Whirlpool Refrigerator-Freezer Use & Care Guide

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing a Whirlpool appliance. This guide provides essential information for the proper use, care, and maintenance of your refrigerator-freezer.

Please complete and mail the Owner Registration Card provided with this product. Keep this book and your sales slip together in a handy place for future reference.

Model Number: ED22ZR

Serial Number: (Refer to plate on front cover)

Purchase Date:

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury when using your refrigerator, follow basic precautions including the following:

• Read all instructions before using the refrigerator.
• Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are still dangerous, even if they will "just sit in the garage a few days." If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator, do it safely. Please read the enclosed safety booklet from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Help prevent accidents.
• Never allow children to operate, play with, or crawl inside the refrigerator.
• Never clean refrigerator parts with flammable fluids. The fumes can create a fire hazard or explosion.
• FOR YOUR SAFETY: 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.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your refrigerator is installed and leveled on a floor that will hold the weight, and in an area suitable for its size and use.
• It must be connected only to the proper kind of outlet, with the correct electrical supply and grounding. (Refer to the Electrical Requirements and Grounding Instruction Sheet.)
• It must be used only for its intended purpose as a home refrigerator.
• It must not be located near an oven, radiator, or other heat source.
• It must be properly maintained.
• It must be kept out of the weather.
• It must be used in an area where the room temperature will not fall below 55°F (13°C).
• It must not be used by anyone unable to operate it properly.
• It must not be loaded with food before it has time to get properly cold.

- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -

Before Using Your Refrigerator

Clean it

Clean your refrigerator before using it. See cleaning instructions on page 14.

Plug 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 Grounding Instructions Sheet in your Literature Package.

Install properly

1. Allow 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) space on each side and at the top of the refrigerator for ease of installation.
2. 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.
3. The refrigerator back can be flush against the wall.
4. Make sure the ice maker water supply has been connected. Refer to instructions on the back of the refrigerator cabinet.

Level refrigerator-freezer

1. Remove the base grille. (See page 9.)
2. To raise the front, turn the leveling screw in the indicated direction.
3. To lower the front, turn the leveling screw in the indicated direction.
4. Check with a level.
5. Replace the base grille. (See page 9.)

Using Your Refrigerator

Setting the controls

Controls for the refrigerator and freezer are located in the refrigerator. To adjust a control, turn the knob. When the refrigerator is plugged in for the first time:

1. Set the Refrigerator Control to 3.
2. Set the Freezer Control to B.

Give the refrigerator time to cool down completely before adding food. This may take several hours. These settings should be 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 is firm.

Refrigerator Control adjustments range from 1 to 5. Freezer Control adjustments range from A to C.

Changing the control settings

If you need to adjust temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer, use the settings listed in the chart below as a guide. If you have questions, call your COOL-LINE® service assistance number. (See page 18.)

• Adjust the Refrigerator Control first.
• Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments.
• Then adjust the Freezer Control if needed.

Exterior moisture control

The Exterior Moisture Control on the Control Console operates electric heaters around the door openings. These heaters help keep moisture from forming on the outside of the refrigerator.

1. Use the OFF setting when humidity is low.
2. Use the ON setting if moisture forms on the outside of the refrigerator.

Adjusting the refrigerator shelves

Shelves can be adjusted to match the way you use your refrigerator.

To remove wire shelves:

1. Remove items from shelf.
2. Tilt up at front.
3. Lift up at back.
4. Pull shelf straight out.

To replace wire shelves:

1. Guide the rear hooks into the slots in the shelf supports.
2. Tilt up the front of the shelf until hooks drop into the slot. Lower the front of the shelf to a level position.

Removing the freezer shelves

To remove the shelves:

1. Lift the right side of the shelf off supports.
2. Slide the shelf out of the shelf support holes.
3. Replace in reverse order.

Removing the freezer door shelves

Shelves can be removed for easier cleaning.

To remove door shelves:

1. Grasp the shelf at both ends.
2. Lift up and pull out.

To replace door shelves:

1. Insert hooks into guides on both sides.
2. Push down to lock in place.

Removing the crisper and crisper cover

To remove the crisper:

1. Slide the crisper straight out to the stop.
2. Lift the front.
3. Slide the rest of the way out.
4. Replace in reverse order.

