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
Child entrapment and suffocation are not
CFC Disposal
problems of the past. Junked or abandoned
Your old freezer has a cooling system that used
refrigerators and freezers are still dangerous…even
OpeagIructions
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). CFCs are believed to
if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting
harm stratospheric ozone.
rid of your old refrigerator or freezer, please follow
the instructions below to help prevent accidents.
If you are throwing away your old freezer, make
sure the CFC refrigerant is removed for proper
disposal by a qualified servicer. If you intentionally
release this CFC refrigerant you can be subject to
fines and imprisonment under provisions of the
Federal Clean Air Act.
Before You Throw Away Your Old
Refrigerator or Freezer:
■Take off the doors.
■Leave the shelves in place so that children may
not easily climb inside.
laIructions
USE OF EXTENSION CORDS
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against
the use of an extension cord.
However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed (in the United
States) or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding
type plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.
T
rubleshotingT
ips
CnsmeSuport
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord.
For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
SafeyIructions
The power cord of this appliance is equipped
with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates
with a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to
minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard
from this appliance.
This provides the best performance and also
prevents overloading house wiring circuits which
could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power
cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out
from the outlet.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a
qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is
properly grounded.
Repair or replace immediately all power cords that
have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not
use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either end.
If the outlet is a standard 2-prong wall outlet, it
is your personal responsibility and obligation to
have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong
wall outlet.
When moving the freezer away from the wall, be
careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.
OpeagIructions
The freezer should always be plugged into its own
individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating
that matches the rating plate.
USE OF ADAPTER PLUGS
(Adapter plugs not permitted in Canada)
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against
the use of an adapter plug.
However, if you must use an adapter, where local
codes permit, a temporary connection may be made
to a properly grounded 2-prong wall outlet by use
of a UL-listed adapter available at most local
hardware stores.
If the adapter ground terminal breaks, DO NOT USE
the freezer until a proper ground has been
established.
laIructions
Attaching the adapter ground terminal to a wall outlet
cover screw does not ground the appliance unless the
cover screw is metal, and not insulated, and the wall
outlet is grounded through the house wiring. You should
have the circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make
sure the outlet is properly grounded.
ips
The larger slot in the adapter must be aligned with
the larger slot in the wall outlet to provide proper
polarity in the connection of the power cord.
When disconnecting the power cord from the
adapter, always hold the adapter in place with one
hand while pulling the power cord plug with the
other hand. If this is not done, the adapter ground
terminal is very likely to break with repeated use.
rubleshotingT
T
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
CnsmeSuport
4
SafeyIructions
About the operation of your freezer.
Starting the Freezer
Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Care and Cleaning).
1
Connect cord to power outlet.
2
3
4
Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.
Allow freezer to operate for at least four hours before placing food inside.
OpeagIructions
NOTE: It is normal for the freezer exterior to feel warm as the refrigeration system transfers heat from the
inside to the outside through the exterior cabinet walls.
Temperature Control
Freezing temperature selection is made by
setting the control from 1 to 7 (coldest).
Allow several hours after each one-step
adjustment for the freezer temperature to
stabilize.
If you want colder or warmer temperatures,
adjust the control one step at a time.
Turning the control to 0 (off) stops the
cooling process but does not shut off power
to the freezer.
laIructions
T
rubleshotingT
ips
CnsmeSuport
5
About the operation of your freezer.
Power-On Light (on some models)
The Power-On Light indicates that the
freezer is properly connected to the
electrical power.
The light glows even when the temperature
control is turned 0 (off).
SafeyIructions
Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
The key for the spring-loaded lock is
automatically ejected–key will not remain in
lock in either the open or closed position.
Keep the key out of reach of children and away
from the freezer.
Refrigerated Cabinet Shelves (on some models)
These shelves contain cooling coils to
freeze foods quickly and allow cold air
to constantly circulate throughout
the freezer.
Do not touch cold shelves, particularly when hands
are damp or wet.
OpeagIructions
laIructions
ips
rubleshotingT
T
CnsmeSuport
6
SafeyIructions
Defrosting instructions. (for Manual Defrost models)
In most climates, defrosting will be
necessary only about twice a year.
To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or
wood spatula or scraper.
To have your freezer operate most efficiently,
do not permit more than 1/2 ″ (13 mm) of
frost to accumulate on the shelves or walls.
