GE APPLIANCES GBE17HYRFS Bottom Freezer Built In Refrigerator Owner’s Manual

: June 9, 2024
: GE Appliances

Table of Contents

GE APPLIANCES GBE17HYRFS Bottom Freezer Built In Refrigerator Owner
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONNECTING ELECTRICITY
Controls
Door Bins
Freezer Drawers
Care and Cleaning
Normal Operating Sounds
Troubleshooting Tips
Refrigerator Limited Warranty
Consumer Support
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

GE APPLIANCES GBE17HYRFS Bottom Freezer Built In Refrigerator Owner

THANK YOU FOR MAKING GE APPLIANCES A PART OF YOUR HOME.
Whether you grew up with GE Appliances, or this is your first, we’re happy to have you in the family. We take pride in the craftsmanship, innovation and design that goes into every GE Appliances product, and we think you will too. Among other things, registration of your appliance ensures that we can deliver important product information and warranty details when you need them. Register your GE appliance now online. Helpful websites and phone numbers are available in the Consumer Support section of this Owner’s Manual. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, or injury when using your refrigerator, follow these basic safety precautions:

This refrigerator must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.
Unplug the refrigerator before making repairs, replacinga light bulb, or cleaning.
NOTE: Power to the refrigerator cannot be disconnected by any setting on the control panel.
NOTE: Repairs must be performed by a qualified Service Professional.
Replace all parts and panels before operating.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance.
Do not use an extension cord. To prevent suffocation and entrapment hazards to children, remove the refrigerator and freezer doors from any refrigerator before disposing of it or discontinuing its use.
To avoid serious injury or death, children should not stand on, or play in or with the appliance.
Children and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge can use this appliance only if they are supervised or have been given instructions on safe use and understand the hazards involved.
This appliance is intended to be used in household and similar applications such as: staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and other working environments; farm houses; by clients in hotels, motels, bed & breakfast and other residential environments; catering and similar non-retail applications.
Do not apply harsh cleaners to the refrigerator.
Certain cleaners will damage plastic which may cause pats such as the door or door handles to detach unexpectedly. See the Care and Cleaning section for detailed instructior

CAUTION To reduce the risk of injury when using your refrigerator, follow these basic safety precautions.

Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. Glass shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact, such as bumping or dropping.
Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many small pieces if it breaks.
Keep fingers out of the “pinch point” areas; clearances between the doors and between the doors and cabinet are necessarily small. Be careful closing doors when children are in the area.
Do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer compartment when hands are damp or wet, skin may stick to these extremely cold surfaces.
Do not refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely.

FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD Flammable Refrigerant

This appliance contains isobutane refrigerant, also known as R600a, a natural gas with high environmental compatibility. However, it is also combustible. Adhere to the warnings below to reduce the risk of injury or property damage.

When handling, installing and operating the appliance, care should be taken to avoid damage to the refrigerant tubing
Service shall only be performed by authorized service personnel. Use only manufacturer-authorized service parts.
Dispose of refrigerator in acocordance with the Federal and Local Regulations. The flammable refrigerant and insulation material used in this product require special disposal procedures. Contact your local authorities for the environmentally safe disposal of your refrigerator.
Keep ventilation openings in the appliance enclosures or in the built-in structure clear of obstruction.
To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper. Do not use an ice pick or a metal or sharp-edged instrument as it may puncture the freezer liner and then the flammable refrigerant tubing behind it.
Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartment of the appliance.
Do not use any electrical device to defrost your freezer.

CONNECTING ELECTRICITY

WARNING ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD

Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet
Do not remove the ground prong
Do not use an adapter
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.

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.

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.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.
Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet.
Do not use an adapter.
The refrigerator should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate.
A 115 Volt AC, 60 Hz, 15-or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical supply is required. This provides the best
performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your refrigerator by pulling on the power cord. Always the outlet. rip plug firmly and pull straight out from
Immediately discontinue use of a damaged supply cord. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a qualified service professional with an authorized service part from the manufacturer.
When moving the refrigerator away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD REFRIGERATOR

WARNING SUFFOCATION AND ENTRAPMENT HAZARD

Failure to follow these disposal instructions can result in death or serious injury

IMPORTANT: Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators or freezers are still dangerous even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents.

Before You Throw Away Your 0ld Appliance

Take off the refrigerator and freezer doors.
Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

Refrigerant and Foam Disposal
Dispose of refrigerator in accordance with Federal and Local Regulations. Flammable refrigerant and insulation material used require special disposal procedures. Contact your local authorities for the environmentally safe disposal of your refrigerator.

