Whirlpool 3ET14GK User manual

NO-FROST REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
8ET14GK
3ET14GK
Use And Care Guide PM

A Note To You
Important Safety
Instructions
Parts And Features
Before Using Your
Refrigerator
Using Your
Refrigerator
Caring For Your
Refrigerator
If You Need
Assistance Or
Service
Warranty
2
3
4
5
7
12
16
18
20

A Note To You
Thank you for buying a Whirlpool* appliance.
You have purchased a quality, world-class home appliance. Years of engineering experience
went into its manufacturing. To ensure that you enjoy many years of trouble-free operation,
we developed this Use and Care Guide. It is full of valuable information on how to operate
and maintain your appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please com-
plete and mail the Ownership Registration Card provided with your appliance. This will help
us notify you about any new information on your appliance.
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety symbols and statements. Please pay special attention to these
symbols and follow any instructions given. Here is a brief explanation of the use of each
symbol.
This symbol will help alert you to such
dangers as personal injury, burns, fire This symbol will help you avoid actions
which could cause product damage
(scratches, dents, etc.) and damage to
Help when you need it.
If you ever have a question concerning your appliance’s operation, or if you need service, first
see “If You Need Assistance Or Service” on page 18. If you need further help, feel free to call
an authorized Whirlpool service center. When calling, you will need to know your appliance’s
complete model number and serial number. You can find this information on the model and
serial number label (see diagram on page 4). For your convenience, we have included a
handy place below for you to record these numbers, the purchase date from the sales slip ’
and your dealer’s name and telephone number. Keep this book and the sales slip together in
a safe place for future reference.
Model Number
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Dealer Name
Dealer Phone
2

Important Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury when
using your refrigerator, follow these basic precautions:
l Read all instructions before using the
refrigerator.
l Child entrapment and suffocation are
not problems of the past. Junked or
abandoned refrigerators are still danger-
ous even if they will “just sit in the
garage a few days.”
If you are getting rid of your old refrig-
erator, do it safely. Please read the
enclosed safety booklet from the
Association of Home Appliance Manu-
facturers. Help prevent accidents.
l Never allow children to operate, play with,
or crawl inside the refrigerator.
l Never clean refrigerator parts with
flammable fluids. The fumes can create a
fire hazard or explosion.
l FOR YOUR SAFETY 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.
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -
Help us help you
Please:
l Install and level the refrigerator on a floor
that will hold the weight and in an area
suitable for its size and use.
l Do not install the refrigerator near an oven,
radiator or other heat source.
l Do not use the refrigerator in an area
where the room temperature will fall below
13°C (55°F).
l Keep the refrigerator out of the weather.
l Connect the refrigerator only to the proper
kind of outlet, with the correct electrical
supply and grounding.
l Do not load the refrigerator with food
before it has time to get properly cold.
l Use the refrigerator only for the uses
described in this manual.
l Properly maintain the refrigerator.
l Be sure the refrigerator is not used by
anyone unable to operate it properly.

Parts And Features
This section contains captioned illustrations of your appliance. Use them to become familiar
with where all parts and features are located and what they look like.
Ice cube
trays y
Freezer shelf y
Control panel -
Model and
serial
number -
label (on side
wall)
Adjustable
wire shelves 4
Crisper cover -
Crispers
Leveling
rollers
Control panel
4
Temperature control Light switch
’ o@j-*, r/J
c d
i J
Butter
- compartment
drawerMeat

