Owner’s Manual
VWSR4100
Part No. 175D1807P216
Pub. No. 39-9362
Safety Information . . . . . . .4–7
SeatyInfor
Hotpoint & You,
A Service Partnership.
Ask any Hotpoint appliance owner and they
will tell you we stand behind our products
with unmatched quality service. However,
did you know that most questions result
from simple problems that you can easily
fix yourself in just a few minutes? This
Owner’s Manual can tell you how.
mtaion
Operating Instructions
OepaigInstr
Loading and Using
Read this Manual
Inside you will find many
helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your washer properly.
Just a little preventive care on
your part can save you a great
deal of time and money over
the life of your washer.
utcions
Troubleshooting Tips
T
r
Review the Section on
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . .14–18
ulbeshotingT
You’ll find many answers to
common problems here.
If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first,
you may not need to call for
service at all.
isp
Customer Service
If You Need Service
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Service Telephone
Numbers . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
CustomSer
If you do need service, you can
relax knowing help is only a
phone call away. A list of toll-free
customer service numbers is
included in the back section.
Or you can always call the
GE Answer Center® at
vcie
800.626.2000, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric
shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or
loss of life.
SeyIfrmation
WATER HEATER SAFETY
Under certain conditions hydrogen gas may be produced
in a water heater that has not been used for two weeks
or more. Hydrogen gas can be explosive under these
circumstances.
If the hot water has not been used for two weeks or more, prevent
the possibility of damage or injury by turning on all hot water
faucets and allowing them to run for several minutes. Do this
before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the
hot water system. This simple procedure will allow any built-up
hydrogen gas to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke
or use an open flame or appliance during this process.
OpeagIructions
ips
ubleshotingT
r
T
CustomSrvice
4
SeatyInfor
mtaion
PROPER INSTALLATION
This washer must be properly installed and located in
accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is
used. If you did not receive an Installation Instructions
sheet, you can receive one by calling us toll-free at the
GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000.
OepaigInstr
■Install or store where it will not ■Properly ground washer to
utcions
be exposed to temperatures
below freezing or exposed to
the weather.
conform with all governing
codes and ordinances. Follow
details in Installation
Instructions.
YOUR LAUNDRY AREA
T
r
ulbeshotingT
■Keep the area underneath
and around your appliances
free of combustible materials
such as lint, paper, rags,
chemicals, etc.
■Close supervision is necessary
if this appliance is used by or
near children. Do not allow
children to play on, with, or
inside this or any other
appliance.
isp
CsutomSer
vcie
5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
READ ALL INFORMATION BEFORE USING.
mation
WARNING!
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as
described in this Owner’s Manual.
SaetyInfor
WHEN USING THE WASHER
■ Never reach into washer while ■ The laundry process can
it is moving. Wait until the
machine has completely
stopped before opening
the lid.
reduce the flame retardancy
of fabrics. To avoid such a
result, carefully follow the
garment manufacturer’s
wash and care instructions.
uctions
■ Do not mix chlorine bleach
with ammonia or acids such
as vinegar and/or rust
remover. Mixing different
chemicals can produce a toxic
gas which may cause death.
■ To minimize the possibility
of electric shock, unplug this
appliance from the power
supply or disconnect the
washer at the household
distribution panel by
OpeaigInstr
■ Do not wash or dry articles
that have been cleaned in,
washed in, soaked in, or
spotted with combustible or
explosive substances (such as
wax, oil, paint, gasoline,
degreasers, dry-cleaning
solvents, kerosene, etc.)
which may ignite or explode.
Do not add these substances
removing the fuse or
switching off the circuit
breaker before attempting
any maintenance or cleaning.
NOTE: Turning the Cycle
Selector knob to an off
position does NOT disconnect
the appliance from the
power supply.
ips
ubleshotingT
r
T
to the wash water. Do not use ■ Never attempt to operate this
or place these substances
around your washer or dryer
during operation.
appliance if it is damaged,
malfunctioning, partially
disassembled, or has missing
or broken parts, including a
damaged cord or plug.
vice
CustomSer
6
SeatyInfor
mtaion
WHEN NOT IN USE
■ Turn off water faucets to
relieve pressure on hoses and
valves and to minimize
leakage if a break or rupture
should occur. Check the
condition of the fill hoses;
they may need replacement
after 5 years.
