GE APPLIANCES GTX38GASWWS Washers and Dryers User Guide

DRYERS
OWNER’S MANUAL

GTX38GASWWS Washers and Dryers

Write the model and serial numbers here:
Model #
Serial #
They are on the label on the front of the dryer behind the door.

GE is a trademark of the General Electric Company. Manufactured under trademark license.

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.

SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE

WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, or injury to persons when using your appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following:

• Read all instructions before using the appliance.
• DO NOT dry articles that have been previously cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with gasoline, dry-cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances, as they give off vapors that could ignite or explode.
• DO NOT place items exposed to cooking oils in your dryer. Items contaminated with cooking oils may contribute to a chemical reaction that could cause a load to catch fire. To reduce the risk of fire due to contaminated loads, the final part of the tumble dryer cycle occurs without heat (cool down period). Avoid stopping a tumble dryer before the end of the drying cycle unless all items are quickly removed and spread out so that the heat is dissipated.
• DO NOT allow children to play on or in this appliance. Close supervision of children is necessary when this appliance is used near children.
• Before the appliance is removed from service or discarded, remove the door to the drying compartment.
• DO NOT reach into the appliance if the drum is moving.
• DO NOT install or store this appliance where it will be exposed to the weather.
• DO NOT tamper with controls.
• DO NOT climb or stand on this unit.
• DO NOT repair or replace any part of this appliance or attempt any servicing unless specifically recommended in the user-maintenance instructions or in published user-repair instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out.
• Follow all fabric care instructions and warnings to prevent melting of garments or damage to the appliance.
• DO NOT use fabric softeners or products to eliminate static unless recommended by the manufacturer of the fabric softener or product.
• DO NOT dry articles containing foam rubber or similarly textured rubber-like materials.
• Clean lint screen before or after each load.
• DO NOT operate the dryer without the lint filter in place.
• DO NOT store combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable liquids near the dryer. Keep area around the exhaust opening and adjacent surrounding areas free from the accumulation of lint, dust and dirt.
• The interior of the appliance and exhaust duct should be cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel.
• Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker before servicing. Pressing the Power or Start button DOES NOT disconnect power.
• DO NOT operate this appliance if it is damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled, or has missing or broken parts, including a damaged cord or plug.
• DO NOT spray any type of aerosol into, on or near dryer at any time. DO NOT use any type of spray cleaner when cleaning dryer interior. Hazardous fumes or electrical shock could occur.
• See “ELECTRICAL CONNECTION” located in the Installation Instructions for grounding instructions.

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

ADDITIONAL GAS DRYER WARNINGS

WARNING – Fire or Explosion Hazard
Failure to follow safety warnings exactly could result in serious injury, death, or property damage.
– DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
– WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:

• DO NOT try to light any appliance.
• DO NOT touch any electrical switch; DO NOT use any phone in your building.
• Clear the room, building, or area of any occupants.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

– Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier.

USING THE DRYER

Getting started
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION before operating this appliance.

WARNING – Fire Hazard

• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from dryer.
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had anything flammable on it (even after washing).
• No washer can completely remove oil.
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it (including cooking oils).
• Items containing foam, rubber, or plastic must be dried on a clothesline.
• Follow all fabric care instructions and warnings to prevent melting of garments or damage to the appliance.
• Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.

Getting started
IMPORTANT: Clean the lint filter each time you use the dryer.

A. Drying Cycles (Not all features are on all models)

items, and knits.
Delicates| For delicate items, special-care fabrics and knits.
Timed Dry| Set the Cycle Selector at the desired drying time.
Quick Fluff (on some models)| For freshening or fluffing up already dry clothing, fabrics, linens and pillows. Use with No Heat (on some models). Provides 10 minutes of no heat tumbling.

Sensor cycles automatically determine fabric dryness. Select Less dry if you want your clothes slightly damp at the end of the drying cycle. Select More dry if you want them to feel drier.
Timed cycles run for a selected time.

B. Temperature (Not all features are on all models)

low.
No Heat (on some models)| For fluffing items without heat. Use the Timed Dry cycle.

C. Start — Close the dryer door. Select Start. Opening the door during operation will stop the dryer.
To restart the dryer, close the door and select Start to complete the cycle.

