Whirlpool Use & Care Guide

SELF-CLEANING DESIGNERSTYLE™ ELECTRIC RANGE

Model RF396PXV

Contents

Important Safety Instructions

A WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury to persons, or damage when using the range, follow basic precautions, including the following:

Important Safety Instructions Continued

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -

Using Your Range

Using the surface units

Control knobs must be pushed in before turning them to a setting. They can be set anywhere between HI and OFF.

Surface unit markers: The solid dot in the surface unit marker shows which surface unit is turned on by that knob.

Surface unit indicator lights: One of the Surface Unit Indicator Lights on the control panel will glow when a surface unit is on.

Hot surface indicator lights: The Hot Surface Indicator Lights on the cooktop surface will glow when the surface units are turned on. The Indicator Lights will continue to glow as long as the surface units are too hot to touch, even after they are turned off.

Burn and Fire Hazard: Be sure all control knobs are turned to OFF and all indicator lights are OFF when you are not cooking. Someone could be burned or a fire could start if a surface unit is accidentally left ON.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows a hand turning a control knob. Another illustration shows the control panel with four indicator lights labeled "HOT SURFACE".

Using the electronic oven controls

There are three parts in the oven control section:

Instructions for each oven control are covered on the following pages. Read them carefully.

When you first plug in the range, the display will show four flashing 8's. If, after you set the clock (page 8) the display again shows four flashing 8's, your electricity was off for a while. Reset the clock.

Operating instructions are provided for the electronic controls. They are located on the inside of the flip-top console. Use these flip-top instructions for quick and easy reference.

Diagram Description: Images show the digital display with time and temperature, an "Err" message, and the command buttons.

Setting the clock

1. Push the Time Of Day button. The TIME light will show in the display.

2. While pushing the Time Of Day button, turn the Set Knob until the correct time shows in the display.

3. Release the Time Of Day button.

Diagram Description: Images show the "TIME OF DAY" button and the display showing "1:00" after using the "SET KNOB".

Using the electronic Minute Timer

The Minute Timer does not start or stop the oven. It works like a kitchen timer. It can be set in minutes and seconds up to 99 minutes. You will hear four beeps when the set time is up.

1. Push the Min/Sec Timer button. The TIMER light will come on and the display will show "0:00".

2. Turn the Set Knob until the desired time shows in the display. The Minute Timer will begin counting down 2 seconds after the time is set. When time is up, "End" will show in the large display and you will hear four beeps.

Diagram Description: Images show the "MIN/SEC TIMER" button, the display showing "0:00", the "SET KNOB", and the display showing "End" with "BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP".

To cancel the Minute Timer:

Using the Oven Off button

The Oven-Off button will cancel any command button except for the Min/Sec Timer button. When the Oven-Off button is pushed, "Off" will show in the large display. The display will then show the time of day or, if Minute Timer is also being used, the time remaining.

Diagram Description: Image shows the "OVEN-OFF" button and the display showing "OFF".

Using the oven

Baking

1. Position the rack(s) properly before turning on the oven. To change rack position, lift rack at front and pull out. The rack(s) should be placed so the top of the food will be centered in the oven. Always leave at least 1½ to 2 inches (4-5 cm) between the sides of the pan and the oven walls and other pans. For more information, see the Cooking Guide.

2. Push the Bake button. "350°F" will show in the small display to indicate the preset temperature and the PRE-BAKE and ON lights will come on.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the oven interior with racks. Another illustration shows the "BAKE" button and the display showing "12:00 350°F" with "PRE-BAKE" and "N" lights on.

3. To cook at a different temperature, push the Bake button. Turn the Set Knob until the desired temperature shows in the small display.

4. The oven is preheated when you hear three beeps and the PRE- light goes off.

5. Put food in the oven. During baking, the elements will turn on and off to keep the oven temperature at the setting. The top element helps heat during baking, but does not turn red.

6. When baking is done, push the Oven-Off button. "Off" will show in the display and all other displays will go off.

Broiling

1. Position the rack before turning the oven on. See "Broil Chart" in the Cooking Guide or a reliable cookbook for recommended rack positions.

2. Put the broiler pan and food on the rack.

3. Close the door to the Broil Stop position (open about 4 inches, 10.2 cm). The door will stay open by itself.

4. Push the Broil button. "brl" will show in the small display and the BROIL and ON lights will come on.

5. When broiling is done, push the Oven-Off button. "Off" will show in the large display and all other displays will go off.

Custom broil:

NOTE: The door must be partly open whenever the oven is being used to broil. Leaving the door open allows the oven to maintain proper temperatures.

Diagram Description: Images show the display for broiling and custom broil settings.

Using the electronic automatic MEALTIMER™ control

The automatic MEALTIMER™ control is designed to turn the oven on and off at times you set...even when you are not around.

Automatic baking is ideal for foods which do not require a preheated oven, such as meats and casseroles. Do not use the automatic cycle for cakes, cookies, etc...undercooking will result.

To start baking now and stop automatically:

1. Position the oven rack(s) properly and place the food in the oven.

2. Make sure the clock is set to the right time of day. (See "Setting the clock" on page 8.)

3. Push the Bake Hours button. "0:00" will show in the display and the BK/HR light will come on.

4. Turn the Set Knob clockwise until the desired baking time shows in the display.

5. Push the Bake button and set the desired temperature. The display will show the set temperature and the time remaining. The BK/HR, PRE-BAKE and ON lights will come on.

6. The display will count down in minutes. The oven will beep three times when the PRE- light goes off.

7. When the baking time is completed, the oven will turn off automatically, beep four times and "End" will show in the display.

Diagram Description: Images show the display for starting baking automatically.

