Whirlpool 915 SERIES User manual

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Home Appliances
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UseAndCare
A Note to You ........................ 2
Dishwasher Safety ................ 3
Parts and Features ................ 4
Starting Your Dishwasher .... 6
Loading Your Dishwasher.. .. 7
Using the Dispensers ......... 12
Setting the Controls.. .......... 14
Selecting a wash cycle ...... 14
Canceling a cycle .............. 15
Selecting cycle options ..... 16
Changing a cycle setting.. . 16
Changing an option
setting ............................... 16
Adding an item during
a cycle.. ............................. 17
Using delay wash.. ............. 17
The clean signal light ......... 17
Washing Special Items ....... 18
Caring for Your
Dishwasher .......................... 19
Saving Energy ..................... 21
Solving Common
Dishwashing Problems.. ..... 22
Troubleshooting .................. 25
Requesting Assistance
or Service.. ........................... 26
Index.. ................................... 30
Warranty .............................. 32
1-800-253-l 301
Call our Consumer Assistance Center
with questions or comments.
DISHWASHER MODEL SERIES 900,915
w5
PART NO. 3376813 Rev. A

r
A Note to You
Thank you for buying a WHIRLPOOL@ appliance.
Because your life is getting busier and more complicated, WHIRLPOOL dishwashers are
easy to use, save time, and help you manage your home better. To ensure you enjoy years
of trouble-free operation, we developed this Use and Care Guide. It contains valuable
information about how to operate and maintain your appliance properly and safely.
Please read it carefully.
Also, please complete and mail the Ownership Registration Card provided with your
appliance. This card helps us notify you about any new information on your appliance.
Please record your model’s information.
Whenever you call to request service for
Model Number
your appliance, you need to know your
complete model number and serial number.
Serial Number
You can find this information on the model
Purchase Date
and serial number label (see diagram on
Dealer Name
page 4 for location of label).
Please also record the purchase date of
your appliance and your dealer’s name,
address, and telephone number.
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone
Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for future reference.
I
Our Consumer Assistance Center
number is toll-free 24 hours a day.
1-800-253-1301 1
Help us help you
Please:
l Have your dishwasher installed by a l Remove all shipping plugs from hoses and
qualified installer. connectors (such as the cap on the drain
l Install where dishwasher is protected from outlet) before installing.*
the elements. l Remove all hang tags and temporary labels.
l Install and level dishwasher on a floor that l Make sure dishwasher is not used by
will hold the weight, and in an area suitable anyone unable to operate it properly.
for its size and use. l Properly maintain dishwasher. See page 19.
l Properly connect dishwasher to electricity,
water, and drain.*
l See Installation Instructions for complete
information.
2

Dishwasher Safety
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety statements under
warning symbols. Please pay special
attention to these symbols and follow any
instructions given. Here is a brief explana-
tion of the use of the warning symbol.
( J-::‘.;;~i;;;y you to such , (
dangers as fire electrical shock
, IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or
injury when using your dishwasher, follow basic
precautions including the following:
l Read all instructions before using the l Do not tamper with controls.
dishwasher. l Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the
l Use the dishwasher only for its intended door or dish racks of the dishwasher.
function. l To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow
.DlSHWASHER MUST BE ELECTRI- children to play in or on a dishwasher.
CALLY GROUNDED. Read the l Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas
Installation Instructions for details. may be produced in a hot water system
l Use only detergents or rinse agents that has not been used for two weeks or
recommended for use in a dishwasher, more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLO-
and keep them out of the reach of SIVE. If the hot water system has not
children. been used for such a period, before
l When loading items to be washed: using the dishwasher turn on all hot
water faucets and let the water flow from
- Locate sharp items so that they are
not likely to damage the door seal. each for several minutes. This will
release any accumulated hydrogen gas.
- Load sharp knives with the handles up
to reduce the risk of cut-type injuries. As the gas is flammable, do not smoke
or use an open flame during this time.
l Do not wash plastic items unless they
are marked “dishwasher safe” or the
equivalent. For plastic items not so
marked, check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
.Do not touch the heating element during
or immediately after use. Do not reach
into the area below the bottom rack until
the heating element has cooled for at
least 20 minutes.
l Do not operate your dishwasher
unless all enclosure panels are
properly in place.
l Remove the door to the washing
compartment when removing an old
dishwasher from service or discarding it.
l Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
The fumes can create a fire hazard or
explosion.
l Disconnect electrical power to the
dishwasher before attempting to service.
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -
3