NOTE: 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.

D. Extended Tumble Option (on some models)
Use this option to minimize the wrinkles in clothes. It provides approximately 15 minutes of no-heat tumbling after the clothes are dry.
This option can only be used with the Normal and Casuals cycles.
If you are using the cycle Sound knob and you select the Extended Tumble option, a signal will sound at the end of the drying time and several times during the Extended Tumble cycle. This will remind you that it is time to remove the clothes.
If Extended Tumble is not on, the dryer will stop once the timer reaches the Extended Tumble mark on the cycle dial.
E. Cycle Sound Option (on some models)
This signal will sound just before the end of the cycle to remind you to remove the clothes. On some models, the signal sound level cannot be adjusted.
If you selected the Extended Tumble option, the signal will sound at the end of the drying time and will sound several times during the Extended Tumble cycle. This will remind you that it is time to remove the clothes.

NOTE:

• Remove garments promptly at the sound of the signal. Place clothes on hangers so wrinkles won’t set in.
• Use the cycle Sound especially when drying fabrics like polyester knits and permanent press.
  These fabrics should be removed so wrinkles won’t set in.

Automatic Cycle Signal (on some models)
At the end of each cycle, there is approximately 15 minutes of no-heat tumbling after the laundry is dry. A reminder signal will sound periodically during this time to remind you to remove the laundry.

LOADING

Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Sorting and Loading Hints

WARNING – Fire Hazard

• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from dryer.
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had anything flammable on it (even after washing).
• No washer can completely remove oil.
• DO NOT dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it (including cooking oils).
• Items containing foam, rubber, or plastic must be dried on a clothesline.
• Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

As a general rule, if clothes are sorted properly for the washer, they are sorted properly for the dryer. Try also to sort items according to size. For example, do not dry a sheet with socks or other small items.
Do not add fabric softener sheets once the load has become warm. They may cause fabric softener stains. Bounce® Fabric Conditioner Dryer Sheets have been approved for use in this dryer when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not overload. This wastes energy and causes wrinkling.

Drying Rack (on some models)
A handy drying rack may be used for drying delicate items such as washable sweaters.

To install the drying rack:

1. Lift the lint filter slightly. (Do not remove the lint filter completely).
2. Place the rack in the dryer and lower its front legs and hook them in the slots.
3. Press the rack down flat and lower the lint filter back down in position.
   • The drying rack must be used with the Timed Dry cycle. Use with sensor cycles may result in damp items or extended cycle times.
   • Do not use this drying rack when there are other clothes in the dryer.
   • If your model did not come with a drying rack, order WE01X25160 on-line at GEApplianceparts.com, 24 hours a day or by phone at 877.959.8688 during normal business hours.

Lift filter and hook front rack legs in slots

CARE AND CLEANING

Interior and Duct
The interior of the appliance and exhaust duct should be cleaned once a year by qualified service personnel.
The Exhaust Duct: Inspect and clean the exhaust ducting at least once a year to prevent clogging. A partially clogged exhaust can lengthen the drying time.

Follow these steps:

1. Turn off electrical supply by disconnecting the plug from the wall socket.
2. Disconnect the duct from the dryer.
3. Vacuum the duct with the hose attachment and reconnect the duct.

The Exhaust Hood: Check with a mirror that the inside flaps of the hood move freely when operating. Make sure that there is no wildlife (birds, insects, etc.) nesting inside the duct or hood.

Exterior
Wipe or dust any spills or washing compounds with a damp cloth. Dryer control panel and finishes may be damaged by some laundry pretreatment soil and stain remover products. Apply these products away from the dryer. The fabric may then be washed and dried normally. Damage to your dryer caused by these products is not covered by your warranty.

Lint Filter
Clean the lint filter before each use.
Remove by pulling straight up. Run your fingers across the filter. A waxy buildup may form on the lint filter from using dryer added fabric softener sheets.
To remove this buildup, wash the lint screen in warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly and replace.
Vacuum the lint from the dryer lint filter area if you notice a change in dryer performance.
NEVER OPERATE THE DRYER WITHOUT ITS FILTER IN PLACE.

