www.GEAppliances.com
Safety Information
How to Connect Electricty ....... 4
Proper Disposal ................ 3
Safety Precautions ............. 2
Use of Adapter Plugs ........... 4
Use of Extension Cords ......... 3
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning ............ 8, 9
Defiosting Instructions .......... 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 ..... Back Cover
Production Re_stration ..... 13, 14
Warranty .................... 15
Chest--Manua/ Defrost
Mode/s:
FCM5
FCM7
FCM9
Writethemodelandserial numbershere:
#
#
You can find them on a plate on the
right exterior wall.
197D#620PO01 49-60269 06-03JR
IMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION.
READALLINSTRUCTIONSBEFOREUSING.
WARNING'!
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner's Manual
SAFETYPRECAUTIONS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
This fleezer must be properly installed and
located in accordance with the Installation
Instmc0ons before it is used.
Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang
on the shelves in the fleezeL They could damage
the fleezer and se_-iouslyinjure themselves.
After your fleezer is in operation, do not much
the cold surfaces, particularly when hands are
damp or wet. Skin may stick m these exuemely
cold surfaces.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in tile vicinity of this or any
other appliance.
Unplug tile fleezer t)efore cleaning, making
repairs or changing tile light bulb.
NOTE:Westronglyrecommendthatanyservicingbe
performedbyaqualifiedindividual.
{{_iTurning tile control to tile 0FFposifion does
not remove power to tile light circuit on models
with interior light.
{{_iDo not refleeze flozen foods which have
thawed completely.
Tile maximum amount of food your fleezer is
designed m fleeze at one Ome is approximamly
3 pounds (1.5 kg) per cubic foot offleezer
capacity. In normal position, your fleezer's
mmperamre conuol will maintain sufficiently
low mmperatures in the fleezer to fleeze
recommended quantifies of food.
Gaufion should be used when removing tile door
of a fleeze_. ParOcular cauOon should be used
when removing tile lid of a Chest fleezei; as most
Chest fleezer lids are under spring mnsion.
Gonmct tile manufacturer's represenm0ve for
a method of safe removal.
2
wvvvv.GEAppliances.com
DANGER! RISK OFCHILDENTRAPMENT
PROPERDISPOSALOFTHEFREEZER
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
Child entrapment and suffbcafion are not problems
of the past. Junked or abandoned reflJgemmI_ and
fleezei_ are still dangerous...even if they will sit for
"just a few days." If you are getOng rid of your old
refiigerator or fieezei; please follow the instmcOons
below to help prevent accidents.
Before You ThrowAway YourOld
RefrigeratororFreezer:
Take off the doo_s.
Refrigerants
All refligemOon products cont;dn refligerants,
which under federal law must be removed prior to
product disposal. If you are getOng rid of an old
reffigeraOon product, check with the company
handling the disposal about what to do.
I,eave file shelves in place so flint children
may not easily climb inside.
USEOFEXTENSIONCORDS
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against
the use of an extension cord.
However; ifyou must use an exmnsion cord, it is absolutely necessary flint it be a UIAismd (in file Unimd
Stores) or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding
type plug and oudet and that the elecu-ical ra0ng of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.
3
IMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION.
READALLINSTRUCTIONSBEFOREUSING.
A WARNING'!
HOWTOCONNECTELECTRICITY
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from thepower cord.
For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
The power cord of dlis appliance is equipped
with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates
wifll a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet
to minimize the possibilil), of electric shock hazard
fiom this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by
a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet
is properly grounded.
If file outlet is a standard 2-prong wall outlet,
it is your pei_onal responsibilil T and obligation
to have it replaced with a properly grounded
3-prong wall outlet.
The fleezer should always be plugged into its own
individual electrical outlet which has a voltage
rating that matches the rating plate.
This provides the best performance and also
prevents overloading house wiring circuits which
could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your fleezer by pulling on the power
cord. Ah, vays grip plug firefly and pull smdght out
flom the outlet.
Repair or replace immediately all power cords flint
have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not
use a cord that shows crocks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either end.
_(A,rhen moving the fleezer away flom the wall, be
carefifl not to roll over or damage the power cord.
USEOFADAPTERPLUGS(A_apterp/u_notper_irre_inCano_o)
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the
use of an adapter plug.
