User Manual Whirlpool WRT311FZDW00 33" Top-Freezer Refrigerator with 20.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity 3 Framless Glass Shelves 2 Humidity-Controlled

• User Manual - (English, French, Spanish)

• Specification - (English)
• Spec Sheet (web) - (English)

• Warranty - (English)

• Dimension Guide - (English)

• Energy Guide - (English)

• Installation Instruction - (English)

Table of contents

• REFRIGERATOR SAFETY
• INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
• REFRIGERATOR USE
• REFRIGERATOR FEATURES
• FREEZER FEATURES
• DOOR FEATURES
• REFRIGERATOR CARE
• PROBLEM SOLVER

User Manual Refrigerator

REFRIGERATOR SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

■ Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

■ Do not remove ground prong.

■ Do not use an adapter.

■ Do not use an extension cord.

■ Disconnect power before servicing.

■ Replace all parts and panels before operating.

■ Remove doors from your old refrigerator.

■ Use nonflammable cleaner.

■ Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from refrigerator.

■ Use two or more people to move and install refrigerator.

■ Disconnect power before installing ice maker (on ice maker kit ready models only).

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unpack the Refrigerator

Remove the Packaging

■ Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning on the refrigerator. Rub a small amount of liquid dish soap over the adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm water and dry.

■ Dispose of/recycle all packaging materials.

Clean Before Using

After you remove all of the package materials, clean the inside of your refrigerator before using it. See the cleaning instructions in “Refrigerator Care.”

Location Requirements

IMPORTANT: This refrigerator is designed for indoor household use only. To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for ½" (1.25 cm) of space on each side and at the top. Allow for 1" (2.54 cm) of space behind the refrigerator. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra space at the back for the water line connections. When installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave a 2" (5.08 cm) minimum space on the hinge side (some models require more) to allow the door to swing open.

NOTE: This refrigerator is intended for use in a location where the temperature ranges from a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to a maximum of 110°F (43°C). The preferred room temperature range for optimum performance, which reduces electricity usage and provides superior cooling, is between 60°F (15°C) and 90°F (32°C). It is recommended that you do not install the refrigerator near a heat source, such as an oven or radiator.

Electrical Requirements

Before you move your refrigerator into its final location, it is important to make sure you have the proper electrical connection

Recommended Grounding Method

A 115 volt, 60 Hz, AC only, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical supply is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only your refrigerator be provided. Use an outlet that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension cord.

NOTE: Before performing any type of installation or cleaning, or removing a light bulb, turn cooling off or turn the control (Thermostat, Refrigerator or Freezer Control depending on the model) to OFF, and then disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical source. When you are finished, reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical source and turn cooling on or reset the control (Thermostat, Refrigerator or Freezer Control depending on the model) to the desired setting. See “Using the Controls” in the User Instructions, User Guide, or Use & Care Guide.

Water Supply Requirements

Read all directions before you begin. Gather the required tools and parts before starting installation. Read and follow the instructions provided with any tools listed here. TOOLS NEEDED: Flat-blade screwdriver, ⁷⁄₁₆" and ¹⁄₂" open-end wrenches or 2 adjustable wrenches, ¹⁄₄" nut driver and drill bit, cordless drill.

IMPORTANT:

■ If you turn the refrigerator on before the water line is connected, turn the ice maker OFF.

■ All installations must meet local plumbing code requirements.

■ Use copper tubing and check for leaks. Install copper tubing only in areas where the household temperatures will remain above freezing.

NOTE: Your refrigerator dealer has a kit available with a ¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) saddle-type shutoff valve, a union, and copper tubing. Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve complies with your local plumbing codes. Do not use a piercing-type or ³⁄₁₆" (4.76 mm) saddle valve which reduces water flow and clogs more easily

Water Pressure

IMPORTANT: A cold water supply with water pressure between 30 and 120 psi (207 and 827 kPa) is required to operate the ice maker.

NOTE: If the water pressure is less than what is required, ice cubes could be hollow or irregular shaped. If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified plumber.

