GE IM-5A Icemaker Accessory Kit Owner’s Manual
- June 3, 2024
- GE
Table of Contents
IM-5A Icemaker Accessory Kit
Owner’s Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards
that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the
safety alert symbol and the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, or “CAUTION”. These
words are defined as:
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION
Do not place finges or hands in the automatic icemaking mechanism while the
refrigerator is plugged in. This will help protect you from possible injury.
It will also prevent interference with moving parts of the ejector mechanism
and the heating element that releases the cubes, located on the bottom of the
icemaker.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
About the automatic icemaker.
A newly-installed refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice.
Automatic Icemaker
The icemaker will produce seven cubes cubes in a 24-hour period, depending on
freezer compartment temperature, room temperature, number of door openings and
other use conditions.
If the refrigerator is operated before the water connection is made to the
icemaker, set the power switch in 0 (OFF)the position.
When the refrigerator has been connected to the water supply, set the power
switch to theI (ON) position, the icemaker power light will turn green.
The icemaker will fill with water when it cools to 15°F (-10°C). A newly-
installed refrigerator may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice cubes.
You will hear a buzzing sound each time the icemaker fills with water.
Throw away the first few batches of ice to allow the water line to clear.
Be sure nothing interferes with the sweep of the feeler arm.
When the bin fills to the level of the feeler arm, the icemaker will stop
producing ice.
It is normal for several cubes to be joined together.
NOTE: If ice is not used frequently, old ice cubes will become cloudy, taste
stale and shrink.
In homes with lower-than-average water pressure, you may hear the icemaker
cycle multiple times when making one batch of ice.
NOTE:
Set the power switch to the0 (OFF) position if the water supply is shut off.
Preparing for Vacation
Set the icemaker power switch in the 0 (OFF) position and shut off the water
supply to the refrigerator.
If the temperature can drop below freezing, have a qualified servicer drain
the water supply system (on some models) to prevent serious property damage
due to flooding.
When you should set the icemaker power switch to OFF
- When the ice storage bin is removed for more than a minute or two.
- When the water supply will be shut off for several hours.
- When the refrigerator will not be used for several days.
Normal sounds you may hear
-
The icemaker water valve will buzz when the icemaker fills with water. If the power switch is in the ON position, it will buzz even if it has not yet been hooked up to water.
Keeping the power switch in the ON position before it is hooked up to water can damage the icemaker. To prevent this, move the power switch to the OFF position. This will stop the buzzing. -
The sound of cubes dropping into the bin and water running in the pipes as the icemaker refills.
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the following chart first and you may not need to
call for service.
| Problem | Possible Causes | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic icemaker does not work | Freezer compartment too warm. | • After |
installing the kit allow the refrigerotor to completely cool down for 24
hours. Once the comportment is coot the icemaker will begin ice production.
Icemaker is not turned on.| • Move the icemaker power switch to the I (ON)
position.
Icemaker is not plugged in correctly.| • Check that the icemaker cord plug is
fully inserted into the socket See Plug in
the icemaker.
Water line kinked.| • Check that the plastic water line running from the valve
to the fill tube is not kinked. See Connect the waterline. A kink in the water
line will restrict flow to the icemaker.
Water supply turned off or not connected.| • After installing the kit make
sure the house water supply to the refrigerator has been turned on.
Piled up cubes in the storage bin cause the icemaker to shut off.| • Level
cubes by hand.
Water valve is not plugged in correctly.| • Check that the valve wire
connector is completely plugged onto the terminals on the water valve.
See Attach the water valve.
Leaking water around the fill cup| Fill tube not correctly seated in the fill
cup.| • Check that the fill tube is correctly inserted in the fill cup
opening. See Mount the icemaker.
---|---|---
Slow ice/freezer not cold enough| Door left open.| • Check to see if food
items are holding door open.
Temperature control not set cold enough.| • See About the Temperature Control
in the Owner’s Manual of the refrigerator.