However; if you must use an adaptet; where local
codes pemlit, a temporary connection nray be made
to a properly grounded 2-prong wall outlet by use
of a UIAisted adapter available at most local
hardware stores.
The larger slot in the adapter must be aligned with
the larger slot in the wall oudet to provide proper
polarity in the connection of the power cord.
When disconnecting die power cord flom die
adapte_; ahvays hold the adapter in place with one
hand while pulling the power cord plug with the
other hand. If this is not done, the adaptor ground
mrminal is ve_y likely m break with repeamd use.
If the adapter ground terminal breaks, DONOTUSE
the freezer until a proper ground has been
established.
Attachingtheadaptergroundterminaltoa walloutletcover
screwdoesnotgroundtheapplianceunlessthecoverscrew
ismetal,andnotinsulated,andthewaftoutletisgrounded
throughthehousewiring.Youshouldhavethecircuitchecked
bya qualifiedelectriciantomakesuretheoutletisproperly
grounded.
READANDFOLLOWTHISSAFETYINFORMATIONCAREFULLY.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS
4
Aboutthe operationofyourfreezer, www.GEAppliances.com
StartingtheFreezer
Z] Clean die inside of die freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Care and Cleaning).
[_--] Gonnect co_d to power outlet.
j] Make su_e the tempe_tu_e control is set at 4.
[_] Allow fleeze_ to opecate fo_ at least fou_ hou_ befo_e placing food inside.
Temperature Control
F_eezing tempeIatuIe selection is made by
setting the conuol fiom I to 7 (coldest).
If you want colder o_ wamae_ tempeIatu_es,
adjust the conuol one stop at a time.
AUow several hours after each one-step
adj usmmnt fo, the fleezer temperam_e
to stabilize.
Tmning the control to the OFFposifion
stops the cooling p_ocess but does not
shut off"power to the fleeze_.
5
Aboutthe operationofyourfreezer.
Power-On Light (onsome models)
The Power-On Light indicates that the
fleezer is properly connected to the
electric_fl poweL
The light glows even when the temperature
control is unned off:
Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
The key for the spring-loaded lock is
automatically ejectedikey Mll not
remain in lock in either the open or
closed position.
Keepthekeyoutofreachofchildrenandawayfrom
thefreezer.
6
Defrostinginstructions, www.GEAppliances.com
In most climates, deflosfing will be
necessary only about twice a yea_.
Tohaveyourfreezeroperatemostefficiently,
donotpermitmorethan 1/2" (13mm)
offrosttoaccumulateontheshelves.
To _emove flost, sc_ape wifll a plastic or
wood spatula or sc_pe_:
Donotuseanicepick orsharp-edged
instrumentasitmaydamageorscratchthefreezer.
Donotuseanyelectricaldeviceindefrosting
yourfreezer.
For
[]
[]
[]
[]
Complete Defrosting
Turn the tempe_atme control to the
OFFposifion and unplug the fleezeL
Remove all food and place it in
coirugated boxes, insulated bags,
picnic coole_5, etc. Use towels and
newspaper5 for insulation as needed.
With the door/lid open, use pans of
hot water to speed loosening of flost.
Remove large pieces before they melt.
The_e is a deflost water (hain at the
flont of the cabinet. Remove the drain
cap on the fiont of the fleezer and
inseit a hose diiectly into the d_fin
hole. Remove the d_vfin plug inside
the cabinet.
@
Sponge excess water flom the bottom
of the fleezer as it collects to p_event
overflowing.
Afker deflosfing, clean the inside of
the fleezer (see CareandCleaning).
Replace the (hvdn plug inside the
cabinet and the cap on the deflost
drain. Fold over and dry the gasket
on the hinge side of the lid.
Plug in the fleezei. Return the
tempe_ature control to its previous
position and return food to the fleeze_.
NOTE: Water maydrip from theback flangeof
the lid cover&ring defrosting. Thisis normal
Icebuilds up in the lid insulation when the lid is
openfor adding orremovingfood,andmelts
during the defrosting operation.
7
Careand cleaning ofthefreezer.
Cleaning Your Freezer
Outside.Protect the paint finish. The
finish on the outside of the freezer is
a high qualitT,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 fleezer
is new and then at least lwice a yeaL
Appliance polish wax also works well
m remove tape residue flom fleezer
stlIfaces.
Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean
cloth lighdy dampened with appliance
polish wax or mild liquid dishwashing
detergent. Dry and polish with a clean,
soft cloth. Do not wipe tlle freezer with
a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel.
Do not use scouting pads, powdered
cleanexs, bleach, or cleaners containing
bleach.
CAUTION:Careshouldbetakeninmovingthe
freezerawayfromthewall.Afttypesoffloor
coveringscanbedamaged,particularlycushioned
coveringsandthosewithembossedsurfaces.
Inside.Glean die inside of your fleezer at
least once a yeaL 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
tile vicinitT of switches, lights or conuols.
Use warm water and baking soda
solution--about a tablespoon of baking
soda m a quart of water. Rinse thoroughly
wkh water and wipe dry. Do not use
cleaning powders or other abrasive
cleanei_.
An open box of baking soda in file
fleezer will absorb stale fleezer odors.
Change die box every duee monflls.
8
www.GEAppliances.com
In Case of Extended Power Failure
Keep fleezer door/lid closed. Your
fleezer will keep food flozen for 24 hours
provided warn1 air is not admitted.
If fleezer is out of operation for 24 hours
or more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large
pieces. Add more ice as required.
WARNING:Handlingofdryicecancausefreezing
ofthehands--glovesorotherprotectionis
recommended.
If dry ice is not available, move food to
a flozen food locker tempomrilyi-unfil
power is restored.
Preparing to Move
Disconnect the power cord plug from
tile wall outlet. Remove foods, deflost
and clean the fleezeL
Secure all loose items such as grille and
shelves by roping diem securely in place
to prevent damage.
Be sure fleezer stays in upright position
during acutM moving and in van. The
fleezer must be secured in van to prevent
movement. Promct outside of fleezer wkh
blanket.
Preparing for Vacation
To maintain freezer in operation during
vacations, be sure your house power is not
unned off: For sure promcfion of fleezer
conmnts, you may want m ask a neighbor
m check tile power supply and fleezer
operation eve_T 48 hours.
For extended vacations or absences, you
may prefer to move your flozen foods to
a storage locker temporarily. If your fleezer
is to be left empty, disconnect power cord
plug flom wall outlet. To prevent fommfion
of odois, place open box of baking soda in
fieezer and leave fieezer door/lid open.
X_rhen the fleezer is not operating, it can be
left in an unheated house or room widlout
damage to cabinet or mechanism.
Replacing the Light Bulb
MovingthecontroltoOFFdoesnotremove
powerto thelight circuit.
The bulb is located behind die shield
on tile fleezer door/lid.
[--7]Unplug the fleezeL
_] Remove tlle dnee screws in tile
light shieM.
[-_] Remove the light shieM.
[-_ Replace with the same size and
type bulb.
[_] I,ine lap tile holes in the light shieM
with the holes in the refligerator and
replace the screws.
9
Preparingto installthefreezer.
Read theseinstructionscompletely and carefully.
FreezerLocation
Your fieezer should be conveniently located for
day.to-day use in a dIy, wellwenfilated room.
Do not install the fleezer where the temperature
will go below 0 ° F or above l lO ° E because it will
not maintain proper temperatures.
Be sure to install your fleezer on a floor strong
enough to support it when it is fiflly loaded.
The fleezer must be solidly positioned on file floor
if it is to fimcfion at its best. Shims may be used to
accomplish rids wherever the floor is too uneven.
If the place selected for the fieezer is damp or
moist, place 2 X 4's (51 mm X 102 ram) under
its entire length to assure adequate support.
Clearances
On all models, allow 3" (76 mm) on top, back
and sides for proper air circulation.
Adjustable Legs
I,egs at tile flont corners of tile fleezer
should be set so tile fleezer is firmly
positioned on tile flOOL
Toraisethefreezer
7O
Normal operatingcharacteristics, www.GEAppliances.com
These things are normal and
do not indicate a need for service.
A warm cabinet exterior as the refligemfion system transfers heat flom the inside to the outside through
file exterior c_fl)inet walls.
The sound of file high-efficiency compressor motoL
Beforeyoucall forservice...