Reverse Osmosis Water Supply

If a reverse osmosis water filtration system is connected to your cold water supply, the water pressure to the reverse osmosis system needs to be a minimum of 40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa). If the ice maker is still not operating properly:

■ Check to see whether the sediment filter in the reverse osmosis system is blocked. Replace the filter if necessary.

■ Allow the storage tank on the reverse osmosis system to refill after heavy usage.

Connect the Water Supply

Connect to Water Line

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet long enough to clear line of water.

3. Locate a ½" to 1¹⁄₄" (1.25 cm to 3.18 cm) vertical cold water pipe near the refrigerator.

IMPORTANT:

■ Make sure it is a cold water pipe.

■ Horizontal pipe will work, but drill on the top side of the pipe, not the bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill and normal sediment from collecting in the valve.

4. Determine the length of copper tubing you need. Measure from the connection on the lower left rear of refrigerator to the water pipe. Add 7 ft (2.1 m) to allow for cleaning. Use ¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) O.D. (outside diameter) copper tubing. Be sure both ends of copper tubing are cut square.

5. Using a cordless drill, drill a ¹⁄₄" hole in the cold water pipe you have selected.

A. Cold water pipe

B. Pipe clamp

C. Copper tubing

D. Compression nut

E. Compression sleeve

F. Shutoff valve

G. Packing nut

6. Fasten the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe clamp. Be sure the outlet end is solidly in the ¹⁄₄" drilled hole in the water pipe and that the washer is under the pipe clamp. Tighten the packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws slowly and evenly so washer makes a watertight seal. Do not overtighten or you may crush the copper tubing.

7. Slip the compression sleeve and compression nut on the copper tubing as shown. Insert the end of the tubing into the outlet end squarely as far as it will go. Screw compression nut onto outlet end with adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.

8. Place the free end of the tubing in a container or sink, and turn ON the main water supply. Flush the tubing until water is clear. Turn OFF the shutoff valve on the water pipe. Coil the copper tubing.

Connect to Refrigerator

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Attach the copper tubing to the valve inlet using a compression nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the compression nut. Do not overtighten.

3. Use the tube clamp on the back of the refrigerator to secure the tubing to the refrigerator as shown. This will help avoid damage to the tubing when the refrigerator is pushed back against the wall.

4. Turn shutoff valve ON.

5. Check for leaks. Tighten any connections (including connections at the valve) or nuts that leak.

A. Tube clamp

B. Tube clamp screw

C. Copper tubing

D. Compression nut

E. Valve inlet

6. The ice maker is equipped with a built-in water strainer. If your water conditions require a second water strainer, install it in the ¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) water line at either tube connection. Obtain a water strainer from your nearest appliance dealer.

Complete the Installation

1. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

NOTE: Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the first three batches of ice produced. Allow 3 days to completely fill ice container.

Refrigerator Doors

Tools Needed:

■ ⁵⁄₁₆" Hex-head socket wrench

■ ⁵⁄₁₆" Open-end wrench

■ #2 Phillips screwdriver

■ Flat 2" putty knife

■ Flat-blade screwdriver

IMPORTANT:

■ Before you begin, turn the refrigerator control OFF. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

■ Remove food and adjustable door or utility bins from doors.

■ If you are only removing and replacing the doors, see the “Remove Doors and Hinges” and “Replace Doors and Hinges” sections.

■ Depending on your model, you may have standard (Style 1) or contoured (Style 2) doors. If you are also going to reverse the door swing, follow the instructions for the appropriate door style. NOTE: A Reversibility Kit, which includes a new Brand Badge and hole covers, is available.

■ All graphics referenced in the following instructions are included later in this section after “Final Steps.”

Remove Doors and Hinges

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Close the refrigerator door and keep both doors closed until you are ready to lift them free from the cabinet. NOTE: Provide additional support for the doors while the hinges are being moved. Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the doors in place while you are working.