Ice cubes too small/ slow ice| Water shutoff valve connecting refrigerator to
house water line may be clogged.| • We recommend drilling a 1/4″ hole in the
water pipe to connect the water shut-off valve. Failure to drill a 1/4″ hole
may result in reduced ice production or smaller cubes.
See Installing the water line.
Water line kinked.| • Check that the plastic water line running from the valve
to the fill tube is not kinked. See Connect the water line. A kink in the
water line will restrict flow to the icemaker.
Ice cubes not landing in bucket| Bucket misalignment| • Be sure the bucket is
correctly placed as stated in Step 8 in Installation Instructions.
Ice cubes have odor/taste| Bucket needs cleaning.| • Empty and wash the bucket
Discord old cubes.
Food transmitting odor/taste to ice cubes.| • Wrap foods well.
Interior of refrigerator needs cleaning.| • See Core and cleaning in the
Owners Manual of the refrigerator.
Frequent “buzzing” sound| Normal operation.| • During normal operation, the
water valve will “buzz” when the icemaker fills with water.
Installation Instructions
Questions? Call 1.800.561.3344 or Visit our Website at: GEAppliances.ca
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 basic mechanical and electrical skills.
- Completion time
- Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.
- Product failure due to improper installation is not covered under the Warranty.
ARE YOU REPLACING AN ICEMAKER WITH THIS KIT?
It’s important that you use the water valve and fill tube assembly that comes
with this kit, even though your refrigerator may already have them installed.
The old valve will not allow enough water through to fill the icemaker
properly and will cause damage.
DAMAGE – SHIPMENT/INSTALLATION
- If the unit is damaged in shipment, return the unit to the store in which it was bought for repair or replacement.
- If the unit is damaged by the customer, repair or replacement is the responsibility of the customer.
- If the unit is damaged by the installer (if other than the customer), repair or replacement must be made by arrangement between customer and installer.
CONTENTS OF KIT IM-5A
- NOTE : Screw lengths are the lengths of the threaded portion of the screw, not including the head.
ICEMAKER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS –
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read each step thoroughly before proceeding.
- WARNING To eliminate the risk of electric shock or injury during installation, you must first unplug the refrigerator before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electrical shock.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
-
REVOCTELTUOEHTEVOMER
Go to the back of the refrigerator, and peel off the outlet cover.
-
INSTALL FILL TUBE
On the (9) there is adhesive backing. Remove the adhesive backing and slide the tube into the hole near the middle at the back of the refrigerator. Firmly press on the fill tube assembly to secure it to the refrigerator by clipping the bottom tab. Drive the (11) through the grommet.
-
PREPARE FOR INSTALLATION
Remove the top full-width basket on freezer drawer:
A. Pull the basket out to the stop location.
B. Lift the basket up to release it from the slides.
When replacing the basket, make sure that the basket remains mounted on the side rails and over the slides of the bottom basket. Remove the outlet cover with a flat-blade screwdriver. -
SET POWER SWITCH TO OFF
Set the icemaker power switch to 0 (OFF).
Leave the power switch in the 0 (OFF) position until the refrigerator is connected to the water supply to prevent premature operation.
-
INSTALL THE ICEMAKER FILL CUP
Install the icemaker fill cup (10) into the (1) icemaker as shown.
If the fill
cup has been installed, go to the next step. -
MOUNT THE ICEMAKER
screw Slide the icemaker onto the icemaker support, and drive the (8).
Make sure:
• Icemaker slots fit in the support guides.
• The fill tube extends into the fill cup.
• The icemaker power switch is set to0 (OFF).
-
PLUG IN THE ICEMAKER
Insert the into the socket on the side wall, making sure the prongs and holes are matched. Press the plug firmly into the socket. Lock the plug in place by clipping the restraints onto each side of the plug. Route the icemaker power cord as shown to hide the cord behind the icemaker. -
INSTALL THE ICE BUCKET
Place the ice bucket (6) under the icemaker.