Do not use an ice pick or sharp-edged
instrument as it may damage or scratch the
freezer.
Do not use any electrical device in
defrosting your freezer.
OpeagIructions
For Complete Defrosting
Sponge excess water from the bottom
Turn the temperature control to 0 (off)
5 of the freezer as it collects to prevent
1 and unplug the freezer.
overflowing.
Remove all food and place it in
2 corrugated boxes, insulated bags,
After defrosting, clean the inside of the
6 freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and
newspapers for insulation as needed.
On Chest models, replace the drain
7 plug inside the cabinet and the cap
With the door/lid open, use pans of
3 hot water to speed loosening of frost.
on the defrost drain. Fold over and
dry the gasket on the hinge side of
the lid.
Remove large pieces before they melt.
laIructions
4 a. On models without a defrost drain,
Plug in the freezer. Return the
place towels or newspapers on the
8 temperature control to its previous
freezer bottom to catch the frost.
The frost will loosen and fall.
position and return food to the freezer.
Remove towels and/or newspapers.
b. Chest models have a defrost water
drain at the front and a hose adapter
that is packaged in a bag in the
bottom of the freezer. Remove the
drain cap on the front of the freezer,
insert the hose connector and attach
the hose. Remove the drain plug
inside the cabinet.
T
rubleshotingT
NOTE: Water may drip from the
back flange of the lid cover during
defrosting. This is normal. Ice builds
up in the lid insulation when the lid is
open for adding or removing food,
and melts during the defrosting
operation.
ips
CnsmeSuport
7
Care and cleaning of the freezer.
Cleaning Your Freezer
■Outside. Protect the paint finish. The
■Inside. Clean the inside of your freezer at
least once a year. We recommend that the
freezer be unplugged before cleaning. If
this is not practical, wring excess moisture
out of sponge or cloth when cleaning in
the vicinity of switches, lights or controls.
finish on the outside of the freezer is a
high quality, baked-on paint finish.
With proper care, it will stay new-looking
and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of
appliance polish wax when the freezer
is new and then at least twice a year.
Appliance polish wax also works well
to remove tape residue from freezer
surfaces.
SafeyIructions
Use warm water and baking soda
solution–about a tablespoon of baking
soda to a quart of water. Rinse thoroughly
with water and wipe dry. Do not use
cleaning powders or other abrasive
cleaners.
Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean
cloth lightly dampened with appliance
polish wax or mild liquid dishwashing
detergent. Dry and polish with a clean,
soft cloth. Do not wipe the freezer with
a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel.
Do not use scouring pads, powdered
cleaners, bleach, or cleaners containing
bleach.
An open box of baking soda in the
freezer will absorb stale freezer odors.
Change the box every three months.
OpeagIructions
CAUTION: Care should be taken in moving the
freezer away from the wall. All types of floor
coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned
coverings and those with embossed surfaces.
To Remove the Freezer Door (on Upright models)
Remove the plastic hinge cover by
To replace the doors, reverse the order
of the above instructions.
1 lifting it off.
Remove the screws holding the
CAUTION: It is very important that all hinge screws
are securely tightened to ensure a secure assembly
and prevent hinge slippage.
2 hinge to the top of the cabinet using
laIructions
a screwdriver.
Remove the top hinge from the cabinet
3 and lift the door up and off the lower
ips
hinge pin. Set the door aside.
rubleshotingT
T
CnsmeSuport
8
SafeyIructions
In Case of Extended Power Failure
■Keep freezer door/lid closed. Your
freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours
provided warm air is not admitted.
WARNING: Handling of dry ice can cause
freezing of the hands–gloves or other protection
is recommended.
■If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours
or more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large
pieces. Add more ice as required.
■If dry ice is not available, move food to
a frozen food locker temporarily–until
power is restored.
OpeagIructions
Preparing to Move
Disconnect the power cord plug from
the wall outlet. Remove foods, defrost
(on Manual Defrost models), clean and
dry the freezer.
Be sure freezer stays in upright position
during actual moving and in van. The
freezer must be secured in van to prevent
movement. Protect outside of freezer
with blanket.