3. Remove the parts for the top hinge as shown in Top Hinge graphic. Lift the freezer door free from the cabinet.

4. Remove the parts for the center hinge as shown in the Center Hinge graphic. Lift the refrigerator door free from the cabinet.

5. Remove base grille from the bottom front of the refrigerator.

6. Remove the parts for the bottom hinge as shown in the Bottom Hinge graphic.

Reverse Doors (optional)

IMPORTANT: If you want to reverse your doors so that they open in the opposite direction, follow these steps. If you are not reversing the doors, see “Replace Doors and Hinges.”

Style 1 - Standard Door Models

Graphics follow these instructions.

Cabinet

1. Remove the three dome caps and the screws from handle side and move them to opposite side. See Graphic 1-1.

2. Remove cabinet hinge hole plugs from cabinet top and move them to opposite side hinge holes as shown. See Graphic 1-2.

Freezer Door

1. Remove the screw cover. See Graphic 2.

2. Remove the freezer handle assembly as shown. Keep all parts together. See Graphic 2.

3. Remove door hinge hole plug from freezer door. Move to opposite side hinge hole as shown. See Graphic 3.

4. Remove the brand badge using the plastic tool (provided). Replace it with the badge provided in the Reversibility Kit located inside the crisper drawer. For proper placement, see the Brand Badge Placement template (the last page of this manual).

5. Remove door stop. Move to opposite side of refrigerator door as shown. See Graphic 5.

6. Position freezer handle on opposite side of the freezer door as shown. See Graphic 2. First, drive the bottom two screws into handle. Align upper portion of handle and drive top screw into handle.

7. Tighten all screws. Set aside door until hinges and refrigerator compartment door are in place.

8. Replace screw cover. See Graphic 2.

Refrigerator Door

1. Remove the screw cover. See Graphic 6.

2. Remove refrigerator handle assembly as shown. Keep all parts together. See Graphic 6.

3. Remove door hinge hole plug from refrigerator door. Move to opposite side hinge hole as shown. See Graphic 3.

4. Remove door handle sealing screws. Move to opposite side of refrigerator door as shown. See Graphic 4.

5. Remove door handle hole plug and discard. See Graphic 7. Replace on opposite side with the door handle hole plug provided in the Reversibility Kit located in the crisper.

6. Remove door stop. Move to opposite side of refrigerator door as shown. See Graphic 5.

7. Position refrigerator handle on opposite side of the refrigerator door as shown. See Graphic 6. First, drive top two screws in handle first. Align lower portion of handle and drive bottom screw into handle.

8. Tighten all screws. Set aside refrigerator door until bottom hinge is installed on refrigerator.

9. Replace screw cover. See Graphic 6.

Style 2 - Contour Door Models

Graphics follow these instructions.

Cabinet

1. Remove the three dome caps and screws from handle side and move them to opposite side. See Graphic 1-1.

2. Using the three ⁵⁄₁₆" hex-head hinge screws, insert two screws halfway into the holes, leaving space to insert the center hinge.

3. Slide the center hinge, from the right, onto the screws, insert the third screw, and tighten all screws completely.

NOTE: Make sure the washers are in place on both the top and bottom pins of the center hinge

A. ⁵⁄₁₆" Hex-head hinge screws

B. Washers

4. Remove cabinet hinge hole plugs from the cabinet top and move them to opposite side hinge holes as shown. See Graphic 1-2.

Freezer Door

1. Remove the freezer door handle. Using a ¹⁄₈" hex key, loosen the setscrew located on the side of the handle. Pull the handle straight out from the door. Keep all parts together. See Graphic 2.

2. Remove the brand badge using the plastic tool (provided). Replace it with the badge provided in the Reversibility Kit located inside the crisper. For proper placement, see the Brand Badge Placement template (the last page of this manual).

3. Remove door stop. Move to opposite side of freezer door as shown. See Graphic 4.

4. Reinstall freezer handle on opposite side of the freezer door as shown. See Graphic 2.

5. Tighten all screws. Set aside door until hinges and refrigerator compartment door are in place.

Refrigerator Door

1. Remove the refrigerator door handle. Using a ¹⁄₈" hex key, loosen the setscrew located on the side of the handle. Pull the handle straight out from the door. Keep all parts together. See Graphic 6.