-
ATTACH WARRANTY LABEL
A label (5) is provided with this kit to record the date of installation for warranty purposes. Apply it to the back of the refrigerator. -
KEEP THIS MANUAL
The warranty for the icemaker is printed in this manual. Keep this manual with your Refrigerator Owner’s Manual.
The icemaker installation inside the freezer is now complete. Continue to the Water Valve Assembly section.
-
WATER VALVE ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS – T
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read each step thoroughly before proceeding.
• WARNING To eliminate the risk of electric shock or injury during installation, you must first unplug the refrigerator before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electrical shock.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
-
REMOVE THE COVER
Use a 5/16″ nutdriver or an adjustable wrench to remove the compressor compartment access cover. This requires removing six screws which attach the cover to the back of the refrigerator case. Be sure to save the screws as the access cover must be reinstalled later to ensure your refrigerator will function properly.
-
PLASTIC WATER TUBING
• Use the water line from the fill tube assembly.
Route the fill tube water line through the clip on the valve pushing it into the quick-connect on the valve. The white line will be barely visible if properly engaged. -
ATTACH THE WATER VALVE TO THE MACHINE COMPARTMENT
• Locate the female connector plug (A). Plug the female connector onto the male terminals on the (3). Either wire can go on either terminal. • Fasten the water valve to the cabinet by driving the hex-head screw (7) from the kit through the hole in the bracket extension and into the hole in the cabinet. -
ROUTE AND ATTACH THE PLASTIC WATER LINE
• Fasten the plastic water line to the back of the cabinet with adhesive- backed fastener (4).
-
WATER VALVE INSTALLED
Refer to the Water Line Installation Instructions for connection to the home water supply. After water line installation is completed, set the icemaker power switch to I (ON).
The icemaking cycle will not begin until the icemaker and freezer compartment reach operating temperature, then icemaking will begin automatically.
INSTALLING THE WATER LINE
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Recommended copper water supply kits are WX8X2. WX8X3 or
WX8X4. depending on the amount of tubing you need. Approved plastic water
supply lines are GE SmartConnect- Refrigerator Tubing (WX08X10002, WX08X10006.
WX08X10015 and WX08X10025).
When connecting your refrigerator to a GE Reverse Osmosis Water System, the
only approved installation is with a GE RVKit. For other reverse osmosis water
systems, follow the manufacturers recommendations. if the water supply to the
refrigerator is from a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System AND the
refrigerator also has a water filter, use the refrigerator’s filter bypass
plug. Using the refrigerators water filtration cartridge in conjunction with
the RO filter can result in hollow ice cubes and slower water flow from the
water dispenser.
This water line installation is not warranted by the refrigerator or icemaker
manufacturer. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of
expensive water damage. Water hammer (water banging in the pipes) in house
plumbing can cause damage to refrigerator parts and lead to water leakage or
flooding. Call a qualified plumber to correct water hammer before installing
the water supply line to the refrigerator. To prevent burns and product
damage. do not hook up the water line to the hot water line.
If you use your refrigerator before connecting the water line, make sure the
icemaker power switch is in the OFF position.
Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas where temperatures fall below
freezing.
When using any electrical device (such as a power drill) during installation,
be sure the device is double insulated or grounded in a manner to prevent the
hazard of electric shock, or is battery powered.
All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements.
WARNING
Connect to potable water supply only.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Copper or GE SmartConnect'” Refrigerator Tubing kit. 1/4″ outer diameter to connect the refrigerator to the water supply if using copper, be sure both ends of the tubing ore cut square.
To determine how much tubing you need: measure the distance from the water valve on the back of the refrigerator to the water supply pipe. Then add 8 feet 12.4 m). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing )about 8 feet (2A m) coiled into 3 turns of about 10″ (25 cm) diameter) to allow the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation.
