GE Quiet Power 3 Owners Manual

							GLDA690
GLDA696
Owner ’s Manual
Dishwa shers165D4700P34649-55027     07-07 JR
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–10
Control Panel and Settings  . . . . . . . 4–5
Loading the Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using the Dishwasher  . . . . . . . . . . . .6–7
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . 11–12
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . . . . . .Back Cover 
Warranty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ge.com
Write the model and serial 
numbers here:
Model # __________________
Serial # __________________
You can find them on the tub wall 
just inside the door. 
						

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Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
IMPORTANT  SAFET Y INFORMAT ION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING — 
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire
or explosion, electric shock, and to prevent property damage, personal injury, or death.
WATER HEATER S AFETY
PROPER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
This dishwasher 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 with 
your dishwasher, you can receive one by visiting our website atge.com.
Contents washed in Anti-bacterial mode, if
available, may be hot to the touch. Use care
before handling.
Using a detergent that is
not specifically designed
for dishwashers will cause
the dishwasher to fill with
suds.
If your dishwasher is connected to a
wall switch, ensure that the switch is
on prior to use.
On dishwashers with electronic 
controls, if you choose to turn the wall 
switch off between wash cycles, allow 
5–10 seconds after turning the switch on before
touching START/RESET to allow the control to
reboot .Non-Dishware Items: Do not wash items such 
as electronic air cleaner filters, furnace filters and
paint brushes in your dishwasher. Damage to
dishwasher and discoloration or staining of
dishwasher may result .
Close supervision is necessary if this appliance 
is used by or near children.
Load light , plastic items so they will not
become dislodged and drop to the bottom 
of the dishwasher—they might come into
contact with the heating element and be
damaged.
Connect to a grounded metal, permanent wiring
system; or run an equipment-grounding
conductor with the circuit conductors and
connect to the equipment-grounding terminal 
or lead of the appliance.
Improper connection of the equipment-grounding
conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualified electrician or service
representative if you are in doubt whether 
the appliance is properly grounded.
Dispose of discarded appliances and shipping 
or packing material properly. Do not attempt to repair or replace any part 
of your dishwasher unless it is specifically
recommended in this manual. All other servicing
should be referred to a qualified technician.
To minimize the possibility of electric shock,
disconnect this appliance from the power supply
before attempting any maintenance. 
NOTE: Turning the dishwasher off does not
disconnect the appliance from the power supply.
We recommend having a qualified technician
service your appliance.
WARNING!
CAUTION: To prevent minor injury or property damage
Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a water heater that has not been used
for two weeks or more.HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE.
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 allow 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. 
						

							WARNING! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
PROPER DISPOS AL OF THE DISHWASHER
Junked or abandoned dishwashers are dangerous…
even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are
getting rid of your old dishwasher, please follow 
the instructions to help prevent accidents.Before You Throw Away Your Old Dishwasher
Take off the door of the washing compartment or
remove the door latch (as shown).
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructionsge.com
3
Screw
(on some
models)
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose 
as described in this Owner's Manual.
Use only powder, tabs, liquid detergents or rinse
agents recommended for use in a dishwasher and
keep them out of the reach of children. Cascade
®,
Cascade®Completeand Electrasol®Automatic
Dishwashing Detergents, andJet-Dry®and
Cascade Crystal Clear®rinse agents have been
approved for use in all GE dishwashers.
Do not mix any chlorine bleach-based automatic
dishwashing detergent with any dishwashing
detergent containing enzymes as this could
cause the detergents to congeal and lead to
blockage of the SmartDispense
TMsystem.
Locate sharp items so that they are not likely 
to damage the door seal.
Load sharp knives with the handles up to reduce
the risk of cut-type injuries.
Do not wash plastic items unless marked
dishwasher safe or the equivalent . For plastic 
items not so marked, check the manufacturer's
recommendations.Do not touch the heating element during or
immediately after use.
Do not operate your dishwasher unless all
enclosure panels are properly in place.
Do not tamper with controls.
Do not abuse, sit on or stand on the door or dish
rack of the dishwasher.
Do not allow children to play around dishwasher
when opening or closing door due to the possibility
of small fingers being pinched in door.
Do not discard a dishwasher without first removing
the door of the washing compartment or the door
latch.
Do not store or use combustible materials, gasoline
or other flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Do not allow children to play with, on or inside this
appliance or any discarded appliance.
WARNING! When using your dishwasher, follow basic precautions,
including the following:
READ AND FOLLOW THIS S AFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS 
						