To remove the cover:

1. Push up the glass insert from the bottom, then slide out with both hands.
2. Lift the front of the cover frame.
3. Lift out the cover frame by pulling up and out.
4. Remove the metal cover support.

To replace cover:

1. Replace the metal cover support on the wall supports in the front section of the cabinet.
2. Fit the back of the corners into the notch supports on the walls of the refrigerator, then lower into place.
3. Slide the back of the glass insert into place, then lower the front.

Removing the meat drawer and cover

To remove the meat drawer:

1. Slide the meat drawer out to the stop.
2. Lift the front.
3. Slide the rest of the way out.
4. Replace in reverse order.

To remove the cover:

1. Remove the crisper, crisper cover, and meat drawer.
2. Tilt the front of the cover up, lift up at the back, and pull straight out.
3. Replace in reverse order.

Adjusting the meat drawer temperature

Cold air flows against the meat drawer through an opening between the freezer and the refrigerator. This helps keep the meat drawer colder than the rest of the refrigerator. Slide the control to let more cold air through.

Removing the freezer bin

For proper air movement, keep the freezer bin in place when the refrigerator is operating.

To remove the bin:

1. Slide the bin out to the stop.
2. Lift the front to clear the stop.
3. Slide out the rest of the way.

To replace the bin:

1. Place the bin on the slides.
2. Make sure the stops clear the front of the slides.
3. Slide the bin in.

Changing the light bulbs

WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard

Before removing a light bulb, either unplug the refrigerator or disconnect the electricity leading to the refrigerator at the main power supply. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury.

To change the refrigerator light:

1. Disconnect refrigerator from power supply.
2. Reach behind the Control Console to find the bulb.
3. Remove bulb.
4. Replace with a 40-watt tubular appliance bulb.
5. Reconnect power supply.

To change crisper light:

1. Disconnect refrigerator from power supply.
2. Pull the top of the light shield forward until it snaps free.
3. Lower the light shield to clear the bottom supports.
4. Pull the light shield straight out to remove.
5. Replace with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
6. Replace the light shield in reverse order.
7. Reconnect power supply.

To change light below ice bin:

1. Disconnect refrigerator from power supply.
2. Push in the sides of the light shield until it snaps free.
3. Replace bulb with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
4. Replace the light shield.
5. Reconnect power supply.

NOTE: Not all appliance bulbs will fit your refrigerator. Be sure to replace the bulb with one of the same size and shape.

Removing the base grille

To remove the grille:

1. Open the doors.
2. Pull the grille out.
3. Do not remove the Tech Sheet fastened behind the grille.

To replace grille:

1. Line up the grille support tabs with the metal clips.
2. Push firmly to snap into place.
3. Close the doors.

See cleaning instructions for defrost pan and condenser coils on page 14.

Ice dispenser

WARNING: Personal Injury Hazard

Tumbling ice and pressure on a fragile glass can break it. Do not use a fragile glass when dispensing ice or water. Doing so could result in personal injury or breakage.

To dispense ice:

1. Press a sturdy glass against the ice dispenser bar. Hold the glass close to the dispenser opening so ice does not fall outside of the glass.
2. Remove the glass to stop dispensing.

NOTE: The first few batches of ice may have an off taste from new plumbing and parts. Throw the ice away.

Ice is dispensed from the ice maker storage bin in the freezer. When the dispenser bar is pressed, a trap door opens in a chute between the dispenser and the ice bin. Ice is moved from the bin and falls through the chute. When the dispenser bar is released, a buzzing sound may be heard for a few seconds as the trapdoor closes.

The dispensing system will not operate when the freezer door is open.

NOTE: Large amounts of ice should be taken from the bin, not through the dispenser.

Automatic ice maker

Here are a few things you will want to know about your automatic ice maker:

• The ON/OFF lever is a wire signal arm. Down...for making ice automatically. Up...to shut off the ice maker.
• NOTE: Do not turn the ice maker on 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.
• It is normal for ice crescents to be attached by a corner. They will break apart easily.
• The ice maker will not operate until the freezer is cold enough to make ice. This can take overnight.
• 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 C.
• Good water quality is important for good ice quality. It is not recommended that the ice maker be connected to a softened water supply. Water softener chemicals such as salt from a malfunctioning softener can damage the ice maker mold and lead to poor quality ice. If a softened water supply cannot be avoided, then it is important that the water softener be well maintained and operating properly.

