Whirlpool Guide to Maintaining Your Refrigerator: Troubleshooting, Light Bulbs, and Parts

REFRIGERATOR CARE

Cleaning

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

Use nonflammable cleaner.

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

Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost automatically. However, clean both sections about once a month to prevent odors from building up. Wipe up spills immediately.

IMPORTANT: Because air circulates between both sections, any odors formed in one section will transfer to the other. You must thoroughly clean both sections to eliminate odors. To prevent odor transfer and drying out of food, wrap or cover foods tightly.

To Clean Your Refrigerator:

NOTE: Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products on plastic parts, interior and door liners or gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh cleaning tools.

1.Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2.Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior surfaces thoroughly. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water.

3.Wash stainless steel and painted metal exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water.

4.There is no need for routine condenser cleaning in normal home operating environments. If the environment is particularly greasy or dusty, or there is significant pet traffic in the home, the condenser should be cleaned every 2 to

3 months to ensure maximum efficiency. If you need to clean the condenser:

■Remove the base grille.

■Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean the grille, the open areas behind the grille and the front surface area of the condenser.

■Replace the base grille when finished.

5.Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Changing theLightBulbs

NOTE: Not all bulbs will fit your refrigerator. Be sure to replace the bulb with one of the same size, shape and wattage. Replacement bulbs are available from your dealer.

■The dispenser lights are LEDs that can not be changed.

■All other lights require a 40-watt bulb.

1.Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2.Remove light shield when applicable.

NOTE: To clean the light shield, wash it with warm water and liquid detergent. Rinse and dry the shield well.

3.Remove light bulb and replace with one of the same size, shape and wattage.

4.Replace light shield when applicable.

5.Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Try the solutions suggested here first in order to avoid the cost of an unnecessary service call.

RefrigeratorOperation

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.

■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.

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 unit 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.

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

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