Whirlpool WAR488BSL User manual

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R E F R I G E R A T O R
U se & C a r e G u i de
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R É F R I G É R A T E U R
C O M P A C T
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ou visitez notre site web à...
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Table of C ontents/Índice/Table des matières ....... 2
WAR 488B S L
®
For ques tions about features, operation/performance, parts or service,
call: 1-866-568-0386 in the U.S ; in C anada, 1-866-457-1539.
Para cons ultas sobre características, operación/des empeño, partes o servicio,
llame al: 1-866-568-0386 en E E .UU. o 1-866-457-1539 en C ánada.

2
A ss i sta n ce or S er v i ce
If you need assistance or service, first see the “Troubleshooting”
section. Additional help is available. C all us at 1-866-568-0386
from anywhere in the U.S .A. In C anada, c all 1-866-457- 1539.
K eep this book and your s ales s lip together for future
referenc e. You mus t provide proof of purc ha s e or ins ta llation
date for in-warranty s ervic e.
Write down the following information about your appliance to help
you obtain assistance or service if you ever need it. You will need
to know your complete model number and serial number. You can
find this information on the model and serial number plate,
located on the back, top, left-hand corner of the refrigerator.
Dea ler nam e ____________________________________________________
S eria l number __________________________________________________
Addres s ________________________________________________________
P hone number __________________________________________________
Model number __________________________________________________
P urc ha s e da te __________________________________________________
R E F R I G E R A T O R S A F E T Y
T a bl e of C on ten ts / Í n di ce /T a bl e des m a ti èr es
AS S IS T ANC E OR S E R VIC E ............................ 2
R E FR IGE R ATOR S AFE TY ............................... 2
INS T AL LATION INS T R UC T IONS ................... 3
R E FR IGE R ATOR US E ..................................... 6
R E FR IGE R ATOR FE ATUR E S ......................... 6
DOOR FEATUR ES ........................................... 7
R E FR IGE R ATOR C AR E ................................... 7
TR OUB L E S H OO TING ...................................... 9
WAR RANTY.................................................... 10
AY UDA O S E R VIC IO T É C NIC O .................... 11
S E G UR IDAD DE L R E FR IG E R ADOR ............ 11
INS T R UC C IONE S DE INS T AL AC IÓN .......... 12
US O DE S U R E F R IG E R ADO R ...................... 15
C AR AC TE R ÍS TIC AS DE L R E FR IGE R ADOR 15
C AR AC T E R ÍS T IC AS DE L A P UE R T A .......... 16
C UIDADO DE S U R E F R IG E R ADOR ............. 16
S OLU C IÓN DE PR OB L E MAS ....................... 18
GARANTÍA...................................................... 19
AS S IS TANC E OU S E R VIC E .......................... 20
S É C UR ITÉ DU R É FR IG É R ATE UR ................ 20
IN S T R U C T IO NS D ’INS T AL L AT ION .............. 21
UTIL IS AT ION DU R É F R IG É R AT E UR ........... 24
C AR AC T ÉR IS TIQUE S
DU R ÉFRIGÉRATEUR ................................... 24
C AR AC TÉ R IS TIQUE S DE L A P OR T E .......... 25
E NT R E T IE N DU R É F R IG É R AT E UR ............. 25
DÉPANNAGE .................................................. 27
GARANTIE ...................................................... 28
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can
happen if the instructions are not followed.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety
messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”
These words mean:
follow instructions.
instructions.
DA N G E R
WA R N I N G
IM P OR TANT S AFE T Y INS T R UC T IONS
WAR NING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury when using your refrigerator, follow thes e bas ic precautions:
S AVE T HE S E INS TR UC TIONS
 Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
 Do not remove ground prong.
 Do not us e an adapter.
 Do not us e an extension cord.
 Disconnect power before s ervicing.
 R eplac e all parts and panels before operating.
 R emove doors from your old refrigerator.
 Us e nonflammable cleaner.
 K eep flammable materials and vapors , s uch as gas oline,
away from refrigerator.
 Use two or more people to move and install refrigerator.