Removing ice maker storage bin

Remove, empty, and clean the storage bin:

• If the ice dispenser has not, or will not, be used for a week or more.
• If a power failure causes ice in the bin to melt and freeze together.
• If the ice dispenser is not used regularly.

1. Pull the covering panel out from the bottom and slide it to the rear.
2. Lift the signal arm so it clicks into the OFF position. Ice can still be dispensed, but no more will be made.
3. Lift the front of the storage bin. Pull it out.
4. Empty the bin. Use hot or warm water to melt the ice if necessary. Never use anything sharp to break up ice in the bin. This can damage the bin and dispenser mechanism.
5. Wash with mild detergent in warm water. Rinse well. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleanser or solvents.
6. When replacing the bin, make sure it is pushed in all the way. Push the signal arm down to the ON position to restart ice production.

Common ice maker/dispenser problems

Sounds you may hear

Your new refrigerator may make sounds that your old one didn't. Because the sounds are new to you, you might be concerned about them. Don't be. Most of the new sounds are normal. Hard surfaces like the floor, walls, and cabinets can make the sounds seem louder.

The following describes the kinds of sounds that might be new to you, and what may be making them.

Slight hum, soft hiss:

You may hear the refrigerator's fan motor and moving air.

Clicking or snapping sounds:

The thermostat makes a definite click when the refrigerator stops running. It also makes a sound when the refrigerator starts. The defrost timer will click when the defrost cycle starts.

Water sounds:

When the refrigerator stops running, you may hear gurgling in the tubing for a few minutes after it stops. You may also hear defrost water running into the defrost water pan.

Ice maker sounds:

• Trickling water
• Thud (clatter of ice)

Because 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.

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.

Energy saving tips

You can help your refrigerator use less electricity.

• Check door gaskets for a tight seal. Level the cabinet to be sure of a good seal.
• Clean the condenser coils regularly.
• Open the door as few times as possible. Think about what you need before you open the door. Get everything out at one time. Keep food organized so you won't have to search for what you want. Close the door as soon as food is removed.
• Go ahead and fill up the refrigerator, but don't overcrowd it so air movement is blocked.
• It is a waste of electricity to set the refrigerator 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.
• Keep the Exterior Moisture Control in the OFF position unless moisture forms on the refrigerator exterior.
• Make sure your refrigerator is not next to a heat source such as a range, water heater, furnace, radiator, or in direct sunlight.

Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost automatically. But both should be cleaned about once a month to help prevent odors from building up. Spills should be wiped up right away.

To clean your refrigerator, turn the Refrigerator Control to OFF, unplug it, take out all removable parts, and clean the refrigerator according to the following directions.

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

Food placed in the refrigerator should be wrapped or stored in air and moisture proof material. This prevents food odor and taste transfer throughout the refrigerator. For dated products, check code date to ensure freshness.

Leafy vegetables

Remove store wrapping and trim or tear off bruised and discolored areas. Wash in cold water and drain. Place in plastic bag or plastic container and store in crisper.

Vegetables with skins (carrots, peppers)

Store in crisper, plastic bags, or plastic container.

Fruit

Wash, let dry, and store in refrigerator in plastic bags or crisper. Do not wash or hull berries until they are ready to use. Sort and keep berries in their store container in a crisper, or store in a loosely closed paper bag on a refrigerator shelf.

Meat

Most meat can be stored in original wrapping as long as it is air and moisture proof. Rewrap if necessary. See the following chart for storage times.

*If meat is to be stored longer than the times given, follow the directions for freezing.

NOTE: Fresh fish and shellfish should be used the same day as purchased.

Eggs

Store without washing in the original carton on an interior shelf.

Milk

Wipe milk cartons. For best storage, place milk on an interior shelf.

Butter or margarine

Keep opened butter in a 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 aluminum foil. Plastic containers with tight lids can also be used.