2. Remove door hinge hole plug from refrigerator door. Move to opposite side hinge hole as shown. See Graphic 3.

3. Remove door handle hole plug and discard. See Graphic 7. Replace on opposite side with the door handle hole plug provided in the Reversibility Kit located in the crisper.

4. Remove door stop. Move to opposite side of refrigerator door as shown. See Graphic 4.

5. Reinstall refrigerator handle on opposite side of the refrigerator door as shown. See Graphic 6.

6. Tighten all screws. Set aside refrigerator door until bottom hinge is installed on refrigerator.

Replace Doors and Hinges

1. Replace the parts for the bottom hinge as shown. Tighten screws. Replace the refrigerator door. NOTE: Provide additional support for the doors while the hinges are being moved. Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the doors in place while you are working.

2. Measure the distance from the bottom of the refrigerator door to the floor. The distance should be approximately 3¹⁄₂" (88 mm). NOTE: If necessary, loosen the bottom hinge, without removing the screws, adjust the door to the correct height and fully tighten the screws.

3. Assemble the parts for the center hinge as shown and tighten all screws. See Center Hinge graphic. Replace the freezer door

4. Assemble the parts for the top hinge as shown. See Top Hinge graphic. Do not tighten screws completely

Contour Door Models Only:

■ Remove the screw attaching the hinge pin to the hinge. Turn the hinge over so that it is pointing in the opposite direction.

■ Place the plastic spacer beneath the hinge so that it will be between the hinge and the cabinet, making sure the holes are aligned.

A. Plastic spacer

B. Hinge pin screw

C. Hinge pin

■ Fasten the top hinge to the opposite side of the cabinet, inserting the screws only halfway, so you will be able to replace and align the freezer door later.

5. Line up the doors so that the bottom of the freezer door aligns evenly with the top of the refrigerator door. Tighten all screws.

Final Steps

1. Check all holes to make sure that hole plugs and screws are in place. Reinstall top hinge cover. See Top Hinge graphic.

2. Remove the cover from the base grille. Move the cover to the opposite side.

3. Align the clips on the base grille with the screws on the bottom of the cabinet. Push the base grille toward the cabinet until it is flush.

4. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

5. Reset the controls. See “Using the Control(s).”

6. Return all removable door parts to doors and food to refrigerator

Style 1 - Standard

Door Removal & Replacement

Door Swing Reversal (optional)

Style 2 - Contour

Door Removal & Replacement

Door Swing Reversal (optional)

Reversibility Kit Instructions

If your model came with a Reversibility kit, please use the Brand Badge Placement template and the following instructions to install the Brand Badge on the opposite side of the freezer door.

Parts Included:

Brand badge removal tool

Brand badge template (on last page of User Instructions)

Door handle hole plug

Tools Needed:

Scissors Masking tape

Freezer Door

1. Using the removal tool (provided), remove the brand badge from the freezer door by lifting up the right-hand side and peeling the badge away from the door from right to left. NOTE: To avoid scratching the door, do not use a sharp or metallic object to pry the brand badge from the door.

2. Rub a small amount of liquid dish soap over any adhesive residue with your fingers. Rinse the door with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

3. Cut the template along the dotted lines that match the shape of the brand badge.

4. Align the edges of the template with the side and top of the freezer door and tape the template to the door.

NOTE: When the template is correctly aligned, the hole in the door, where the handle was, will be within the cutout of the template, as shown.

5. Using the cutout as a guide, press the brand badge onto the freezer door making sure that the hole is completely covered.

6. Slowly remove the template.

Door Closing

Your refrigerator has two front adjustable rollers – one on the right and one on the left. If your refrigerator seems unsteady or you want the doors to close easier, adjust the refrigerator's tilt using the following instructions:

1. Remove the base grille. See the Base Grille graphic in “Refrigerator Doors.” The two leveling screws are part of the front roller assemblies, which are at the base of the refrigerator on either side.