■ Do not attempt to repair or
replace any part of this
appliance unless specifically
recommended in this
Owner’s Manual, or in
published user-repair
instructions that you
OepaigInstr
understand and have the
skills to carry out.
■ Before discarding a washer,
or removing it from service,
remove the washer lid to
prevent children from
hiding inside.
utcions
■ Do not tamper with controls.
T
r
REMEMBER…
ulbeshotingT
Your continued health and safety are important to us.
Please read and follow this Safety Information carefully.
We want you to remain a happy and healthy part of
our family.
isp
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
CsutomSer
vcie
7
About the washer control panel.
mation
You can locate your model number behind the top edge of the control panel.
OFF
PERM PRESS
OPTIONAL EXTRA RINSE
WASH
RINSE
WASH
SPIN
TEMPERATURE
EXTRA RINSE
LOAD SIZE
SPEED
KNITS
SaetyInfor
WARM
COLD
HOT
GENTLE
SLOW
NORMAL
OFF
SET
LARGE
SUPER
COLD
SLOW
MEDIUM
SMALL
OFF
DELICATES
LIGHT SOIL
NORMAL
HEAVY
SUPERCYCLE
AUTO SOAK/15 MIN
AUTO SOAK/30 MIN
COLD
COLD
WARM
WARM
GENTLE
FAST
OFF
NORMAL
FAST
4
2 3
1
uctions
Control Settings
OpeaigInstr
Load Size
1
The water level should just cover the clothes. Adjust the
load size accordingly. Loosely load clothes no higher than
the top row of holes in the washer tub.
Wash/Spin Speed
ips
2
The agitator moves clothes around for a cleaner wash; the
basket spins later in the cycle to release water from the
load. The WASH/SPIN SPEED dial sets the speed of both the
agitator and the basket.
With NORMAL wash speed, the agitator moves faster. Use
for cottons, denims and play clothes. With GENTLE wash
speed, the agitator moves slower. Use for delicate and
knit items.
ubleshotingT
r
T
The FAST spin speed is for durable items. The SLOW spin
speed is for delicate items like sweaters and lingerie.
Clothes will be less dry than when using FAST spin speed.
vice
CustomSer
8
SeatyInfor
mtaion
Wash/Rinse Temp
3
Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label or
instructions when laundering. Follow the water
temperature guide on washer lid.
OepaigInstr
Wash Cycle
4
The wash cycle controls the length of the washing process.
The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting
with your clothing.
REGULAR For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens,
work and play clothes.
utcions
PERM PRESS For easy care and wrinkle-resistant items.
KNITS Specially designed for normally soiled knits.
DELICATES For lingerie and delicate fabrics with light to
normal soil.
AUTO SOAK For heavily soiled clothes. Begins with a brief agitation,
soaks for a specified period of time, then moves
T
r
ulbeshotingT
through the rest of the cycle automatically.
SUPERCYCLE For heavily soiled and heavy-duty fabrics. This cycle
provides a longer agitation.
isp
CsutomSer
vcie
9
About the washer features.
mation
Extra Rinse
SET
S
OFF
When you use extra detergent or bleach to clean
heavily soiled clothes, you may want to use the EXTRA
RINSE option. This option provides a second deep cold
rinse in the Regular cycle. Turn the EXTRA RINSE knob
to SET.
The washer will pause for a few minutes before the
EXTRA RINSE option begins.
uctions
Liquid Bleach Dispenser
The dispenser dilutes liquid chlorine bleach before it
reaches into your wash load.
OpeaigInstr
Check clothing care labels for special instructions.
1
Measure liquid bleach carefully, following
2 instructions on the bottle.
