Whirlpool WRS321SDHV 33-inch Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator - 21 cu. ft

OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Using the Controls

For your convenience, your refrigerator controls are preset at the factory. When you first install your refrigerator, make sure that the controls are still preset. The Refrigerator Control and the Freezer Control should both be set to the “mid-settings.”

IMPORTANT:

• The Refrigerator Control adjusts the refrigerator compartment temperature. Every click on “Temp Setting” button makes refrigerator compartment colder, once you get to the last level the system will go back to the initial level.

• The Freezer Control adjusts the freezer compartment temperature. Settings to the front of the mid-setting make the temperature less cold. Settings to the back of the mid-setting make the temperature colder.
• Wait 24 hours before you put food into the refrigerator. If you add food before the refrigerator has cooled completely, your food may spoil.

NOTE: Adjusting the Refrigerator and Freezer Controls to a higher colder) than recommended setting will not cool the compartments any faster.

Adjusting Controls

Give the refrigerator time to cool down completely before adding food. It is best to wait 24 hours before you put food into the refrigerator. The settings indicated in the previous section should be correct for normal household refrigerator usage. The controls are set correctly when milk or juice is as cold as you like and when ice cream is firm.

If you need to adjust temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer, use the settings listed in the chart below as a guide. Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments.

Crisper Humidity Control (on some models)

You can control the amount of humidity in the moisture-sealed crisper. Adjust the control to any setting between LOW and HIGH.

LOW (open) for best storage of fruits and vegetables with skins.

HIGH (closed) for best storage of fresh, leafy vegetables.

ICE AND WATER

Water and Ice Dispensers

NOTES:

• The dispensing system will not operate when either door refrigerator or freezer) is open.
• Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to cool down and chill water.
• Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the first three batches of ice produced. Wait 72 hours for full ice production.

Flush the Water System

Air in the water dispensing system can cause the water dispenser to drip. After connecting the refrigerator to a water source or replacing the water filter, flush the water system. Flushing the water dispensing system forces air from the water line and filter, and prepares the water filter for use.

NOTE: As air is cleared from the system, water may spurt out of the dispenser.

1. Using a sturdy container, depress and hold the water dispenser lever for 5 seconds, then release it for 5 seconds.
2. Repeat Step 1 until water begins to flow.
3. Once water begins to flow, continue depressing and releasing the dispenser lever (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) until a total of 3 gal. (12L) has been dispensed.

Additional flushing may be required in some households.

The Water Dispenser

IMPORTANT:

• Dispense at least 1 qt (1 L) of water every week to maintain a fresh supply.
• If the flow of water from the dispenser decreases, it could be caused by low water pressure.
  • With the water filter removed, dispense 1 cup (237 mL) of water. If 1 cup of water is dispensed in 8 seconds or less, the water pressure to the refrigerator meets the minimum requirement.
  • If it takes longer than 8 seconds to dispense 1 cup of water, the water pressure to the refrigerator is lower than recommended. See “Water Supply Requirements” (in the User Instructions or the Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual) or “Troubleshooting” for suggestions.

To Dispense Water:

1. Press a sturdy glass against the water dispenser lever. Hold the glass close to the water dispenser spout to ensure that the water dispenses into the glass.
2. Remove the glass to stop dispensing

IMPORTANT: The small tray at the bottom of the dispenser is designed to catch small spills and allow for easy cleaning. There is no drain in the tray.

The Ice Dispenser

Ice dispenses from the ice maker storage bin in the freezer when the dispenser lever is pressed. To turn off the ice maker, see “Ice Maker and Storage Bin.”

Your ice maker can produce both crushed and cubed ice. Before dispensing ice, select which type of ice you prefer.

• Press the CRUSHED button for crushed ice, or the CUBED button for cubed ice.

For crushed ice, cubes are crushed before being dispensed. This may cause a slight delay when dispensing crushed ice. Noise from the ice crusher is normal, and pieces of ice may vary in size.

When changing from crushed to cubed, a few ounces of crushed ice will be dispensed along with the first cubes.

To Dispense Ice:

1. Press the button to select the desired type of ice.

WARNING Cut Hazard Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice. Failure to do so can result in cuts.

2. Press a sturdy glass against the ice dispenser lever. Hold the glass close to the ice guide to ensure that the ice dispenses into the glass.

