Whirlpool ET18AK User manual

NO-FROST
O REFRIGERATOR-
FREEZER
MODEL ETl8AK
IS. Freezers. Refrlgeralor-Freezers, Ice Makers, Dishwashers, Built-In Ovens and Surface Un~ls. Ranges, MIcrorave Ovens, Trash Compactors, Room Air Condllloners, Dehumldlflel

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-
signed to do.
Parts and features
Light
Power Saving
Control
Control w II Utility
Compartment
Butter
Compartment
Adjustable
Shelves
Model and
Serial Number
Copy your Model and Serial Numbers here.. .
When you need service gr call with a question,
have this Information ready: Model Number
1. Complete Model and Serial Numbers [from the
plate located as shown). Serial Number
2. Purchase date from sales slip Purchase Date
Copy this information in these spaces. Keep this
book, your warranty and sales slip together In a
handy place. Service Company and Telephone Number
2

Contents
SAFETY FIRST
BEFOREYOUPLUGITIN.~~~~~~~.
Install Properly,
Level Refrigerator-Freezer
Remove Soles Labels
Clean It
Plugltln
USINGYOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Setting the Controls
Changing the Control Settings
Power Saving Control
Changing the Light Bulb
Moving the Meat Pan and Cover
Adjusting the Refrigerator Shelves
Removing the Crispers and Cover
Removing and Adjusting the
Freezer Shelf 7
Page
Ice Cube Trays 7
Optional Automatic Ice Maker 7
Sounds You May Hear 8
Energy Saving Tips 8
CLEANING YOUR REFRIGERATOR. 8
Cleaning Chart 9
FOOD STORAGE CHART. 10
Storing Fresh Food 10
Freezing and Storing Frozen Foods 11
VACATION AND MOVING CARE, 14
IF YOU NEED SERVICE OR ASSISTANCE 15
1, Before Calling for Assistance 15
2. If You Need Assistance 15
3. If You Need Service 15
4. IfYouHaveaProblem ,.,,.....,,,,, 15
01985 Whirlpool Corporation
Before you plug it in
IMPORTANT
Before using your refrigerator, you ore personally
responsible for making sure that it
l is Installed and leveled on a floor that will hold
the weight, and In on area surtable for its size
and use.
l isconnected only to the rrght kind of outlet, with the
right electrrcal supply and grounding (Refer to
your “Electrical Requirements and Groundrng
Instructions.“)
l IS used only for jobs expected of home rem
frigerators.
l ISnot near on oven, radiator or other heat source.
l is properly maintained.
l ISout of the weather
l isused in on area where the room temperature will
not fall below 55” F (13” C).
l is not used by those who may not understand how
it should be used
l is not loaded with food before It has time to get
properly cold

Install properly.. . Remove sales labels.. .
II
II
ml
----
t
.
1 Allow 3 inches (7.5 cm] between overhead cabl-
nets and refrrgerator top.
2. Allow at least an inch (2 5 cm] between the
refrigerator condenser on the back and the wall.
3 Allow 1/2inch (1.25 cm] on each side of the
refrigerator for ease of installation
4 If the refrigerator is to 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.. .
Leveling screw
Rc!lse1
Use Screwdriver
to Adjust
Lower
Right to Raise;
Left to Lower
1. To raise front, turn each screw to the right
2 To lower front, turn each screw to the left
3. Check wrth level
Remove the Consumer Buy Guide label, tape and
any inside labels before using the refrigerator.
To remove any remaining glue:
I, Rub briskly with thumb to make a ball then remove.
OR
2. Soak area with dishwashing detergent solutron (1
teaspoon detergent in 1quart warm water] 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.. .
Clean your refrigerator
before usrng It.
See cleanrng instructions
onpageB.-
Plug it in...
j-prong grounding
type wall receptacle
t
Refrigerator
Power Cord
RECOMMENDED GROUNDING 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 provided.
Do not use an extension cord. Use a recep-
tacle which cannot be turned oft with a switch
or pull chain. See individual electrical require-
ments and grounding instruction sheet in your liter-
ature package.