Before Using Your
Refrigerator
In This Section
Page Page
refrigerator .................5 Installing it properly .,..,...................... 6
....#.................................. 5 Leveling it ............................................6
It is important to prepare your refrigerator for use. This section tells you how to clean it,
connect it to a power source, install it and level it.
Cleaning your refrigerator
Removing packaging materials
NOTE: Do not remove any permanent
Remove tape and any inside labels (except instruction labels inside your refrigerator. Do
the model and serial number label) before not remove the Tech Sheet fastened under
using the refrigerator. the refrigerator at the front.
To remove any remaining glue:
Cleaning it before use
l Rub briskly with thumb to make a ball, After removing all packaging materials,
then remove. clean your refrigerator before using it, if
OR necessary. See cleaning instructions on
l Soak area with liquid hand-dishwashing pages 12-l 3.
detergent before removing glue as
described above. Do not use sharp
instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable
fluids or abrasive cleaners. These can
damage the material. See “Important
Safety Instructions” on page 3.
Plugging it in
Recommended Grounding Method
A 115 Volt, 60 Hz (Plug 1) or 220/240 Volt,
50 Hz (Plug 2) AC only 15 or 20 ampere
fused and properly grounded electrical
supply is required. It is recommended that a
separate circuit serving only this appliance
be provided. Use a receptacle which cannot
be turned off with a switch or pull chain. Do
not use an extension cord.
Plug 2

Installing it properly
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Allow 7.5 cm (3 inches) between overhead
cabinets and refrigerator top.
Allow at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) between the
refrigerator condenser on the back and the
wall.
Allow 1.25 cm (l/2 inch) on each side of the
refrigerator for ease of installation.
If the hinge side of the refrigerator is to be
against a wall, you might want to leave extra
space so the door can be opened wider.
Level your refrigerator.
Leveling it
Your refrigerator has 2 front, adjustable
rollers to prevent rocking on uneven floors.
To adjust rollers:
1. Roll refrigerator into position.
2. Adjust rollers by turning the leveling
screws, located at the front of the base.
l Turn clockwise to raise.
l Turn counterclockwise to lower.
NOTE: Rollers are adjusted correctly
when the refrigerator no longer rocks
when the doors are opened or closed.
3. Repeat this procedure whenever the
refrigerator is moved.
NOTE: If you want the doors to close easier,
use the rollers to raise the front of the
refrigerator slightly.
Use a screw-
I I
driver to adjust
View of roller with hinge in place ,
LeLeling
screw
6

Using Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page Page
Setting the temperature control ........7 Using the ice cube trays ..................10
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves ....8 Changing the light bulb ...................10
Removing the crispers and cover .....8 Understanding the sounds you
Removing the meat drawer may hear ............................................
11
and cover .............................................9 Saving energy ...................................11
Removing the freezer shelf ......m.........9
To obtain the best possible results from your refrigerator, it is important that you operate it
properly. This section tells you how to set the temperature control, remove and adjust some
of the features in your refrigerator, and how to save energy.
Setting the temperature control
The Temperature Control is in the refrigera-
tor. It controls the temperature in both the
refrigerator and freezer compartments.
When you plug in the refrigerator for the first
time:
1. Set the Temperature Control to 3 (nor-
mal). Temperature Control adjustments
range from 1 (warmest) to 5 (coldest).
NOTE: Turning the Temperature Control
to OFF stops cooling in both the refrigera-
tor and freezer compartments, but it does
not disconnect the refrigerator from the
power supply.
2. Give the refrigerator time to cool down
completely before adding food. This could
take several hours.
3. Adjust the Temperature Control to have
food as cold as you like. The settings
indicated above should be correct for
normal, household refrigerator usage.
NOTE: The built-in exterior moisture control
continuously guards against moisture build-
up on the outside of the refrigerator cabinet.

Adjusting the refrigerator shelves
Adjust the refrigerator shelves to match the
way you use your refrigerator.
To remove the shelves:
1. Remove items from the shelf.
2. Slide shelf straight out to the stop.
3. Lift back of shelf over stop.
4. Slide shelf out the rest of the way.
To replace the shelves:
1. Slide back of shelf into shelf track in wall
of cabinet.
2. Guide front of shelf into shelf track.
3. Slide shelf in all the way.
Removing the crispers and cover
To remove the crispers:
1. Slide crispers straight out to the stop.
2. Lift the front.
3. Slide out the rest of the way.
4. Replace in reverse order.
To remove the cover:
1. Lift cover front and remove the cover
support.
2. Lift cover up and slide out.
To replace the cover:
1. Fit cover tabs into lowest cabinet slots
and push in. Lower the front retainers into
place.
2. Insert cover support (with the long tab
toward the front) into the groove on the
underside of the cover.
NOTE: If the support needs adjustment,
turn base clockwise to raise or counter-
clockwise to lower.
Lift cover front,
then the back.
a

