Whirlpool 3ET18ZK User manual

NO-FROST REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
8ET20ZK 3ET18ZK
8ET18ZK
0
UI
Use And Care Guide %I

A Note To You
Important Safety
Instructions
Parts And Features
Before Using Your
Refrigerator
Using Your
Refrigerator
Caring For Your
Refrigerator
FuMeStorage
If You Need
Assistance Or
Service
Warranty
2
3
4
5
7
13
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
and electrical shock.
This symbol will help you avoid actions
which could cause product damage
(scratches, dents, etc.) and damage to
your personal property.
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

l Read all instructions before using the
refrigerator.
*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.
. 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. The model you pur-
chased may have all or some of the parts and features shown and they may not match the
illustration exactly. This manual covers several models.
Freezer shelf
Ice cube
trays -
Ice bin -
Control panel -
Model and
serial number -
label (side wall)
Meat drawer -
Crisper cover,
Crispers\
base grille)
Control panel
Utility
, compartment
Butter
_ compartment
Adjustable
-wire shelves
Egg bin
-Shelf glide
-Base grille
REFRIGERATOR EXTERIORMOISTURECONTROL FREEZER
COWER.
Refrigerator
control Exterior moisture Light
control switch Freezer
control
I 4

Before Using Your
Refrigerator
In This Section
Page Page
Cleaning your refrigerator .................5 Installing it properly ...........................6
Plugging it in .......................................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
the model and serial number label) before
using the refrigerator.
To remove any remaining glue:
l Rub briskly with thumb to make a ball,
then remove.
OR
l Soak area with liquid hand-dishwashing
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.
instruction labels inside your refrigerator. Do
not remove the Tech Sheet fastened under
the refrigerator at the front.
Cleaning it before use
After removing all packaging materials,
clean your refrigerator before using it, if
necessary. See cleaning instructions on
pages 13-l 4.
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 1 Plug 2
5

Installing it properly
1.
2.
3.
Allow 1.25 cm (% inch) space on each
side and at the top 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.
The refrigerator can be flush against the
back wall.
Leveling it
Your refrigerator has 2 front leveling
screws-one on the right and one on the left.
To adjust one or both of these, follow the
directions below.
1. Remove base grille. (See page 11.)
2. To raise front, turn screw clockwise.
3. To lower front, turn screw counterclock-
Use a screw-
driver to adjust
wise.
4. Check with level.
5. Replace base grille. (See page 11.)

Using Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page
Setting the controls ........*................... 7
Changing the control settings ...........8
Adjusting the shelf glide ....................9
Adjusting the refrigerator
shelves ............................*................... 9
Removing the meat drawer
and cover .........................*................s.. 9
Removing the crispers and
crisper cover .....................................10
Page
Removing the freezer shelf.. ............ 10
Using the ice cube trays ................. .I0
Changing the light bulbs ................ .I1
Removing the base grille ................. 11
Understanding the
sounds you may hear.. .................... .I2
Reversing the door swing.. ............. .I2
Saving energy ................................... 12
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 controls, remove and adjust the features in your
refrigerator, and how to save energy.
Setting the controls
Controls for the refrigerator and freezer are
in the refrigerator. When you plug in the
refrigerator for the first time:
1. Set the Refrigerator Control to 4.
Refrigerator Control adjustments range
from 1 (warmest) to 8 (coldest).
2. Set the Freezer Control to C.
Freezer Control adjustments range from
A (coldest) to C (warmest).
3. Give the refrigerator time to cool down
completely before adding food. This may
take several hours.
The settings indicated above should be
correct for normal, household refrigerator
usage. The controls are set correctly
when milk or juice is as cold as you like
and when ice cream is firm. If you need to
adjust these settings, see “Changing the
control settings” on page 8.
REFRIGERATOR
4 WARMER COLDER b
( 1.WARMER mCOLOER.

Exterior moisture control
The Exterior Moisture Control operates
electric heaters around the door openings.
These heaters help keep moisture from
forming on the outside of the refrigerator
cabinet.
l Use the OFF setting when humidity is low.
l Use the ON setting if moisture forms on
the outside of the refrigerator cabinet.
Changing the control settings
If you need to adjust temperatures in l Adjust the Refrigerator Control first.
refrigerator or freezer, use the settings listed l Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments.
in the chart below as a guide. l Then adjust the Freezer Control if needed.
RECOMMENDED
CONDITION: REASON: CONTROL SElTINGS:
Refrigerator Freezer
Refrigerator l Door opened often
section l Large amount of food added 6 D
too warm l Room temperature too warm
Freezer l Door opened often
section l Large amount of food added 4 A
too warm l Very cold room temperature
(can’t cycle often enough)
Refrigerator l Controls not set correctly
section for your conditions
too cold 2 A
Ice not l Heavy ice usage
made fast l Very cold room temperature 4 A
enough (can’t cycle often enough)
Both l Door opened often
sections l Large amount of food added
too warm 6 C
l Very warm or very cold room
temperatures

Adjusting the shelf glide
Use the shelf glide to secure odd-shaped
items or to separate other items.
1. Grasp glide.
2. Slide glide along track.
NOTE: Shelf glide cannot be removed.
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves
Adjust the shelves to match the way you use
your refrigerator.
To remove shelves:
1. Remove items from shelf.
2. Tilt shelf up at front.
3. Lift back of shelf.
4. Pull shelf straight out.
To replace shelves:
1. Guide the rear shelf hooks into the slots
in the shelf supports on cabinet wall.
2. Tilt shelf up at front until hooks drop into
slots. Lower front of shelf to level position.
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. Tilt front of cover up.
2. Lift back of cover.
Pull out to the stop,
lift the front and pull
again.
3. Pull cover straight out.
4. Replace cover in reverse order.