3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Unpack the Refrigerator
Remove the Packaging
■Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning
on the refrigerator. Rub a small amount of liquid dish soap
over the adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm water
and dry.
■Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable
fluids, or abrasive cleaners to remove tape or glue. These
products can damage the surface of your refrigerator. For
more information, see “Refrigerator Safety.”
■Dispose of/recycle all packaging materials.
Clean Before Using
After you remove all of the packaging materials, clean the inside of
your refrigerator before using it. See the cleaning instructions in
“Refrigerator Care.”
Location Requirements
To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow at least 5"
(13 cm) between the back of the cabinet and the wall. When
installing your refrigerator, leave at least 3" (7.5 cm) clearance on
each side.
Proper Disposal of Your Old Refrigerator
IMPORTANT: Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems
of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are still dangerous
– even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of
your old refrigerator, please follow these instructions to help
prevent accidents.
Before You Throw Away Your Old Refrigerator or Freezer:
■Take off the door.
■Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily
climb inside.
WARNING
Suffocation Hazard
Remove doors from your old refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in death or brain damage.
WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install
refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.
When MovingYour Refrigerator:
Your refrigerator is heavy. When moving the refrigerator
for cleaning or service, be sure to protect the floor.
Always pull the refrigerator straight out when moving it.
Do not wiggle or “walk” the refrigerator when trying to move
it, as floor damage could occur.
Important information to know about glass shelves
and covers:
Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when
they are cold. Shelves and covers may break if exposed to
sudden temperature changes or impact, such as bumping.
For your protection, tempered glass is designed to shatter
into many small, pebble-size pieces. This is normal. Glass
shelves and covers are heavy. Use special care when
removing them to avoid impact from dropping.
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as
gasoline, away from refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

4
NOTE: It is recommended that you do not install the refrigerator
near an oven, radiator, or other heat source. Do not install in a
location that receives direct sunlight or heat. Do not install the
refrigerator in a location where the temperature will fall below
55°F (13°C).
Electrical Requirements
Before you move your refrigerator into its final location, it is
important to make sure you have the proper electrical connection.
Recommended Grounding Method
A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded
electrical supply is required. It is recommended that a separate
circuit serving only your refrigerator be provided. Use an outlet
that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension
cord.
NOTE: Before performing any type of installation, cleaning, or
removing a light bulb, shut cooling OFF by turning the control to
the “0” position, as shown. Disconnect the refrigerator from the
electrical source. When you are finished, reconnect the
refrigerator to the electrical source and reset the temperature
control to the desired setting. See “Using the Control.”
Reverse the Refrigerator Door
(optional)
IMPORTANT: All graphics referenced in the following instructions
are included later in this section after “Final Steps.” The graphics
shown are for a right-hand swing door (hinges factory installed on
the right).
Tools needed: No. 2 Phillips screwdriver
Remove Door and Hinge
1. Turn the refrigerator control OFF, and remove food and door
bins from doors.
2. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
3. Place the refrigerator on its back.
4. Remove the bottom right leveling leg. See Graphic 3.
5. Using the Phillips screwdriver, remove the the screws from the
lower hinge assembly. See Graphic 3.
6. Pull the door downward to remove it from the cabinet.
Reverse Door Swing (optional)
1. Remove the upper hinge pin from the right side of the cabinet.
See Graphic 2.
2. Remove the plastic cap from the top left-hand side of the door
and reinstall it on the top right-hand side of the door, in the
previous pin location. See Graphic 1.
3. Reinstall the hinge pin on the left-hand side of the cabinet.
Align the hole in the door with the hinge pin and push up until
the hinge pin is inserted into the top of the door.
4. Remove the two retaining screws on the bottom left side of
the cabinet and reinstall them and the fixed foot on the right
side in the former lower hinge assembly screw positions. See
Graphic 4.
5. With the door closed, reinstall the lower hinge assembly on
the left side of the refrigerator. See Graphic 3.
6. Reinstall leveling leg. See Graphic 3.
5"
(13 cm)
3"
(7.5 cm)
3"
(7.5 cm)
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.
WARNING
WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install
refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

5
Final Steps
1. Stand the the refrigerator upright and check all holes to make
sure that hole plugs and screws are in place.
2. Check the door for aligment and for a seal against the cabinet.
3. Let stand upright for 60 minutes before reconnecting power.
4. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
5. Reset the control. See “Using the Control” section.
6. Return all removable door parts to door and food to
refrigerator.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.
WARNING
A. Plastic Cap
1
A
A. Top Hinge Pin
2
Bottom Hinge
Top Hinge
A. Hinge Washer
B. Bottom Hinge Pin
C. Leveling Leg
D. Screw Washers
E. Spacers
F. Hinge Screws
3
A
A
B
C
D
E
F
B. Screw Washers
C. Spacers
D. Retaining Screws
A. Fixed Foot
4
B
C
D
A