Removing the meat drawer and cover
To remove the meat drawer:
1. Slide meat drawer out to the stop.
2. Lift front of meat drawer.
3. Slide meat drawer out the rest of the way.
4. Replace in reverse order.
To remove the cover:
1. Remove meat drawer.
2. Push cover back to release rear clips
Remove meat
drawer before
from shelf.
3. Tilt cover up at front.
4. Pull cover forward and out.
To replace the cover:
1. Fit notches and clips on underside of
cover over rear and center cross bars on
shelf.
2. Lower cover into place.
3. Pull cover forward to secure rear clips
onto shelf.
4. Replace meat drawer.
Removing the freezer shelf
Remove the freezer shelf for easier
cleaning.
To remove the shelf:
1. Remove items from the shelf.
2. Lift back of shelf over stop.
3. Slide shelf straight out.
To replace the shelf:
1. Slide back of shelf into shelf tracks on
walls of cabinet.
2. Slide shelf in all the way.
9

Using the ice cube trays
If you don’t use the cubes, they may shrink.
The moving cold air starts a slow evapora-
tion. The longer you store cubes, the smaller
they get.
To remove ice:
1. Hold tray at both ends.
2. Twist slightly.
Changing the light bulb
Electrical Shock Hazard
Before removing a light bulb, either
unplug the refrigerator or disconnect
the electricity leading to the refrigera-
tor at the main power supply. Turning
the Temperature Control to the OFF
position does not disconnect the
refrigerator from the power supply.
Failure to do so could result in electri-
cal shock or personal injury.
To change the refrigerator light:
1. Disconnect refrigerator from power
supply.
2. Reach behind the Control Panel to
remove bulb.
3. Replace with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
4. Reconnect refrigerator to power supply.
’ NOTE: Not all appliance bulbs will fit your
refrigerator. Be sure to replace a bulb with
one of the same size, wattage and shape.
10

Understanding the sounds you may hear
Your new refrigerator may make sounds that
Water sounds
your old one dibn’t. Because the sounds are
The following describes the kinds of
new to you, you might be concerned about
them. Don’t be. Most of the new sounds are
normal. Hard surfaces like the floor, walls
and cabinets can make the sounds seem
louder.
Runnincl sounds
When the refrigerator stops running, you
may hear gurgling in the tubing for a few
minutes after it stops. You may also hear
defrost water running into the defrost water
pan.
sounds that might be new to you, and what
may be making them.
Slight hum, soft hiss
Your refrigerator has a high-efficiency
compressor and motor. It will run longer than
older designs. It may even seem to run most
You may hear the refrigerator’s fan motor
and moving air.
of the time.
Clicking or snapping sounds
The thermostat makes a definite click when
the refrigerator stops running. It also makes
a sound when the refrigerator starts. The
defrost timer will click when the defrost cycle
starts.
Saving energy
You can help your refrigerator use less
electricity.
l Check door gaskets for a tight seal. Level
the cabinet to be sure of a good seal.
l Clean the condenser coils regularly.
l Open the door as few times as possible.
Think about what you need before you
open the door. Get everything out at one
time. Keep food organized so you won’t
have to search for what you want. Close
door as soon as food is removed.
l Go ahead and fill up the refrigerator, but
don’t overcrowd it so air movement is
blocked.
l It is a waste of electricity to set the refrig-
erator and freezer to temperatures colder
than they need to be. If ice cream is firm in
the freezer and drinks are as cold as your
family likes them, that’s cold enough.
l Make sure your refrigerator is not next to a
heat source such as a range, water heater,
furnace, radiator or in direct sunlight.
11