Before starting the washer, pour measured amount
ips
3 of bleach directly into bleach dispenser. Avoid
splashing or over-filling dispenser. If you prefer to
use powdered bleach, add it into the wash basket
with your detergent.
Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto clothes or
into the wash basket.
ubleshotingT
r
T
Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach dispenser.
Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar
and/or rust remover. Mixing can produce a toxic gas which may
cause death.
vice
CustomSer
10
SeatyInfor
mtaion
Fabric Softener Dispenser
This dispenser automatically releases liquid fabric
softener at the proper time during the cycle. To use,
follow these steps:
Make sure dispenser is securely attached to agitator.
OepaigInstr
1
Use only liquid fabric softener. Pour into dispenser,
2 using amount recommended on package.
Add water to dispenser until it reaches the
3 maximum fill line.
utcions
Do not stop the washer during the first spin. This will cause the
dispenser to empty too soon.
Do not use the Fabric Softener Dispenser with AUTO SOAK or
EXTRA RINSE.
Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes. It may stain them.
Do not pour anything into the agitator
if the top is removed.
T
r
ulbeshotingT
Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser
Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.
1
isp
Separate the dispenser cup from the cover by
2 grasping the top and pushing down on the inside of
the cup with your fingers. Dispenser cup will pop
free from the cover.
To clean dispenser, soak both the dispenser cup
3 and the dispenser cover in the following solution:
Separate for cleaning.
CsutomSer
■ 1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water
■ 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy duty liquid detergent
■ 1 cup (240 ml) bleach
If necessary, loosen build-up with a clean, soft cloth
4 after soaking. Do not use a stiff brush; you may
vcie
roughen the surface of the dispenser.
Rinse and reassemble dispenser. Place dispenser
5 back on the agitator.
11
Loading and using the washer.
mation
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Sorting Wash Loads
SaetyInfor
Colors
Whites
Lights
Darks
Light
Soil
Heavy
Normal
Fabric
Lint
Delicates
Easy Care
Sturdy Cottons
Lint Producers
Lint Collectors
uctions
Proper Use of Detergent
Always add detergent before adding clothes so that the detergent
can work effectively. Follow the detergent package directions.
Using too little detergent is a common cause of laundry problems.
Use more detergent if you have hard water, large loads, greasy or
oily soils or lower water temperature.
OpeaigInstr
Loading the Washer
Load dry items loosely, no higher than the top row of holes in the
washer tub. When loading wet items make sure you set the
load/water level high enough to allow the items to move freely.
Water level should just cover the clothes. To add items after washer
has started, push in Cycle knob and submerge additional items next
to the agitator. Close the lid and pull Cycle knob out to restart.
ips
Do not wrap large items like sheets around the agitator.
Do not wash fabrics containing flammable materials (waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.).
Washer will not start with the lid up.
ubleshotingT
r
T
vice
CustomSer
12
SeatyInfor
mtaion
Care and Cleaning of the Washer
Wash Basket: Leave the lid open after washing to allow moisture
to evaporate. If you want to clean the basket use a clean soft cloth
dampened with liquid detergent, then rinse. (Do not use harsh or
gritty cleaners.)
OepaigInstr
Fill Hoses: Hoses connecting washer to faucet should be replaced
every 5 years.
Lint Filter: It is self-cleaning, requires no maintenance, and is located
under the agitator.
utcions
Exterior: Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe with damp cloth.
Try not to hit surface with sharp objects.
Moving and Storage: Ask the service technician to remove water from
drain pump and hoses. Do not store the washer where it will be
exposed to the weather. Call the GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000
for information on how to keep the tub stationary when moving the
washer.
T
r
ulbeshotingT
Long Vacations: Be sure water supply is shut off at faucets. Drain all
water from hoses if weather will be below freezing.
isp
CsutomSer
vcie
13
Before you call for service…
mation
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages
first and you may not need to call for service.
SaetyInfor
Problem
Possible Causes
What To Do
Washer won’t operate
Washer is unplugged
• Make sure cord is plugged
securely into a working
outlet.