6
Level the Refrigerator
There is one adjustable leveling leg located on the hinge side of
the refrigerator. If the refrigerator seems unsteady, adjust the
refrigerator’s tilt using the instructions below.
Adjust the leg to level the refrigerator:
■To raise, turn the leveling leg counterclockwise.
■To lower, turn the leveling leg clockwise.
NOTE: Having someone push against the top of the refrigerator
takes some weight off the leveling leg which makes it easier to
turn.
REFRIGERATOR USE
Using the Control
The temperature control is located at the top of the cabinet.
IMPORTANT:
■Wait 24 hours for your refrigerator to cool completely before
adding food. If you add food before the refrigerator has cooled
completely, your food may spoil.
■The control is set correctly when milk or juice is as cold as you
like.
■Changes in the room temperature or opening the door
frequently will affect the internal refrigerator temperature.
To tur n ON:
Before first use, or if the refrigerator has been out of use for some
time, set the temperarture control to the maximum position for
2 to 3 hours. Once the interior has reached the desired
temperature, adjust the control to the desired setting.
To turn OFF:
Turn the control to the “0” position. Turning the temperature
control to the “0” position stops cooling in the refrigerator, but it
does not disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
REFRIGERATOR FEATURES
Refrigerator Shelves
The shelves in your refrigerator are adjustable to match your
individual storage needs.
Storing similar food items together in your refrigerator and
adjusting the shelves to fit different heights of items will make
finding the exact item you want easier. It will also reduce the
amount of time the refrigerator door is open, and save energy.
To Remove and Replace a Shelf/Frame:
1. Remove the shelf/frame by tilting it up at the front and lifting it
out of the shelf supports.
2. Replace the shelf/frame by guiding the rear shelf hooks into
the shelf supports. Tilt the front of the shelf up until rear shelf
hooks drop into the shelf supports. Make sure that the shelf is
firmly in position.
Food Storage Guide
Storage times will vary according to the quality and type of food,
the type of packaging or wrap used (should be airtight and
moisture-proof), and the storage temperature. Seal the package
or container to avoid taste and odor transfer throughout the
product.
Food should not touch the rear wall of the refrigerator.
Important information to know about glass shelves
and covers:
Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when
they are cold. Shelves and covers may break if exposed to
sudden temperature changes or impact, such as bumping.
For your protection, tempered glass is designed to shatter
into many small, pebble-size pieces. This is normal. Glass
shelves and covers are heavy. Use special care when
removing them to avoid impact from dropping.

7
Crisper and Crisper Cover
To remove and replace the crisper:
1. Lift the front of the crisper and slide outward.
2. Replace the crisper by inserting the rear of the crisper into the
slots and sliding it back into place.
To remove and replace the crisper cover:
1. Lift the front of the cover and slide outward.
2. Replace the cover by inserting the rear of the cover into the
slots and sliding it back into place.
Wine/Bottle Rack
The wine/bottle rack can be installed only directly above the
crisper cover as shown. The rack will hold five 750 mL bottles of
wine.
DOOR FEATURES
Adjustable Shelf and Bins
To Remove and Replace the Shelf or Bins:
1. Remove the bin by lifting it and pulling it straight out.
2. Replace the bin by sliding it in above the desired support and
pushing it down until it stops.
Beverage Dispenser
The beverage dispenser stores eight, 12 oz (354.9 mL) cans in the
refrigerator door.
REFRIGERATOR CARE
Cleaning
Clean the refrigerator about once a month to avoid buildup of
odors. To avoid odor transfer and drying out of food, wrap or
cover foods tightly. Wipe up spills immediately.
Cleaning
NOTE: Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window
sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes,
concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers containing
petroleum products on plastic parts, interior and door liners or
gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh
cleaning tools.
1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior
surfaces thoroughly. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and a
mild detergent in warm water.
3. Wash metal exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a
mild detergent in warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
4. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Use nonflammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

