Whirlpool EL88TRRWS - 18 cu. ft. Sidekicks All-Refrigerator with Adjustable Door Bins Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unpacking Your Refrigerator

Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

Removing packaging materials

• 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.
• Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids, or abrasive cleaners to remove tape or glue. These products can damage the surface of your refrigerator. For more information, see the "Refrigerator Safety" section.
• To remove the transparent film that is on the nameplate, use your fingernail and peel off the film, starting from one side and peeling to the other.
• If your refrigerator has a stainless steel or Satina™ Stainless Look finish, remove the film.

Cleaning before use
After you remove all of the package materials, clean the inside of your refrigerator before using it. See the cleaning instructions in the "Refrigerator Care" section.

Location Requirements

Explosion Hazard
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator, or other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall below 40°F (5°C).
Allow at least 3" (7.5 cm) of air space at the top and side of the refrigerator and 1" (2.5 cm) between the back of the refrigerator and the wall. If the refrigerator is to be against a wall, leave extra space on the hinge side so the door can open wider.
NOTE: This refrigerator may be installed side by side with another refrigerator or freezer as shown.

Electrical Requirements

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.

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, cleaning, or removing a light bulb, turn the Temperature Control to the OFF position as shown and then disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical source.

When you are finished, reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical source and reset the Temperature Control to the desired setting. See "Using the Control."

Refrigerator Door

• Depending on the width of the opening, you may need to remove the handle or door to move the refrigerator into the house.
• All graphics referenced in the following instructions are included later in this section after "Final Steps."
• Before you begin, turn the control OFF, and remove food and adjustable door or utility bins from door.

TOOLS NEEDED: ¹⁄₂" hex head socket wrench and ³⁄₈" hex head socket wrench

1. Loosen the setscrews located on the side of handle at each end. See Handle graphic.
2. Remove the handle from the grommets.

To replace the handle:

1. Place the handle onto the grommets making sure the grommets are fitted into the handle holes.
2. Tighten the upper and lower setscrews with the hex key provided. See Handle graphic. Do not overtighten the setscrews.

Remove Door and Hinges

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Open refrigerator door and remove base grille from the bottom front of the refrigerator. See Base Grille graphic.
3. Close the refrigerator door and keep it closed until you are ready to lift it free from the cabinet.
   NOTE: Provide additional support for the door while the hinges are being moved. Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the door in place while you are working.
4. Remove the parts for the top hinge as shown in Top Hinge graphic.
5. Lift the refrigerator door free from the lower hinge and cabinet and set aside.
6. Remove the hex head hinge screws and bottom hinge assembly. See Bottom Hinge graphic.

1. Replace the parts for the bottom hinge as shown and tighten screws. See Bottom Hinge graphic. Replace the refrigerator door.
   NOTE: Provide additional support for the door while the hinges are being moved. Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the door in place while you are working.
2. Assemble the parts of the top hinge as shown in the Top Hinge graphic. Do not tighten the screws completely.
3. Adjust the door so that the bottom aligns evenly with the cabinet. Tighten all screws.

1. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
2. Reset the control. See "Using the Control."
3. Return all removable door parts to door and food to refrigerator.

Door Removal and Replacement

Adjust the Door

Your refrigerator has two front adjustable legs, one on each side. The back of the refrigerator rests on two fixed supports.

1. Adjust the front legs enough to lift the cabinet up off of the floor.
   NOTE: If your model is equipped with rollers, the front legs should be lowered enough to lift the rollers off the floor so the refrigerator does not roll forward when the door is opened.
2. Place a leveling tool on top of the refrigerator first side to side, then front to back. Turn the leg counterclockwise to raise a corner. Turn the leg clockwise to lower a corner.
   
3. Repeat Step 2 until refrigerator is level.
4. After refrigerator is fully loaded with food, recheck with level as in Step 2.

Normal Sounds

Your new refrigerator may make sounds that your old one didn't make. Because the sounds are new to you, you might be concerned about them. Most of the new sounds are normal. Hard surfaces, like the floor, walls, and cabinets, can make the sounds seem louder. The following describes the kinds of sounds and what may be making them.

• Your refrigerator is designed to run more efficiently to keep your food items at the desired temperatures and to minimize energy usage. The high efficiency compressor and fans may cause your refrigerator to run longer than your old one. You may also hear a pulsating or high-pitched sound from the compressor or fans adjusting to optimize performance.
• You may hear the evaporator fan motor circulating air through the refrigerator compartment. The fan speed may increase as you open the doors or add warm food.
• Rattling noises may come from the flow of refrigerant, the water line, or items stored on top of the refrigerator.
• Water dripping on the defrost heater during a defrost cycle may cause a sizzling sound.
• As each cycle ends, you may hear a gurgling sound due to the refrigerant flowing in your refrigerator.
• Contraction and expansion of the inside walls may cause a popping noise.
• You may hear air being forced over the condenser by the condenser fan.
• You may hear water running into the drain pan during the defrost cycle.