Parts and Features
Your dishwasher is illustrated below with the parts and features called out. To help you find
information on specific parts or features quickly, page references are included.
Third level wash
(P. 10) \
Water inlet opening
(P.9)
Rack bumper
(P.9)
Bottom rack
(P.9)
Heating element -
y;Fi A
(P.
/
Upper spray arm
/
Spray tower
(P.9)
Model and
, serial number label
(on right side)
POWER CLEANTM
R Lower spray arm
(P.9)
- Overfill protector
(P.20)
Detergent
-dispensers
(P. 12)
Rinse agent
Ldispenser
(P. 13)
4

Control panels
Cyclelpads Optiqn pads Cycle control knob
I
900 Model Series
Cycle pads
I Opti pads Signal, lights Cycle con:rol knob
915 Model Series

Starting Your Dishwasher
This section tells you how to start or stop your dishwasher. Refer to it for quick reference.
Starting a wash cycle
6. Run hot water at the sink nearest the dish-
1. Load the dishwasher. See pages 7-l 1.
2. Spin the spray arms, They should turn freely. 7. Press a Cycle pad. If desired, press one
@glFr
El
or more Option pads. (See
pages 14-l 6.) The indicator
3. Add detergent. See page 12.
4. Add rinse agent, if needed. See page 13.
5. Close door firmly until it latches.
washer until water is hot. Turn
water off. (See page 21.)
- above each pad will show red
when selected.
NOTE: More than one cycle
shares the same pad. The cycle control
knob determines which cycle operates.
8. Turn the cycle control knob clockwise to
the desired cycle. You will feel
a definite “stop” at each cycle
mark. The dishwasher auto-
matically starts the cycle you
select.
NOTE: If the door is latched, you will hear
the cycles start and stop as the control
knob passes each cycle mark. This is
normal and does not hurt the dishwasher.
If you prefer, you can set the cycle control
knob with the door unlatched.
Stopping the dishwasher
You can stop your dishwasher anytime during OR
a cycle. All you have to do is: l Turn the cycle control knob slowly clock-
. Open the door slightly. Wait for any filling wise until you hear water draining. Let the
or spraying action to stop before opening dishwasher drain completely. Then open
the door all the way. Close the door to the door and turn the cycle control knob
continue the cycle. to off.
6

Loading Your Dishwasher
This section tells how to properly load your dishwasher for best washing and rinsing results.
Preparing to load your dishwasher
l To save water and energy, do not rinse
dishes before putting them into the
dishwasher.
l Remove large pieces of food, bones, and
other hard items. The POWER CLEANTM
module removes food particles from the
water. The module contains a chopping
device which reduces the size of food items.
NOTE: If hard items such as fruit seeds,
nuts, and egg shells enter the POWER
CLEAN module, you might hear chopping,
grinding, crunching, or buzzing sounds.
Those sounds are normal when hard
items enter the module. Do not let metallic
items (such as pot handle screws) get into
the POWER CLEAN module. Damage
can occur.
Loading for quiet operation
l Secure lightweight load items in the racks.
l Pot lids and handles, pizza pans, cookie
sheets, etc., should not touch interior walls,
interfere with the spray arm’s rotation, or
cover the spray tower.
l Load dishes so they do not touch one
another.
NOTE: Keep sink drain plugs inserted during
dishwasher operation to prevent noise
transfer through drains.
l Foods like eggs, rice, pasta, and cooked
cereals may be hard to remove if left to dry
over a period of time. Run a Rinse-Wash
Later cycle to keep dishes moist if you do
not plan to wash them soon.
l Load dishes so soiled surfaces face the
rotating spray arm.
l Load dishes so they are not stacked or
overlapping. It is important for the water
spray to reach all soiled surfaces for best
washing. For best drying, water must be
able to drain from all surfaces.
7

