User Manual Whirlpool WRF540CWHW 36-inch Wide Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator - 20 cu. ft.

Whirlpool WRF540CWHW 36-inch Wide Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator - 20 cu. ft. - Use Manual - Use Guide PDF.
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• Owner's manual - (English, French, Spanish)

Table of contents

• INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
• REFRIGERATOR USE
• REFRIGERATOR CARE
• TROUBLESHOOTING

USER MANUAL Refrigerator

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Location Requirements

IMPORTANT: This refrigerator is designed for indoor, household use only.

This appliance is intended to be used in household and similar applications such as:

• Staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and other working environments.
• Farm houses and by clients in hotels, motels and other residential type environments.
• Bed and breakfast type environments.
• Catering and similar non-retail applications.

To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for ¹⁄2" (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 2 ¹⁄2" (6.3 cm) minimum on the hinge side (some models require more) to allow for 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.

If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either the plug or connector end.

Recommended Grounding Method

A 115 Volt, 60 Hz, AC only 15 or 20 A 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, cleaning, or removing a light bulb, turn the refrigerator to OFF. Depending on your model, either turn the freezer control to the word OFF, or press the Minus sign touch pads repeatedly until a dash (–) appears in both the Freezer and Refrigerator displays as shown. Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical source. When you are finished, reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical source and reset the temperature controls to the desired setting. See “Using the Controls.”

Water Supply Requirements

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
• ¹⁄4" Nut driver
• 7 ⁄16" and ¹⁄2" Open-end or two adjustable wrenches
• ¹⁄4" Drill bit
• Cordless drill

Water Pressure

A cold water supply with water pressure of between 35 and 120 psi (241 and 827 kPa) is required to operate the water dispenser and ice maker. If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified plumber.

Reverse Osmosis Water Supply

IMPORTANT: The pressure of the water supply coming out of a reverse osmosis system going to the water inlet valve of the refrigerator needs to be between 35 and 120 psi (241 and 827 kPa).

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 water pressure to the reverse osmosis system is less than 40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa):

• 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.
• If your refrigerator has a water filter, it may further reduce the water pressure when used in conjunction with a reverse osmosis system. Remove the water filter. See “Water Filtration System.”

If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified plumber.

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. Find a ¹⁄2" to 1¹⁄4" (12.7 mm to 31.8 mm) vertical cold water pipe near the refrigerator.

IMPORTANT:

• Make sure it is a cold water pipe.
• Horizontal pipe will work, but the following procedure must be followed: Drill on the top side of the pipe, not the bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill. This also keeps normal sediment from collecting in the valve.

4. Determine the length of copper tubing you need. Measure from the connection on the lower right rear of the 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.

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 the washer makes a watertight seal. Do not overtighten.

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 or you may crush the copper tubing.

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.

REFRIGERATOR USE

Opening and Closing Doors (French door models)

There are two refrigerator compartment doors. The doors can be opened and closed either separately or together.

There is a vertically-hinged seal on the left-hand refrigerator door.

• When the left-hand door is opened, the hinged seal automatically folds inward so that it is out of the way.
• When both doors are closed, the hinged seal automatically forms a seal between the two doors.

Using the Controls

Temperature Controls

For your convenience, your temperature controls are preset at the factory. When you first install your refrigerator, make sure the controls are still set to the recommended set points as shown.

Recommended Settings

IMPORTANT:

• The recommended settings should be correct for normal household refrigerator use. The controls are set correctly when milk or juice is as cold as you like and when ice cream is firm.
• When the power is on, the temperature display shows the set point temperature of the compartment.
• Wait 24 hours for your refrigerator to cool completely before adding food. If you add food before the refrigerator has cooled completely, your food may spoil.

NOTE: Adjusting the refrigerator and freezer temperature controls to a colder than recommended setting will not cool the compartments any faster.

• If the temperature is too warm or too cold in the refrigerator or freezer, first check the air vents to be sure they are not blocked before adjusting the controls.