Secure all loose items such as grille and
shelves by taping them securely in place
to prevent damage.
laIructions
Preparing for Vacation
To maintain freezer in operation during
vacations, be sure your house power is not
turned off. For sure protection of freezer
contents, you may want to ask a neighbor
to check the power supply and freezer
operation every 48 hours.
When the freezer is not operating, it can be
left in an unheated house or room without
damage to cabinet or mechanism.
For extended vacations or absences, you
may prefer to move your frozen foods to a
storage locker temporarily. If your freezer is
to be left empty, disconnect power cord
plug from wall outlet. To prevent formation
of odors, place open box of baking soda in
freezer and leave freezer door/lid open.
T
rubleshotingT
ips
CnsmeSuport
9
Preparing to install the freezer.
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
Freezer Location
Your freezer should be conveniently located for
day-to-day use in a dry, well-ventilated room.
The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor
if it is to function at its best. Shims may be used to
accomplish this wherever the floor is too uneven.
If the place selected for the freezer is damp or
moist, place 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under its
entire length to assure adequate support.
SafeyIructions
Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong
enough to support it when it is fully loaded.
Clearances
On all models, allow 3″ (76 mm) on top, back and
sides for proper air circulation.
Adjustable Legs (on Upright models)
OpeagIructions
Legs at the front corners of the freezer
should be set so the freezer is firmly
positioned on the floor, and the front is
raised just enough so the door closes easily
when opened about halfway.
Turn right
to lower
Turn left
to raise
laIructions
ips
rubleshotingT
T
CnsmeSuport
10
SafeyIructions
Normal operating characteristics.
These things are normal and
do not indicate a need for service.
■A warm cabinet exterior as the refrigeration system transfers heat from the inside to the outside through
the exterior cabinet walls.
■The sound of the high-efficiency compressor motor.
OpeagIructions
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following
pages first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem
Possible Causes
What To Do
Freezer does not
operate or Power-On
Light is not on
Temperature control
•Move the control to a temperature setting.
in 0 (off) position.
laIructions
Freezer is unplugged.
•Push the plug completely into the outlet.
•Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
The fuse is blown/circuit
breaker is tripped.
Freezer starts/stops
too frequently
Door/lid left open.
•Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control
set too cold.
•See About the operation of your freezer.
Freezer operates
too long
Door/lid left open.
•Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
T
rubleshotingT
Temperature control
set too cold.
•See About the operation of your freezer.
•See Preparing to install the freezer.
Inadequate air circulation
space around cabinet.
Noisy operation
or cabinet vibrates
Floor may be weak, causing
freezer to vibrate when
compressor is on.
•Placing 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under the length of
the freezer will help support it and may reduce vibration.
ips
Cabinet is not positioned
solidly on floor.
•Adjust legs (on Upright models). See Preparing to
install the freezer. Or use shims for uneven floor.
CnsmeSuport
Freezer temperature
too warm
Door/lid left open.
•Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Freezer exterior
feels warm
Refrigeration system
transferring heat from
the inside to the outside
through the exterior
cabinet walls.
•This is normal.
11
Before you call for service…
Problem
Possible Causes
What To Do
Foods defrosting
Temperature control
in 0 (off) position.
•Move the control to a temperature setting.
Freezer is unplugged.
•Push the plug completely into the outlet.
•Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
SafeyIructions
The fuse is blown/circuit
breaker is tripped.
Door/lid left open.
•Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Freezer temperature
too cold
Temperature control
set too cold.
•See About the operation of your freezer.
•Wipe surface dry.
Moisture forms on
outside of cabinet
Not unusual during
periods of high humidity.
Interior light does
not work
(on some models)
No power at outlet.
Freezer is unplugged.
Light bulb burned out.
•Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
•Push the plug completely into the outlet.
•Replace bulb.
OpeagIructions
Door/lid won’t fully
close by itself
Legs need adjusting.
•See Preparing to install the freezer.
Package holding door/lid open.
Slow starting time
after being off
Built-in overload protection.
Excessive frost
buildup
Door/lid left open.
•Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
l
Not unusual during
periods of high humidity.
ips
rubleshotingT
T
CnsmeSuport
12
™
GE Service Protection Plus
GE, a name recognized worldwide for quality and dependability, offers you
™
Service Protection Plus —comprehensive protection on all your appliances—
No Matter What Brand!