Troubleshooting -tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following
pages first and you may not need to call for service.
Possible Causes
Temperature control
in OFFposifion.
Freezer is unplugged.
The fuse is blown/circuit
breaker is tripped.
What ToDo
* Move tile control to a temperature setting.
Freezer doesnot
operate or Power-On
Lightis not on * Push tile plug completely into tile outlet.
• Replace fl_se or reset tile breakeL
Freezerstarts/stops Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
toofrequently Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control • See About the operation of your freezer.
set too cold.
Freezer operates Door/lid left open. • Gheck to see if package is holding door/lid open.
toolong Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control • See About the operation of your freezer.
set too cold.
Inadequate air circulation • See Preparing to install the freezer.
space around cabinet.
Noisy operation Floor may be weak, causing * Placing 2 X 4's (51 1ilnl X 102 ram) under file length of
or cabinetvibrates freezer to vibrate when tile fleezer will help support it and may reduce vibration.
compressor is on.
Cabinet is not positioned • Adjust 1,egs. See Preparing to install the freezer. Or use
solidly on floor, shims for uneven flOOL
Freezertemperature Door/lid left open. • Gheck m see if package is holding door/lid open.
too warm
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
11
Before youcall forservice...
Troubleshooting 77ps
Foodsdefrosting
Possible Causes
Temperature control
in OFFposifion.
Freezer is unplugged.
The fuse is blown/circuit
breaker is tripped.
Door/lid left open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
What ToDo
* Move the control to a tempemtme setting.
" Push the plug completely into the outlet.
" Replace filse or reset the breakeL
" Check m see if package is holding door/lid open.
Freezertemperature Temperature control • See About theoperationofyourfreezer.
too cold set too cold.
Moisture forms on Not unusual during • \_qpe surface dry.
outsideofcabinet periods of high humidity.
No power at outlet. • Replace fl_se o1 reset the breakeL
notwork
(onsomemodels) Freezer is tmplugged. • Push the plug completely into the outlet.
Light bulb burned out. • Replace bulb.
Doordidwon't fully Package holding door/lid open.
closebyitself
Slowstartingtime Built-in overload protection.
afterbeingoff
Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Not unusual during
periods of high humidity.
build-up
i _ ii ii i i i i i i i i i
12
GE Service Protection Plus TM
GE, a name recognized worldwide R)r 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
We71 CoverAnyAppfiance.
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 refligerato_; dishwasher, washer and dryer, range, TV, VCR and much more--any brand!
Plus there's no exua charge for emergency service and low monthly financing is available. Even icemaker
coverage and food spoilage protection is off>red. 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.
_%11brands cover_ d, up lo 207,ears old, in the contin_ ntal U.S.
.......................................... _..Gilt here
Please place in envelope and mail to:
General Electric Company
Warranty Registration Department
EO. 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
Product Ownership
Registration today.
Have the peace of
mind of knowing we
can contact )ou in
the unlikely event of a
satet} modification.
After mailing the
registration bel(m,
store this document
in a sate place. It
contains intormation
}ou will need should
}ou require service.
Our service nmnber is
800. GE. (;ARES
(800.432.2737).
Read }our Owner's
Mamml carefully.
It will help }ou
operate }otlr ilew
appliance properly.
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 www.GEAppliances.com. . ........... _ cut here
Consumer Product Ownership Registration
Model Number Serial Number
Mr.i Ms.::;! Mrs.::;! Miss
First] ] I,ast ]
Name I I I I I I I I I Name I I I I I I I I I I I I
Street I
Address I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
14
I)at< Pla<¢d
_umberl I, I-I,, I-I , ,
Mon th
GEAppliances
GEConsumerProducts
General Electric Company
Louisville, Kentucky
www GEApplianees.eom
Check here if }ou do not _m]t to receive commm]ications from C,EA's careful l? selected partners.
FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS CARD DOES NOT DIMINISH YOUR
X,tS_RRANTYRIGHTS.
For intbrmation about C,EA's privac} and data usage policy, go to _5_.GEAppliances.com and click
on "Privac) Polic?" or call 800.626.2224.
FreezerWarranty.
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or
an authorized Customer Care®technician. Toschedule service,
on-line, 24 hours a day, contact us at wwwGEAppliances.com,
or call 800.GE.CARES(U.S.).