Storing frozen food

The freezer section is designed for storage of commercially frozen food and for freezing food at home. For further information about preparing food for freezing, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service or check a freezer guide or cookbook.

Packaging

The secret of successful freezing is in the packaging. The way you close and seal the package must not allow air or moisture in or out. Packaging done in any other way could cause food odor and taste transfer throughout the refrigerator and drying of frozen food.

Rigid polyethylene (plastic) containers with tight fitting lids, straight-sided canning/freezing jars, heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic-coated paper, and nonpermeable plastic wraps (made from a saran film) are recommended. Follow package or container instructions for proper freezing methods.

Do not use:

• Bread wrappers
• Non-polyethylene plastic containers
• Containers without tight lids
• Waxed paper
• Waxed-coated freezer wrap
• Thin, semi-permeable wrap

The use of these wrappings could cause food odor, taste transfer, and drying of frozen food.

Freezing

Do not expect your freezer to quick-freeze any large quantity of food. Put no more unfrozen food into the freezer than will freeze within 24 hours (no more than 2 to 3 pounds of food per cubic foot of freezer space). Leave enough space for air to circulate around packages. Be careful to leave enough room at the front so the door can close tightly.

Freezer food storage chart

Storage times will vary according to the quality of the food, the type of packaging or wrap used (air and moisture proof), and the storage temperature which should be 0°F (-17.8°C).

Based on U.S.D.A. and Michigan Cooperative Extension Service suggested storage times.

Caring For Your Refrigerator

Vacation and moving care

Short vacations

No need to shut off the refrigerator if you will be away for less than four weeks. Use up perishables; freeze other items.

1. Turn off your ice maker.
2. Shut off the water supply to the ice maker.
3. Empty the ice bin.
4. Make sure all ice crescents are dispensed out of the mechanism.

Long vacations

Remove all the food if you are going for a month or more. Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead. When the last load of ice drops, turn off the ice maker. Make sure all ice crescents are dispensed out of the mechanism.

Unplug the refrigerator and clean it; rinse well and dry. Tape rubber or wood blocks to the tops of both doors, keeping them open far enough for air to get in. This will keep odor and mold from building up.

WARNING: 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 5.

Moving

Shut off the ice maker water supply a day ahead of time. Disconnect the water line. After the last supply of ice drops, lift the signal arm to turn off the ice maker. Make sure all ice crescents are dispensed out of the mechanism.

Remove all food. Pack frozen food in dry ice. Unplug the refrigerator and clean it thoroughly. Take out all removable parts. Wrap all parts well and tape them together so they don't shift and rattle. Screw in the leveling rollers; tape the doors shut; and tape the electric cord to the cabinet.

When you get to your new home, put everything back and refer to page 4. Don't forget to reconnect the water supply line to the ice maker.

Power interruptions

If electricity goes off, call the power company. Ask how long power will be off.

1. If service is to be interrupted 24 hours or less, keep both doors closed. This will help foods stay frozen.
2. If service is to be interrupted longer than 24 hours:
   • (a) Remove all frozen food and store in a frozen food locker.
   • OR
   • (b) Place 2 lbs. (0.9 kg) of dry ice in the 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.
   • (c) If neither a food locker nor dry ice is available, use or can perishable food at once.
   • (d) The ice bin may need to be emptied if ice has thawed into a solid mass.

A full freezer will stay cold longer than a partly filled one. A freezer full of meat will stay cold longer than a freezer full of baked goods. If food contains ice crystals, it may be safely refrozen, although the quality and flavor may be affected. If the condition of the food is poor or if you feel it is unsafe, dispose of it.

Questions? Call your COOL-LINE® service assistance telephone number. (See page 18.)

If You Need Service Or Assistance

We suggest you follow these steps:

1. Before calling for assistance...

Performance problems often result from little things you can find and fix yourself without tools of any kind.

