Troubleshooting; Refrigerator Operation - Whirlpool Referigerator Use & Care Manual

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

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.
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.
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 water melts during the
defrost cycle and 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.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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 Controls."
There is interior moisture buildup
NOTE: Some moisture build-up is normal.
Humid room? Contributes to moisture build-up.
Door(s) opened often or left open? Allows humid air to enter
refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep doors fully
closed.
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.
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."
Temperature and Moisture
Ice and Water
11