Whirlpool RT21LMXJW00 manual Troubleshooting, Vacation and Moving Care

Vacation and Moving Care

Vacations

If you choose to leave the refrigerator on while you’re away, use these steps to prepare your refrigerator before you leave.

1.Use up any perishables and freeze other items.

2.If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:

■Raise wire shut-off arm to OFF (up) position or move the switch to the OFF (right) setting.

■Shut off water supply to the ice maker.

3.Empty the ice bin.

If you choose to turn the refrigerator off before you leave,

follow these steps.

1.Remove all food from the refrigerator.

2.If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:

■Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.

■When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shut-off arm to the OFF (up) position or move the switch to the OFF (right) setting.

3.Depending on your model, turn the Thermostat Control or Refrigerator Control to OFF. See the “Setting the Controls” section.

4.Clean refrigerator, wipe it, and dry well.

5.Tape rubber or wood blocks to the tops of both doors to prop them open far enough for air to get in. This stops odor and mold from building up.

Moving

When you are moving your refrigerator to a new home, follow these steps to prepare it for the move.

1.If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:

■Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.

■Disconnect the water line from the back of the refrigerator.

■When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shut-off arm to the OFF (up) position or move the switch to the OFF (right) setting.

2.Remove all food from the refrigerator and pack all frozen food in dry ice.

3.Depending on your model, turn the Thermostat Control or Refrigerator Control to OFF. See the “Setting the Controls” section.

4.Unplug the refrigerator.

5.Empty water from the defrost pan.

6.Clean, wipe, and dry thoroughly.

7.Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.

8.Depending on the model, raise the front of the refrigerator so it rolls more easily OR screw in the leveling legs so they don't scrape the floor. See the “Door Closing” or “Leveling Your Refrigerator” section, depending on your model.

9.Tape the doors shut and the power cord to the refrigerator cabinet.

When you get to your new home, put everything back and refer to the “Installing Your Refrigerator” section for preparation instructions. Also, if your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, remember to reconnect the water supply to the refrigerator.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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

Your refrigerator will not operate

■Is the power supply cord unplugged?

Firmly plug the cord into a live outlet with proper voltage.

■Has a household fuse or circuit breaker tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the circuit.

■Is the Refrigerator Control turned to the OFF position? Refer to the “Setting the Control(s)” section.

■Is the refrigerator defrosting?

Recheck to see if the refrigerator is operating in 30 minutes. Your refrigerator will regularly run an automatic defrost cycle.

The lights do not work

■Is the power supply cord unplugged?

Firmly plug the cord into a live outlet with proper voltage.

■Is a light bulb loose in the socket?

Turn the refrigerator control to OFF. Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical supply. Gently remove the bulb and reinsert. Then reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical supply and reset the refrigerator control.

■Has a light bulb burned out?

Replace with an appliance bulb of the same wattage, size, and shape. See the “Changing the Light Bulb(s)” section.

There is water in the defrost drain pan

■Is the refrigerator defrosting?

The water will evaporate. It is normal for water to drip into the defrost pan.

■Is it more humid than normal?

Expect that the water in the defrost pan will take longer to evaporate. This is normal when it is hot or humid.

The motor seems to run too much

■Is the room temperature hotter than normal?

Expect the motor to run longer under warm conditions. At normal room temperatures, expect your motor to run about 40% to 80% of the time. Under warmer conditions, expect it to run even more of the time.

■Has a large amount of food just been added to the refrigerator?

Adding a large amount of food warms the refrigerator. It is normal for the motor to run longer in order to cool the refrigerator back down. See the “Refrigerator Features” section.

■Are the doors opened often?

Expect the motor to run longer when this occurs. In order to conserve energy, try to get everything you need out of the refrigerator at once, keep food organized so it is easy to find, and close the door as soon as the food is removed.

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