GE APPLIANCES FCM9SRWW Manual Defrost Chest Freezer Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: GE Appliances

Table of Contents

SAFETY INFORMATION
INSTALLATION
Operation
Features
Defrosting Instructions
- For Complete Defrosting
Care And Cleaning
Preparing of Installation
Notes
Freezer Limited Warranty
Consumer Support
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

OWNER’S MANUAL
AND INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Chest—Manual Defrost Model:
FCM9SRWW, FCM11SRWW

Write the model and serial numbers here:
Model #
Serial #
You can find the rating label on the right-hand side of the freezer above the machine compartment cover.

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

SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE

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

This freezer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.
Unplug the freezer before making repairs or cleaning.
NOTE: Power to the freezer 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 lid from any freezer 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.

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

Do not clean the freezer with warm water when it is cold. Components may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact, such as bumping or dropping.
Keep fingers out of the “pinch point” areas; clearances between the lid and cabinet are necessarily small. Be careful closing lid 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 that have thawed completely.

INSTALLATION

WARNING
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 the refrigerator in accordance with 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.

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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 hazards 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.
The freezer 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. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only your freezer be provided. Use an outlet that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension cord. 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 the plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.
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 freezer away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD APPLIANCE

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 appliances are still dangerous even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old appliance, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents.
Before You Throw Away Your Old Freezer:

Take off the freezer lid.
Leave the baskets in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

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

Operation

Starting the Freezer

Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Care and Cleaning).
Connect the cord to a power outlet.
Make sure the temperature control is set at 4 (recommended setting) between 1 (least cold) to 7 (coldest).
Allow the freezer to operate for at least 6 to 8 hours before placing food inside.

Features

Controls

Freezer Status Lights
RED: The red light will turn on automatically when the temperature of the freezer is too high, above 23°F (-5°C). It will go off once the temperature is below 23°F (-5°C).

GREEN: The green light is the indicator light and assures you that your freezer is running. If the indicator light is not glowing, immediately check for power interruption, unplugged power cord, open circuit breaker, blown fuse, or burned-out indicator light. If the light is burned out, contact the service for a replacement.

Temperature Control Dial
Turn using a coin in the slot to adjust the freezer temperature between 1 and 7.
WARNING
The freezer must be unplugged to avoid electrical hazards from the power source when installing, cleaning, or repairing the freezer

Recommended Grounding Method
A 115 Volt, 60 Hz, AC only, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical supply is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only your freezer be provided. Use an outlet that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension cord.
Sliding Basket
Store small packages in the basket to avoid losing them in the bottom of the freezer. The basket can be moved from side to side or it can be removed when loading or unloading the food below it. To remove the basket, lift it straight up and out. To replace the basket, lower the basket back into place.

Defrosting Instructions

In most climates, defrosting will be necessary only about twice a year.
To have your freezer operate most efficiently, do not permit more than 1/4″ (6 mm) thickness of frost, on average, to accumulate on the walls.
To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper.
Do not use boiling water as it may damage the freezer.
WARNING
Risk of fire or explosion. The flammable refrigerant used. To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper. Do not use an ice pick or metal or sharp-edged instrument as it may puncture the freezer liner and then the flammable refrigerant tubing behind it. Do not use any electrical device to defrost your freezer.

For Complete Defrosting

Turn the temperature control to the far left OFF setting and unplug the freezer.
Remove all food and place it in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and newspapers for insulation as needed.
Place a tray (not included) in front of the freezer, beneath the exterior drain plug to collect the water. Remove the exterior drain plug and the interior drain plug. This allows the water to flow out into the tray.
With the lid open, you may choose to use pans of hot tap water (less than 120° F) to speed defrosting. Directing air from an electric fan into the freezer will also help. Do not place a fan or any electrical device in the freezer. Remove large pieces before they melt.
Wipe water from the walls with a towel or sponge.
After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
Replace the drain plugs.
Plugin the freezer. Return the temperature control to its previous position and return food to the freezer.

WARNING
The freezer must be unplugged to avoid electrical hazards from the power source when defrosting the unit.

