Whirlpool ET14AK User manual

NO-FROST
REFRIGERATOR-
FREEZER
Model ET14AK
1or Freezers Ice Makers. Dlshwashets BuWn Ovens and Surface Umls. Ranges. M~crawave Ovens. Trash Compactors. Aoom Air CondWmers. Dehumldiliers. Aulomallc Washers Clolhes Dryers Fret

Please read this
Use and Care Guide
before you do anything else.. .
This booklet tells you how to start your refrig-
erator, clean it, move shelves and adjust con-
trols. It even tells you what new sounds to expect
from your refrigerator.
Treat your new refrigerator with care. Use it
only to do what home refrigerators are de-
slgned to do.
Parts and features
Ice Cube Trays -
Freezer Shelf-
Refngerator
Control 1
Model and Serial
Number Label -
[not shown)
Light H
Power Saving 0
rr::‘:,“:A
Control
Levelling
Leg
\ \
Meat Pan
-Butter Compartment
1 Utrllty Compartment
Utility Bin
- Adjustable
Shelves
Crisper Cover
Crispers
( op! your Model and Serial Numbers here...
,s^,’ LJ’ , :
serwce or call with a question,
:_ !’ ,,,r. :- 3~ ready
Model Number
1 Complete I ~’k ant Serial Numbers [from We
1113eii:>oate c:s shok)n)
2. rx:hx2 dc j ‘ram sdes slop
Serial Number
,161~ +I-:, inf( rrlatlon irk these spaces Keep this
DGO~ OJ~ VJO Idy ancl sales slip together lr> a
Purchase Date
rxxnay place
Please complete and mail the Owner Regis-
tration card furnished with this product. Service Company
and Telephone Number

Contents
SAFETY FIRST
BEFORE YOU PLUG IT IN.
Install Properly
Level Refrigerator-Freezer
Remove Sales Labels
Clean It
Plug It In
USING YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Setting the Controls
Changing the Control Setilngs
Power Saving Control
Moving the Meat Pan and Cover
Changing the Light Bulb
Removrng the Crrspers and Cover
Removing and Adjusting the
Freezer Shelf
Page
3
3
4
4
4
Page
Adjusting the Refrigerator Shelves 6
Ice Cube Trays 7
Optional Automatic Ice Maker 7
Sounds You May Hear. 7
Energy Saving Tips
CLEANING YOUR REFRIGERATOR : 7
8
Cleaning Chart 8
FOOD STORAGE GUIDE 9
Storing Fresh Food 9
Storing Frozen Food : : : 10
VACATION AND MOVING CARE 10
IF YOU NEED SERVICE OR ASSISTANCE 11
1 Before Calling for Assrstance 11
2. If You Need Assistance 11
3 If You Need Service 11
4 If You Have a Problem 11
,C1986 Whirlpool Corporation
Before you plug it in
IMPORTANT
Before using your refrigerator, you are personally
responsible for makrng sure that It...
l IS installed and leveled on a floor that wtll hold
the werght, ond rn an area surtable for Its size
and use
l isconnected only to the right kind of outlet, with the
right electrrcal supply and grounding (Refer to
your “Electrical Requrrements and Groundrng
Instructlons”)
l IS used only for jobs expected of home re-
frigerators.
l ISnot near an oven, radiator or other heat source
l ISproperly maintained
l ISout of the weather
l ISused In on orea where the room temperature WIII
not fall below 55 F (13- C).
l ISnot used by those who may not understand how
tt should be used
l ISnot loaded with food before it has time to get
properly cold