Loading the silverware basket
l Load the silverware basket while it is in the
door or take the basket out for loading on a
counter or table.
l Mix items in each section of the basket
with some pointing up and some down
to avoid nesting. Spray cannot reach
nested items. However, always load
sharp items (knives, skewers, forks, etc.)
pointing down
l Put small items (baby bottle caps, jar lids,
etc.) in any section.
l You can also remove the basket for easy
unloading. Always unload or remove the
basket before unloading the racks to avoid
spilling water on the silverware.
To remove the basket:
1. Grab the basket by the handle and slide it
toward the top of the door.
2. Lift the basket off the holding buttons.
To replace the basket:
1. Set the basket on the holding buttons.
2. Slide the basket towards the bottom of
the door until it locks in place.
To open the basket:
l Unhook the latch as shown.
NOTE: Be sure the cover is completely
latched before pulling out the bottom rack
and before closing the dishwasher door.

Loading the bottom rack
Load items with cooked-on or dried-on food
in the bottom rack, with soiled surfaces
facing inward to the spray.
Mixed load
l Load plates, soup bowls, etc., between
prongs and facing inward to the spray.
l Make sure pot handles and other items do
not stop rotation of the spray arms. Spray
arms must move freely.
l Load items so they do not block or cover
the spray tower.
l Load heavily soiled cookware face down
in rack.
l Do not stack or overlap dishes. Water
spray must reach all soiled surfaces for
best results.
Utensil load
l Load cookie sheets, cake pans, and other
large items at sides and back. Loading
such items in front may keep water spray
from reaching detergent dispenser and
silverware basket.
NOTE:
l Do not load glasses, cups, or plastic items
in the bottom rack.
l Do not load items between the bottom rack
and the side of the dishwasher tub. This
can block the water inlet opening.
l If you have removed the bottom rack for
unloading or cleaning, replace it with
bumpers in front.
Do not cover spray tower
Utensil load
I
Bumpers must
face dishwasher door
9

Loading the top rack
Load the top rack with cups, glasses, and
other small items. Do not cover the third
level wash when loading the top rack.
Cup and glass load
l Load so open ends face down for cleaning
and draining.
l Load glasses in top rack only - bottom
rack is not designed for glasses. Damage
can occur.
l Place items in the rows between prongs.
Placing them over the prongs may lead to
breakage.
l Secure lightweight items.
l China, crystal, and other delicate items
must not touch each other during dish-
washer operation. Damage may occur.
Mixed load
l Small bowls, pans, and other dishes can
be placed in the top rack.
l Load plastic items in the top rack only.
Plastic items may melt in the bottom rack.
l Wash only plastic items marked “dish-
washer safe.”
l Load plastic items so the force of the spray
does not move them during the cycle.
Infinite adjustable top rack
(on some models)
Raise or lower the rack to fit tall items in
either the top or bottom rack. The top rack
does not have to be level.
l Turn the knob clockwise to raise a side of
the rack.
. Turn the knob counterclockwise to lower a
side of the rack.
Do not cover third level wash
Raise
Lower
10

Adjustable 3-position top rack
(on some models)
You can raise or lower the rack to fit tall
items in either the top or bottom rack. The
high and low positions are marked on the
adjuster on the side facing the center of the
dishwasher.
1. Hold top rack with one hand near
adjuster.
2. Pull top of adjuster lever out with
other hand.
3. Lift or lower rack to one of the preset
positions.
4. Release adjuster lever.
5. Repeat Steps l-4 for the 3 remaining
adjusters as needed. The 4 adjusters
can be raised or lowered separately or
together, as desired. The top rack does
not have to be leveled.
11