Benefits Include:
• Backed by GE
• All brands covered
• Unlimited service calls
• All parts and labor costs included
• No out-of-pocket expenses
• No hidden deductibles
• One 800 number to call
We’ll Cover Any Appliance.
Anywhere. Anytime.*
You will be completely satisfied with our service protection or you may request your money back
on the remaining value of your contract. No questions asked. It’s that simple.
Protect your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, range, TV, VCR and much more–any brand!
Plus there’s no extra charge for emergency service and low monthly financing is available. Even icemaker
coverage and food spoilage protection is offered. You can rest easy, knowing that all your valuable
household products are protected against expensive repairs.
Place your confidence in GE and call us in the U.S. toll-free at 800.626.2224
for more information.
*All brands covered, up to 20 years old, in the continental U.S.
Cut here
✁
Please place in envelope and mail to:
General Electric Company
Warranty Registration Department
P.O. Box 32150
Louisville, KY 40232-2150
13
Consumer Product Ownership Registration
Dear Customer:
Thank you for purchasing our product and thank you for placing your confidence in us.
We are proud to have you as a customer!
Follow these three steps to protect your new appliance investment:
Complete and mail
your Consumer
After mailing the
registration below,
Read your Owner’s
Manual carefully.
It will help you
operate your new
appliance properly.
Product Ownership
Registration today.
Have the peace of
mind of knowing we
can contact you in
the unlikely event of
a safety modification.
store this document
in a safe place. It
contains information
you will need should
you require service.
Our service number is
1
800.GE.CARES
2 3
(800.432.2737).
Model Number
Serial Number
Important: If you did not get a registration card with your
product, detach and return the form below to
ensure that your product is registered, or register
online at GEAppliances.com.
Cut here
✁
Consumer Product Ownership Registration
Model Number
Serial Number
Mr. ■ Ms. ■ Mrs. ■ Miss ■
First
Name
Last
Name
Street
Address
Apt. #
City
E-mail Address*
Zip
Code
State
Date Placed
In Use
Month
Phone
Number
_
_
Day
Year
*Please provide your e-mail address to receive, via e-mail, discounts, special offers and other important
communications from GE Appliances (GEA).
■ Check here if you do not want to receive communications from GEA’s carefully selected partners.
General Electric Company
Louisville, Kentucky
GEAppliances.com
14
SafeyIructions
Freezer Warranty.
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase
date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.
authorized Customer Care® technician. To schedule service, on-line,
800.GE.CARES (U.S.), 1.800.361.3400 (Canada).
For The Period Of:
GE Will Replace:
One Year
From the date of the
original purchase
Any part of the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this
full one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and in-home service to
replace the defective part.
OpeagIructions
Five Years
From the date of the
original purchase
Any part of the sealed refrigerating system (the compressor, condenser, evaporator and all
connecting tubing) which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this
additional four-year limited warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and in-home
service to replace the defective part.
One or Five Years
From the date of the
original purchase
(Limited warranty)
Food which has spoiled because of a manufacturing defect either in: a) any part of the freezer
within one year from the date of original purchase, or b) any part of the sealed refrigerating
system within five years from the date of original purchase. Not to exceed the cumulative limit
specified below.
laIructions
Freezer Capacity
14.9 cu. ft. and smaller
15.0 cu. ft. and larger
Cumulative Limit
$100.00
$150.00
Within 30 days after food spoilage occurs, you must provide satisfactory proof of the spoilage
®
to a Factory Service Center, an authorized Customer Care servicer or the dealer from
whom the freezer was purchased.
What GE Will Not Cover:
■Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the
product.
■Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
breakers.
■Improper installation.
■Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods
or acts of God.
T
rubleshotingT
■Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for
other than the intended purpose or used commercially.
■Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
■Food spoilage caused by:
a) Power interruption from the utility.
b) Blown fuse, open circuit breaker or other power
disconnection on the owner’s premises.
c) Freezer not operating because of abnormally low
electric power voltage or inadequate house wiring.
ips
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home
use within the USA and Canada. In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.
CnsmeSuport
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
Camco Inc., Suite 310, 1 Factory Lane, Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3
15
Consumer Support.
GE Appliances Website
GEAppliances.com
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
GEAppliances.com
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
GEAppliances.com
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
GEAppliances.com
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
GEAppliances.com
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
GEAppliances.com
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
GEAppliances.com
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
|