Care And Cleaning

Cleaning Your Freezer

Outside. Protect the paint finish. The 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.
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.
NOTICE:
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.
■ 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.
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. DO NOT wash removable parts in a dishwasher.
An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box every three months.

CAUTION
Damp objects stick to cold metal surfaces. DO NOT touch interior metal surfaces with wet or damp hands.

In Case of Extended Power Failure

Keep the freezer lid closed. Your freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm air is not admitted.
If the freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or more, add dry ice. Leave the ice in large pieces. Add more ice as required.
Preparing to Move to Turn the temperature control to OFF. Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet. Remove foods, defrost (on Manual Defrost models) and clean the freezer.
Secure all loose items such as baskets by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

CAUTION
Handling of dry ice can cause freezing of the hands—gloves or other protection is recommended.

If dry ice is not available, move food to a frozen food locker temporarily—until power is restored.

Be sure the freezer stays in an upright position during actual moving and during transportation. The freezer must be secured during transportation to prevent movement. Protect outside of freezer with a blanket.

Preparing for Vacation
To maintain the 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 24 hours.
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 the power cord plug from the wall outlet. To prevent the formation of odors, place an open box of baking soda in the freezer and leave the freezer lid open.

Save Money and Energy

The freezer should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat-producing appliances or heating ducts, and out of direct sunlight.
Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing them in the freezer. Overloading the freezer forces the compressor to run longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality or spoil.
Be sure to wrap foods properly, and wipe containers dry before placing them in the freezer. This cuts down on frost buildup inside the freezer.
Freezer baskets should not be lined with aluminum foil, wax paper, or paper towels. Liners interfere with cold air circulation, making the freezer less efficient.
Organize and label food to reduce lid openings and extend searches. Remove as many items as needed at one time, and close the lid as soon as possible.

Preparing of Installation

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.
Do not install the freezer where the temperature will go below 0°F (-18°C) or above 110°F (43°C), because it will not maintain proper temperatures.
Do not install the freezer in a location exposed to rainwater or direct sunlight.
Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.

Level Freezer
Level the freezer from side to side and front to back so that the lid will seal properly. Use shims to level the freezer if necessary.
NOTE: It should not be necessary to remove the lid during installation. If, for some reason, the hinges need adjustment, call a professional service company..

Clearances and Ventilation
Allow at least 2″ (50.8 mm) clearance on both sides of the freezer and 2″ (50.8 mm) between the back of the freezer and the wall. Leave room above the freezer to open the lid. Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from the freezer.
Do not cover the freezer with items such as blankets, sheets, tablecloths, etc. This reduces air circulation.

Lid Removal
CAUTION
LIFTING HAZARD
The lid is heavy. Use both hands to secure the lid before lifting.

CAUTION
HINGE SPRING UNDER TENSION
If it is necessary to remove the lid, follow these steps:

Remove the lower part of the hinge cover and then remove the upper part.
Open the lid to the maximum position. (The hinges are loosest at this position.)
Remove the 4 screws from the upper part of the hinge and lid.
To reinstall the lid follow steps in reverse. Tighten all hinge screws but avoid over-tightening to prevent stripping. Reinstall hinge covers.

Troubleshooting Tips… Before you call for service
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
The freezer does not operate	Temperature control set
to OFF position.	Turn the temperature control to a setting