2. Use a socket driver to adjust the leveling screws. Turn the leveling screw to the right to raise that side of the refrigerator or turn the leveling screw to the left to lower that side. It may take several turns of the leveling screws to adjust the tilt of the refrigerator.

NOTE: Having someone push against the top of the refrigerator takes some weight off the leveling screws and rollers which makes it easier to adjust.

3. Open both doors again to make sure they close as easily as you like and that they stay closed. If not, tilt the refrigerator slightly more to the rear by turning both leveling screws to the right. It may take several more turns.

NOTE: To keep the refrigerator level, you should turn both leveling screws the same amount.

4. Replace the base grille.

Door Aligning

If the space between your doors looks uneven, you can adjust it using the following instructions:

1. Depending on your model, remove the top hinge cover. Loosen the top hinge screws using a ⁵⁄₁₆" socket or wrench.

2. Have someone hold the door in place or put a spacer between the doors while you tighten the top hinge screws.

3. Replace the top hinge cover, if removed in Step 1.

REFRIGERATOR USE

Using the Controls

Your refrigerator has two controls that affect the temperature. The Temperature control is located at the top front of the refrigerator compartment and the Airflow control is located on the back wall of the freezer compartment

Temperature Control

For your convenience, the Temperature control is preset at the factory. When you first install your refrigerator, make sure the control is still preset as shown.

Cooling Off/On

■ Move the dial control to the word OFF. To turn cooling back on, move the dial control to the desired temperature setting.

Adjusting the Temperature Control

If you need to adjust the temperature in either the refrigerator or freezer compartment, use the settings listed in the chart below as a guide

NOTE: Except when starting the refrigerator, do not adjust the control more than one setting at a time. Wait 24 hours between adjustments for the temperature to stabilize.

■ Move the dial to the desired number of snowflakes from (1 least cold to 5 coldest).

REFRIGERATOR too warm : TEMPERATURE Control one setting higher

FREEZER too warm/too little ice : AIRFLOW or TEMPERATURE Control one setting higher

REFRIGERATOR too cold : TEMPERATURE Control one setting lower

FREEZER too cold : AIRFLOW or TEMPERATURE Control one setting lower

Airflow Control

The Airflow control regulates the amount of air flowing between the freezer and the refrigerator compartments. When you plug in the refrigerator for the first time, turn the Airflow control to the Recommended setting.

Adjusting the Airflow Control

If you want to temporarily increase the cold airflow to a specific compartment, adjust the control

■ Max - Increase airflow to the freezer

■ Min - Increase airflow to the refrigerator

IMPORTANT: Once the performance is achieved, return the Airflow control to the Recommended setting to keep the refrigerator operating at optimum efficiency.

Heavy ice use : Max

Hot room temperature : Max - To maintain ice making production rate

Large quantity of groceries : Min - To quickly chill food and beverages

Ice Maker (on some models - Accessory)

Turning the Ice Maker On/Off

NOTE: Do not force the wire shutoff arm up or down

■To turn the ice maker on, simply lower the wire shutoff arm.

■ To manually turn the ice maker off, lift the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (arm up) position and listen for the click to make sure the ice maker will not continue to operate

Ice Production Rate

■ NORMAL Ice Production: The ice maker should produce approximately 8 to 12 batches of ice in a 24-hour period. If ice is not being made fast enough, turn the Freezer Control toward a higher (colder) number in half number steps. (For example, if the control is at 3, move it to between 3 and 4.) Wait 24 hours and, if necessary, gradually turn the Freezer Control to the highest setting, waiting 24 hours between each increase.

■ MAXIMUM Ice Production (on some models): The ice maker should produce approximately 16 to 20 batches of ice in a 24-hour period. If your refrigerator has the maximum ice production feature, push the switch to MAX

Remember

■ Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Allow 3 days to completely fill the ice storage bin. 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 store anything on top of the ice maker or in the ice storage bin

REFRIGERATOR FEATURES

Refrigerator Shelves

individual storage needs. Storing similar food items together in your refrigerator and adjusting the shelves to fit different heights of items will make finding the exact item you want easier. It will also reduce the amount of time the refrigerator door is open, and save energy.