BEFORE FIRST USE

Remove all packaging materials. Keep them out of children’s reach and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner.
Clean the inside and outside of the appliance with water and a mild detergent before putting any food in it.
After the appliance has been leveled and cleaned, wait for at least 2 hours before connecting it to the power supply.
Cool the compartments at high settings before loading with food. The functions Turbo Cool and Turbo Freeze help to cool down the compartments quickly.
The refrigerator temperature and freezer temperature are automatically set to 37°F (3°C) and 0°F (-18°C) respectively. These are the recommended settings. If desired, you can change these temperatures manually. Please see Controls section

Controls

Refrigerator Temperature Control

This refrigerator has 3 temperature zones: Refrigerator, Freezer, TempZone. Their temperature ranges are: Refrigerator 33°F (0.6°C) to 41°F (5°C), Freezer -6°F (-21°) to 6°F (-14.4°), TempZone 32°F (0°C), 34°F (1.1°C), 36°F (2.2°C). Your refrigerator will come with the recommended factory setting at 37F (2.8°C) for Refrigerator, 0°F (-17.8°C) for Freezer and 32°F (0°C) for TempZone pan. Temperature display will show the actual set temperature and the zone light (Refrigerator, Freezer or TempZone) will be on.To adjust the Temperature for each zone, press Zone Select. The selected zone light will be on. Keep pressing to toggle between 3 temperature zones. Zone will be set after 3 seconds. Adjust the temperature by pressing Temp Control. The temperature display will show the temperature moving up as you press it. Once you find the temperature you want, the control will automatically set the refrigerator to this setting. You don’t need to press any button.

TurboCool and TurboFreeze
During TurboCool, refrigerator temperature can reach 33°F (0.6°C). During TurboFreeze, freezer temperature can reach 13°F (-10.6°) if room temperature is above 73°F (22.8°C), -7°F (-21.7 C) if room temperature is below 73°F (22.8°C). To enter TurboCool or TurboFreeze or both, press mode. TurboCool will light up. If you leave without pressing any button, TurboCool will be set. Pressing mode a second time will light up TurboFreeze; leave without pressing any button, TurboFreeze will be set. Pressing mode a third time will light up both TurboCool and TurboFreeze; leave without pressing any button, both functions will be set. To exit Turbo functions, pres mode again.
NOTE: During Turbo modes, the refrigerator or freezer temperature can be adjusted.

Lock
Press the lock symbol, hold for 3 seconds. The circle around the lock symbol with light up and the control display will be locked. Buttons will not be active. To exit the lock, press the lock symbol again and hold for 3 seconds. The light around the lock will go off.
NOTE: The display will turn off after 30 seconds if the control display has not been touched. Touch any button on the control panel and it will display again.
Sabbath Mode
Open the door when display is locked, press the Zone Select and Temp Control simultaneously for 5 second to enter and exit Sabbath mode. Activate Sabbath Mode to turn off interior lights, temperature control and advanced features. The compressor will run on a timed defrost when in Sabbath Mode. Sabbath Mode will last for 76 hours if you do not manually exit the mode.

Shelves and Pans

CAUTION Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. Glass shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact such as bumping or dropping. Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many small pieces if it breaks.
NOTE: Do not block air outlet by placing food items directly against it. Erratic temperatures may result. Adjustable Shelves
The height of the shelves can be adjusted to fit your storage needs.

Adjustable Shelves
The height of the shelves can be adjusted to fit your storage needs.

To relocate a shelf, lift the back edge first and pull the shelf forward.
To reinstall, put the shelf on the lugs on both sides and push it back until the shelf slides into the slots.

Fresh Zone Pan
This pan can use for storing vegetable, fruit, snack etc.
TempZone Pan
Adjust the pan temperature through temperature control panel. This pan can have 3 temperature settings 32°F,. 34°F, 36°F (0°C, 1.1°C, 2.2°C) and can be used as meat, beverage and deli storage.To remove pan, pull out pan (1), lift the pan cover slightly (2), tilt the pan up (3), pull the pan out (4). To remove the pan cover, lift the back edge and pull forward.

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FIG-4

Door Bins

Refrigerator Door Bins
The door bins can be removed for cleaning: Place hands on each side of the bin, lift it upwards (1) and pull it out (2). To reinstall the door bins, reverse the above steps.

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FIG-5

Freezer Drawers

To remove

Pull out the drawer to the maximum extent.
Lift the drawer and remove.
For second drawer, press and hold the stop limit to release and pull out 2nd drawer.

To install: To reinstall the drawers, reverse the above steps.

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning the Outside

Directions for Cleaning Outside Surfaces, Door Handles, and Trim

GE-APPLIANCES-GBE17HYRFS-Bottom-Freezer-Built-In-Refrigerator-Owner-
FIG-7

NOTE: DO NOT allow stainless steel cleaner to come in contact with any plastic parts such as trim pieces, handle hardware and liners. If unintentional contact of cleaners with plastic parts does occur, clean plastic part with a sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water.