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase
date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.
GE Will Replace:
One Year Anypartof the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this
From the date of the full one-year warranty, GE Mll Mso provide, free of charge, M1 labor and in-home se_Mce to
originalpurchase replace the defective part.
Five Years
Fromthedateof the
origDalpurchase
OneorFiveYears
Fromthe dateofthe
originalpurchase
(Limitedwarranty)
Anypartofthesealedrefrigeratingsystem(the compressoi; condensex; evaporator and all
connecting tubing) which fails due to a defect in materiMs or workmanship. During tiffs
additionalfour-yearlimited warranty,GE will alsoprovide, freeofcharge,all labor and in-home
se_Mce to replace the defective part.
Food which hasspoiled because of a manufacturing defect either in: a) any part of the fieezer
within one year flom the dam of o_-iginal purchase, or b) any part of the sealed refligemfing
sysmm within five years flom the dam of original purchase. Not to exceed the cumulative limit
specified below.
FreezerCapacity
14.9 cu. ft. and smaller
15.0 cu. ft. and larger
Cumulative Limit
$100.00
$150.00
Within 30daysafterfoodspoilageoccurs,youmustprovidesatisfactoryproofofthespoilage
to a FactcnT Service Center, an authorized Customer Care ®servicer or the dealer from
whom the fieezer x,v_tspurchased.
Service trips to your home to teach you how to
use the product.
Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.
Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or
used for other than the intended purpose or used
commercially.
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.
Damage caused after delivery.
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
breakers.
Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods
or acts of God.
Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
Replacement of the light bulb.
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. Toknow what your
legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state's Attorney General
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225
15
ConsumerSupport.
GEAppliancesWebsite wwvv.GEAppliances.com
Have a ques0on or need assistance widl your appliance? T1T the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day,
any day of file year! For greater convenience and lc,tstei service, you can now download Ownei"s Manuals,
order parts, catalogs, or even schedule se_Mce ondine. You can also "Ask Our Team of Experts'""
your ques0ons, and so much moIe...
ScheduleService
wwvv.GEAppliances.com
Expert GE repair seivice is only one step away flom your doo_. Get on-line and schedule your service at
your convenience 24 hours any day of tile year! Or call 800.GE.GARES 800.432.2737) during nomlal
business hours.
RealLifeDesignStudio
wwvv.GEAppliances.com
GE supports tile Universal Design concept--products, services and envuonments that can be used by
people of aUages, sizes and capabiliues. _4rerecogmize tile need m design for a wide range of physical and
mental abilities and impai,ments. For details of GE's Univeisal Design applications, including kitchen
design ideas for people with disabili0es, check out our Website today. For the hearing impaired, please call
800.TDD.GEA(; (800.833.4322).
ExtendedWarranties
wwvv.GEAppliances.com
Purchase a GE extended warranty and learn about special discounts that are available while your w;u_vmty
is still in eff)ct. You can purchase it on-line anytime, or call 800.626.2224 during nomlal business hours.
GE Gonsumer Home Se_qces will still be there _ffteryour warranty expires.
PartsandAccessories
wwvv.GEAppliances.com
IndMduals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accesso_-ies sent directly to their
homes (VISA, MasterGard and Discover cards are accepted). Order on-line today, 24 hours every day or
by phone at 800.626.2002 during normal business hours.
Instructionscontainedinthismanualcoverprocedurestobeperformedbyanyuser.Otherservicing generally
shouldbereferredtoqualifiedservicepersonnelCautionmustbeexercised,sinceimproperservicingmaycause
unsafeoperation.
ContactUs
vvvvvv.GEAppliances.com
If you are not satisfied wifll die se_Mce you receive flom GE, contact us on our Website wifll all die details
including your phone numbe_, or w_-imm: General Manage_, Gusmmer Relations
GE Appliances, Appliance Park
I.ouisville, KY40225
RegisterYourAppliance wwvv.GEAppliances.com
Register your new appliance on-line--at your convenience! Timely product regism_fion will allow for
enhanced communica0on and prompt se_ice under tile temls of your warranty, should tile need a_ise.
You may also mail in tile pre-printed regism_tion card included in tile packing mate_-ial.
Printed in China
/
