Troubleshooting, Refrigerator Operation

TROUBLESHOOTING

First try the solutions suggested here or visit our website and reference FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

to possibly avoid the cost of a service call.

In the U.S.A., www.kitchenaid.com In Canada, www.kitchenaid.ca

Refrigerator Operation

The refrigerator will not operate

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

Do not remove 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.

■Power cord unplugged? Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

■Is outlet working? Plug in a lamp to see if the outlet is working.

■Household fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician.

■Are controls on? Make sure the refrigerator controls are on. See “Using the Controls.”

■New installation? Allow 24 hours following installation for the refrigerator to cool completely.

NOTE: Adjusting the temperature controls to coldest setting will not cool either compartment more quickly.

■Rattling - flow of refrigerant, water line, or from items placed on top of the refrigerator

■Sizzling/Gurgling - water dripping on the heater during defrost cycle

■Popping - contraction/expansion of inside walls, especially during initial cool-down

■Water running - may be heard when water melts during the defrost cycle and runs into the drain pan

■Creaking/Cracking - occurs as ice is being ejected from the ice maker mold.

The doors will not close completely

■Door blocked open? Move food packages away from door.

■Bin or shelf in the way? Push bin or shelf back in the correct position.

The doors are difficult to open

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

Use nonflammable cleaner.

Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

■Are the gaskets dirty or sticky? Clean gaskets with mild soap and warm water.

The motor seems to run too much

Your new refrigerator may run longer than your old one due to its high-efficiency compressor and fans. The refrigerator may run even longer if the room is warm, a large food load is added, doors are opened often, or if the doors have been left open.

The refrigerator is noisy

Refrigerator noise has been reduced over the years. Due to this reduction, you may hear intermittent noises from your new refrigerator that you did not notice from your old model. Below are listed some normal sounds with an explanation.

■Buzzing - heard when the water valve opens to fill the ice maker

■Pulsating - fans/compressor adjusting to optimize performance

The lights do not work

■Is a light bulb loose in the socket or burned out? See “Changing the Light Bulbs.”

■Is the dispenser light set to OFF? On some models, the dispenser light will operate only when a dispenser lever/pad is pressed. If you want the dispenser light to stay on continuously, set the dispenser light to ON, or (on some models) NIGHT LIGHT or AUTO or HALF or DIM. See “Water and Ice Dispensers.”

■Is the dispenser light set to NIGHT LIGHT or AUTO? On some models, if the dispenser is set to the NIGHT LIGHT or AUTO mode, be sure the dispenser light sensor is not blocked. See “Water and Ice Dispensers.”