							4
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
About the dishwasher control panel.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
Control Settings 
Wash Cycles
POTS & PANS7.4 gal., 85 min.
This cycle is meant for heavily soiled dishes or cookware with dried-on or baked-on soils.
This cycle may not remove burned-on foods. Everyday dishes are safe to be used in this
cycle.
NORMAL WASH5.3 gal., 56 min.
This cycle is for medium/heavily soiled dishes and glassware.
LIGHT WASH4.2 gal., 33 min.
This cycle is for lightly soiled dishes and glassware.
RINSE ONLY2.1 gal., 7 min.
This cycle is for rinsing partial loads that will be washed later. 
DO NOTuse detergent or HEATED DRY Option with this cycle.
Options
The light above the selected pad will be ON to indicate which OPTION has been selected.
HEATED DRYTurns the heater on for fast drying. This will extend the total cycle time by approximately
Light ON 38 minutes for a NORMAL WASHcycle.
NOTE:Cannot be selected with RINSE ONLYcycle.
HEATED DRYShuts off the drying heat option. Dishes will air dry naturally to save energy.
Light OFF
HOT WASHWhen selected, the cycle will run a little longer with heated elements on to improve
both wash and dry performance. Adds approximately 15 minutes to the cycle.
NOTE:Cannot be selected with RINSE ONLYcycle.
HOT STARTFor use with heavily soiled and/or dried-on, baked-on soils. This option MUST be selected
PRIOR to starting the cycle. This option adds approximately 22 minutes to the cycle and
two additional rinses to the cycle.
NOTE:Cannot be selected with RINSE ONLYcycle.
LOCKYou can lock the controls to prevent any selections from being made. Or you can lock
the controls after you have started a cycle.
Children cannot accidentally start dishwasher by touching pads with this option
selected. 
To unlock the dishwasher controls, press and hold the HEATED DRY pad for 3 seconds.
The light above the lock pad will turn off. To lock the dishwasher, press and hold the
HEATED DRY pad for 3 seconds. The light above the LOCKpad will turn on.
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							Start/Reset
Close and latch the dishwasher door and select the cycle and desired enhancements. Touch the
START /RESETpad to begin the cycle. The water fill begins immediately, and approximately 60 seconds later
the wash action begins.
When the dishwasher door is fully closed and latched, the control panel lights will display the last settings
you selected. If you don’t want to change any of the settings, siimply touch the START /RESETpad to begin
the cycle.
If the door is closed, the indicator lights will turn off if the START /RESETpad is not selected within 5 minutes.
To activate the display, open and close the door or press any pad.
DELAY HOURSYou can delay the start of a wash cycle for up to 6 hours. Press the DELAY START
pad to choose the number of hours you want to delay the start of the cycle; then 
press START /RESET.
The machine will count down and start automatically at the correct time.
NOTE:To cancel the DELAY STARTselection before the cycle begins, repeatedly press the
DELAY STARTpad until the display is blank.
RESETTo change a cycle after washing starts:
Touch the START /RESET  pad to cancel the cycle. The START /RESET  light will flash while
the water is pumped out , if needed. This takes approximately 2 minutes.
Time Remaining Display (on some models)
During operation, the display shows the minutes remaining until the cycle is complete. The display 
may adjust the remaining time while the SENSINGlight is on. The time displayed at the start of each
cycle may change from the factory setting as the unit customizes itself to home use. During a delay
start , the display will show hours of time remaining until the cycle starts.
Clean
The CLEANlight is illuminated when the selected cycle and enhancements are complete. The light will
stay ONuntil a pad is pressed or the door is opened and then closed.
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Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructionsge.com 
						

							6
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Dish Preparation Prior to Loading
No pre-rinsing of normal food soil is required.
Scrape off hard soils, including bones,
toothpicks, skins and seeds.
Remove large quantities of any remaining
food.Remove leafy vegetables, meat trimmings 
and excessive amounts of grease or oil.
Remove acidic food soils that can discolor
stainless steel.
Using the dishwasher.
Check the Water Temperature
Use Jet-Dry®or Cascade Crystal Clear®Rinse Agent
Jet-Dry®or Cascade Crystal Clear®rinse agents remove spots and prevent new film buildup on
your dishes, glasses, flatware, cookware and plastic.
Filling the Dispenser
The rinse agent dispenser holds 3.5 oz. of rinse agent . Under normal
conditions, this will last approximately one month. Refill when rinse agent
is not visible in the indicator. Do not overfill.
Make sure the dishwasher door is fully open.
Turn the dispenser cap to the left and lift it out .
Add rinse agent until the indicator window looks full. Do not overfill.
Clean up any spilled rinse agent with a damp cloth to prevent foam.
Replace the dispenser cap.
Rinse Aid Setting
The amount of rinse agent released into the final wash can be 
adjusted. The factory setting is at the midpoint . If there are rings of 
calcium (hard water) spots on dishes, try a higher setting. If you 
observe foam in the final rinse, try a lower setting.
To adjust the setting
Remove the dispenser cap, then turn the adjustable setting dial 
counterclockwise to increase the amount of rinse agent or clockwise 
to reduce the amount of rinse agent dispensed.
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The entering water should be at least 120°F and 
not more than 150°F, for effective cleaning and to
prevent dish damage. Check the water temperature
with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on the hotwater faucet nearest the dishwasher, place the
thermometer in a glass and let the water run
continuously into the glass until the temperature
stops rising. 
MinMax
Indicator
Dispenser capAdjustable setting dial 
						

							Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Use only detergent specifically made for use 
in dishwashers. Cascade®and Electrasol®
Automatic Dishwashing Detergents have been
approved for use in all GE dishwashers. Keep
your detergent fresh and dry. Don’t put powder
detergent into the dispenser until you’re ready 
to wash dishes. 
The amount of detergent to use depends on
whether your water is hardor soft. With hard
water, you need extra detergent . With soft water,
you need less detergent .
Protect your dishes and dishwasher by
contacting your water department and asking
how hard your water is. Twelve or more grains 
is extremely hard water. A water softener is
recommended. Without it , lime can build up 
in the water valve, which could stick while open
and cause flooding. Too much detergent with
soft water can cause a permanent cloudiness 
of glassware, called etching.
Use the information in the table below as a
guideline to determine the amount of automatic
dishwasher detergent to place in the dispenser.
For heavily-soiled loads, use the Pots and Pans or
Heavy Wash cycle and add a little extra detergent .
DO NOTUSE HAND DISH DETERGENT
NOTE: Using a detergent that is not specifically
designed for dishwashers will cause the dishwasher
to fill with suds. During operation, these suds will spill
out of the dishwasher vents, covering the kitchen
floor and making the floor wet .
Because so many detergent containers look alike,
store the dishwasher detergent in a separate space
from all other cleaners. Show anyone who may use
the dishwasher the correct detergent and where 
it is stored.
While there will be no lasting damage to the
dishwasher, your dishes will not get clean using a
dishwashing detergent that is not formulated to
work with dishwashers.
Button
A forgotten dish can be added any time before
the main wash.
Squeeze the door latch to release the door.
Do not open the door until the water spray
action stops. Steam may rise out of the
dishwasher.Add forgotten dishes.
Close the door.
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ge.com
Proper Use of Detergent
Forget to Add a Dish?
Detergent Cups to Fill
15 cup
25 cup
15 and 25 cups
15, 25 cups and the open cup
Number
of Grains
Less than 4
4 to 8
8 to 12
Greater 
than 12
To open the wash cover, press the button and the cover will
flip back.
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Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Loading the dishwasher racks.
For best dishwashing results, follow these loading guidelines. Features and appearance of racks and silverware
baskets may vary from your model.
Upper Rack
Although the upper rack is for glasses,
cups and saucers, pots and pans can be
placed in this rack for effective cleaning.
Cups and glasses fit best along the sides.
This is also a secure place for dishwasher-
safe plastics.
The upper rack is good for all kinds of 
odd-shaped utensils. Saucepans, mixing
bowls and other items should be placed 
face down. Fold-down tines (on some
models) provide flexibility for extra-large
and hard-to-fit items.Secure larger dishwasher-safe plastics over 
2 tines when possible.
Make sure small plastic items are secure so
they can’t fall onto the heater.
Be sure that items do not protrude through
the bottom of the rack and block rotation of
the middle spray arm. This could result in
poor wash performance for items in the
upper rack.
Lower Rack
The lower rack is best used for plates,
saucers and cookware. Large items such
as broiler pans and baking racks should 
go along the left-hand side. Load platters,
pots and bowls along the sides, in corners
or in the back. The soiled side of items
should face the center of the rack. If
necessary, oversized glasses and mugs
can be placed in the lower rack to
maximize loading flexibility.Also, be careful not to let a portion of an
item such as a pot or dish handle extend
through the bottom rack. This could block
the wash arm and cause poor washing
results.
Fold-down tines (on some models) provide
flexibility for extra-large and hard-to-fit
items. The tines may be left in the up
position or folded down to customize 
the lower rack.
Silverware Basket
To load flatware, simply push the
adjustable handle to either side. Put
flatware in the removable basket with 
fork and knife handles up to protect your
hands. Place spoons in the basket with
handles down. Mix knives, forks and
spoons so they don’t nest together.
Distribute evenly. Small plastic items, 
such as measuring spoons and lids from
small containers should go in the bottom
of the silverware basket with the
silverware on top.
A variety of options is available regarding 
the three-piece silverware basket in your
dishwasher. The complete basket is
designed to fit on the right side of the
lower rack. Additionally, each end of 
the basket is removable to add loading
flexibility to accommodate flatware 
and lower rack capacity needs.The lids of both end and middle baskets
(on some models) can be closed to contain
small items. Long items can be placed 
on the utility shelf in the upper rack.
Don’t let any 
item extend
through
bottom.
To remove end baskets, grasp 
the basket at opposite corners 
and slide apart .
Three-piece basket 
						

							Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
9
Caring for the dishwasher.ge.com
Cleaning the Exterior Door Panel
Before cleaning the front panel, make 
sure you know what type of panel you
have. Refer to the last two letters of your
model number. You can locate your model
number on the left-hand tub wall just
inside the door. If your model number 
ends with BB, WW or CC, then you have a
Painted Door panel. If your model number
ends with SS, then you have a Stainless
Steel Door panel. If your model number
ends with CS, then you have a CleanSteel
Door panel.
Follow the instructions below for cleaning
the door panel for your specific model.
Painted Door Panel (model numbers
ending in BB–black, WW–white or
CC–bisque)
Use a clean, soft , lightly dampened cloth,
then dry thoroughly. You may also use a
good appliance wax or polish.Stainless Steel Door Panel (model
numbers ending in SS)
The stainless steel panels can be 
cleaned with Stainless Steel Magicor a
similar product using a clean, soft cloth. 
Do not use appliance wax, polish, bleach
or products containing chlorine on
Stainless Steel doors.
You can order Stainless Steel Magic
#WX10X15through GE Parts by calling
800.626.2002.
CleanSteel Door Panel (model numbers 
ending in CS)
Use a clean, soft , lightly dampened cloth,
then dry thoroughly. Do not use appliance
wax, polish or any chemical agent on
CleanSteel doors.
Do not wipe the dishwasher with a soiled
dish cloth or wet towel. These may leave 
a residue. Do not use scouring pads or
powdered cleaners because these 
products can scratch the finish.
Cleaning the Control Panel
To clean the control panel, use a lightly
dampened cloth. Then dry thoroughly.
Stainless Steel Interior—Tub and Inner Door
The stainless steel used to make the
dishwasher tub and inner door provides 
the highest reliability available in a GE
dishwasher. If the dishwasher tub or inner
door should be scratched or dented during
normal use, they will not rust or corrode.
These surface blemishes will not affect 
their function or durability. 
						

							Spray Arms and Filters
The dishwasher will flush away all 
normal food soils. However, objects (fruit
pits, bones, etc.) may collect in openings
and should be removed occasionally to
avoid clogging the drain system.
CAUTION:Personal
injury hazard. Before cleaning the
interior, wait at least 20 minutes after
a cycle for the heating element to
cool down. Failure to do so could
result in burn injuries.
Cleaning the Spray Arms
Because hard water chemicals will 
clog the spray arm jets and bearings, 
it is necessary to clean the spray arms
regularly. To remove the spray arm, twist
the retaining nut 90 degrees and pull the
spray arm off the shaft .
Wash the arms in soapy, warm water and
use a soft brush to clean the jets. Replace
them after rinsing thoroughly.Cleaning the Filters
For best performance and results, the 
filter assembly must be cleaned regularly.
The filter efficiently removes food particles
from the wash water, allowing water to 
be recirculated during the cycle. For this
reason, it is a good idea to remove the
large food particles trapped in the filter
frequently by rinsing the main filter and
cup under running water. To remove the
filter assembly, pull up on the cup handle.
The entire filter assembly should be
cleaned at least once a month. To clean
the main filter and fine filter, use a cleaning
brush. Then, reassemble the filter parts 
as shown in the illustration and reinsert
the entire assembly in the dishwasher,
positioning it in place and pressing
downward. The dishwasher must 
never be used without the filters. 
Improper replacement of the filter 
may reduce the performance level 
of the appliance and may damage 
dishes and utensils.
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Retaining
nut
Washer
Retaining nutUpper rack
Main filter
Fine filter
Cup
Caring for the dishwasher.
Check the air gap any time
your dishwasher isn’t draining
well.
An air gap protects your dishwasher 
against water backing up into it if a drain
clogs. The air gap is not a part of the
dishwasher. It is not covered by your
warranty. Not all plumbing codes require 
air gaps, so you may not have one.The air gap is easy to clean.
Turn off the dishwasher and lift off the
cover.
Remove the plastic cap and clean with 
a toothpick.
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Air gapDoes Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap?
If your dishwasher is left in an unheated
place during the winter, ask a service
technician to:
Cut off electrical power to the
dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip 
circuit breaker.
Turn off the water supply and disconnect
the water inlet line from the water valve.Drain water from the water inlet line 
and water valve. (Use a pan to catch 
the water.)
Reconnect the water inlet line to the
water valve.
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Protect Against Freezing
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