To Turn Your Refrigerator Off/On:

• Press the freezer (+) touch pad repeatedly until “OFF” appears in the freezer display. Allow a few seconds for the refrigerator to shut off. Neither compartment will cool.
• Press either the refrigerator or freezer (-) touch pad to turn on the refrigerator.

Adjusting Controls

The REFRIGERATOR control adjusts the refrigerator compartment temperature. The FREEZER control adjusts the freezer compartment temperature.

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

To Adjust Set Point Temperatures:

The first touch of the (+) or (-) touch pad displays the current temperature set point.

• Press the (+) or (-) touch pads until the desired temperature set point is displayed.

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

Ice Maker

Turning the Ice Maker On/Off

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.

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.

NOTE: Turn off the ice maker before removing the ice storage bin to serve ice or to clean the bin. This will keep the ice cubes from dropping out of the ice maker and into the freezer compartment. After replacing the ice storage bin, turn on the ice maker.

Ice Production Rate

• The ice maker should produce a complete batch of ice approximately every 3 hours.
• To increase ice production, lower the freezer and refrigerator temperature. See “Using the Controls.” Wait 24 hours between adjustments.

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.

Water Dispenser

IMPORTANT:

• After connecting the refrigerator to a water source or replacing the water filter, flush the water system. Use a sturdy container to depress and hold the water dispenser lever for 5 seconds, then release it for 5 seconds. Repeat until water begins to flow. Once water begins to flow, continue depressing and releasing the dispenser lever (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) until a total of 4 gal. (15 L) has been dispensed. This will flush air from the filter and water dispensing system, and prepare the water filter for use. Additional flushing may be required in some households. As air is cleared from the system, water may spurt out of the dispenser.

NOTE: After 5 minutes of continuous dispensing, the dispenser will stop dispensing water to avoid flooding. To continue dispensing, press the dispenser button again.

• Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to cool down and chill water. Dispense enough water every week to maintain a fresh supply.

Dispensing Water

1. Hold a container under the dispenser while pressing the button.
2. Release the button to stop dispensing.

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 corrosion-resistant 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 Bulb

IMPORTANT: The light bulbs in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments of your new refrigerator use LED technology. 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.

1. Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power.

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

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

3. Replace the burned-out LED bulb(s) with a bulb of the same size, shape and wattage.

• To replace the burned-out LED bulb with an LED bulb, order Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool 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 40 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: 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 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 or press the switch to OFF, depending on your model.
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 or press the switch to OFF, depending on your model.
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.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Refrigerator Operation

The refrigerator will not operate

• 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 Control(s).”
• 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.

The refrigerator seems 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 explanations.

• Buzzing - heard when the water valve opens to fill the ice maker
• Pulsating - fans/compressor adjusting to optimize performance
• Hissing/Rattling - flow of refrigerant, movement of water lines, 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 ice melts during the defrost cycle and water 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

• Gaskets dirty or sticky? Clean gaskets and contact surfaces with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and dry with soft cloth.

Temperature and Moisture

Temperature is too warm

• New installation? Allow 24 hours following installation for the refrigerator to cool completely.
• Door(s) opened often or left open? Allows warm air to enter refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep doors fully closed.
• Large load of food added? Allow several hours for refrigerator to return to normal temperature.
• Controls set correctly for the surrounding conditions? Adjust the controls a setting colder. Check temperature in 24 hours. See “Using the Control(s).”

There is interior moisture buildup

NOTE: Some moisture buildup is normal.

• Humid room? Contributes to moisture buildup.
• Door(s) opened often or left open? Allows humid air to enter refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep doors fully closed.