• If your refrigerator will not operate: Is the power supply cord plugged into a live circuit with proper voltage? (See page 4.) Have you checked your home's main fuses or circuit breaker box? Is the Refrigerator Control ON?
• If there is a rattling or jingling noise or unfamiliar sounds: Is something on top of or behind the refrigerator making noise when the refrigerator is running? New features on your new refrigerator make new sounds. You may be hearing air flowing from the fans, timer clicks for the defrost cycle, or defrost water draining in the defrost pan.
• If your ice maker will not operate: Has the freezer had enough time to get cold? With a new refrigerator, this might take overnight. Is the signal arm ON...in the down position? Is the water valve turned on? Is water getting to the ice maker?
• If there is water in the defrost pan: This is normal in hot, muggy weather. The pan can even be half full. Make sure the refrigerator is level so the pan does not overflow.
• If the lights do not work: Have you checked your home's main fuses or circuit breaker box? Is the power supply cord plugged in to a live circuit with the proper voltage? (See page 4.)
• If a bulb is burned out: See instructions for changing light bulbs on pages 8 and 9. Use appliance bulbs only.
• If the motor seems to run too much: Is the condenser free of dust and lint? On hot days, or if the room is warm, the motor naturally runs longer. If the door has been opened a lot, or if a large amount of food has been put in, the motor will run longer to cool down the interior.

Remember:

Motor running time depends on different things: number of door openings, amount of food stored, temperature of the room, setting of the controls. Your new refrigerator may be larger than your old one so it has more space to be cooled. It also has a regular freezer instead of a frozen food compartment. All this means better refrigeration and may require more running time than your old one.

2. If you need assistance*...

Call Whirlpool COOL-LINE® service assistance telephone number. Dial free from anywhere in the U.S.: 1-800-253-1301 and talk with one of our trained consultants. The consultant can instruct you in how to obtain satisfactory operation from your appliance or, if service is necessary, recommend a qualified service company in your area.

If you prefer, write to:

Mr. Donald Skinner
Director of Consumer Relations
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 M-63
Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

3. If you need service*...

Whirlpool has a nationwide network of authorized Whirlpool® service companies. Whirlpool service technicians are trained to fulfill the product warranty and provide after-warranty service, anywhere in the United States. To locate the authorized Whirlpool service company in your area, call our COOL-LINE® service assistance telephone number (see Step 2) or look in your telephone directory Yellow Pages under:

• APPLIANCES - HOUSEHOLD - MAJOR - SERVICE & REPAIR
• ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - MAJOR - REPAIRING & PARTS
• OR
• WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS & IRONERS - SERVICING
• WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES - AUTHORIZED WHIRLPOOL SERVICE COMPANIES

4. If you need FSP replacement parts*...

FSP is a registered trademark of Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts. Look for this symbol of quality whenever you need replacement parts for your Whirlpool appliance. FSP replacement parts will fit right and work right, because they are made to the same exacting specifications used to build every new Whirlpool appliance.

To locate FSP replacement parts in your area, refer to Step 3 above or call the Whirlpool COOL-LINE® service assistance number in Step 2.

5. If you are not satisfied with how the problem was solved*...

• Contact the Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel (MACAP). MACAP is a group of independent consumer experts that voices consumer views at the highest levels of the major appliance industry.
• Contact MACAP only when the dealer, authorized servicer, or Whirlpool have failed to resolve your problem.
• Major appliance Consumer Action Panel
  20 North Wacker Drive
  Chicago, IL 60606
• MACAP will in turn inform us of your action.

*When requesting assistance, please provide: model number, serial number, date of purchase, and a complete description of the problem. This information is needed to better respond to your request.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Warranty

WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR

1. Service calls to:
   • Correct the installation of the refrigerator.
   • Instruct you how to use the refrigerator.
   • Replace house fuses or correct house wiring or plumbing.
   • Replace light bulbs.
2. Repairs when refrigerator is used in other than normal, single-family household use.
3. Pick up and delivery. This product is designed to be repaired in the home.
4. Damage to refrigerator caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts of God, or use of products not approved by Whirlpool.
5. Any labor costs during the limited warranty.
6. Any food loss due to product failure.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Outside the United States, a different warranty may apply. For details, please contact your authorized Whirlpool distributor or military exchange.

If you need service, first see "Service and Assistance" section of this book. After checking "Service and Assistance," additional help can be found by calling our COOL-LINE® service assistance telephone number, 1-800-253-1301, from anywhere in the U.S.