Using your refrigerator
Refrigerator Control /
Power Saving Control
Setting the controls.. .
Controls for the refrrgerator and freezer are in the Glve the refrigerator time to cool down com-
refrrgerator. When the refrigerator is plugged In for pletely before adding food. (This may toke sev-
the first time PFFPICT~A.TT)I eral hours.]
I, Set the REFRIGERA- -
TOR CONTROL to 3.
2 Set the FREEZER
CONTROL to B.
Changing the control settings.. .
If you need to adjust temperatures in refrigerator
or freezer, use the settings listed in the chart below.
CONDITION:
If Refrigerator
Section is
TOO WARM
If Freezer
Section is
TOO WARM
QUESTIONS?
...call your
COOL-LINE 9
service
assistance
telephone
number
If Refrigerator
Section is
TOO COLD
IfICE isn’t
MADE FASTENOl
Wge 15). If BOTH SECTIONS
are TOO WARM
JGH
Light Switch Freezer Control
These settings should be about right for normal
household refrigerator usage.
The controls will be set about right when milk or
juice IS as cold as you like and when Ice cream
ISfirm.
l Adjust the Refrtgerator Control first.
l Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments
l Then adjust the Freezer Control, if needed.
REASONS:
Door opened often
Large amount of food added
Room temperature tco warm
Door opened often
Large amount of food added
Very cold rcom temperature
(can’t cycle often enough)
Controls not set correctly
for your conditions
RECOMMENDED CONTROL
SETTINGS:
Refrigerator 4
Freezer C
Refrigerator
Freezer
Refrigerator
Freezer
Heavy ice usage
Very cold room temperature
(can’t cycle often enough]
Door opened often
Large amount of food added
Very warm OTvery cold
room temperatures
Refrigerator
Freezer
Refrigerator
Freezer
Power Saving Control.. .
The Power Saving Control on the Control Con-
sole operates electric heaters around the door I.
openings. These heaters help keep moisture from
fcrmrng on the outside of the refrigerator. 2
Use the CdNSUMES LESSENERGY” setting when
humrdity IS low.
Use the “REDUCES EXTERIOR MOISTURE” setting
only If moisture forms on the outside of the
refrigerator. 5

Changing the light bulb.. .
Unplug the refrigerator first.
1. Reach behind control console to find bulb.
2. Remove bulb
3 Replace with a 40-w& appliance bulb.
Moving the meat pan and cover...
Glass is heavy.
Be Careful.
Frame Frame
support
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves...
Shelves can be adjusted to match the way you use
your refrigerator.
\
Removing the Meat Pan:
I, Slide the meat pan out to stop.
2. Lift the front.
3. Slide pan the rest of the way out.
4. Replace in reverse order
Removing the cover:
1. Push up glass insert from bottom, then slide out
with both hands.
2. Lift cover frame out of frame support
3. Tilt front of frame support up, lift at back, and pull
support straight out.
4. Replace in reverse order.
To remove shelves:
1. Tilt up at front.
2. Lift up at back.
3. Pull shelf straight out
To replace:
1. Guide the rear hooks into the slots in the shelf
supports.
2. Tilt up front of shelf until hooks drop into slot. Lower
front of shelf to level position.
Removing crispers and crisper cover. ..
Pull Out to Stop. Lift the Front
Remove the
Glass Insert.
Lift the Frame Front,
then the Back.
Glass is heavy.
Be Careful.
Removing the Crispers:
1. Slide crisper straight out to stop, lift front, then slrde
the rest of the way out.
2 Replace in the reverse order
Removing Cover:
I. Push up glass insert from bottom, then sltde out
with both hands.
2. Lift front of cover frame and remove cover support
3 Lift out cover frame by pulling up and out.
Replacing Cover:
1 Frtback 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 the support needs
adjustment, turn base rrght to lower, or left to raise.
3. Slide back of glass insert Into place, then lower front.
6

Removing and adjusting the freezer shelf...
To remove shelf:
1. Lift front slightly
2 Loftback off supports.
3 Replace in reverse order
To adjust shelf:
1 Remove shelf
2 Remove supports by slrding upwards
3 Replace supports on desired level.
4 Replace shelf Support
Ice cube trays.. .
If cubes are not used, they may shrink The moving
cold arr starts a slow evaporatron The longer cubes
are stored, the smaller they get
To remove ice:
1 Hold tray at both ends.
2 Slrghtly twist
Optional automatic ice maker.. .
If you have the automatic ice maker accessory or
plan to add one later [Port No. ECKMF-83). there are a
few things you will want to know:
l The ON/OFF lever is a wire signal arm.
Down...for making ice automatically,
Up...toshut off the ice maker.
l Shake the bin occasionally to keep cubes sepa
rated, and to obtarn increased storage capacity
On
Lower Signal
Arm to Start It. \ Raise Signal
Arm to Stop Ice Maker.
l It IS normal for ice crescents to be attached by a
corner. They will break apart easily.
l You will hear water runnrng when Ice maker is
working. You’ll hear ice fall into the bin Don’t let
these sounds bother you.
l The Ice maker WIII not operate until the freezer is
cold enough to make ice. This can take overnight.
l Because of new plumbing connections. the first
ice may be discolored or off-flavored Drscard the
first few batches of ice.
l If ice is not 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 moker. When you return the bin.
push It all the way in and lower the arm to the ON
posItron.
l If cubes are stored too long, they may develop an
off-flavor...like stale water. Throw them away. They
will be replaced. Cubes In the ice bin can also
become smaller by evaporation.
l The ice maker water supply should not be soft-
ened water. The chemicals could damage the ice
maker molds,