8
Defrosting
Your refrigerator defrosts automatically. Inside the refrigerator
cabinet (behind the crisper drawer and under the evaporator
plate) there is a drain trough. This trough collects water droplets
that fall from the evaporator plate during the defrost cycle, and
then channels the water down a drain tube.
NOTE: To keep water from overflowing the trough and freezing on
the bottom of the cabinet keep the trough and drain tube clear of
ice and food particles.
To remove ice from the drain trough:
Slowly pour ³⁄₄ cup (180 mL) of hot water over the drain trough to
melt the ice.
To remove food particles from the drain tube:
Dislodge any food particles by inserting a plastic straw down the
drain tube.
Manual Defrosting
Under some circumstances ice formation on the inner back wall
can occur. If ice formation increases to between 0.12" and 0.20"
(3 mm and 5 mm), the refrigerator should be manually defrosted.
1. Remove food from refrigerator.
2. Turn temperature control to the “0” position and leave the
door open.
3. After defrosting is complete, turn the temperature control to
the desired setting and close the refrigerator door.
Changing the Light Bulb
NOTES:
■The light bulb is located behind the temperature control at the
top of the cabinet.
■Not all appliance bulbs will fit your refrigerator. Be sure to
replace the bulb with an appliance bulb of the same size,
shape, and wattage (no greater than 15 watts).
1. Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw located on the
left-hand side of the light shield. Pull the light shield straight
down.
3. Replace the burned-out light bulb with an appliance bulb no
greater than 15 watts.
4. Replace the light shield.
5. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.
Vacation and Moving Care
Vacations
If you choose to turn the refrigerator off before you leave, follow
these steps.
1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. Turn the temperature control to the “0” position and unplug
the refrigerator.
3. Clean the refrigerator. See “Cleaning.”
4. Tape a rubber or wood block to the top of the door to prop it
open far enough for air to get in. This stops odor and mold
from building up.
Moving
When you are moving your refrigerator to a new home, follow
these steps to prepare it for the move.
1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. Turn the temperature control to the “0” position and unplug
the refrigerator.
3. Clean the refrigerator. See “Cleaning.”
4. Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them
together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.
5. Tape the doors shut and tape the power cord to the
refrigerator.
When you get to your new home, put everything back and refer to
the “Installation Instructions” section.
A. Evaporator plate
B. Drain tube
B
A

9
TROUBLESHOOTING
Try the solutions suggested here first in order to avoid the cost of an unnecessary service call.
Refrigerator Operation
Your refrigerator will not operate
■Is the power supply cord unplugged? Plug into a grounded
3 prong outlet.
■Has a household fuse blown, or has a circuit breaker
tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the circuit.
■Is the temperature control on? Turn the temperature control
knob to the operating position. See “Using the Control.”
■New installation? Allow 24 hours following installation for the
refrigerator to cool completely.
The motor seems to run too much
Your new refrigerator may run longer than your old one due to its
high-efficiency compressor and fans. The unit may run even
longer if the room is warm, a large food load is added, the door is
opened often, or if the door has been left open.
The refrigerator seems noisy
Refrigerator noise has been reduced over the years. Due to this
reduction, you may hear intermittent noises from your new
refrigerator that you did not notice from your old model. Below are
listed some normal sounds with explanations.
■Pulsating - fans/compressor adjusting to optimize
performance.
■Hissing/Rattling - flow of refrigerant, movement of water
lines, or from items placed on top of the refrigerator.
■Popping - contraction/expansion of inside walls, especially
during initial cool-down.
■Water running/dripping - may be heard when water melts
during defrosting and runs into the drain pan.
The door will not close completely
■Are the shelves out of position? Put the shelves back into
their correct positions. See “Refrigerator Features” for more
information.
■Is the gasket sticking? Clean the gasket and the surface that
it touches. Rub a thin coat of paraffin wax on the gasket
following cleaning.
The door is difficult to open
■Is the gasket dirty or sticky? Clean the gasket and the
surface that it touches. Rub a thin coat of paraffin wax on the
gasket following cleaning.
Temperature and Moisture
Temperature is too warm
■Door opened often or left open? Allows warm air to enter
refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep door fully
closed.
■Is the control set correctly for the surrounding conditions?
See “Using the Control.”
■Large load of food added? Allow several hours for the
refrigerator to return to normal temperature.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.
WARNING
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Use nonflammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Use nonflammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