GE SmartConnecr Refrigerator Tubing Kits are available in the following lengths:
2’1.6 m) – WX08X10002
8.12.4 m) – WX08X10006
15′(4.6 m) – WX08X10015
2517.6 ml – WX08X10025
Be sure that the kit you select allows of least 8 feet (2.4 m) as described
above.
NOTE: The only GE approved plastic tubing is that supplied in GE
SmartConnect- Refrigerator Tubing kits. Do not use any other plastic water
supply line because the line is under pressure at all times. Certain types of
plastic will crack or rupture with age and cause water damage to your home.
- A GE water supply kit (containing tubing. shutoff valve and fittings listed below) is available at extra cost from your dealer or from Parts and Accessories 1-888-261-3055
- A cold water supply. The water pressure must be between 20 and 120 p.s.i. (1.4-8.2 bar) on models without a water filter and between 40 and 120 p.s.i. (2.8-8.2 bor) on models with o water filter.
- Power drill.
- 1/2″ or adjustable wrench.
- Straight and Phillips blade screwdriver.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED (CONT.)
- Two 1/4″ outer diameter compression nuts and 2 ferrules (sleeves)—to connect the copper tubing to the shutoff valve and the refrigerator water valve. OR • if you are using a GE SmartConnect- Refrigerator Tubing kit, the necessary fittings are preassembled to the tubing.
- If your existing copper water line has o flared fitting at the end, you will need an adapter (available at plumbing supply stores) to connect the water line to the refrigerator OR you can cut off the flared fitting with a tube cutter and then use o compression fitting. Do not cut formed end from GE SmartConnect- Refrigerator tubing.
- Shutoff valve to connect to the cold water line. The shutoff valve should have a water inlet with a minimum inside diameter of 5/32″ at the point of connection to the COLD WATER LINE. Saddle-type shutoff valves are included in many water supply kits. Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve complies with your local plumbing codes.
Install the shutoff valve on the nearest frequently used drinking water line.
-
SHUT OFF THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY Turn on the nearest faucet long enough to clear the line of water.
-
CHOOSE THE VALVE LOCATION Choose a location for the valve that is easily accessible. It is best to connect into the side of a vertical water pipe. When it is necessary to connect into a horizontal water pipe, make the connection to the top or side, rather than at the bottom, to avoid drawing off any sediment from the water pipe.
-
DRILL THE HOLE FOR THE VALVE Drill a 1/4″ hole in the water pipe leven if using a self-piercing valvel using a sharp bit. Remove any burrs resulting from drilling the hole in the pipe. Take care not to allow water to drain into the drill. Failure to drill o 1/4″ hole may result in reduced ice production or smaller cubes.
-
FASTEN THE SHUTOFF VALVE Fasten the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe clamp.
-
TIGHTEN THE PIPE CLAMP
Tighten the clamp screws until the sealing washer begins to swell.
NOTE : Do not overtighten or you may crush the tubing. -
ROUTE THE TUBING
Route the tubing between the cold water line and the refrigerator. Route the tubing through a hole drilled in the wall or floor (behind the refrigerator or adjacent base cabinet) as close to the wall as possible.
NOTE : Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing (about 8 feet [244 cm) coiled into 3 turns of about 10″ (25 cm) diameter) to allow the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation. -
CONNECT THE TUBING TO THE VALVE
Place the compression nut and ferrule (sleeve) for copper tubing onto the end of the tubing and connect it to the shutoff valve.
Make sure the tubing is fully inserted into the valve. Tighten the compression nut securely. For plastic tubing from a GE SmartConnect” Refrigerator Tubing kit, insert the molded end of the tubing into the shutoff valve and tighten compression nut until it is hand tight, then tighten one additional turn with a wrench. Overtightening may cause leaks.