REFRIGERATOR USE

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

In order to ensure proper temperature, you need to permit proper airflow in the refrigerator. As shown in the illustration, cool air enters through the refrigerator wall and moves down. The air then recirculates through the vent near the bottom.

Do not block any of these vents with food packages. If the vents are blocked, airflow will be restricted, and temperature and moisture problems may occur.

To avoid odor transfer and drying out of food, wrap or cover foods tightly.

Using the Control

Adjusting the Control
Give the refrigerator time to cool down completely before adding food. It is best to wait 24 hours before putting food into the refrigerator. The control is set correctly when milk or juice is as cold as you like. Move the dial one setting at a time and wait 24 hours between adjustments.

If you add food before the refrigerator has cooled completely, your food may spoil. Turning the Temperature Control to a colder (higher) than recommended setting will not cool the compartment any faster.
NOTE: During high humidity, moisture may form on the outside of the refrigerator. To avoid rust, dry the refrigerator's exterior and reset the Temperature Control to a colder (higher) setting.

REFRIGERATOR FEATURES

Refrigerator Shelves

Store similar foods together and adjust the shelves to fit different heights. This reduces the time the refrigerator door is open and saves energy.

To remove and replace a shelf:

1. Remove the shelf by pulling it forward slightly to align the shelf stops with the openings in the refrigerator compartment liner. Lift straight up, and pull the shelf out the rest of the way.
   
2. Replace the shelf by lowering the shelf stops through the openings in the refrigerator compartment liner. Slide the shelf in the rest of the way.

Crispers and Meat Drawer

1. Slide drawer straight out to the stop. Lift the front of the drawer and slide it out the rest of the way.
2. Replace a drawer by sliding it back in fully past the stop.

1. Remove crisper(s). Hold the glass insert firmly with one hand and press up in the center of the glass insert until it rises above the plastic frame. Slowly slide the glass insert forward to remove.
2. Lift the cover frame and remove it.
   

To replace crisper cover:

1. Fit the back of the cover frame into the supports on the side walls of the refrigerator. Lower the front of the cover frame into place.
2. Slide the rear of the glass insert into the cover frame and lower the front into place.

1. Remove the meat drawer and cover. See "Refrigerator Shelves" section.
   NOTE: The meat drawer cover has one fixed support that runs down the center of the shelf. The outside support is the adjustable one.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the adjustable support and move it to the other side of the meat drawer cover.
   
3. Place the meat drawer cover in the desired location and slide the meat drawer back into position.

Leftovers - Cover leftovers with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place in containers with tight fitting lids.

Crisper Humidity Control (on some models)

You can adjust the amount of humidity in the moisture-sealed crisper using the settings between HIGH and LOW.
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 in crisper. Do not wash or hull berries until they are ready to use. Sort and keep berries in original container in crisper.
• 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.

Door Bin

To remove and replace the bin:

1. Remove the bin by tipping the front of the bin forward and sliding out.
2. Replace the bin by sliding it in above the desired support tilting it back into place.
   

REFRIGERATOR CARE

Cleaning

To clean your refrigerator:

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Remove all removable parts from inside, such as shelves, crispers, etc.
3. 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.
   • 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. These can scratch or damage materials.
   • To help remove odors, you can wash interior walls with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (2 tbs to 1 qt [26 g to 0.95 L] of water).
4. Replace the removable parts.
5. Use the appropriate cleaning method for your exterior finish.
   Painted metal: Wash exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners, or cleaners designed for stainless steel. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
   Stainless steel finish: Wash with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
   • To keep your stainless steel refrigerator looking like new and to remove minor scuffs or marks, it is suggested that you use the manufacturer's approved Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish.
     
     This cleaner is for stainless steel parts only!
     Do not allow the Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish to come into contact with any plastic parts such as the trim pieces, dispenser covers or door gaskets. If unintentional contact does occur, clean plastic part with a sponge and mild detergent in warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
6. Clean the condenser coils regularly. Coils may need to be cleaned as often as every other month. This may help save energy.
   • Open the refrigerator door and remove the base grille by pulling down and out from the top.
     
   • Remove the defrost pan and clean it using a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Hand wash, rinse, and dry it thoroughly.
   • Use a vacuum with an extended attachment to clean the condenser coils when they are dusty or dirty.
   • Replace the defrost pan.
   • Replace the base grille by putting the clips in the openings in the refrigerator panel. Push in until the base grille snaps into place.
7. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Changing the Light Bulb

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

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Remove the light shield. From the front of the light shield, push backward and down.
   
3. Replace the light bulb with an appliance bulb of the same wattage.
4. Replace the light shield.
5. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Power Interruptions

If the power will be out for 24 hours or less, keep the door closed to help food stay cold.
If the power will be out for more than 24 hours, consume or can perishable food at once.
REMEMBER: If the condition of the food is poor, dispose of it.

Vacations
If you choose to leave the refrigerator on while you're away, use up any perishables and freeze other items. If you choose to turn the refrigerator off before you leave, follow these steps.