Install properly.. .
1 Allow 3 inches r 75 cm] between overhead cabi-
nets and refrigerator top
2 Allow at least an inch (2 5 cm] between the
refrigerator condenser on the back and the wall
3 Allow ‘1, Inch 1125 cm] on each srde of the
refrigerator for ease of installatron
4 If the refrigerator IStc be against a wall, you might
want to leave extra space on the hinge side so the
door can be opened wider
Level refrigerator-freezer.. .
Thtsrefrigerator has 2 threaded levellrng legs that are
shipped in a separate package
1 Screw these legs all the way Into bolt holes in the
bottom front corners of the refrigerator
2 Slide the refrigerator into place.
3 Adjust front legs to level the refrigerator
To raise corners turn legs rn directton shown.
To lower corners, turn legs in direction shown.
4. Check with level
Remove sales labels.. .
Remove the Consumer Buy Guide label, tape and
any inside labels before using the refrigerator
To remove any remaining glue:
1 Rub briskly with thumb to make a ball then remove
OR
2 Soak area with liquid hand dishwashing detergent
before removing glue as described in step 1.
DO NOT USE rubbing alcohol or flammable or
toxic solvents, such as acetone, gasoline, car-
bon tetrachloride, etc. These can damage the
material.
NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE ANY PERMANENT IN-
STRUCTION LABELS INSIDE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Do not remove the Tech Sheet fastened under
the refrigerator at the front.
Clean it.. . 0 r
697 7. --\
Clean your refrigerator o -.L
before using it ,” 1 11
See cleantng instructrons I, 4;’
on page 8
Plug it in...
3-prong
grounding type
wall receptacle
rong
ing plug
t
Refrigerator
Power Cord
RECOMMENDEDGROUNDING METHOD
A 115 volt. 60 Hz AC only 15 or 20 ampere fused
and properly grounded electrical supply IS re
quired It IS recommended that a separate circuit
serving only this appliance be provIdea
Do not use an extension cord. Use a recep-
tacle which cannot be turned off with a switch
or pull chain. See indrvidual electrIcal require-
ments and grounding Instructron sheet In your later-
atJre package
4

Using your refrigerator
Refrigerator Control Light Switch Freezer Control
Power Saving Control
Setting the controls.. .
Controls for the refrigerator and freezer are In the
refrigerator When the refrigerator IS plugged In for
the first time
1 Set the REFRl;ERA-
TOR CONTROL to 3
2 Set the FRcEZER
CONTROL to B
Give the refrigerator time to cool down com-
pletely before adding food. (This may take sev-
eral hours.)
These settings should be about right for normal
household retrigerator usage.
The controls WIII be set about right when milk or
juice IS as cold as you llke and when Ice cream
ISfirm
Changing the control settings.. .
If you need to adjust temperatures In refrigerator
or freezer, use the settings listed In the chart below
l Adjust the Refrigerator Control first
l Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments
l Then adjust the Freezer Control, If needed
CONDITION :
If Refrlgeratcx
SectIon IS
TOC WARM
If Freezer
SectIon IS
TOC; WARM
QUESTIONS?
call your If Refrlgeratoc
COOL-LINE ’ Sec.,on ls
service TOC‘ COLD
assistance
telephone IfIC! isn t
number MA:IE FAST ENOUGH
REASONS:
Door opened often
Large amount of lo& added
Room temperature too warm
Docx opened often
Large amount of focd added
Very cold rmrn temperature
(can’t cycle often enough)
Controls not set correctly
for ycur condltlons
Heavy Ice usage
Very cold room temperature
(page 111
If BOTH SECTIONS Door omened often
are ‘00 WARM Large amount of food added
Very warm 01very cold
room temperatures
RECOMMENDED CONTROL
SETTINGS:
Refrigerator 4
Freezer C
Refrigerator 3
Freezer A
Refrigerator
Freezer 2
B
Refrigerator
Freezer
Refrigerator
Freezer
Power Saving Control.. .
The Power Saving Control on the Control Con-
sole operates electric heaters around the door 4D.m
openings These heaters help keep moisture from 1 Use the “CONSUMES LESSENERGY” setting when
formIng on the outside of the refrigerator humldlty ISlow
2 Use the “REDUCES EXTERIOR MOISTURE” setting
only If moisture forms on the outslde of the
refrigerator

Moving the meat pan and cover...
The meat pan and cover can be removed for Removing:
cleaning and moved to another shelf, If desired I. Slide meat pan out to stop
Remove the meat pan first 2 Lift the front of meat pan.
3 Slide pan the rest of the way out
4 To remove cover, lift it straight up and out.
Replacing:
Changing the light bulb.. .
1 TO replace cover, fit notches In cover sides over
center shelf support.
2 Lower cover into place.
3 To replace pan, fit edges of pan Into supports on
cover
4 Slide meat pan Into place
1. Reach behind control console to find bulb
WARNING: Before removing the light bulb, either 2 Remove bulb
unplug the refrigerator or disconnect 3 Replace with a 40.watt appliance bulb
the electricity leading to the re- TV : r$F 53
frigerator at the main power supply. 2
Shock and injury can occur if eleC-
tricity remains connected. Gi2 \/
Removing crispers and crisper cover.. .
Lift the Front, Then the Bock.
Removing the Crispers:
1 Slide crisper straight out to stop, Mt front, then sltde
the rest of the way out
2. Replace In the reverse order.
Removing Cover:
I. Loftfront and remove the cover support
2. Lift out cover by pulling up and out.
Replacing Cover:
Pull out to stop.
Lift the Front and Pull Again.
I. Fit back of cover into notch supports on walls of
refrigerator, then lower front into place.
2 Replace cover support with the long tab towards
the front. Note: If support needs adjustment, turn
base right to raise, or left to lower.
Removing and adjusting the freezer shelf...
To remove shelf:
1 Ltft front slightly
2 Loftback off supaorts
3 Replace in reverse order
To adjust shelf:
1 Remove shelf
2 Remove supports by sliding upwards
3 Replace supporis on desired level
4 Replace shelf
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves...
1 First, remove fo(xY from shelf
2 Slide shelf straight out to stop
Guide Stop
3 Lift front
4 Slide the rest of The NIV out
Shelf Stop
Replacing Shelf:
1 FINback of sheI+ or‘ top of guides with wire stops
on the bottom of guides
2 Lift front, slide skIelf In until It clears guide stops,
6