Using the Dispensers
For best washing results, review the information below. It is important to use detergents and
rinse agents properly.
Using the detergent dispenser
l Use automatic dishwashing detergent
only. Other detergents are too mild and
much too sudsy.
l Add detergent just before starting cycle.
l Store tightly closed detergent in a cool, dry
place. Fresh automatic dishwasher
detergent results in better cleaning.
Filling the detergent dispenser
The detergent dispenser has one section
with a cover and one without. Push the
cover down firmly until it latches. Detergent
in the open section falls into the dishwasher
when closing the door. The covered section
opens automatically for the main wash.
NOTE: It is normal for the cover to open
partially when dispensing detergent.
Corer Cover, latch
Use only covered Use both sections for:
section for: - Normal
- Light - Heavy (on some models)
- Pots-N-Pans
How much detergent to use
l The amount of detergent to use depends
on the hardness of your water and the type
of detergent. If you use too little, dishes
won’t be clean. If you use too much in soft
water, glassware will etch.
l Different brands of dishwasher detergent
have different amounts of phosphorus for
softening water. If you have hard water
and use a detergent with a phosphorous
content of less than 8.7%, you may need
to use more detergent, or use a detergent
with a phosphorous content higher
than 8.7%.
l Find out your water’s hardness by asking
your local water department or water
softener company.
I
WATER TYPE WHERE TO FILL
Hard
8+ grains per gallon
136+ park per million
Top of
3rd step
(3 tbs)
Medium
5-7 grains per gallon
85-l 19 parts per million
soft
Top of /
O-4 grains per gallon
1st step
O-68 par-k per million
L
(1 tbs) Ia
Fill amounts shown are for standard
powdered detergent. Amounts may vary if
you use liquid or concentrated powdered
detergent. Follow manufacturer’s directions
when using liquid dishwasher detergent or
concentrated oowdered deteraent.
12

Using the rinse agent dispenser
Keep the rinse agent dispenser filled with a
liquid rinse agent. A rinse agent greatly
improves dish drying by helping water
flow off them during the last rinse. A rinse
agent also keeps water from forming
droplets and drying as spots or streaks.
A small amount of rinse agent automati-
cally releases into the rinse water during the
final rinse of each cycle. For best drying
results, check dispenser periodically to
see if it needs filling.
To check dispenser:
l Check center of fill indicator cap. Clear
means it needs filling.
OR
l Remove fill indicator cap. An “E” is visible
when dispenser is empty.
To fill dispenser:
The rinse agent dispenser holds 6 ounces.
Under normal conditions, this lasts about
3 months.
1. Open dishwasher door completely.
2. Remove fill indicator cap.
3. Add rinse agent. Fill to smallest opening
in lower part of dispenser only. Overfilling
may cause rinse agent to leak out. This
will not harm the dishwasher, but could
cause oversudsing.
4. Clean up any spilled rinse agent with a
Keep dispenser filled for best drying results
damp cloth.
5. Replace fill indicator cap. Keep it closed
tightly.
NOTE: You do not have to wait until the
dispenser is empty before refilling, but do
not overfill it. Your dishwasher is designed
to use a liquid rinse agent. Do not use a
solid or bar-type rinse agent.
Cap center clear
when empty “E” visible
when empty
13

Setting the Controls
Operating your dishwasher’s controls properly helps you obtain the best possible washing
results. This section tells you how to select wash cycles and options.
Selecting a wash cycle
Press a Cycle pad. (Some cycles share the same pad.) Turn the cycle control knob to the
desired cycle.
A “J” shows what each cycle includes CYCLE
MAIN FINAL TIME
CYCLE WASH RINSE WASH RINSE RINSE DRY (Minutes:
POTS-N-PANS Double wash for
maximum cleaning
of cooked-on or
baked-on foods. Jt J Jt / 0 J 76’
l The water heats to 140°F in both
washes (marked+).
l The water heats to 140°F ) in the
final rinse (marked++).
HEAVY
(on some models) Double wash for
cleaning heavily
soiled loads. J J Jt J J++ J 76*
l Select Hi-Temp Wash to heat water
in the main wash (markedt).
l The water heats to 140°F in the final
rinse (marked++).
NORMAL
m
Double wash for
. normal, everyday
0. . soiled loads. (The
Energy Guide label
is based on this cycle.)
l Select Hi-Temp Wash to heat water
in the main wash (marked+).
l The water heats to 140°F in the final
rinse (marked++).
, Jt J 0 J 66’
’ Cycle time includes dry time and may be longer depending on the temperature 01 water entering Ihe dishwasher. The cooler the waler. lhe longer
time. If the water is already hot enough, the cycle times will be as shown. The cycle control knob does not move while water is being healed tne cycle
14