10
There is interior mois ture buildup
NOTE : S ome moisture buildup is normal.
Humid room? C ontributes to moisture buildup.
Door opened often or left open? Allows humid air to enter
refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep door fully
closed.
Ic e has formed on the inner rear wall
Manually defrost the increased ice layer. S ee “Defrosting” in the
“C leaning” s ection.
The cause of increased ice formation may be one of the following:
Door opened often or left open? Allows warm air to enter
refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep door fully
closed.
Is the c ontrol s et c orrec tly for the s urrounding c onditions ?
S ee “Using the C ontrol.”
Large load of food added? Allow several hours for the
refrigerator to return to normal temperature.
Water is leaking from the refrigerator
Is the defros t wa ter drain tube c logged, or is the defros t
water overflowing the trough? C lean the clogged drain tube.
S ee “Defrosting” in the “C leaning” s ection.
R E F R I G E R A T O R WA R R A N T Y
Warrantor: Danby Products Limited, 5070 Whitelaw R oad, G uelph, ON, C anada N1H 6Z9.
ONE YE AR L IMIT E D WAR R ANT Y
For one year from the date of purchase, when this appliance is operated and maintained according to instructions attached to or
furnished with the product, warrantor will pay for factory specified parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship.
S ervice must be provided by a designated service company.
ITE MS WAR R ANT OR WIL L NOT PAY FOR
1. S ervice calls to correct the installation of your appliance, to instruct you how to use your major appliance, to replace or repair house
fuses or to correct house wiring or plumbing.
2. S ervice calls to repair or replace appliance light bulbs , air filters or water filters. Those consumable parts are excluded from warranty
coverage.
3. R epairs when your appliance is used for other than normal, single-family hous ehold use.
4. Damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse, abuse, fire, flood, acts of God, improper installation, installation not in
accordance with electrical or plumbing codes, or use of products not approved by warrantor.
5. Any food los s due to refrigerator or freezer product failures.
6. R eplacement parts or repair labor costs for units operated outside the United S tates or Canada.
7. Pickup and delivery. This appliance is designed to be repaired in the home.
8. R epairs to parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications made to the appliance.
9. E xpenses for travel and transportation for product service in remote locations.
10. The removal and reinstallation of your appliance if it is installed in an inaccess ible location or is not installed in accordance with
published installation instructions.
DIS C L AIME R OF IMP LIE D WAR R ANT IE S ; L IMITATION OF R E ME DIE S
C US TOME R 'S S OLE AND E XC LUS IVE R E MEDY UNDE R THIS LIMITE D WAR R ANTY S HALL B E PR ODUC T R E PAIR AS P R OVIDE D
HE R EIN. IMP LIE D WAR R ANTIE S , INC LUDING WAR R ANTIE S OF ME R C HANTAB ILITY OR FITNE S S FOR A PAR TIC ULAR P UR P OS E ,
AR E LIMITE D TO ONE YEAR OR THE S HOR TES T PE RIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. WAR R ANTOR S HALL NOT B E LIAB LE FOR
INC IDE NTAL OR C ONS E QUE NTIAL DAMAG ES . S OME S TATE S AND P R OVINC E S DO NOT ALLOW THE EXC LUS ION OR LIMITATION
OF INC IDENTAL OR C ONS EQUENTIAL DAMAGES , OR LIMITATIONS ON THE DUR ATION OF IMPLIED WAR R ANTIES OF
MER C HANTAB ILITY OR FITNES S , SO THE S E EXC LUS IONS OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WAR R ANTY G IVE S
YOU S PE CIFIC LE GAL R IGHTS AND YOU MAY ALS O HAVE OTHE R RIGHTS , WHIC H VARY FR OM S TATE TO S TATE OR PR OVINC E
TO P R OVINC E .
Outside the 50 United S tates and C anada, this warranty does not apply. C ontact your authorized dealer to determine if another
warranty applies.
If you need service, first see the “Troubleshooting” section of the Use & C are Guide. After checking “Troubleshooting,” additional help
can be found by checking the “Assistance or S ervice” section or by calling 1-866-568-0386 in the U.S .A. In C anada,
call 1-866-457-1539.6/08