I've learned to really hate GE Appliance division. We're in the middle of a full kitchen remodel, and put in a GE gas stove. The contractor converted to propane for us. Note that the conversion kit is included with the appliance, and is dirt simple. You flip a switch on the regulator from the natural gas to the propane position, and you replace the little brass orifice on each of the 4 burners. That's it.
But the flames were way too high. The lowest setting on the "precision simmer" burner produced an inch flame, and burned everything. So I called GE. After voice mail h3ll (of course), I got a service rep and explained the problem.
"Was it installed by a GE qualified technician?"
"It was installed by my contractor, so I assume he's qualified."
"Well, if he's not GE certified, we can't give him any information."
"You mean that if he calls to ask how to adjust this thing, you won't talk to him?"
"Not without a GE certification number"
"OK, how do I get a GE certified technician?"
At this the lady gave me another phone number to call.
Called that number, talked to another CS rep. Made an appointment to have their technician out to look at the problem.
"Since it was just installed yesterday, this is under warranty, right?"
"Yes. No charge."
Until she called back the next day.
"I have a question on your service call. Was this appliance on natural gas or propane?"
"Propane."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Our technicians are not certified to work on propane."
"But this is the number I was given yesterday. I was told that only GE certified technicians can work on this appliance. So who can?"
"Our technicians can only work on natural gas."
After escalating to her supervisor, the supervisor looking up regulations, and 4 phone calls in which I pointed out that they were the ones that said I had to use their technicians, I finally got them to send a propane qualified, GE certified, appliance tech.
"But you know that when you switched to propane, you voided the warranty. The service call will be $100."
Of course I argued about that, but was defeated. Paying $100 to get this thing to work would be better than sending it back (contractor threw out the packing materials; and the granite countertops were cut to fit this unit exactly).
So, after cancelling the first appointment, the technician shows up. He was a nice guy, and adjusted the flame. He told DW that he wasn't allowed to show or explain to her how to do it. But she watched over his shoulder. There's an adjustment screw underneath each knob. Takes 5 minutes to adjust them all. This is what you have to be a GE certified propane specialist to do -- take off a knob and turn a screw.
He apparently didn't charge us for this, though we're watching for a bill from GE. He also thought it bogus to charge us for an appliance installed just days ago.
The hassle involved was incredible. Probably 5 hours on the phone total, plus DW had to wait all day for a technician to show up. Not to mention the blood pressure rise. All they had to do was print the location of the adjustment screw in the installation guide!
I hate GE Appliance division.
-Bob