IMPORTANT: You do not need to apply a lot of pressure to the lever in order to activate the ice dispenser. Pressing hard will not make the ice dispense faster or in greater quantities.

3. Remove the glass to stop dispensing.

A. Water dispenser lever

B. Water dispenser spout

C. Ice dispenser lever

D. Ice guide

The Dispenser Light

On some models, the dispenser light will automatically turn on when you use the dispenser.

• If you want the light to be on continuously, press the LIGHT ON button. To turn the light back off, press the LIGHT OFF button.

The dispenser lights are LEDs that cannot be changed. If it appears that your dispenser lights are not working, see “Troubleshooting” for more information.

The Dispenser Lock

The dispenser can be turned off for easy cleaning or to avoid unintentional dispensing by small children and pets.

NOTE: The lock feature does not shut off power to the refrigerator, to the ice maker, or to the dispenser light. It simply deactivates the dispenser lever. To turn off the ice maker, see “Ice Maker and Storage Bin.”

• To lock the dispenser, press the LOCK button. To unlock the dispenser, press the UNLOCK button.

Ice Maker and Storage Bin

• Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the first three batches of ice produced.
• The quality of your ice will be only as good as the quality of the water supplied to your ice maker. Avoid connecting the ice maker to a softened water supply. Water softener chemicals (such as salt) can damage parts of the ice maker and lead to poor quality ice. If a softened water supply cannot be avoided, make sure the water softener is operating properly and is well maintained.
• Do not use anything sharp to break up the ice in the storage bin. This can cause damage to the ice container and the dispenser mechanism.
• Do not store anything on top of or in the ice maker or storage bin.

Turning the Ice Maker On/Off

Style 1

• To turn on the ice maker, lift open the ice maker door and lower the wire shutoff arm to the ON position.
• To manually turn off the ice maker, lift the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (arm up) position and listen for the click. Ice can still be dispensed, but no more can be made.

NOTE: Your ice maker has an automatic shutoff. As ice is made, the ice cubes will fill the ice storage bin, and the ice cubes will raise the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (arm up) position. Do not force the wire shutoff arm up or down.

Removing and Replacing the Ice Storage Bin

1. Lift and hold open the ice maker door.
2. Lift the wire shutoff arm so it clicks into the OFF (up) position. Release the ice maker door.
3. Lift up the front of the storage bin and pull it out.
4. Replace the bin by pushing it in all the way, or the dispenser will not work.
5. To restart ice production, lift open the ice maker door and push the wire shutoff arm down to the ON position.

Style 2

The On/Off switch is located on the bottom of the Ice Maker. can be accessed by lifting and opening the ice maker door.

• To turn on the ice maker. lift open the ice maker door. flip the switch to the ON (right) position.
• To manually turn off the ice maker. lift open the ice maker door. flip the switch to the Off (left) position. Ice can still be dispensed. but no more can be made.

NOTE: Your ice maker has an automatic shutoff to keep the storage bin from overfilling during normal operation. As ice is made. the ice cubes will fill the ice storage bin. and the ice cubes will raise the shutoff arm to the OFF (arm up) position. When the storage bin is at full capacity. the ice maker will automatically stop ice production. but the ice maker On/Off switch will remain in the On (up) position.

Removing and Replacing the Ice Storage Bin

1. Pull the covering panel up from the bottom .
2. Lift the plastic shutoff arm so it clicks into the Off (up) position.
3. Lift up the front of the storage bin and pull it out.
4. Replace the bin by pushing it in all the way or the dispenser will not work.
5. To restart ice production. lower the plastic shutoff arm into the On (down) position. Make sure the door is closed tightly .

Water Filtration System

Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected waters that may contain filterable cysts.

Water Filter Status Light (on some models)

The filter status light will help you know when to change your water filter. this is located in the refrigerator control panel.

• The light will turn on red. This tells you that it is almost time to change the filter.
• It is recommended that you replace the filter when the status light changes to red OR water flow to your water dispenser or ice maker decreases noticeably.

NOTE: The filter should be replaced at least every 6 months depending on your water quality and usage.

Resetting the Filter Status

• The reset button is located on the control panel in the refrigerator compartment. To reset the status light after changing the filter, press the button TEMP SETTING within 3 seconds. The status light will change from red to off when the system is reset.