-
FLUSH OUT THE TUBING
Turn the main water supply on and flush out the tubing until the water is clear. Shut the water off at the water valve after about one quart Cl liter) of water has been flushed through the tubing.
-
CONNECT THE TUBING TO THE REFRIGERATOR
NOTES :
• Before making the connection to the refrigerator, be sure the refrigerator power cord is not plugged into the wall outlet
• If your refrigerator does not have a water filter, we recommend installing one if your water supply has sand or particles that could clog the screen of the refrigerators water valve. Install it in the water line near the refrigerator. if using GE SmartConnecr Refrigerator Tubing kit, you will need an additional tube (WX08X10002) to connect the filter. Do not cut plastic tube to install filter.
Remove the plastic flexible cap from the water valve (valve connection). Place the compression nut and ferrule (sleeve) onto the end of the tubing as shown. On GE SmartConnect ™ Refrigerator Tubing kit, the nuts are already assembled to the tubing.
Insert the end of the tubing into the water valve connection as far as possible. While holding the tubing, tighten the fitting.
For plastic tubing from a GE SmartConnect Refrigerator Tubing kit, insert the molded end of the tubing into the refrigerator connection and tighten compression nut until it is hand tight, then tighten one additional turn with a wrench.
Overtightening may cause leaks.
Fasten the tubing into the clamp provided to hold it in a vertical position. You may need to pry open the clamp.
-
TURN THE WATER ON AT THE SHUTOFF VALVE
Tighten any connections that leak. -
REINSTALL THE COVER
Reinstall the compressor compartment access cover. This requires using the screws you removed previously to reattach the cover to the back of the refrigerator case. This must be reinstalled for your refrigerator to function properly. -
INSTALLING THE REFRIGERATOR
Plug in the refrigerator.
Arrange the coil of tubing so that it does not vibrate against the back of the refrigerator or against the wall. Push the refrigerator back to the wall. -
START THE ICEMAKER
Set the icemaker power switch to the ON position.
The icemaker will not begin to operate until it Reaches its operating temperature of 15°F (-9°C) or below. It will then begin operation automatically if the icemaker power switch is in the ON position.
-
Icemaker Warranty.
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized
Customer Care®technician. To schedule service, on-line, visit us at
GEAppliances.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). In Canada, call
1.800.561.3344. Please have serial number and modelnumber available when
calling for service. ”
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the
warranty.
For The Period Of:
One Year
From the date of the During original purchase
We Will Replace:
Any part of the icemaker which fails due to a defect in materials or
workmanship.
During this limited one-year warranty, GE will provide, free of charge,
replacement parts for any defective part in your icemaker kit.
What Is Not Covered (for customers in the United States):
- Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
- Improper installation.
- You are responsible for providing adequate electrical, plumbing, and other connecting facilities, including the water line to the icemaker and the water line installation.
- 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.
- 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.
This 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 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 Service location for service. 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. To know what your legal rights are,
consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney
General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225
What Is Not Covered (for customers in Canada):
-
Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
Read your Owner’s Manual. If you then have any questions about operating the product, please contact your dealer or our Consumer Relations office at:
Manager, Consumer Relations
Mabe Canada Inc.
1 Factory Lane, Suite 310
Moncton, N.B.
E1C 9M3 -
Improper installation.
If you have an installation problem, contact your dealer or installer. You are responsible for providing adequate electrical, exhausting and other connecting facilities. -
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
-
Failure of the product if it is misused, or used for other than the intended purpose or used commercially.
-
Damage to product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Warrantor: MABE CANADA INC.
Documents / Resources
| GE
IM-5A Icemaker Accessory
Kit
[pdf] Owner's Manual
IM-5A Icemaker Accessory Kit, IM-5A, IM-5A Icemaker, Icemaker, Icemaker
Accessory Kit, Icemaker Kit
---|---
References
- Magasin GE Canada | Homepage
- The Next Generation and Future of GE | General Electric
- GE Appliances Canada | Homepage
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