Ice and Water

The ice maker is not producing ice or not enough ice

• Refrigerator connected to a water supply and the supply shutoff valve turned on? Connect refrigerator to water supply and turn water shutoff valve fully open.
• Kink in the water source line? A kink in the line can reduce water flow. Straighten the water source line.
• Ice maker turned on? Make sure wire shutoff arm or switch (depending on model) is in the ON position.
• New installation? Wait 24 hours after ice maker installation for ice production to begin. Wait 72 hours for full ice production.
• Freezer door closed completely? Firmly close the freezer compartment door. If the freezer compartment door will not close all the way, see “The doors will not close completely,” earlier in this section.
• Large amount of ice recently removed? Allow 24 hours for ice maker to produce more ice.
• Ice cube jammed in the ice maker ejector arm? Remove ice from the ejector arm with a plastic utensil.
• Water filter installed on the refrigerator? Remove filter and operate ice maker. If ice volume improves, then the filter may be clogged or incorrectly installed. Replace filter or reinstall it correctly.
• Reverse osmosis water filtration system connected to your cold water supply? This can decrease water pressure. See “Water Supply Requirements.”

The ice cubes are hollow or small

NOTE: This is an indication of low water pressure.

• Water shutoff valve not fully open? Turn the water shutoff valve fully open.
• Kink in the water source line? A kink in the line can reduce water flow. Straighten the water source line
• Water filter installed on the refrigerator? Remove filter and operate ice maker. If ice quality improves, then the filter may be clogged or incorrectly installed. Replace filter or reinstall it correctly.
• Reverse osmosis water filtration system connected to your cold water supply? This can decrease water pressure. See “Water Supply Requirements.”
• Questions remain regarding water pressure? Call a licensed, qualified plumber.

Off-taste, odor or gray color in the ice

• New plumbing connections? New plumbing connections can cause discolored or off-flavored ice.
• Ice stored too long? Discard ice. Wash ice bin. Allow 24 hours for ice maker to make new ice.
• Odor transfer from food? Use airtight, moisture proof packaging to store food.
• Are there minerals (such as sulfur) in the water? A water filter may need to be installed to remove the minerals.
• Water filter installed on the refrigerator? Gray or dark discoloration in ice indicates that the water filtration system needs additional flushing. Flush the water system before using a new water filter. Replace water filter when indicated. See “Water Filtration System.”

The water dispenser will not operate properly

• Refrigerator connected to a water supply and the supply shutoff valve turned on? Connect refrigerator to water supply and turn water shutoff valve fully open.
• Kink in the water source line? Straighten the water source line.
• New installation? Flush and fill the water system. See “Water Dispenser.”
• Is the water pressure at least 35 psi (241 kPa)? The water pressure to the home determines the flow from the dispenser. See “Water Supply Requirements.”
• Water filter installed on the refrigerator? Remove filter and operate dispenser. If water flow increases, the filter may be clogged or incorrectly installed. Replace filter or reinstall it correctly.
• Refrigerator door closed completely? Close the door firmly. If it does not close completely, see “The doors will not close completely,” earlier in this section.
• Recently removed the doors? Make sure the water dispenser wire/tube assembly has been properly reconnected. See “Refrigerator Door(s) and Drawer.”
• Reverse osmosis water filtration system connected to your cold water supply? This can decrease water pressure. See “Water Supply Requirements.”

Water is leaking from the dispenser system

NOTE: One or two drops of water after dispensing is normal.

• Glass not being held under the dispenser long enough? Hold the glass under the dispenser 2 to 3 seconds after releasing the dispenser lever.
• New installation? Flush the water system. See “Water Dispenser.”
• Recently changed water filter? Flush the water system. See “Water Dispenser.”
• Water on the floor near the base grille? Make sure the water dispenser tube connections are fully tightened. See “Refrigerator Door(s) and Drawer.”

Water from the dispenser is warm

NOTE: Water from the dispenser is only chilled to 50°F (10°C).

• New installation? Allow 24 hours after installation for the water supply to cool completely.
• Recently dispensed large amount of water? Allow 24 hours for water supply to cool completely.
• Water not been recently dispensed? The first glass of water may not be cool. Discard the first glass of water.
• Refrigerator connected to a cold water pipe? Make sure the refrigerator is connected to a cold water pipe. See “Water Supply Requirements.”

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