Water supply is turned off • Turn both hot and cold
faucets fully on.
uctions
Controls are not set
properly
• Check controls and
make sure Cycle knob is
pulled out to ON position.
Lid is open
• Close lid and pull Cycle
knob out to ON position.
OpeaigInstr
Circuit breaker/fuse is
tripped/blown
• Check house circuit
breakers /fuses. Replace
fuses or reset breaker.
Washer should have
separate outlet.
ips
Water temperature
is incorrect
Control is not set properly • Check water temperature
control and adjust.
Water supply is turned off • Turn both hot and cold
or improperly connected
faucets fully on and make
sure hoses are connected
to correct faucets.
ubleshotingT
r
T
Water valve screens are
stopped up
• Turn off the water source
and remove the water
connection hoses from
the upper back of the
washer. Use a brush or
toothpick to clean the
screens in the machine.
Reconnect the hoses and
turn the water back on.
vice
House water heater is
not set properly
• Make sure house water
heater is delivering water
at 120°F.–140°F.
(48°C.–60°C.).
CustomSer
14
SeatyInfor
mtaion
Problem
Possible Causes
What To Do
Water won’t drain
Drain hose is kinked or
improperly connected
• Straighten drain hose and
make sure washer is not
sitting on it.
OepaigInstr
• Top of drain outlet should
be less than 8 ft. above
floor.
Water leaks
Fill hoses or drain hose is • Make sure hose
improperly connected
connections are tight at
utcions
faucets and make sure end
of drain hose is correctly
inserted in and secured to
drain facility.
Household drain may
be clogged
• Check household
plumbing. You may need
to call a plumber.
T
r
ulbeshotingT
Constant water pressure
to the fill hoses at the
water source
• Tighten hoses at the
faucets and turn the water
off after each use.
• Check condition of the fill
hoses; they may need
replacement after 5 years.
isp
Washer is noisy
Washer is uneven
• Make sure washer is level
and firm to the floor.
Washer load is
unbalanced
• Push the Cycle knob in to
stop the washer, open the
lid and redistribute the
load evenly. Close the lid
and restart.
CsutomSer
Washer pauses in cycle
Clothes too wet
The washer normally pauses
between washing steps
Incorrect cycle selected
• Make sure the cycle
selected matches the load
you are washing.
vcie
15
Before you call for service…
mation
Troubleshooting Tips
SaetyInfor
Problem
Possible Causes
What To Do
Lint or residue on clothes
Incorrect sorting
• Separate lint producers
from lint collectors.
Washing too long
• Wash small loads for a
shorter time than larger
loads.
uctions
Detergent not dissolving
• Add detergent as wash
basket fills with water,
before you load clothes.
• Try a liquid detergent.
• Use warmer water
temperature.
OpeaigInstr
Overloading
• Load clothes no higher
than the top row of holes
in the washer tub.
• Make sure load size
selector matches clothes
load size.
ips
Incorrect use of fabric
softener
• Check fabric softener
package for instructions
and follow directions for
using dispenser.
ubleshotingT
r
T
Colored spots
Incorrect use of fabric
softener
• Check fabric softener
package for instructions
and follow directions for
using dispenser.
• Pretreat stain and rewash.
Dye transfer
• Sort whites or lightly
colored items from dark
colors.
vice
CustomSer
16
SeatyInfor
mtaion
Problem
Wrinkling
Possible Causes
What To Do
Improper sorting
• Avoid mixing heavy items
(like work clothes) with
light items (like blouses).
OepaigInstr
• Try a fabric softener.
Overloading or
incorrect water level
• Load your washer so
clothes have enough room
to move freely.
utcions
Incorrect wash and
dry cycles
• Match Cycle selection to
the type of fabric you are
washing (especially for easy
care loads).
Repeated washing in
water that is too hot
• Wash in warm or cold water
with plenty of detergent.
Too many suds
Type of detergent
• Switch to a lower sudsing
detergent brand and
follow instructions on
package.
T
r
ulbeshotingT
Very soft water
• Try less detergent.