Cleaning the Inside

To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.
If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning around switches, lights or controls.
Use warm water and baking soda solution-about a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter) of water. This both cleans and neutralizes odors. Rinse and wipe dry.

After cleaning the door gaskets, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the door gaskets at the hinge side. This helps keep the gaskets from sticking and bending out of shape.
CAUTION Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. Glass shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact such as bumping or dropping.
Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many small pieces if it breaks.
Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts in the dishwasher.

Moving the Refrigerator
Be careful when moving the refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.
Pull the refrigerator straight out and return it to position by pushing it straight in. Moving the refrigerator in a side direction, or leaning the unit to the corner to pull or push, may result in damage to the floor covering or refrigerator. When pushing the refrigerator back, make sure you don’t roll over the power cord or ice maker supply line (on some models). Adjust leveling legs and make sure the unit is leveled.

Light
This refrigerator has LED lighting. Call service if the light is broken or goes out.

Preparing for Vacation
For long vacations or absences, remove food and unplug the refrigerator. This refrigerator will remember the current setting when you plug it in again. Clean the interior with a baking soda solution of one tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to one quart (1 liter) of water. Leave the doors open.

Preparing to Move
Secure all loose items, such as shelves and drawers, by them to the case with tape. Be sure the refrigerator stays taping them securely in place to prevent damage. To prevent the doors from opening while moving, secure in an upright position during moving.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
IMPORTANT- Save these instructions for local inspector’s use.

IMPORTANT – Observe all governing codes and ordinances.
Note to Installer -Be sure to leave these instructions with the Consumer.
Note to Consumer Keep these instructions for future reference.
Skill level – Installation of this appliance requires basic mechanical skills.
Completion time- Refrigerator Installation 15 minutes
Reversing the Door Swing 15 minutes
Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.
roduct failure due to improper installation is not covered under the Warranty.

ROLLERS AND LEVELING LEGS
Leveling legs near each front corner of the refrigerator are adjustable. They firmly position the refrigerator and prevent it from moving when the doors are opened. Leveling legs should be set so the front of the refrigerator is raised just enough that the doors close easily when opened about halfway. Turn the leveling legs clockwise to raise the refrigerator, and counterclockwise to lower it.

REVERSE DOOR SWING
The door swing on this refrigerator can be reversed from right to left. For detail installation, please download the Owner’s Manual from website and follow the instruction in the manual.

REFRIGERATOR LOCATION

Do not install the refrigerator where the temperature will go below 55°F (12.7°C) because it will not run often enough to maintain proper temperatures.
Do not install the refrigerator where the temperature will go above 100°F (37°C) because it will not perform properly.
Do not install the refrigerator in a location exposed to water (rain, etc.) or direct sunlight.
Install it on a floor strong enough to support it fully loaded.

WARNING Follow all steps when reversing the door swing. Failure to follow these instructions, leaving off parts, or overtightening screws, can lead to the door falling off and result in injury and property damage.

IMPORTANT NOTES

When reversing the door swing:
Read the instructions all the way through before starting.
Tighten all hinge screws but avoid over-tightening to prevent stripping
Handle parts carefully to avoid scratching paint.
Set screws down by their related parts to avoid losing them.
Provide a non-scratching work surface for the doors.

Lifting Hazard The Refrigerator and Freezer doors are heavy. Use both hands to secure the doors before lifting.
Unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet.
Do not tilt the appliance more than 45° to prevent damace of the coolina svstem

TOOLS REQUIRED

Locate the necessary tools and unplug the appliance.
Remove the cover on the left side of the faceplate.
Remove the faceplate on the unit.
Remove the top plate at the top of the door.
Remove the hinge cover.
Unplug the connector cable.
Unscrew the upper hinge.
Lift the upper door carefully off of the lower hinge.
Turn the upper door upside down and change the door stop from the current position to the opposite side.
Unscrew the lower hinge from the case.
Change the position of the plugs on the case from one side to the other.
Remove the Freezer (Lower) Door.
Change the door stop at the bottom of the door from the current position to the opposite side.
Unscrew the bottom hinge. Change the bottom foot from the current position to opposite side.
Take out the new bottom hinge from the accessory bag and screw the new bottom hinge to the other side of the door opening on the case.
Lift the lower door, carefully, onto the bottom hinge so that the pivot fits into the hinge barrel.
Take out the new hinge from the accessory bag and screw the new middle hinge for the upper door to the other side of the door opening. Be sure to seat the hinge pivot into the hinge barrel of the lower door.
Lift the door, carefully, onto the middle hinge so that the pivot fits in to the hinge barrel.
Attach the upper hinge with the screws.
Place the connector cable, from the accessory bag, through the hinge cover and over the hinge.
Plug in the connector cable and fit it into the opening.
Replace faceplate and attach it with the screws. Reinstall the cover from the faceplate. Check that the door seals are all secured properly and all Screws are tightened.