CYCLE
LIGHT Single wash for
prerinsed or lightly
soiled loads.
l Select Hi-Temp Wash to heat water
in the main wash (marked +).
l The water heats to 140°F in the final
rinse (marked ++).
RINSE-WASH LATER
For rinsing a
few items to be
washed 1 or
more days later.
l Do not use detergent.
On 900 Model Series:
l The water heats to 140°F in the
final rinse (marked 7).
l Select the Air Dry Option when
using this cycle.
On 915 Model Series:
l Air Dry is automatically selected.
A “J” shows what each cycle includes
MAIN FINAL
WASH RINSE WASH RINSE RINSE DRY
J’ J J++ J
J Jt
CYCLE
TIME
,Minutes
60*
16”
- Cycle time includes dry time and may be longer depending on Ihe temperature 01 water entering the dishwasher. The cooler the water, the longer the
cycle lime If the water is already hol enough. the cycle times will be as shown. The cycle control knob does not move while water is being heated.
**Cycle tune may be longer on 900 Model Series depending on the temperature of water enlering the dishwasher.
Canceling a cycle
You can cancel a cycle at any time.
1. Turn the cycle control knob slowly
clockwise until you hear water draining.
Let the dishwasher drain completely.
2. Open the door.
3. Turn the cycle control knob to Off.
15

Selecting cycle options
If desired, press one or more Option pad(s).
You can press an Option pad after the
dishwasher starts as long as the cycle has
not passed the point that the option is used.
For example, you can press Air Dry any time
before the cycle control knob reaches Dry.
Hi-Temp Wash
When Hi-Temp Wash is selected, the
Liii
dishwasher heats the water during
the main wash of the Light, Normal,
and Heavy cycles. Heating the
water helps improve washing
results. The Pots-N-Pans cycle
automatically uses Hi-Temp Wash.
NOTE: The cycle control knob does not
move while water is being heated. Once the
water reaches the proper temperature, the
cycle control knob will begin moving again.
Air Dry
When Air Dry is selected, the air in the
.
I.
H
dishwasher is not heated during
the “dry” portion of a cycle. Using
Air Dry helps save energy, but
dishes take longer to dry and
some spotting can occur. Some
items (such as plastics) may need towel
drying. For best drying, use a liquid
rinse agent.
NOTE: The dishwasher automatically
heats the air in the dishwasher during the
“dry” portion of the cycle unless you select
Air Dry.
For 900 Model Series:
l Always select the Air Dry option when
using the Rinse-Wash Later cycle.
For 915 Model Series:
l The Air Dry option is automatically se-
lected for the Rinse-Wash Later cycle.
Changing a cycle setting
You can change a cycle setting anytime NOTE: Turning the cycle control knob
during any cycle. can cause the covered section of the
1. Lift up the door latch to stop the cycle. detergent dispenser to open and release
2. Turn the cycle control knob clockwise to the detergent. Check the covered section
the desired cycle. if setting the Normal, Heavy, or Pots-N-
3. If desired, press one or more option pad(s). Pans cycle.
4. Check the detergent dispensers. They 5. Close the door firmly until it latches. The
must be filled properly for the new cycle. dishwasher starts the new cycle.
Changing an option setting
You can change option settings anytime
during a cycle as long as the
cycle has not passed the point
that the option is used. For
example, you can press Air Dry
anytime before the cycle control
knob reaches Dry.
1. Press the Reset Options pad.
2. Press 1 or more Option pad(s).
16

Adding an item during a cycle
You can add an additional item to the
dishwasher anytime before the cycle control
knob reaches Light. Items added after the
cycle control knob reaches Light may only
be rinsed.
1. Lift up the door latch to stop the cycle.
Wait for spraying action to stop before
opening the door.
3. Close the door, but do not latch it. Wait
30 seconds for the air in the dishwasher
to warm up. Doing so reduces the
amount of moisture in the vent when
restarting a cycle.
4. Close the door firmly until it latches. The
dishwasher resumes the cycle.
2. Open the door and add the item.
Using delay wash
(on some models)
You can set the dishwasher to start a cycle
from 1 to 4 hours later.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Press the desired Cycle pad.
Press the desired Option pad(s).
Turn the cycle control knob clockwise to
the number of hours (from 1 to 4 hours)
you want the dishwasher to delay before
the selected cycle starts.
Close and latch the door. The Delay/
Water Heating signal light will come on
until the selected cycle starts.
NOTE:
l You can add items while time is counting
down. Close and latch the door. The cycle
control knob will not advance if the door is
unlatched.
l Rinse-Wash Later and Light cycles cannot
be delayed.
l The DelayWater Heating signal light will
also come on while the water is heating
during all cycles.
The clean signal light
(on some models)
The Clean signal light will come on when a
washing cycle is complete. To turn it off, turn
the cycle control knob clockwise slightly
until the light goes off.