Snags, holes, tears, rips
or excessive wear
Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp • Fasten snaps, hooks,
buttons, belt buckles
zippers, and sharp objects
left in pockets
buttons, and zippers.
isp
• Remove loose items like
pins, objects in pockets
and sharp buttons.
• Turn knits (which snag
easily) inside out.
Undiluted chlorine bleach • Check bleach package
instructions for proper
CsutomSer
amount.
• Never add undiluted
bleach to wash or allow
clothes to come in contact
with undiluted bleach.
vcie
Chemicals like hair bleach • Rinse items that may have
or dye, permanent wave
solution
chemicals on them before
washing.
17
Before you call for service…
mation
Troubleshooting Tips
SaetyInfor
Problem
Pilling
Possible Causes
What To Do
Result of normal wear on • While this is not caused by
poly-cotton blends and
fuzzy fabrics
the washer, you can slow
the pilling process by
washing garments inside
out.
uctions
Grayed or yellowed
clothes
Not enough detergent
Hard water
• Use more detergent
(especially with larger
loads).
• Use a water conditioner
like Calgon brand or install
a water softener.
OpeaigInstr
Water is not hot enough
• Make sure water heater is
delivering water at
120°F.–140°F.
(48°C.–60°C.).
Washer is overloaded
• Select load size to match
clothes load.
ips
Detergent is not
dissolving
• Add detergent as wash
basket fills with water
before you load clothes.
Dye transfer
• Sort clothes by color. If
fabric label states wash
separately, unstable dyes
may be indicated.
ubleshotingT
r
T
vice
CustomSer
18
SeatyInfor
Hotpoint Washer Warranty
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers,
or an authorized Customer Care® technician. For service,
call 800-GE-CARES.
mtaion
For The Period Of:
We Will Replace, At No Charge To You:
One Year
From the date of the
original purchase
Any part of the washer which fails due to a defect
in materials or workmanship. During this full one-year
warranty, we will also provide, free of charge, all labor and
in-home service to replace the defective part.
OepaigInstr
Five Years
From the date of the
original purchase
The transmission, if it should fail due to a defect in
materials or workmanship. During this five-year limited
warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or in-
home service costs.
utcions
Twenty Years
From the date of the
original purchase
The washer basket, if it should fail due to a defect in
materials or workmanship. During this twenty-year
limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor
or in-home service costs.
What Is Not Covered:
T
r
ulbeshotingT
■Service trips to your home to teach you ■ Replacement of house fuses or
how to use the product.
resetting of circuit breakers.
■Improper installation.
■ Damage to the product caused by
accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
■Failure of the product if it is
abused, misused, or used for other
than the intended purpose or used
commercially.
■ Incidental or consequential damage to
personal property caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
isp
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased
for home use within the USA. 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.
CsutomSer
vcie
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225
19
Service Telephone Numbers.
mation
®
GE Answer Center 800.626.2000
The GE Answer Center® is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SaetyInfor
In-Home Repair Service 800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737)
Expert GE repair service is only a phone call away.
Special Needs Service 800.626.2000
uctions
TDD 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322)
GE offers, free of charge, Braille controls for a variety of GE
appliances and a brochure to assist in planning a barrier-free
kitchen for persons with limited mobility.
OpeaigInstr
Service Contracts 800-626-2224
Purchase a GE service contract while your warranty is still in effect
and you’ll receive a substantial discount. GE Consumer Service will
still be there after your warranty expires.
ips
Parts and Accessories 800-626-2002
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts
or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and
Discover cards are accepted).
ubleshotingT
r
T
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.
Service Satisfaction
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE, follow
these three steps. First, contact the people who serviced your
appliance. Next, if you are still not pleased, write all the details—
including your phone number—to: Manager, Consumer Relations,
GE Appliances, Appliance Park, Louisville, KY 40225. Finally, if your
problem is still not resolved, write:
vice
CustomSer
Major Appliance Consumer Action Program
20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.
Printed in Louisville, KY 6-97 CG
|