Sounds you may hear...
3
);,
‘5
Your new refrigerator may make sounds that your old one didn’t.
Because the sounds are new to you. you might be concerned about
’ ,F
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.
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), trickling water and the clatter of ice dumped into the bin
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.
Energy saving tips...
You can help your refrigerator use less electricity.
l Check door gaskets for a tight seal Level the cabi-
net to be sure of a good seal
l Clean the condenser coil 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 foods 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 over-
crowd it so air movement ISblocked.
l It is a waste of electrtcrty 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 likes them, that’s cold enough.
l Keep the Power Saving Control on CONSUMES LESS
ENERGY unless moisture forms on refrigerator
exterior
l Make sure your refrigerator IS not next to a heat
source such as a range, water heater, furnace, radi-
ator, or in direct sunlight.
Cleaning your refrigerator
Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost To clean your refrigerator, turn the Refrigerator
automatically. But both should be cleaned about Control to OFF, unplug it, take out all removable
once a month to help prevent odors from building parts, and clean it according to the followrng
up. Of course, spills should be wiped up right away. directions.

Cleaning chart...
Part
Removable parts
[shelves, crisper, meat
pan etc.)
Outside
Dark plastics
[covers and panels)
Defrost pan
[behind refrigerator
on top of the motor)
Condenser coils
What to use How to clean
Mild detergent and
warm water.
l Wash removable parts with warm water
and a mild detergent.
l Rinse and dry
Sponge, cloth or paper
towel, mild detergent;
appliance wax (or good
auto paste wax]
l Wash with warm water and a mrld 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.
Inside walls (Freezer
should be allowed to
warm up so cloth won’t
stick.)
Sponge, soft cloth or
paper towel, bakrng
soda, warm water, mild
detergent.
l Wash with warm water and
~ mild detergent or
~ baking soda (2 tablespoons [26 g] to
1quart [ 95 I] warm water
l Rinse and dry
Door liners and gaskets Sponge, soft cloth or
l Wash with mrld detergent and warm
paper towel; mild water
detergent, warm water
l Rinse and dry
DO NOT USE Cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents,
bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum on plastic parts.
Mild detergent and
l Wash with a sof grit-free cloth or
warm water; 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.
Warm water and mild
detergerlt
l Roll refrigerator out away from wall.
l Wash defrost pan with warm water
and mild detergent. Do not
remove defrost pan to clean.
l Rinse and dry
l Roll refrigerator back into place.
Use vacuum cleaner
with brush attachment
l Clean dust and lint from condenser
coils behind the refrigerator at
least once every other month.
l Leave an inch (2.54 cm] between
wall and condenser coils on back
of the refrigerator
Floor under refrigerator Usual floor cleaners.
l Roll refrigerator out away from wall.
l Wash floor.
l Roll refrrgerator back into place
l Check to see if the refrigerator
ISlevel.

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 arld &colored areas Wash in
cold water and drain Fiace 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 in a crrsper, or store In a loosely
closed paper bag on a refrigerator shelf
Meat= Meat is perishable and expensrve...you
won’t want to waste an ounce of it through careless
handling. The following list and chart give you pack-
aging hunts and time limits. Store meat in the meat
pan.
Fresh, Prepackaged Meat. Store fresh meat in
the store wrapping. Vacuum packaged meat can
be frozen for as long as one month If the seal is not
broken If you want to keep it frozen longer, you
should wrap it wrth special freezer wrapping materrol.
Fresh Meat, Not Prepackaged. Remove the
market wrapping paper and re-wrap loosely In
waxed paper or aluminum foil for storrng it unfrozen.
Cooked Meat. Wrap or cover cooked meat with
waxed paper, plastic wrap or aluminum forl. Store
immediately.
Cured or Smoked Meat and Cold Cuts. Ham,
bacon, sausage, cold cuts, etc , keep best in orrgt-
nal wrappings. Once opened, tightly re-wrap in
plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Canned Ham. State in refrigerator unless the la-
bel says it’s okay to store on the shelf. Do not freeze.
Fresh Poultry. .Wrap In waxed paper or plastlc
wrap The plastic wrap on poultry, as purchased may
be used for storage
STORAGECHARTFORFRESHAR0 CUREDMEAT*
Fvpe -ZZidenme
Variety Meats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to2
Chlcken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to2
Ground Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :. . . 1 to 2
SteaksandRoastr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to5
CuredMeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7tolO
Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 to 7
Cold Cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to5
*If meat isto be stored longer than the times given,
follow the directlons for freezing.
NOTE: Fresh fish and shellfish should be used the
same day as purchased
Eggs .Store wrthout washing In the original car-
ton or use the Utility Bin that came with your
refrigerator
MilkkWlpe milk cartons. For best storage, place
mrlk on interior shelf
Beverages.. Wipe bottles and cans. Store on a
door shelf or inside the refrigerator.
Butter.. Keep opened butter in covered dish 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.
Condiments .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 focd from dryrng out and
transferring food odors, Plastic containers with tight
lids are fine, too.