Washing Special Items
If you have any doubts about washing a particular piece of tableware, check with the
manufacturer to see if it is dishwasher safe.
MATERIAL DISHWASHER SAFE? EXCEPTIONS/SPECIAL INFORMATION
Aluminum Yes High water temperature and detergents can pit
finish of anodized aluminum.
Bottles
and Cans No Wash bottles and cans by hand. Labels attached
with glue can loosen in your dishwasher. Loose
labels and glue can clog spray arms or the pump
and will reduce washing performance.
Cast Iron
China/
Stoneware
No
Yes
Seasoning will be removed and iron will rust.
Always check manufacturer’s recommendations
before washing. Antique, hand-painted, or over-
the-glaze patterns may fade. Gold leaf can
discolor or fade.
Crystal Yes Always check manufacturer’s recommendations
before washing. Some types of leaded crystal
can etch with repeated washings.
Gold
Glass
No
Yes
Gold-colored flatware will discolor.
Milk glass will yellow with repeated dishwasher
washing.
Hollow-
Handle
Knives
Pewter
No
No
Handles of some knives are attached to the
blade with adhesives which may loosen if
washed in the dishwasher.
High water temperatures and detergent can
discolor or pit finish.
Disposable
Plastics
Plastics
No
Yes
Cannot withstand high water temperatures and
detergents.
Always check manufacturer’s recommendations
before washing. Plastics vary in their capacity to
withstand high water temperatures and deter-
gents. Load plastics in top rack only.
Stainless
Steel Yes Run the Rinse-Wash Later cycle if not washing
immediately. Prolonged contact with food
containing salt, vinegar, milk products, or fruit
juice can damage finish.
Sterling
Silver or
Silver Plate
Yes Run the Rinse-Wash Later cycle if not washing
immediately. Prolonged contact with food
containing salt, acid, or sulfide (eggs, mayon-
naise, and seafood) can damage finish.
Tin
Wooden
Ware
18
No
No
Can rust.
Wash by hand. Always check manufacturer’s
recommendations before washing. Untreated
wood can warp, crack, or lose its finish.

Caring for Your Dishwasher
Your new dishwasher is designed to give you many years of dependable service. There are a
few things you can do to maintain your dishwasher properly. This section tells you how to
clean and care for your dishwasher. Refer to “Solving Common Dishwashing Problems” on
pages 22-24 for special cleaning problems. See Installation Instructions for information on
storing your dishwasher and for cleaning the drain air gap.
Cleaning the interior
Burn Hazard
Before cleaning interior wait at least
twenty minutes after a cycle for the
heating element to cool down.
Fallure to do so can result in burns.
Hard water minerals may cause a white film
to build up on the inside surfaces, especially
just beneath the door area. To clean interior:
l Apply powdered dishwasher detergent to a
damp sponge to make a paste.
OR
. Use liquid automatic dishwasher detergent
and clean with damp sponge.
Wear rubber gloves. Do not use any type of
cleanser other than dishwasher detergent
because it can cause foaming or sudsing.
NOTE: Follow the “Removing spots and
film” procedure on page 24 to clean your
dishwasher with white vinegar. Remember,
this procedure is intended for occasional use
only. Vinegar is an acid. Excessive use can
damage your dishwasher. 19

Overfill protector
The overfill protector (in the front right corner
of the dishwasher tub) keeps the dishwasher
from overfilling. It must be in place for the
dishwasher to operate.
Check under the float for objects that may
keep the protector from moving up or down.
20