Removing the crispers and crisper cover
To remove the crispers:
1. Slide the crisper 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. Push up glass insert from the bottom,
then slide it out with both hands.
2. Lift front of cover frame.
3. Pull cover frame up and out.
4. Remove metal cover support.
To replace the cover:
1. Replace metal cover support on wall
supports in front section of cabinet.
2. Fit back corners of cover frame into notch
supports on walls of refrigerator, then
lower front onto metal cover support.
3. Slide back of glass insert into cover
frame. Then lower front to level position.
Pull out to the
top, lift the front
and pull again.
Remove the
glass insert.
Lift front of
cover frame,
then the
back.
Removing the freezer shelf
Remove the upper freezer shelf for easier
cleaning.
To remove the freezer shelf:
1. Lift front of shelf slightly.
2. Lift back off supports.
3. Replace in reverse order.
Using the ice cube trays
-
If you don’t use cubes, they may shrink. The
moving cold air starts a slow evaporation.
The longer you store cubes, the smaller
they get.
To remove ice:
1. Hold tray at both ends.
2. Twist slightly.
10

Changing the light bulbs
Electrical Shock Hazard
Before removing a light bulb, either
unplug the refrigerator or disconnect
the electricity leading to the refrigerator
at the main 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 and shape.
Removing the base
To remove the grille:
1. Open refrigerator door.
2. Pull base grille forward to release the
support tabs from the metal clips.
3. Do not remove Tech Sheet fastened
behind the grille.
To replace the grille:
1. Line up grille support tabs with metal
clips.
2. Push firmly to snap into place.
3. Close refrigerator door.
See cleaning instructions for defrost pan
condenser coils on page 14.
grille
Condenser coils
and
11

Understanding the sounds you may hear
Your new refrigerator may make sounds that
your old one didn’t. Because the sounds are
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.
The following describes the kinds of
sounds that might be new to you, and what
may be making them.
Slight hum, soft hiss
You may hear the refrigerator’s fan motor
and moving air.
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.
Water 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.
Running sounds
Your refrigerator has a high-efficiency
compressor and motor. It will run longer than
older designs. It may even seem to run most
of the time.
Reversing the door swing
You can change the hinges on your refrig-
erator so the doors open the other way.
Refer to the instruction sheet included with
your refrigerator.
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.
12

Caring For Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page Page
Cleaning your refrigerator ..,......: ..... 13 Power
interruptions ..........................15
Holiday and moving care .................14
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. Re-
move and install defrost pan carefully.
Failure to do so could result in personal
injury.
PART
Removable parts
(shelves, crisper,
etc.)
Outside
Inside walls
(allow freezer to
warm up so cloth
won’t stick)
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)
Sponge, soft cloth or
paper towel with baking
soda or mild detergent
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.
continued on next page
13

PART
Door liners
and gaskets
Plastic parts
(covers and
panels)
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.
Soft, clean sponge l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
or soft, clean cloth
with mild detergent DO NOT USE paper towels, window
and warm water sprays, scouring cleansers or flammable
fluids. These can scratch or damage
material. See “Important Safety Instruc-
tions” on page 3.
Defrost pan
Condenser
coils
Sponge or cloth l Remove base grille. (See page 11.)
with mild detergent l Reach into small opening at right edge and
and warm water remove the defrost pan.
l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
l Replace defrost pan. Make sure to push it
completely into the opening.
l Replace base grille.
Vacuum cleaner l Remove base grille.
with extended l Vacuum coils when dusty or dirty. Coils
narrow
attachment may need to be cleaned as often as every
other month.
l Replace base grille.
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.
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.
1 14

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.
To restart refrigerator, see “Using Your
Refrigerator” on page 7.
Moving
When you are moving the refrigerator to a
new home:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Remove all food from the refrigerator.
Pack all frozen food in dry ice.
Unplug the refrigerator.
Clean it thoroughly. Rinse well and dry.
Take out all removable parts, wrap them
well, and tape them together so they don’t
shift and rattle.
Screw in the leveling rollers.
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.
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.
15

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
airtight 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.
hws
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.
APPROXIMATE TIME
TYPE (DAYS)+
Chicken 1 to 2
Ground beef 1 to 2
Steaks and roasts 3 to 5
Cured meats 7to10
Bacon 5 to 7
Cold cuts 3 to 5
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 12.
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.

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