cold air starts a slow evaporation The longer cubes
are stored, the smaller they get
If cubes are not used, they may shrink The moving
Optional automatic ice maker.. .
If you have the automatic ice maker accessory or
plan to add one later (Pari No. ECKMF-83). there are a
few things you WIIIwant to know:
l The ON / OFF lever is a wire signal arm.
Down ..foc maklng Ice automatically,
Up. .to shut off the ice maker.
l Shake the bin occasionally to keep cubes sepa-
rated, and to obtain Increased storage capacity
Oil
l Because of new plumbing connections. the first
ice may be dlscolored or off-flavored. Discard the
first few batches of ice
l If ice ISnot being made fast enough and more ice
is needed, turn the Refrigerator Control toward a
higher number Wait a day and, if necessary, turn
the Freezer Control toward A
l If you remove the ice bin, raise the signal arm to
shut off the ice maker When you return the bin,
push It all the way in and lower the arm to the ON
position
Ice cube trays.. . To remove ice:
1. Hold tray at both ends
2 Slightly twist
Lower Signal
Arm to Start It.
l It ISnormal for ice crescents to be attached by a
corner. They WIII break apart easily
l You will hear water running when ice maker IS
working You’ll hear Ice fall into the bin Don’t let
these sounds bother you
l The Ice maker will not operate until the freezer IS
Raise Signal
cold enough to make Ice This can take overnight
Sounds you may hear...
netted to a softened water supply. Water softener
chemicals such as salt from a malfunctioning soft-
l If cubes are stated too long, they may develop an
ener can damage the Ice maker mold and lead to
off-flavor...llke stale water Throw them away They
poor quality Ice If a softened water supply cannot
WIII be realaced. Cubes In the ice bin can also
become smaller by evaporation
be avoided, then it ISImportant that the water soft-
ener be well maintained and operating properly.
l Good water quality ISimportant for good Ice quality
It ISnot recommended that the ice maker be con-
3
P
‘/
’,\c
Possible Sounds:
l Slight Hum, Soft Hiss:
l Clicking or Snapping
Sounds:
l Water Sounds:
Probable Causes:
You may hear the refrigerator’s fan motor and moving air
The defrost timer makes a definite click when the refrigerator stops running It
also makes a sound when the refrigerator starts.
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
l Ice Maker Sounds:
-trickling water
-thud (clatter of ice)
l Running Sounds:
If your refrigerator has an Ice maker, you may hear buzzing [from the water
valve), trlckllng water and the clatter of Ice dumped Into the bin
Your refrigerator has a high-efflclency compressor and motor It WIIIrun longer
than older designs. It may even seem to run most of the time
Energy saving tips...
You can help yoL,r refrigerator use less electricity
l Check door gaskets for a tight seal Level the cab1
net to be sure of a good seal
l Clear, the condenser co11regularly
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 chart describes the kinds of sounds that might be new
to YOU and what may be making them
l It ISa waste of electricity to set the refrigerator and
freezer to temperatures colder than they need to
be If ice cream ISfirm in the freezer and drinks are
as cold as your family lakesthem, that’s cold enough.
l Open the door as few times as possible Think about
what you need before you open the door Get
l Keep the Power Saving Control on CONSUMES LESS
everything out clt one time Keep foods organized ENERGY unless moisture forms on refrigerator
exterior
so you won’t have to search for what you want
Close door as soon as food ISremoved
l Make sure your refrigerator IS not next to a heat
l Go ahead and fill up the refrigerator, but don’t over- source such as a range, water heater, furnace, radi-
crowd It so air movement ISblocked ator, or IP direct sunlight
7