Caring For Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page
Cleaning your refrigerator ...............12
Holiday and moving care .................14
Page
Power interruptions ..........................15
Your refrigerator is built to give you many years of dependable service. However, there are a
few things you can do to help extend its product life. This section tells you how to clean your
refrigerator and what to do when going on holiday, moving or during a power outage.
Cleaning your refrigerator
Both the refrigerator and freezer sections
defrost automatically. However, clean both
about once a month to prevent .odors from
building up. Wipe up spills right away.
To clean your refrigerator, unplug it, take
out all removable parts and clean the
refrigerator according to the following
directions.
Personal Injury Hazard
Refrigeration system tubes are near the
defrost pan and can become hot. Clean
defrost pan carefully.
Failure to do so could result in personal
I
injury.
PART
Removable parts
(shelves, crisper,
etc.)
Outside
WHAT TO USE
Sponge or cloth with mild
detergent and warm
water
Sponge, cloth or paper
towel with mild detergent,
warm water and an
appliance wax (or good
auto paste wax)
Inside walls Sponge, soft cloth or
(allow freezer to paper towel with baking
warm up so cloth soda or mild detergent
won’t stick) and warm water
HOW TO CLEAN
l Hand wash, rinse and dry
thoroughly.
l Wash outside of cabinet. Do not
use abrasive or harsh cleaners.
l Rinse and dry thoroughly.
l Wax painted metal surfaces at least
twice a year. Apply wax with a
clean, soft cloth. Waxing painted
metal surfaces provides rust
protection.
Do not wax plastic parts.
l Wash with mixture of warm water
and
-mild detergent, or
-baking soda (26 g [2 tablespoons]
to .95 L [l quart] of water).
l Rinse and dry thoroughly.

PART
Door liners
and gaskets
WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN
Sponge, soft cloth l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
or paper towel with
mild detergent and DO NOT USE cleaning waxes, concen-
warm water trated detergents, bleaches or cleaners
containing petroleum on plastic parts.
Plastic parts
(covers and
panels)
Soft, clean sponge
or soft, clean cloth
with mild detergent
and warm water
Defrost pan Sponge or cloth
with mild detergent
and warm water
l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
DO NOT USE paper towels, window
sprays, scouring cleansers or flammable
fluids. These can scratch or damage
material. See “Important Safety Instruc-
tions” on page 3.
l Roll refrigerator out away from the wall.
l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not
remove the defrost pan to clean it.
l Roll refrigerator back into place. Make sure
to leave 2.5 cm (1 inch) between the
cabinet back and the wall.
l Check to see if the refrigerator is level.
Condenser
coils Vacuum cleaner
with extended
narrow
attachment
l Roll refrigerator out away from the wall.
l Vacuum coils when dusty or dirty. Coils
may need to be cleaned as often as every
other month.
l Roll refrigerator back into place. Make sure
to leave 2.5 cm (1 inch) between the
cabinet back and the wall.
l Check to see if the refrigerator is level.
Floor under
refrigerator Floor cleaners l Roll refrigerator out only as far as the water
supply line allows.
l Clean floor.
l Roll refrigerator back into place.
l Check to see if the refrigerator is level.
13

Holiday and moving care
Short holidays
No need to shut off the refrigerator if you will
be away for less than four weeks.
1. Use up any perishables.
2. Freeze other items.
Moving
Long holidays
If you will be gone a month or more:
1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. Unplug the refrigerator.
3. Clean it, rinse well and dry.
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.
Personal Injury Hazard
Do not allow children to climb on, play
near or climb inside the refrigerator
when the doors are blocked open.
They may become injured or trapped.
When you are moving the refrigerator to a
new home:
1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. Pack all frozen food in dry ice.
3. Unplug the refrigerator.
4. Clean it thoroughly. Rinse well and dry.
5. Take out all removable parts, wrap them
well, and tape them together so they don’t
shift and rattle.
6. Screw in the leveling rollers.
7. Tape the doors shut and tape the power
supply cord to the cabinet.
When you get to your new home, put
everything back and refer to page 5.
To restart refrigerator, see “Using Your
Refrigerator” on page 7.

