GE Appliances FCM5 Chest Freezers Owner’s Manual

: June 3, 2024
: GE Appliances

Table of Contents

GE Appliances FCM5 Chest Freezers
Instruction
- CONNECTING ELECTRICITY
- PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD APPLIANCE
Using the Freezer
Defrosting Instructions
Care And Cleaning
- Preparing to Move
- Preparing for Vacation
Preparing to Install the Freezer
Troubleshooting Tips… Before you call for service
Freezer Limited Warranty
- What GE Appliances Will Not Cover
Consumer Support
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

GE Appliances FCM5 Chest Freezers

Instruction

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.
Keep flammable materials and vapors away from the freezer.
Do not store exploSIve substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance. Do not use an extension cord.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk of injury when using your freezer, follow these basic safety precautions.
Do not clean 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 shildron arn in tha aroa.
Do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer compartment when hands are damp or wet, skin may stick to these extremely cold surtaces.
Do not refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely

CONNECTING ELECTRICITY

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
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.
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. 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 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

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.
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.

Using the Freezer

Starting the Freezer

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

Temperature Control
If you want colder or warmer temperatures, adjust the control one step at a time.
Allow several hours after each one-step adjustment for the freezer temperature to stabilize. Process but does not shut off power to the freezer.

Power-On Light (on some models)
The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer is properly connected to the electrical power.
The light glows even when the temperature control is turned off.

Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
The lock is spring loaded so the key cannot be left in the lock. To lock or unlock, press the key in while turning. If the key is lost, contact your dealer for a replacement or go to GEApplianceParts.com. Always give the model and serial number of the freezer when requesting a replacement key.
To prevent a child from being entrapped, keep the key out of reach of children and away from the freezer.

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 1/2″ (13 mm) of frost to accumulate.

For Complete Defrosting

Turn the temperature control to 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.
With the door/lid open, use pans of hot water to speed loosening of frost. Remove large pieces before they melt. Chest models have a defrost water drain at the front. Remove the defrost drain cap from the outside and the drain plug inside the cabinet.
NOTE: Water may drip from the back flange of the lid cover during defrosting. This is normal. Ice builds up in the lid insulation when the lid is open for adding or removing food, and melts during the defrosting operation.
Sponge excess water from the bottom of the freezer as it collects to prevent overflowing.
After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
Replace the drain plug inside the cabinet and the cap the hinge side of the lid.
Plug in the freezer. Return the temperature control to its previous position and return food to the freezer.

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 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.
Tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Rinse 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.

In Case of Extended Power Failure

Keep freezer lid closed. Your freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm air is not admitted.
If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or more, add dry ice.
Leave ice in large pieces. Add more ice as required.

Preparing to Move

Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet. Remove foods, defrost and clean the freezer. Secure all loose items such as baskets by taping them securely in place to prevent damage. Be sure freezer stays in upright position during actuaa moving and during transportation. The freezer must be secured during transportation to prevent movement. Protect outside of freezer with blanket.

Preparing for Vacation

To maintain 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 48 hours. For extended vacations or absences, you may prefer to move your frozen foods to a storage locker temporaily. If your freezer is to be left empty, disconnect power cord plug from wall outlet. To prevent formation of odors, place open box of baking soda in freezer and leave freezer door/lid open.

Preparing to Install the Freezer

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 not maintain proper temperatures. Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.
Do Not Install the freezer water or direct sunlight. The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor if it is to function at its best. Your freezer has adjustable leveling legs that can be turned to be solidly positioned wherever the floor is too uneven. If the place selected for the freezer is damp or moist, place 2 x 4’s (51 mm x 102 mm) under its entire length to assure adequate support.

Clearances
On all models, allow 3″ (76 mm) on top, back and sides for proper air circulation. Allow sufficient space on top for lid to open.

Lid Removal
CAUTION LIFTING HAZARD
The lid is heavy. Use both hands to secure the lid before lifting. ACAUTION HINGE SPRING UNDER TENSION If it is necessary to remove the lid, follow these steps:

Remove each upper hinge cover by grasping on the sides and pulling upwards. Remove each lower hinge cover by grasping on the sides and pulling down.
Open the lid to the maximum position. (The hinges are loosest at this position.)
Loosen, do not remove, the 4 screws from the lower part of the hinge that are mounted to the cabinet.
Raise/lift the lid until the screws align with the larger slotted openings in the bottom of the hinge. Each hinge is still attached to the lid with 4 screws.
To reinstall 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
Freezer does not operate or Power-On Light is not on	Temperature
control set to OFF position.	Move the control to a

temperature setting.
Freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.| Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
Freezer starts/stops too frequently| Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Temperature control set too cold.| See Using the Freezer
Freezer operates too long| Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Temperature control set too cold.| See Using the Freezer
Inadequate air circulation space around cabinet.| See Preparing to install the freezer
Noisy operation or cabinet vibrates| Floor may be weak, causing freezer to vibrate when compressor is on.| Placing 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under the length of the freezer will help support it and may reduce vibration.
Cabinet is not positioned solidly on floor.| See Preparing to install the freezer. Or use shims for uneven floor. uneven floor.
Freezer temperature too warm| Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Foods defrosting| Temperature control set to OFF position.| Move the control to a temperature setting.
Freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.| Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Freezer temperature too cold| Temperature control set too cold.| See Using the Freezer
Moisture forms on outside of cabinet| Not unusual during periods of high humidity.| Wipe surface dry.
Interior light does not work (on some models)| No power at outlet.| Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
Freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
Light bulb burned out.| Replace bulb.

NOTE: Do not return the freezer to the store where you purchased it. The freezer is eligible for in-home service. For warranty service, contact us at GEAppliances.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (U.S.), or 1.800.561.3344 (Canada). 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.

Freezer Limited Warranty

GEAppliances.com
For US Customers, 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.

GE Appliances Will Replace
Any part of the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship warranty, should GE Appliances choose to service the unit, GE Appliances will provide any part of the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship and free of one-year warranty, should GE Appliances choose to replace the unit, it may do so by providing you with a certificate redeemable at a retailer for a replacement product.

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.
Product not accessible to provide required service issue the consumer a certificate as a form of product replacement.

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 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 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 will be provided in areas where it is available and deemed reasonable by Mabe to provide.

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 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.
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 atGEAppliances.com/service or call 800.432.2737 during normal business hours.
In Canada: GEAppliances.ca/en/support/service- request or call 800.561.3344

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. or call 800.626.2224 during normal business hours.
In Canada: or call 800.290.9029

Parts and Accessories
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes 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
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:
GEAppliances.com/contact
GEAppliances.ca/en/contact-us