Cleaning your refrigerator
Both the refrrgerator ond freezer sections defrost To clean your refrigerator. turn the Refrigerator
automatrcally But both should be cleaned about Control to OFF, unplug It, take out all removable
:,nce o month to help prevent odors from butldtng ports, and clean It according to the following
Lro Of course, sculls should be wiped up right away dIrectIons
Cleaning chart...
Part
Removable parts
(shelves. crrsper meat
pan etc )
OutsIde
Inside walls (Freezer Sponge. soft cloth or
snould be allowed to paper towel, baking
warm up so clo*h wont soda, warm water rnlru
stick j detergent
Door liners and gaskets Sponge, soft cloth or
l Wash with mild detergent and warm
paper towel mtld water
detergent warm water l Rinse ana dry
DO NOT USE Cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents,
bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum on plastic parts.
Dark plastrcs
icovers and panels)
Defrost pan
(behind refrigercltor
on top of the rni tor]
Condenser coils
Floor under refrigerator
What to use
Sponge or cloth mtld
detergent and warm
water
Sponge, cloth or paper
towel mild detergent
appliance wax [or good
auto paste wax)
How to clean
l Wash removable parts wtth warm water
and a mild detergent
. Rinse and dry
l Wash wrth warm water and a mild de-
tergent Do not use abrasive or harsh
cleansers.
l Rinse and dry
l Wax painted metal surfaces at least
twice a year with appliance wax or a
good auto paste wax. Apply wax with
a clean, soft cloth. Do not use wax
on plastic parts.
Waxing painted metal surfaces provides rust protection.
l Wash with warm water and
mild detergent or
baking soda (2 tablespoons (26 g 1to
1quart 195 II warm water
l Rinse and dry
Vlvlilddetergent and
l Wash with a soft g&free cloth or
warm woter soft clean sponge
sponge and soft, clean l Rinse and dry with a damp grit-free
cloth cloth or chamois
DO NOT USE paper towels, window sprays, scouring cleansers,
or flammable or toxic solvents like acetone, gasoline, carbon
tetrachloride, etc. These can scratch or damage the material.
Sponge or cloth, mild
detergent and warm
l Roll refrigerator out away from wall
l Wash defrost pan with warm water
water and mild detergent Do not
remove defrost pan to clean.
l Rinse and dry
. Roll refrigerator back into place
Use vacuum cleaner
with brush attachmenr . Clean dust and lint from condenser coils behrnd the refrigerator at
least once every other month
l Leave an trch (2 54 cm] between
wall and condenser coils on back
of the refrrgerator
Usual floor cleaners . Roll refrigerator out away from wall.
l Clean the floor.
l Roll refrigerator back into place.
l Check to see if the refrigerator is level.

Food storage guide
STORING FRESHFOOD
There is a right way to package and store refrig-
erated or frozen foods To keep foods fresher, longer,
take the time to study these recommended steps.
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 Cold, moist air helps
keep leafy vegetables fresh and crisp
Vegetables with Skins (carrots, peppers] Store
In crisper. plastic bags or plastic container
Fruits 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 store container ID a crisper, or store In a loosely
closed paper bag on a refrigerator shelf
Cured or Smoked Meat and Cold Cuts. Ham,
bacon. sausage, cold cuts, etc., keep best in origl-
nal wrappings Once opened, tightly re-wrap In
plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Canned Ham. Store In refrigerator unless the la-
bel says it’s okay to store on the shelf. Do not freeze.
Fresh Poultry .Wrap In plastic wrap. The plastic
wrap on poultry, as purchased, may be used for
STORAGECHARTFORFRESHAND CUREDMEAT*
rVPe Approxlmate lime
Wws)
Variety Meats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2
Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to2
Ground Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2
Steaks and Roasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to 5
Cured Meats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 to 10
Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5to7
ColdCuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3to5
*If meat is to be stored longer than the times given,
follow the directions for freezing.
Meat. Meat ISperishable and expensive you
won’t want to waste an ounce of tt through careless
handling The following list and chart give you pack-
aging hints and time limits Store meat in the meat
pan
Fresh, Prepackaged Meat. Store fresh meat ir
the store wrapping. Vacuum packaged meat can
be frozen for as long as one month If the seal ISnoi
broken If you want to keep It frozen longer, you
should wrap it with special freezer wrapping material
Fresh Meat, Not Prepackaged. Remove the
market wrapping paper and re-wrap In aluminum foil
for storing it unfrozen
Cooked Meat. Wrap or cover cooked meat with
plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store immediately
NOTE: Fresh fish and shellfish should be used the
same day as purchased
Eggs Store without washing in the original car-
ton or use the Utility Bin that came with your
refrigerator.
Milk Wipe milk cartons For best storage, place
miik on interior shelf
Beverages Wipe bottles and cans Store on a
door shelf or Inside the refrigerator
Butter Keep opened butter In covered dash or in
the Butter Compartment When storing an extra sup-
ply, wrap In freezer packaging and freeze
Cheese Store In the original wrapping until
you are ready to use it Once opened, re-wrap
tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Condlments .Store small jars and bottles (cat-
sup, mustard, jelly, olives) on the door shelves where
they are in easy reach.
leftovers -Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or
aluminum foil to keep food from drying out and
transferring food odors Plastic containers with tight
IIds are fine, too

