Whirlpool RT17DK Guide

E
c
A Note To You
Important Safety
lnstwctions
Parts And Features
Before Using Your
Refrigerator
Using Your
Refrigerator
Caring For Your
Refrigerator
2
3
4
6
8
16
Food Storage Guide 20
If You Need
Assistance
Or Service 22
Warranty 24
1-800~44ROPER
Call us with questions of comments.
NO-FROST REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
MODELS RT17DK RT17EK
y/g3

A Note To You
Thank you for buying a Roper@ appliance.
You have purchased a quality, worMclass 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 property 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 you avoid actions
Our toll-free number, l-800-44ROPER (l-800-447-6737), is
available 24 hours a day.
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 22. If you need further help, feel free to call
us. 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 lnju-rv when
using your refrigerator, follow these basic precautions:
. Read all instructions before using the l Never allow children to operate, play with,
reftigerator. or crawl inside the refrigerator.
*Child entrapment and suffocation are l Never clean refrigerator parts with
not problems of the past. Junked or flammable fluids. The fumes can create a
abandoned refrigerators are still danger- fire hazard or explosion.
ous ... even if they will ‘just sit in the l FOR YOUR SAFETY l
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.
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
55°F (13°C).
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. (Refer to the
Electrical Requirements and Grounding
Instructions Sheet.)
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 have
purchased may have all or some of the parts and features shown and they may not match the
illustration exactly. This manual covers several models.
Model RT17DK
Ice cube
trays and
shelf -
Easyclean
freezer
bottom -
Control panel -
Model and
serial
number label ’
(on side wall)
Crisper cover -
Crispers 4
-
-
/
ZT
\
Snapoff
helf trim
Utility
4 IllIll
compart-
I Slide-out
- ment
shelves
Slide-in
shelf trim
se grille
Leveling
rol;rs
[behind base
grille)
4

Model RT17EK
freezer bottom
Snap-off
shelf trim
644
Edllll
Utility
,compatiment
Model and
Leveling rollers
(behind base
grille)
Base grille
Control panel (all models)
Refrigerator
control Freezer
control
5

Before Using Your
Refrigerator
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
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 de-
scribed above. Do not use sharp instru-
ments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids or
abrasive cleaners. These can damage the
material. See “Important Safety Instruc-
tions” on page 3.
NOTE: Do not remove any permanent
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 16-17.
Plugging it in
Recommended Grounding Method
A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., 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.
See Electrical Requirements and Ground-
ing Instructions Sheet in your Literature
Package.
&prong grounding
type wall receptacle
Refrigerator
power cord
grounding
PM!
6

Installing it properly
1. Allow 55inch (1.25 cm) space on each
side and at the top of the refrigerator for
ease of installation.
2. 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.
3. 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 14.)
2. To raise front, turn screw clockwise.
3. To lower front, turn screw counterclock-
Right to raise;
left to lower
Use a screw-
driver to adjust
wise.
4. Check with level.
5. Replace base grille. (See page 14.)
7

Using Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page
Setting the controls ............................8
Changing the control settings ...........9
Removing the drop-in door trim
pieces ..................................................9
Removing the snap+ff door trim ....I0
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves ..I0
Removing the crispers and
crisper cover .....................................11
Adjusting the crisper cover track ...11
Page
Using the ice cubs trays ..................12
Using the optional automatic
ice maker ...........................................12
Removing the base grille .................14
Changing the light bulbs ................. 14
Understanding the sounds you
may hear ..........................a................. 15
Saving energy ...................................15
Reverslng the door swing ................15
To obtain the best possible resufts from your refrigerator, it is important that you operate it
properly. This section tells you how to set the controls, remove and adjust some of 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 3
(Recommended Setting). Refrigerator
Control settings range from 1 (warmest)
to 5 (coldest).
2. Set the Freezer Control to 3 (Recom-
mended Setting). Freezer Control
settings range from 1 (warmest) to 5
(coldest).
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 9.
a