Changing the Water Filter

Style 1

1. Locate the water filter cover door in the base grille, and pull open the filter door. The filter will be released and then be ejected as the door is opened.

2. When the door is completely open, pull the filter straight out.

NOTE: There may be some water in the filter. Some spilling may occur. Use a towel to wipe up any spills.

3. Take the new filter out of its packaging and remove the covers from the O-rings. Be sure the O-rings are still in place after the covers are removed.

4. With the arrow pointing to the left (toward the filter cover door’s hinge), align the new filter with the filter housing and slide it into place. The filter cover door will automatically begin to close as the new filter is inserted.

5. Close the filter cover door completely in order to snap the filter into place. You may need to press hard.

6. Flush the water system. See “Water and Ice Dispensers.”

Style 2

1. Locate the water filter cover door in the base grille, and pull open the filter door.

2. Twist the water filter and turn 90° counterclockwise to unlock.

3. Pull the filter out of the housing.

4. Remove the water filter cap from the water filter

5. Install the water filter cap onto the new filter. Be sure to align the arrows so the grooves in the filter align with the ribs in the filter cap.

6. Insert the filter into the housing.

7. Twist the water filter and turn 90° clockwise until it locks into place and that arrows are aligned.

8. Push the water filter door closed.

TROUBLESHOOTING

For recommendations that may help you avoid a service call, or visit whirlpool

For a complete Troubleshooting listing with more information about additional topics, see the Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual provided with your refrigerator, or visit our website and download the User Instructions for your model.

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.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Cleaning

WARNING Explosion Hazard Risk of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Do Not Use Mechanical Devices to Defrost Refrigerator. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.

Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost automatically. However, clean both sections about once a month to avoid buildup of odors. 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 avoid odor transfer and drying out of food, wrap or cover foods tightly.

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. Stainless steel models have a coating. Do Not use regular stainless steel cleaning products. Do Not use stainless steel cleaner or polish and use only mild soap, water, and soft microfiber cloth to avoid damage to the stainless steel protective coating. Paper towels scratch and may dull the clear coat of the painted door. To avoid possible damage, use only clean cloths to polish and wipe the door.

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.

WARNING Explosion Hazard Risk of Fire or Explosion due to Puncture of Refrigerant Tubing; Follow Handling Instructions Carefully. Flammable Refrigerant Used

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. See the “Door Removal” instructions, either in the Owner’s Manual or in the separate instruction sheet provided with your refrigerator.
• 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.

Lights

Not all bulbs will fit your refrigerator. Be sure to replace the bulb with one of the same size, shape, and wattage.

IMPORTANT: The light bulbs in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments of your new refrigerator may use LED technology. On some models, the LED light bulbs in the refrigerator, freezer, air tower, and dispenser cannot be changed by yourself. If the lights do not illuminate when the refrigerator and/or freezer door is opened, call for assistance or service. In the U.S.A., call 1-800-253-1301. In Canada, call 1-800-807-6777.

Light Styles:

The dispenser lights are LEDs that cannot be changed.

The interior lights vary by model.

• Some models have mini LEDs that cannot be changed.
• Some models have full-size LED bulbs that can be changed. To order replacement 2.0 W LED bulbs, use part number W10574850A, and for 3.6 W, use part number W10565137A, or call 1-800-253-1301 (U.S.A.) or 1-800-807-6777 (Canada).

NOTE: Some LED replacement bulbs are not recommended for wet/damp environments. The refrigerator and freezer compartments are considered to be wet/damp environments. If using a brand of LED bulb other than the recommended Whirlpool LED bulb, read and follow all instructions on the replacement bulb’s packaging before installing it.

• Some models have interior incandescent 40 W bulbs that can be changed.

NOTE: Not all replacement bulbs will fit your refrigerator. Do not use an incandescent bulb in excess of 40 watts.

To Change a Light Bulb:

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Remove the light shield, as explained in the following sections.

NOTE: To clean the light shield, wash it with warm water and liquid detergent. Before reinstalling, thoroughly rinse and dry the shield.

3. Replace the burned-out light bulb, as explained in the following sections.

4. Reinstall the light shield, as explained in the following sections.

5. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Refrigerator Compartment – Upper Lights

Light Shield Removal:

Slide the light shield toward the rear of the refrigerator and remove it from the light housing.