1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. Turn the control to the off position. See "Using the Control."
3. Clean refrigerator, wipe it, and dry well.
4. 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. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. Turn the Control to the off position. See "Using the Control."
3. Unplug refrigerator.
4. Empty water from the defrost pan.
5. Clean, wipe, and dry thoroughly.
6. Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don't shift and rattle during the move.
7. Screw in the leveling legs so they don't scrape the floor. See "Adjust the Door."
8. 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 "Installation Instructions" for preparation instructions.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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

• Is the power supply cord unplugged? Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
• Has a household fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the circuit.
• Is the Refrigerator Control turned to the OFF position? See "Using the Control."
• Is the refrigerator defrosting? Recheck to see whether the refrigerator is operating in 30 minutes. Your refrigerator will regularly run an automatic defrost cycle.

The lights do not work

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.

• Is the power supply cord unplugged? Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
• Is a light bulb loose in the socket or burned out? See "Changing the Light Bulb."

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.

There is interior moisture buildup

• Are the air vents blocked in the refrigerator? Remove any objects from in front of the air vents. See "Ensuring Proper Air Circulation" for the location of air vents.
• Is the door opened often? To avoid humidity buildup, 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. (When the door is opened, humidity from the room air enters the refrigerator. The more often the door is opened, the faster humidity builds up, especially when the room itself is very humid.)
• Is the room humid? It is normal for moisture to build up inside the refrigerator when the room air is humid.
• Is the food packaged correctly? Check that all food is securely wrapped. If necessary, repackage food according to the guidelines in "Refrigerator Features." Wipe off damp food containers before placing in the refrigerator.
• Is the control set correctly for the surrounding conditions? See "Using the Control."
• Was a self-defrost cycle completed? It is normal for droplets to form on the back wall after the refrigerator selfdefrosts.

The door is difficult to open or will not close completely

Explosion Hazard
Use nonflammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

• Are the gaskets dirty or sticky? Clean gaskets according to the directions in "Refrigerator Care."
• Are food packages blocking the door open? Rearrange containers so that they fit more tightly and take up less space.
• Are the crisper cover, pans, shelves, bins, or baskets out of position? Put the crisper cover and all pans, shelves, bins, and baskets back into their correct positions. See "Refrigerator Features" for more information.
• Does the refrigerator wobble or seem unstable? Level the refrigerator. See "Adjust the Door."

ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE

Before calling for assistance or service, please check "Troubleshooting." It may save you the cost of a service call. If you still need help, follow the instructions below.
When calling, please know the purchase date and the complete model and serial number of your appliance. This information will help us to better respond to your request.

If You Need Replacement Parts
If you need to order replacement parts, we recommend that you only use factory specified replacement parts. Factory specified replacement parts will fit right and work right because they are made with the same precision used to build every new WHIRLPOOL^® appliance.

To locate factory specified replacement parts in your area, call us or your nearest designated service center.

In the U.S.A.

For assistance, installation or service call Whirlpool^® Appliances toll free: 1-800-253-1301.

Our consultants provide assistance with:

• Features and specifications on our full line of appliances.
• Installation information.
• Use and maintenance procedures.
• Accessory and repair parts sales.
• Specialized customer assistance (Spanish speaking, hearing impaired, limited vision, etc.).
• Referrals to local dealers, repair parts distributors, and service companies. Whirlpool designated service technicians are trained to fulfill the product warranty and provide afterwarranty service, anywhere in the United States.
  To locate the Whirlpool designated service company in your area, you can also look in your telephone directory Yellow Pages.

For Further Assistance
If you need further assistance, you can write to Whirlpool with any questions or concerns at:
Whirlpool Brand Home Appliances
Customer eXperience Center
553 Benson Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

In Canada

For assistance, installation or service call toll free: 1-800-807-6777.

Our consultants provide assistance with:

• Features and specifications on our full line of appliances.
• Use and maintenance procedures.
• Accessory and repair parts sales.
• Referrals to local dealers, repair parts distributors, and service companies. Whirlpool designated service technicians are trained to fulfill the product warranty and provide after-

For Further Assistance
If you need further assistance, you can write to Whirlpool with any questions or concerns at:
Whirlpool Brand Home Appliances Customer eXperience Centre 200 – 6750 Century Ave.
Mississauga, ON L5N 0B7
Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

Accessories

To order accessories, call 1-800-253-1301 or contact your authorized Whirlpool dealer. In Canada, call 1-800-807-6777.

REFRIGERATOR SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word "DANGER" or "WARNING." These words mean:

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow instructions.

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using the dishwasher, follow basic precautions, including the following:

• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
• Do not use an extension cord.
• If power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.
• Connect to potable water supply 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; and catering and similar non-retail applications.
• Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance.
• Do not use replacement parts that have not been recommended by the manufacturer (e.g., parts made at home using a 3D printer).
• Keep ventilation openings, in the appliance enclosure or in the built-in structure, clear of obstruction.
• Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.
• Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.

Before you throw away your old refrigerator or freezer:

• Take off the doors.
• Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

For questions about features, operation/performance parts, accessories or service, call: 1-800-253-1301.
In Canada, for assistance, installation or service call:
1-800-807-6777
or visit our website at...www.whirlpool.com or www.whirlpool.ca