Stainless Steel
To clean stainless steel surfaces use a damp cloth with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner suitable for stainless steel surfaces. Remove the cleaner residue and then dry with a clean cloth.

Alloy Steel Drum (on some models)
The alloy steel used to make the dryer drum provides the highest reliability available in a GE Appliances dryer.
If the dryer drum should be scratched or dented during normal use, the drum will not rust or corrode. These surface blemishes will not affect the function or durability of the drum.

Drum Light (on some models)
Before replacing the light bulb, be sure to unplug the dryer power cord or disconnect the dryer at the household distribution panel by removing the fuse or switching off the circuit breaker.
Reach above dryer opening from inside the drum. Remove the bulb and replace with the same size bulb.

REVERSING THE DOOR

Tools needed:

◼ Standard #2
Phillips screwdriver
◼ Tape-tipped putty knife

1. Open the door and remove the filler plugs opposite the hinges. With the door completely open, remove the bottom screw from each hinge on the dryer face. Insert these screws about half way into the TOP holes, for each hinge, on the opposite side (where you removed the filler plugs). Apply firm pressure to get the screw started in new holes.
   REMOVE 4 PLUGS AND KEEP FOR INSERTION INTO THE OPPOSITE SIDE| REMOVE BOTTOM SCREW FROM EACH HINGE AND INSTALL HALF WAY INTO EACH TOP OF OPPOSITE HINGE HOLES
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2. Loosen top screw from each hinge on the dryer face half way. With one hand holding the top of the door and the other hand holding the bottom, remove the door from the dryer by lifting it UP and OUT.
   LOOSEN EACH TOP HINGE SCREW HALF WAY AND LIFT THE DOOR UP AND OFF

3. Remove the blind plate from the hinge side of the dryer by removing its two screws. Remove the strike plate from the opposite side of the dryer by removing its two screws. Reinstall the plates, on the opposite sides, using two screws in each plate.

4. Rotate the door 180°. Insert it on the opposite side of theopening by moving the door IN and DOWN until the top hinge and the bottom hinge are resting on the top screwsinserted in step 1.
   ROTATE DOOR 180º AND HANG IT ON TOP HINGE SCREWS

5. Remove the remaining screws from the side of the opening from which the door was removed. With these screws, secure each hinge at the bottom. Tighten the two top screws of each hinge. Reinsert the plastic plugs on the side from which the door was removed.
   INSTALL AND TIGHTEN BOTTOM SCREWS AND TIGHTEN TOP SCREWS| INSERT PLUGS INTO HOLES ON OPPOSITE SIDE
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   |

VENTING

Venting the Dryer
For the best drying performance, the dryer needs to be properly vented. The dryer will use more energy and run longer if it is not vented to the specifications below. Carefully follow the details on Exhausting in the Installation Instructions.

• Use only rigid metal 4” (10.2 cm) diameter ductwork inside the dryer cabinet. Use only rigid metal or UL listed flexible metal 4” (10.2 cm) diameter ductwork for exhausting to the outside.
• Do not use plastic or other combustible ductwork.
• Use the shortest length possible.
• Do not crush or collapse.
• Avoid resting the duct on sharp objects.
• Venting must conform to local building codes.

WARNING – Fire Hazard
This dryer MUST be exhausted to the outdoors.
Use only 4” (10.2 cm) rigid metal ducting for the home exhaust duct.
Use only 4” (10.2 cm) rigid metal or UL-listed dryer transition duct to connect the dryer to the home exhaust.
DO NOT use a plastic vent.
DO NOT exhaust into a chimney, kitchen exhaust, gas vent, wall, ceiling, attic, crawl space, or concealed space of a building.
DO NOT install a screen in or over the exhaust duct.
DO NOT install a booster fan in the exhaust duct.
DO NOT use duct longer than specified in the exhaust length table.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or fire.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Before you call for service