STORING FROZEN FOOD
Packaged Frozen Food Store on freezer door
shelf or In the freezer If you plan to store it for a long
time, re-wrap It wrth alumrnum forI or plastic wrap
Frozen Meats- .The followrng hints will help
keep the quality In your frozen meats,
1. Freeze meat whrle fresh and rn top condition
2. Use only recommended wrapping materrals.
3. Prepare the meat for freezing before wrap-
ping It Trim off excess fat and remove bones
when practrcal Meat should not be salted
because salt shortens freezer life
4. Wrap tightly, pressing out as much air as
The freezer section ISdesigned for storage of corn- possrble
mercrally frozen foods and for freezrng foods at 5. Label and date it
home 6. Refreezing thawed meat ISnot recommended.
e m Frozen Soups, Juices .Store on freezer door
shelf or in the freezer
STONABEWANT FOFiMUEN FOOD
Packaging - -he secret of successful freezing IS Storage times given in Qkis chart afe only a
n the packagrng The wrap you use must be air. guide. For best use of fa&# space, keep fro-
noisture and vapor proof The way you close and zen foods for short times. Use. then replace as
;eal the package must not allow air. moisture or needed.
vapors in or out Bread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 months
Rrgrd polyethylene (plastic) containers with tight- co&& mhe8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 months
rtttng lrds, strarght-sided canning freezing jars. Fish and Seafoods
leavy-duty aluminum forl, plastrc-ccated paper and Fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6monthr
ion-permeable plastic wraps [such as Saran) are Commercially Frozen . . . . . . l-3 months
ecommended Note Heat-sealed boiling bags are Fruits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 months
3asy to use and can be used by themselves or as IceCream.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 month
carton liners Concentrated Juice . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 months
Meats
IMPORTANT: Do not expect your freezer to quick- Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less than 1month
Ireeze any large quantity of food. leave enough Pork roasts. chops . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 months
rpace for alr to circulate around packages. Be Sausage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 months
careful to leave enough room at the front so the Bmt,~,twnbroe8tr . . . . . . . 6montha
door can close tightly. E.mtmt , . . . . . . . . . . . , . . .I-2 montha
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4montha
ice Cream...Store In the freezer Once the pack- Vegeh3Wer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 monlAI
Ige is opened, place a piece of aluminum foil or
)lastrc wrap smoothly against the ice cream surface. ‘Courtesy of National LoveStock and Meat Board
hts will prevent ice crystals from forming. ‘Courtesy of USD A
Vacation and moving care
Short vacations. . . the ice maker at least a day ahead When the last
No need to shut off the refrigerator if you will be load of Ice drops, turn off the ice maker
away for less than four weeks Use up perishables. Unplug the refrigerator and clean it rinse well
freeze other Items If your refrigerator IS equrpped and dry Tape rubber or wood blocks to both doors
with an automatic Ice maker, I] turn it off, 2) shut off keeptng them open far enough for air to get In
the water supply tcl the Ice maker: 3) empty the Ice This WIII keep cdor and mold from buildrng up.
brn WARNING: Tape blocks out of a child’s
Long vacations. . . reach...do not allow children near
the refrigerator when the doors are
Remove all the food If you are going for a month blocked open. They may become
or more If your refrigerator IS equipped with an injured or trapped.
automattc Ice maker, turn off the water supply to To restart refrigerator, see “Using Your Refrrgerator ”
10