Normal Operating Sounds

Newer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features and use newer technology.

Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.

The new high efficiency compressor may run faster and longer than your old refrigerator and you may hear a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while it is operating.
You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close. This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.
You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds. This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in, when the doors are opened frequently or when a large amount of food is added to the refrigerator or freezer compartments. The fans are helping to maintain the correct temperatures.

CLICKS, POPS, CRACKS and CHIRPS

You may hear cracking or popping sounds when the refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as the refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping sound when attempting to restart (this could take up to 5 minutes).
Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.

WATER SOUNDS

The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling coils may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.
Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a sizzling, popping or buzzing sound during the defrost cycle.
A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost cycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into the drain pan.
Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to pressure equalization.

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service. If needed, service can be scheduled by visiting us online GEAppliances.com or calling 800.GECARES 800.432.2737. In Canada visit GEAppliances.ca or call 800.561.3344.

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FIG-34

Refrigerator Limited Warranty

For US Customers, all warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care technician. To schedule service, on- line, 24 hours a day, visit us at GEAppliances.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). Please have serial number and model number available when calling for service. In Canada, call 800.561.3344.

For the Period of: One Year From the date of the original purchase GE Appliances Will Replace Any part of the refrigerator which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During the limited one-year warranty, GE Appliances will also provide, free of charge, all labor and related service to replace the defective part.

What is Not Covered:

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.
Loss of food due to spoilage.
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
Damage caused after delivery.
Replacement of the water filter cartridge, if included, due to water pressure that is outside the specified operating range or due to excessive sediment in the water supply.
Replacement of the light bulbs, if included, or water filter cartridge, if included, other than as noted above.
Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God. Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this appliance.
Product not accessible to provide required service.
Damage caused by a non-GE Appliances Brand water filter.
Damage to finish, such as surface rust, tarnish, or small blemishes not reported within 48 hours of delivery.
Products which are not defective, broken, or which are working as described in the owner’s manual.

EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES—Your sole and exclusive remedy is product repair as provided in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.

For US Customers: This limited warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding Owner for products purchased for home use within the USA. If the product is located in an area where service by a GE Appliances Authorized Servicer is not available, you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the product to an Authorized GE Appliances Service location for service. In Alaska, the limited 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 limited 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 Attornev General

Warrantor US: GE Appliances, a Haier company Louisville, KY 40225 For Customers in Canada: This limited warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding Owner for products purchased in Canada for home use within Canada. In-home warrant service wil be provided in areas where it is available and deemed reasonable by Mabe to provide. Warrantor Canada: MC Commercial, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 5B6

Consumer Support

GE Appliances Website
Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day, any day of the year! You can also shop for more great GE Appliances products and take advantage of all our on-line support services designed for your convenience. In the US: GEAppliances.com In Canada: GEAppliances.ca

Register Your Appliance
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. In the US: GEAppliances.com/register In the Canada: Prodsupport.mabe.calcrm/Products/ProductRegistration.aspx Schedule Service Expert GE Appliances repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and schedule your service at your convenience any day of the year. In the US: GEAppliances.com/service or call 800.432.2737 during normal business hours. In Canada: GEAppliances.ca/en/support/service-request or call 800.561.3344

Schedule Service
Expert GE Appliances repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and schedule your service at your convenience any day of the year. In the US: GEAppliances.com/service or call 800.432.2737 during normal business hours. In Canada: GEAppliances.ca/en/support/service-request or call 800.561.3344

Extended Warranties
Purchase a GE Appliances extended warranty and learn about special discounts that are available while your warranty is still in effect. You can purchase it on-line anytime. GE Appliances Services will still be there after your warranty expires. In the US: GEAPpliances.com/extended- warranty or call 800.626.2224 during normal business hours. In Canada: GEAppliances.ca/en/support/purchase- extended-warranty or call 800.290.9029

Remote Connectivity
For assistance with wireless network connectivity (for models with remote enable), visit our website at GEAppliances.com/connect or call 800.220.6899. In Canada: GEAppliances.ca/connected-home-smart- appliances/ or call 800.220.6899.

Parts and Accessories
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. In the US: GEApplianceparts.com or by phone at 877.959.8688 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. Customers in Canada should consult the yellow pages for the nearest Mabe service center, visit our website at GEAppliances.ca/en/products/parts-filters- accessories or call 800.661.1616.

Contact Us
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE Appliances, contact us on our Website with all the details including your phone number, or write to: In the US: General Manager, Customer Relations | GE Appliances, Appliance Park | Louisville, KY 40225 GEAppliances.com/contact In Canada: Director, Consumer Relations, Mabe Canada Inc. | Suite 310, 1 Factory Lane | Moncton, N.B. E1C OM3 GEAppliances.ca/en/contact-us