To remove and replace a shelf:

1. Remove items from the shelf.

2. Slide the shelf straight out to the stop.

3. Depending on your model, lift back or front of the shelf past the stop. Slide shelf out the rest of the way.

4. Replace the shelf by sliding the back of the shelf into the track in the wall of the cabinet.

5. Guide the front of the shelf into the shelf track. Be sure to slide the shelf in all the way

Deli Drawer

To remove and replace the deli drawer:

1. Slide deli drawer out to the stop.

2. Lift front of deli drawer with one hand while supporting bottom of drawer with other hand. Slide drawer out the rest of the way.

3. Replace the drawer by sliding it back in fully past the drawer stop.

NOTE: The deli drawer moves sideways on the shelf to allow for flexible positioning.

Meat Storage Guide

Store most meat in original wrapping as long as it is airtight and moisture-proof. Rewrap if necessary. See the following chart for storage times. When storing meat longer than the times given, freeze the meat. Fresh fish or shellfish.........................use same day as purchased Chicken, ground beef, variety meats (liver) ......................1-2 days Cold cuts, steaks/roasts ..................................................3-5 days Cured meats...................................................................7-10 days Leftovers - Cover leftovers with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or plastic containers with tight lids.

Crisper

Crisper Drawers

To remove and replace the crisper drawer:

1. Slide the crisper drawer straight out to the stop. Lift the front and slide the drawer out the rest of the way.

2. Replace the drawer by sliding the drawer in fully past the stop.

Crisper Cover

To remove and replace the crisper cover:

1. Remove the crisper(s).

2. Pull the glass straight out.

3. Replace the glass by pushing it straight in

Crisper Humidity Control

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

LOW (open) lets moist air out of the crisper for best storage of fruits and vegetables with skins.

■ Fruit: Wash, let dry and store in refrigerator in plastic bag or crisper. Do not wash or hull berries until they are ready to use. Sort and keep berries in original container in crisper, or store in a loosely closed paper bag on a refrigerator shelf.

■ Vegetables with skins: Place in plastic bag or plastic container and store in crisper.

HIGH (closed) keeps moist air in the crisper for best storage of fresh, leafy vegetables.

■ Leafy vegetables: Wash in cold water, drain and trim or tear off bruised and discolored areas. Place in plastic bag or plastic container and store in crisper

FREEZER FEATURES

Wire Freezer Shelf (on some models)

To remove and replace a wire shelf:

1. Remove the shelf by lifting the entire shelf slightly and moving it all the way to the left-hand side. Tilt the right-hand side up and out of the shelf supports.

2. Replace the shelf by inserting the left-hand end all the way into the shelf supports. Then, lower the right-hand end of the shelf and insert it into the shelf supports.

NOTE: The shelf should lower slightly and lock into place. If the shelf does not appear stable, make sure both ends of the shelf are inserted into the shelf supports.

Glass Freezer Shelf (on some models)

To remove and replace a glass shelf:

1. Lift the front of the shelf to raise the shelf tabs up and out of the opening in each shelf track. Slide the shelf out the rest of the way.

2. Replace the shelf by tilting the back end downward to align the back shelf tab under the track on each side of the freezer. Gently push the shelf into the freezer until the two center shelf tabs are positioned within the opening in each track. Lower the shelf to rest on the shelf tracks.

Frozen Food Storage Guide

Storage times will vary according to the quality and type of food, the type of packaging or wrap used (should be airtight and moisture-proof), and the storage temperature. Seal the package or container securely to avoid taste and odor transfer throughout the product. Ice crystals inside a sealed package are normal. This simply means that moisture in the food and air inside the package have condensed, creating ice crystals. Put no more unfrozen food into the freezer than will freeze within 24 hours (no more than 2 to 3 lbs of food per cubic foot [907 to 1,350 g per L] of freezer space). Leave enough space in the freezer for air to circulate around packages. The freezer door must close tightly.