Changing the control settings
If you need to adjust temperatures in the l Adjust the Refrigerator Control first.
refrigerator or freezer, use the settings listed
in the chart below as a guide. If you have l Wait at least 24 hours between adjust-
ments.
questions, call our Consumer Assistance
Center number. (See page 23.) l Then adjust the Freezer Control if needed.
CONDITION:
Refrigerator
section
too warm
Freezer
section
too warm
Refrigerator
section
too cold
Ice not
made fast
enough
Both sections
too warm
RECOMMENDED
REASON: CONTROL SETTINGS:
Refrigerator Freezer
. Door opened often
9 Large amount of food added
l Room temperature too warm Qi z g
l Door opened often
l Large amount of food added
l Very cold room temperature
(can’t cycle often enough) [i ,, iQ
l Controls not set correctly for
your conditions (ji ,, y
. Heavy ice usage
l Very cold room temperature
(can’t cycle often enough) Qi 1 ;Q
l Door opened often
l Large amount of food added
l Very warm or very cold room
temperatures
Removing the drop-in door trim pieces
To remove the trim piece:
1. Remove all items from the shelf.
2. Pull straight up on the trim piece at each
end.
To replace the trim piece:
4
1. Locate each end of the trim piece above
the trim pocket opening.
2. Push the trim piece straight down until it
stops.
3. Replace items on the shelf. )
9

Removing the snap-off door trim
To remove the trim piece:
1. Remove all items from the shetf.
2. Pull out on the inside tab at each end of
the trim piece.
3. Pull trim piece straight out.
To replace the trim piece:
1. Line up ends of the trim piece with the
button on the door liner wall.
2. Push trim piece straight back until it
snaps securely into place.
3. Replace items on the shelf.
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves
Adjust refrigerator shelves to match the way
you use your refrigerator.
To remove the shelves:
1. Remove all items from the shelf.
2. Slide shelf straight out to the stop.
3. Lift the front slightly.
4. Slide shelf out the rest of the way.
To replace the shelves:
1. Fit back of shelf on top of guide with wire
stops on the bottom of the guide.
2. Lift the front.
3. Slide shelf in until it clears all stops.
Shelf auide
10

Removing the crispers and crisper cover
Because your crispers are not the same size,
your crisper cover has an adjustable center
track so you can switch positions of the crisp-
ers. You can adjust the center track with the
cover in the refrigerator by removing the
crispers and the cover insert.
To remove the crispers:
1. Slide 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 the cover insert from the bottom,
then slide out with both hands.
2. Lift front of cover frame.
3. Lift cover frame up and out.
To replace the cover:
1. Fit back of cover frame into notch supports
on back wall of refrigerator, then lower the
front into place.
2. Slide back of cover insert into place, then
lower the front.
Pull out to
the stop,
lift the
front and
pull egaln.
Remove the
cover insert.
Lift the cover
front, then the
back
NOTE: If
cover insert
is glass,
handle It with
care. tt could
be heavy.
Adjusting the crisper cover track
Because your crispers are not the same
size, your crisper cover has an adjustable
center track so you can switch positions of
the crispers.
To remove the center track:
1. Push up the cover insert from the bottom,
then slide out with both hands.
2. Gently pull up on front end of track.
3. Pull rear end of track out of opening in
cover.
To replace the center track:
1. Insert rear end of track (with hole) into
opening in cover.
2. Lower front end of track into slot.
3. Make sure rear end of track has snapped
into place on under side of cover.
11

Using the ice cube trays
If cubes are not used, 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.
Using the optional automatic ice maker
If your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker, or if you plan to add one later (Part
No. IMKIT), here are a few things you will
want to know.
l The ON/OFF lever is a wire signal arm.
DOWN to make ice automatically
UP to shut off the ice maker
IMPORTANT: Do not turn on the ice
maker until it is connected to the water
supply. Instructions for ice maker water
supply hook up are attached to the
back of the refrigerator cabinet.
l The dial or lever on the side of the ice
maker changes the size of the cubes.
l You may hear water running when the ice
maker is working. You’ll hear ice falling
into the bin. Don’t let these sounds bother
you.
l If you remove the ice bin, raise the signal
arm to shut off the ice maker. When you
replace the bin, push it in all the way and
lower the ice maker signal arm to the ON
position.
l Good water quality is important for good
ice quality. Try to avoid connecting the ice
maker to a softened water supply. Water
softener chemicals (such as salt from a
matfunctioning softener) can damage the
ice maker mold and lead to poor ice
quality. If a softened water supply cannot
be avoided, make sure the water softener
is operating properly and well maintained.
UP
to stop
ice maker.
DOWN
to start
ice maker.
12

Common ice maker problems
PROBLEM
Ice crescents
attached at
corners
Ice maker
won’t
make ice
Off-taste or
odor in ice
CAUSE SOLUTION
l This is normal . They break apart easily.
l Shake ice bin occasionally to keep cubes
separated.
l ON/OFF lever in the . Move ON/OFF lever to the ON (down)
OFF (up) position position.
l Freezer not cold . Ice maker will not operate until freezer is
enough c.oM enough to make ice. This could take
overnight.
l Ice attracts airborne l Dump old ice and make a new supply.
odors; old ice Store excess ice in a covered container.
l Poor water quality l Water containing minerals (such as sulfur)
may require a fitter. Try to avoid softened
water supplies.
l Foods not properly l Wrap food properly. See pages 20 and 21.
wrapped
l Ice bin and freezer l Clean freezer and ice bin. See cleaning
need cleaning chart on page 16.
l Plumbing to ice maker l Follow Installation Instructions for proper
ice maker water supply hookup. (See
back of refrigerator cabinet.) Try to avoid
softened water supply.
l New ice maker l First few batches of ice from a new ice
maker may have an off-taste. Dump ice
and make a new supply.
13