Power interruptions
If electricity goes off, call the power com-
pany. Ask how long power will be off.
1. If service will be interrupted 24 hours or
less, keep both doors closed. This
helps foods stay frozen.
2. If service will be interrupted longer than
24 hours:
(a) Remove all frozen food and store in a
frozen food locker.
OR
(b) Place 32 grams of dry ice in freezer
for every liter (2 Ibs. for every cubic
foot) of freezer space. This will keep
food frozen for 2 to 4 days. Wear
gloves to protect your hands from dry
ice burns.
OR
(c) If neither a food locker or dry ice is
available, use or can perishable
food at once.
3. A full freezer stays cold longer than a
partly filled one. A freezer full of meat
stays cold longer than a freezer full of
baked goods. If food contains ice crystals,
it may be safely refrozen, although the
quality and flavor may be affected. If the
condition of the food is poor, or if you feel
it is unsafe, dispose of it.

Food Storage Guide
There is a correct way to package and store refrigerated or frozen food. To keep food fresher,
longer, take the time to study these recommended steps.
Storing fresh food
Wrap or store food in the refrigerator in air-
tight and moisture-proof material. This
prevents food odor and taste transfer
throughout the refrigerator. For dated
products, check code date to ensure
freshness.
Leafy vegetables
Remove store wrapping and trim or tear off
bruised and discolored areas. Wash in cold
water and drain. Place in plastic bag or
plastic container and store in crisper.
Vegetables with skins
(carrots, peppers)
Store in crisper, plastic bags or plastic
container.
Fruit
Wash, let dry and store in refrigerator in
plastic bags or crisper. Do not wash or hull
berries until they are ready to use. Sort and
keep berries in their original container in a
crisper, or store in a loosely closed paper
bag on a refrigerator shelf.
Eggs
Store without washing in the original carton
on interior shelf.
Milk
Wipe milk cartons. For best storage, place
milk on interior shelf.
Butter or margarine
Keep opened butter in covered dish or
closed compartment. When storing an extra
supply, wrap in freezer packaging and
freeze.
Cheese
Store in the original wrapping until you are
ready to use it. Once opened, rewrap tightly
in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Leftovers
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or alumi-
num foil. Plastic containers with tight lids can
also be used.
Meat
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.
ISteaks and roasts 3 to 5 I
Cured meats
Bacon 7to10
5 to 7
1 Cold cuts 3 to 5 I
Variety meats 1 to2
+ When storing meat longer than the times
given, follow the directions for freezing.
NOTE: Use fresh fish and shellfish the same
day as purchased.
16

Storing frozen food
The freezer section is designed for storage
of commercially frozen food and for freezing
food at home.
NOTE: For further information about prepar-
ing food for freezing or food storage times,
check a freezer guide or reliable cookbook.
Packaging
The secret of successful freezing is in the
packaging. The way you close and seal the
package must not allow air or moisture in or
out. Packaging done in any other way could
cause food odor and taste transfer through-
out the refrigerator and drying of frozen
food.
Packaging recommended for use:
l Rigid plastic containers with tight-fitting lids
l Straight-sided canning/freezing jars
l Heavy-duty aluminum foil
l Plastic-coated paper
l Non-permeable plastic wraps (made from
a Saran film)
Follow package or container instructions for
proper freezing methods.
Do not use:
l Bread wrappers
l Non-polyethylene plastic containers
l Containers without tight lids
l Waxed paper
l Waxed-coated freezer wrap
l Thin, semi-permeable wrap
The use of these wrappings could cause
food odor, taste transfer and drying of frozen
food.
Freezing
Do not expect your freezer to quick-freeze
any large quantity of food. Put no more
unfrozen food into the freezer than will
freeze within 24 hours (no more than 32 to
48 grams of food per liter [2 to 3 Ibs. per
cubic foot] of freezer space). Leave enough
space for air to circulate around packages.
Be careful to leave enough room at the front
so the door can close tightly.
Storage times will vary according to the
quality of the food, the type of packaging or
wrap used (airtight and moisture-proof) and
the storage temperature, which should be
-17.8% (0°F).