NOTE: For more information on preparing food for freezing, check a freezer guide or reliable cookbook.

DOOR FEATURES

Door Rails

Snap-on Door Rails (on some models)

To remove and replace the rails:

1. Depending on your model, remove the rails by pushing in slightly on the front of the bracket while pulling out on the inside tab. Repeat these steps for the other end.

2. Replace the rails by aligning the ends of the brackets with the buttons on the sides of the door liner. Firmly snap bracket and assembly onto the tabs above the shelf as shown.

Drop-in Door Rails (on some models)

To remove and replace the rails:

1. Remove the rails by pulling straight up on each end of the rail.

2. Replace the rails by sliding the shelf rail into the slots on the door and pushing the rail straight down until it stops.

Door Bins (on some models)

To remove and replace the bins:

1. Remove the bin by lifting it and pulling it straight out.

2. Replace the bin by sliding it in above the desired support and pushing it down until it stops.

Utility Compartment

The utility compartment may be removed for easier cleaning.

To remove and replace the utility compartment:

1. Remove the utility compartment by squeezing against one side while raising the utility compartment up and pulling it straight out.

2. Replace the utility compartment by positioning one side in the lock and sliding in the opposite side until it stops.

REFRIGERATOR CARE

Cleaning

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.

■ For stainless steel models, stainless steel is corrosionresistant and not corrosion-proof. To help avoid corrosion of your stainless steel, keep your surfaces clean by using the following cleaning instructions.

To Clean Your Refrigerator:

NOTE: Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, muriatic acid, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products on exterior surfaces (doors and cabinet), 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. Clean the exterior surfaces.

Painted metal: Wash painted metal exteriors with a clean, soft cloth or sponge and a mild detergent in warm water. Rinse surfaces with clean, warm water and dry immediately to avoid water spots.

Stainless steel: Wash stainless steel surfaces with a clean, soft cloth or sponge and a mild detergent in warm water. Rinse surfaces with clean, warm water and dry immediately to avoid water spots.

NOTE: When cleaning stainless steel, always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid cross-grain scratching.

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 the Light Bulbs

Refrigerator Compartment Light

The refrigerator light bulb is located behind the control.

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Remove the light shield by squeezing in on the sides and pulling it straight down.

3. Remove the light bulb and replace it with an appliance bulb of the same size and shape.

■ To replace an LED light bulb in the refrigerator compartment, order part number W10565137 (3.6 watts). 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 LED bulb, before installation, read and follow all instructions on the LED packaging.

■ If an incandescent bulb is used to replace an LED bulb, use only incandescent bulbs for household appliances with a maximum of 60 watts.

4. Replace the light shield.

5. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Freezer Compartment Light (on some models)

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Remove the light shield (on some models).

■ Top of the freezer compartment - Slide the light shield toward the back of the compartment to release it from the light assembly.

3. Remove the light bulb and replace it with an appliance bulb of the same size and shape.

■ To replace an LED light bulb in the freezer compartment, order part number W10574850 (2.0 watts). 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 LED bulb, before installation, read and follow all instructions on the LED packaging.

■ If an incandescent bulb is used to replace an LED bulb, use only incandescent bulbs for household appliances with a maximum of 25 watts.

4. Replace the light shield.

5. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power

Vacation and Moving Care

Vacations

If You Choose to Leave the Refrigerator On While You’re 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: Raise the wire shutoff arm to OFF (up) position.

4. Empty the ice bin.

If You Choose to Turn Off the Refrigerator 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.

3. Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”

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 shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position.

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

3. Empty the ice bin.

4. Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”

5. Unplug refrigerator.

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 raise the leveling screws so they don't scrape the floor. See “Adjust the Door(s)” or “Door Closing and Door Alignment.”

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” section for preparation instructions. Also, if your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, remember to reconnect the water supply to the refrigerator.

PROBLEM SOLVER