Removing the base grille
Condenser
To remove the base grille:
1. Open the refrigerator door.
2. Grasp the grille with both hands.
3. Push down on the top edge of the grille to
coils Defrost
Dan
release the top clips.
4. Roll the grille toward you to release the
top clips.
5. Pull grille away from the refrigerator.
NOTE: Do not remove the Tech Sheet
fastened behind the grille.
To replace the base grille:
1. Line up the edges of the grille with the
outside edges of the cabinet.
2. Roll the grille toward you.
3. Place the lower clips in the openings in
the metal panel.
4. Roll the grille toward the cabinet until the
top clips snap into place.
5. Close the refrigerator door.
See cleaning instructions for defrost pan and
condenser coils on page 17.
Clips
Changing the light bulbs
Electrical Shock Hazard
Before removing a light bulb or removing
a light shield for cleaning, either unplug
the refrigerator or disconnect the electric-
ity leading to it at the main power supply.
Failure to do so could result in electrical
shock.
To change refrigerator light:
1. Disconnect refrigerator from power
suPPlY_
2. Reach behind Control Panel to remove
bulb.
3. Replace with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
4. Reconnect refrigerator to power supply.
NOTE: Not all commercial appliance bulbs
will fit your refrigerator. Be sure to replace a
bulb with one of the same size and shape.
14

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 if stops. You may also hear
defrost wafer running into the defrost water
pan.
Ice maker sounds
l trickling water
l thud (clatter of ice)
You may hear buzzing (from the water
valve), trickling water and the clatter of ice
dumped into the bin.
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.
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. Gel 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.
. Make sure your refrigerator is not next to a
heat source such as a range, water heater,
furnace, radiator or in direct sunlight.
Reversing the door swing (RTITIDK only)
The doors on your refrigerator are revers-
ible. If you need to reverse the door swing,
refer to the instruction sheet included with
your refrigerator.
15

Caring For Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page Page
Cleaning your refrigerator ....-........ 16 Power interruptions ..........................19
Vacation and moving care ...............18
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 vacation, 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 help 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
PART
Removable parts
(shelves, crisper,
etc.)
Outside
WHAT TO USE
Sponge or cloth wilh 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 (2 tablespoons
[26 g] to 1 quart [.95 L] of water).
l Rinse and dry thoroughly.
16

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 paqe 3.
Defrost pan
Condenser
coils
Sponge or cloth l Remove base grille. (See page 14.)
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.
17

Vacation and moving care
Long vacations
If you will be gone a month or more:
1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker:
l Turn off the water supply to the ice
maker at least one day ahead of time.
l When the last load of ice drops, turn off
the ice maker. Make sure all ice is
dispensed out of the ice maker mecha-
nism.
3. Unplug the refrigerator.
4. Clean it, rinse well and dry.
5. 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 8.
Short vacations
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.
3. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker:
l Raise the signal arm to the OFF (up)
position.
l Shut off the water supply to the ice
maker.
l Empty the ice bin.
Moving
When you are moving the refrigerator to a
new home:
1. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker:
l Turn off the water supply to the ice
maker at least one day ahead of time.
l Disconnect the water line.
l After the last load of ice drops, lift the
signal arm to the OFF (up) position.
2. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
3. Pack all frozen food in dry ice.
4. Unplug the refrigerator.
5. Clean it thoroughly. Rinse well and dry.
6. Take out all removable parts, wrap them
well, and tape them together so they don’t
shift and rattle.
7. Screw in the leveling rollers.
8. 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 6. Also, if
your refrigerator has an automatic ice
maker, remember to reconnect the water
supply line.
18

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 2 Ibs. (0.9 kg) of dry ice in
freezer 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. lf 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.
Questions 7
Call our toll-free number, l-80044-ROPER.
19

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 fresh-
ness.
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.
ews
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 7to 10
Bacon 5 to 7
Cold cuts 3 to 5
Variety meats 1 to 2
l When storing meat longer than the times
given, follow the directions for freezing.
NOTE: Use fresh fish and shellfish the same
day as purchased.
20