Replacement Bulb:

• If the burned-out light is a full-size LED bulb, replace it with a 2.0W LED bulb.
• If the burned-out light is an incandescent bulb, replace it with an incandescent appliance bulb of the same size, shape, and wattage (40 W maximum).

Light Shield Reinstallation:

Align the light shield in the grooves at the bottom edge of the light housing; then slide it forward until it snaps into place.

Refrigerator Compartment – Lower Lights

Light Shield Removal:

Slide the light shield to the right to remove the left end from the wall slots; then pull the right end out of its wall slots.

Replacement Bulb:

• If the burned-out light is a full-size LED bulb, replace it with a 3.6W LED bulb.
• If the burned-out light is an incandescent bulb, replace it with an incandescent appliance bulb of the same size, shape, and wattage (40 W maximum).

Light Shield Reinstallation:

Place the right end of the light shield into the wall slots; then snap the left end into its wall slots.

Freezer Compartment – Upper Light

Light Shield Removal:

Gently squeeze the front and the bottom-rear edge of the light shield to release the tabs from the wall slots; then pull the light shield forward.

Replacement Bulb:

• If the burned-out light is a full-size LED bulb, replace it with a 3.6W LED bulb.
• If the burned-out light is an incandescent bulb, replace it with an incandescent appliance bulb of the same size, shape, and wattage (40 W maximum).

Light Shield Reinstallation:

Align the light shield in its proper position, and snap the tabs into the wall slots.

Freezer Compartment – Lower Light

Light Shield Removal:

Slide the light shield to the left to remove the right end from the wall slots; then pull the left end out of its wall slots.

Replacement Bulb:

• If the burned-out light is a full-size LED bulb, replace it with a 3.6 W LED bulb.
• If the burned-out light is an incandescent bulb, replace it with an incandescent appliance bulb of the same size, shape, and wattage (40 W maximum).

Light Shield Reinstallation:

Place the left end of the light shield into the wall slots; then snap the right end into its wall slots.

Freezer Shelf (number varies by model)

To Remove and Replace the Bottom Shelf:

1. Lift up the front and back of the shelf, and remove from the cabinet. Be sure not to remove the retaining rods.
2. Replace the shelf, aligning the rods with the cabinet ribs. Apply a little pressure on the shelf to attach the rods to the ribs of the cabinet.

To Remove and Replace the Mid and Top Shelf:

1. With your hand, push the shelf from bottom to top until it is released from the holding rod. Pull the shelf until it is released from the rear rod. Remove from the cabinet.
2. To replace the shelf:

• Replace rods into the support holes. Push the rods down so they click into the holes.
• Identify the front and rear trim of the shelf.

• Place the rear trim on the rear rod and push the shelf so it clicks the rod into the rear trim. (Keep the front raised while pushing.)
• Lower the front of the shelf until the front trim is on the rod and push the shelf down so it clicks the rod into the front trim.

NOTE: Be sure that both sides of the shelf are positioned evenly in the shelf support holes and the shelf is secure.

Vacation and Moving Care

Vacations

If You Choose to Leave Refrigerator On While You Are Away:

1. Use up any perishables and freeze other items.
2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker and is connected to the household water supply, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Property damage can occur if the water supply is not turned off.
3. If you have an automatic ice maker, turn off the ice maker. NOTE: Depending on your model, raise the wire shutoff arm to Off (up) position or press the switch to Off.
4. Empty the ice bin.

If You Choose to Turn Refrigerator Off Before You Leave:

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 shutoff arm to the Off (up) position or move the switch to the Off setting.

3. Depending on the model, turn the refrigerator control to Off or turn cooling off. See “Control Descriptions” in the Quick Start Guide.

4. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

5. Clean, wipe, and dry thoroughly.

6. 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 shutoff arm to the Off (up) position or move the switch to the Off setting.

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

3. Empty the ice bin.

4. Depending on the model, turn the refrigerator control to Off or turn cooling off. See “Control Descriptions” in the Quick Start Guide.

5. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

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 “Adjust the Doors” or “Door Removal, Leveling and Alignment” in the online Feature Guide.

9. Tape the doors closed and tape the power cord to the back of the refrigerator.

When you get to your new home, put everything back and refer to the Installation Instructions for preparation instructions. Also, if your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, remember to reconnect the water supply to the refrigerator.

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