legs as necessary until even.
Clothes take too long to dry| Improper or obstructed ducting| Check the Installation Instructions to make sure the dryer venting is correct.
Make sure ducting is clean, free of kinks and unobstructed. Check to see if outside wall damper operates easily.
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.
Blown fuses or tripped circuit breaker| Replace fuses or reset circuit breakers.
NOTE: Some electric 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.
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 building’s fuse/circuit breaker box and replace fuse or reset breaker.
NOTE: Some electric dryers use two fuses/ breakers, make sure both are operating.
Dryer doesn’t heat| Fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped; the dryer may tumble but not heat| Check the building’s fuse/circuit breaker box and replace both fuses or reset both breakers. Your dryer may tumble if only one fuse is blown or one breaker tripped.
NOTE: Some electric dryers use 2 fuses/breakers, make sure both are operating.
Gas service is off (gas models only)| Make sure gas shutoff at dryer and main shutoff are fully open.
LP gas supply tank is empty or there has been a utility interruption of natural gas
(gas models only)| Refill or replace tank. Dryer should heat when utility service is restored.
No heat temperature selected| Select another heat setting
Inconsistent drying times| Type of heat| Drying time will vary according to the type of heat used. If you recently changed from an electric to a gas (natural or LP) dryer, or vice versa, the drying time could be different.
Type of load and drying conditions| The load size, types of fabric, wetness of clothes and the length and condition of the exhaust system will affect drying times.
Clothes are wrinkled| Overdrying| Select a shorter drying time.
Remove items while they still hold a slight amount of moisture. Select a Less Dry setting.
Letting items sit in dryer after cycle ends| Remove items when cycle ends and fold or hang immediately.
Overloading| Separate large loads into smaller ones.
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.
---|---|---
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| Clean lint screen before each load.
Improper sorting| Sort lint producers (like chenille) from lint collectors (like corduroy).
Static electricity can attract lint| See suggestions in this section under Static occurs.
Overloading| Separate large loads into smaller ones.
Paper, tissue, etc., left in pockets| Empty all pockets before laundering clothes.
Static occurs| No fabric softener was used| Try a fabric softener.
Bounce® Fabric Conditioner Dryer Sheets have been approved for use in all GE Appliances dryers when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Overdrying| Try a fabric softener. Adjust setting to Less Dry.
Synthetics, permanent press and blends can cause static| Try a fabric softener.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Staple your receipt here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

GE Appliances Dryer Limited Warranty

GEAppliances.com
All warranty service is provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care® technician. To schedule service online, visit us at GEAppliances.com/service, or call GE Appliances at 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). Please have your serial number and your model number available when calling for service.
Servicing your appliance may require the use of the onboard data port for diagnostics. This gives a GE Appliances factory service technician the ability to quickly diagnose any issues with your appliance and helps GE Appliances improve its products by providing GE Appliances with information on your appliance. If you do not want your appliance data to be sent to GE Appliances, please advise your technician not to submit the data to GE Appliances at the time of service.

One year
From the date of the original purchase| Any part of the dryer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this limited one- year warranty , we will also provide, free of charge , all labor and related service to replace the defective part.
(GTX52 model only) Five years
From the date of the original purchase| Any part of the dryer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this limited five- year warranty , we 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.
• Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
• Products which are not defective or broken, or which are working as described in the Owner’s Manual.
• Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
• Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this appliance.
• Defects or damage due to operation in freezing temperatures.
• Damage caused after delivery.
• Product not accessible to provide required service.
• Replacement of the light bulb.

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.

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 Attorney General.

Warrantor: GE Appliances, a Haier Company
Louisville, KY 40225

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 online anytime at GEAppliances.com/extended- warranty or call 800.626.2224 during normal business hours. GE Appliances Service will still be there after your warranty expires.

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. GEAppliances.com

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. GEAppliances.com/register

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. GEAppliances.com/service or call 800.432.2737 during normal business hours.

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. GEAppliances.com/extended-warranty or call 800.626.2224 during normal business hours.

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.
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.

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:
General Manager, Customer Relations | GE Appliances, Appliance Park | Louisville, KY 40225
GEAppliances.com/contact

Printed in Mexico
49-3000367 Rev 1

References

• Appliance Parts, Accessories & Water Filters | GE Appliances
• Connect Your Smart Appliances
• Contact Us or Get Help with Questions | GE Appliances
• Bodewell Care Protection Plans
• GEAppliances.com/register
• Appliance Repair Service and Support | GE Appliances

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