between 1 and 7.
The freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.| Replace the fuse or reset the breaker.
Freezer starts/stops too frequently| Lid left open.| Check to see if the package is holding the lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lidless often.
Temperature control set too cold.| See About the operation of your freezer.
The freezer operates too long| Lid left open.| Check to see if the package is holding the lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lidless often.
Temperature control set too cold.| See About the operation of your freezer.
Inadequate air circulation space around the cabinet.| See Preparing to install the freezer.
Room or outside weather is hot.| It’s normal for the freezer to work harder under these conditions.
The freezer has been disconnected recently for a period of time.| It takes 6-8 hours for the freezer to cool down completely.
Large amounts of warm or hot food have been stored recently.| Warm food will cause the freezer to run more until the desired temperature is reached
Noisy operation or cabinet vibrates| The floor may be weak, causing the freezer to vibrate when the compressor is on.| Check to make sure the freezer is located on a solid floor and use shims, as needed, to level the unit.
The cabinet is not positioned solidly on the floor.| See Preparing to install the freezer. Use shims, as needed, to level the unit.
The freezer is touching the wall.| Level freezer or move slightly. See Level Freezers.
Freezer temperature too warm| Lid left open.| Check to see if the package is holding the lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lidless often.
Temperature control is set too warm.| Turn control to a colder setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.
Large amounts of water or hot food may have been stored recently.| Wait until the freezer has had a chance to reach its selected temperature.
The freezer has been disconnected recently.| The freezer requires 6-8 hours to cool down completely.
Foods defrosting| Temperature control set to OFF position.| Turn the temperature control to a setting between 1 and 7.
The freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.| Replace the fuse or reset the breaker.
Lid left open.| Check to see if the package is holding the lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lidless often.
Freezer temperature too cold| Temperature control set too cold.| See About the operation of your freezer.
Problem| Possible Causes| What To Do
---|---|---
Moisture forms on the outside of the cabinet| Not unusual during periods of high humidity.| Wipe surface dry.
The lid may not be seating properly, causing cold air from inside the freezer to meet warm moist air from the outside.| See Preparing to install the freezer.
Interior light does not work| No power at outlet.| Replace the fuse or reset the breaker.
The freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The lid won’t fully close by itself| Package holding lid open.| Move package to a different location.
Slow starting time after being off| Built-in overload protection.| This is normal after being off.
Excessive frost buildup| Lid left open.| Check to see if the package is holding the lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lidless often.
Not unusual during periods of high humidity.| Wipe surface dry.
Freezer external surface temperature is warm| The external freezer walls can be as much as 30°F warmer than room temperature.| This is normal while the compressor works to transfer heat from inside the freezer cabinet.
Louder sound levels whenever freezer is on| Modern freezers have increased storage capacity and more stable temperatures. They require a high- efficiency compressor.| This is normal. When the surrounding noise level is low, you might hear the compressor running while it cools the interior.
Higher sound levels when compressor comes on| The freezer operates at higher pressures during the start of the ON cycle.| This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as the freezer continues to run.
Popping or cracking sound when compressor comes on| Metal parts undergo expansion and contraction, as in hot water pipes.| This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as the freezer continues to run.
Bubbling or gurgling sound, like boiling water| Refrigerant (used to cool freezer) is circulating throughout the system.| This is normal.
Moisture forms on inside freezer walls| The weather is hot and humid, which increases the internal rate of frost buildup.| This is normal.
The lid may not be seated properly.| See Preparing to install the freezer.
The lid is kept open too long or is opened too frequently.| Open the lidless often.
Odors in freezer| The interior needs to be cleaned.| Clean interior with sponge, warm water, and baking soda.
Foods with strong odors are in the freezer.| Cover the food tightly.

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.

Notes

Freezer 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. In Canada, call 800.661.1616.

For the Period of:	GE Appliances 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 the limited one-year warranty, GE Appliances will also provide, free of charge, all labor and related services to replace the defective part.

What GE Appliances Will Not Cover:

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.
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.
Product not accessible to provide required service.

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 Attorney General.

Warrantor: GE Appliances, a Haier company
Louisville, KY 40225
For Customers in Canada: This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased in Canada for home use within Canada. In-home warranty service will be provided in areas where it is available and deemed reasonable by Mabe to provide.
Warrantor Canada: MC Commercial, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 5B6
Staple your receipt here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

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 online support services designed for your convenience. In the US: GEAppliances.com In Canada: GEAppliances.ca

Register Your Appliance
Register your new appliance online 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 Canada: Prodsupport.mabe.ca/crm/Products/ProductRegistration.aspx

Schedule Service
Expert GE Appliances repair service is only one step away from your door. Get online 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 online 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 866.277.9842

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 online 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 I GE Appliances, Appliance Park I Louisville, KY 40225 GEAppliances.com/contact In Canada: Director, Consumer Relations, Mabe Canada Inc. I Suite 310, 1 Factory Lane I Moncton, N.B. El C 9M3 GEAppliances.ca/en/contact- us

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. 49-1000547 Rev. 2 08-21 GEA