If You Need Assistance Or
Service
Performance problems often result from little things you can fix without tools. Please read
through the chart below before calling for service on your appliance.
1. Before calling for assistance ...
Listed in this chart are the most common problems consumers run into with their appliances.
Please read through this and see if it can solve your problem.
PROBLEM
Your refrigera-
tor will not
operate
The lights do
not work
CHECK THE FOLLOWING
Is the power supply cord firmly plugged into a live circuit with proper
voltage?
Has a household fuse or circuit breaker blown/tripped?
Is the Refrigerator Control set to the OFF position?
Is the power supply cord firmly plugged into a live circuit with proper
voltage?
Has a household fuse or circuit breaker blown/tripped?
’
Is a bulb burned out?
You hear unfa- Is something on top of or behind the refrigerator?
miliar sounds or
a rattling/ Some new sounds are normal. See “Understanding the sounds you
jingling noise may hear” on page 11.
There is water in This is normal on hot, muggy days. Make sure the refrigerator is level
the defrost pan so the pan does not overflow.
The motor Are the condenser coils dirty?
seems to run
too much Has the door been open often? Has a large amount of food been
added at one time? The motor naturally runs longer in these cases.
Is the room hot? If the room is too warm, the motor runs longer to
keep the unit cool.
2. If the problem is not due to
one of the items listed in
Step I+ ...
Contact the dealer from whom you pur-
chased the unit or an authorized Whirlpool*
service company.
1
+When asking for help or service:
Please provide a detailed description of
the problem, your appliance’s complete
model and serial numbers, and the
purchase date. (See page 2.) This
information will help us respond properly
to your request.
L
3. If you need FSP’ replace-
ment parts+ ...
FSP is a registered trademark of Whirlpool
Corporation for quality parts. Look for this
symbol of quality whenever you need a
replacement part for your Whirlpool appli-
ante. FSP replacement parts will fit right
and work right because they are made to
the same exacting specifications used to
build every new Whirlpool appliance.
To locate FSP replacement parts in your
area, contact the dealer from whom you
purchased the unit or an authorized Whirl-
pool service company.
18

WHIRLPOOL*
Refrigerator Warranty
LENGTH OF WARRANTY
FULL ONE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
FULL FIVE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR
FSP’ replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects
in materials or workmanship. Service must be provided by
an authorized Whirlpool service company.
FSP replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects
in materials or workmanship in the sealed refrigeration
system. These parts are:
1. Compressor 4. Drier
2. Evaporator 5. Connecting tubing
3. Condenser
Service must be provided by an authorized Whirlpool
service company.
WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR
A. Service calls to:
1. Correct the installation of your refrigerator.
2. Instruct you how to use your refrigerator.
3. Replace house fuses or correct house wiring or plumbing.
4. Replace light bulbs.
B. Repairs when your refrigerator is used in other than normal, single-family household use.
C. Pickup and delivery. Your refrigerator is designed to be repaired in the home.
D. Damage to your refrigerator caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts of God or use
of products not approved by Whirlpool.
E. Any food loss due to product failure.
F. Repairs to parts or systems caused by unauthorized modifications made to the
appliance.
5/93
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Outside the United States, a different warranty may apply. For details, please contact your
authorized Whirlpool distributor or military exchange.
0 1994 Whirlpool Corporation * Registered Trademark of Whirlpool, U.S.A Prlnted in U.S.A