To delay start and stop automatically:

1. Position the oven rack(s) properly and place the food in the oven.

2. Make sure the clock is set to the right time of day. (See "Setting the clock" on page 8.)

3. Push the Bake Hours button. "0:00" will show in the display and the BK/HR light will come on.

4. Turn the Set Knob clockwise until the desired baking time shows in the display.

5. Push the Stop Time button. The ST/TM light will come on. Turn the Set Knob clockwise until the desired stop time shows in the display. The time of day will show in the display and the ST/TM light will flash until Bake is selected.

6. Push the Bake button and set the desired temperature. The display will show the time of day and set temperature. The DELAY and BAKE lights will come on.

7. Changes can be made at any time by pressing a command button.

8. When the start time is reached, the DELAY light will go off. The display will show the set temperature and the time remaining. The BK/HR, PRE-BAKE and ON lights will come on. The display will count down in minutes. The oven will beep three times when the PRE- light goes off.

9. When the baking time is completed, the oven will turn off automatically, beep four times and "End" will show in the display.

Diagram Description: Images show the display for delaying start and stop automatically.

To cancel the MEALTIMER™ control setting:

Diagram Description: Image shows the "OVEN-OFF" button and the display showing "OFF".

The oven vent

Hot air and moisture escape from the oven through a vent on the backguard below the control panel. The vent is needed for air circulation. Do not block the vent. Poor baking can result.

Burn Hazard: When the oven is ON, pans and pan handles left near the oven vent can become hot enough to burn the user and to melt plastics. Use pot holders to move pans. Never store plastics, paper or other items that could melt or burn near the oven vent, or any of the surface units.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the oven vent location on the backguard.

The storage drawer

The storage drawer is for storing pots and pans. The drawer can be removed to make it easier to clean under the range, and to check for installation of the anti-tip bracket. Use care when handling the drawer.

Removing the storage drawer:

  1. Empty drawer of any pots and pans before removing drawer. Pull drawer straight out to the first stop. Lift front and pull out to the second stop.
  2. Lift back slightly and slide drawer all the way out.

Replacing the storage drawer:

  1. Fit ends of drawer slide rails into the drawer guides on both sides of opening.
  2. Lift drawer front and push in until metal stops on drawer slide rails clear white stops on drawer guides. Lift drawer front again to clear second stop and slide drawer closed.

To verify the anti-tip bracket is engaged:

Diagram Description: Illustrations show how to remove and replace the storage drawer, and a close-up of the anti-tip bracket.

Optional door panel pac

If you would like to change the color of your oven door glass to white or almond, you can order one of these kits: White (Kit No. 814069) or Almond (Kit No. 814070) from your Whirlpool Dealer. The kits include easy installation instructions.

Caring For Your Range

Burn and Electrical Shock Hazard: Make sure all controls are OFF and the range is cool before cleaning. Failure to do so can result in burns or electrical shock.

Control panel and knobs

  1. Turn control knobs to the OFF position.
  2. Pull control knobs and buttons straight off.
  3. Use warm soapy water or spray glass cleaner, and a soft cloth, to wipe the control panel. Rinse and wipe dry.
  4. Wash control knobs and buttons in warm soapy water. Rinse well and dry. Do not soak.
  5. Replace control knobs and buttons by pushing them firmly into place.

NOTE: When cleaning, never use steel wool, abrasives, or commercial oven cleaners which may damage the finish. After cleaning, make sure all control knobs point to the OFF position. Make sure you have not turned oven ON when replacing buttons. If oven has been turned on, push Oven-Off button.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows control knobs being pulled off.

Cooktop

Consistent cleaning is essential for maintaining the glass cooktop.

NOTE: Always follow these directions when cleaning the cooktop to prevent staining and damage.

Cleaning before cooking

NOTE: Do not use a sponge or cloth containing soap. Soap or soil can stain the cooktop when heated.

Cleaning spill-overs

The longer you cook with a spill-over on the cooktop, the harder it will be to remove.

For light spills:

For heavy spills:

Personal Injury Hazard: Allow surface unit and surrounding area to reduce in temperature from hot to warm before removing heavy or sugary spills. Wear protective clothing such as oven mitts. Do not use cooktop cleaner on a hot cooktop. The cleaner may produce hazardous fumes or damage the cooktop. Do not use the range if the cooktop is cracked or broken. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.

For sugary spills:

Sugary spills can cause pitting on the cooktop surface. Clean up sugary spills as soon as possible to avoid pitting. Clean glass while still warm.

Cleaning after cooking

To obtain order information for Cooktop Polishing Creme (Part No. 814009), write to: Whirlpool Corporation, Attention: Customer Service Dept., 1900 Whirlpool Drive, LaPorte, IN 46305

To avoid damaging the cooktop, follow these instructions:

Using the Self-Cleaning cycle

The Self-Cleaning cycle uses very high heat to burn away soil. Before you start, make sure you understand exactly how to use the Self-Cleaning cycle safely.

Before you start

1. Clean the areas shown by hand. They do not get hot enough during the Self-Cleaning cycle for soil to burn away. Use hot water and detergent or a soapy steel wool pad on:

Do not clean, move or bend the fiberglass seal. Poor cleaning and poor baking will result.

2. Remove the broiler pan and any pots and pans you may have stored in the oven.

NOTE: The broiler pan (without grid) can be cleaned in the oven only if most of the soil has been removed by hand-cleaning or a dishwasher. The chrome broiler grid will discolor if cleaned in the Self-Cleaning cycle.

3. Wipe out any loose soil or grease. This will help reduce smoke during the Self-Cleaning cycle.

4. If you want the oven racks to remain shiny, remove from the oven and clean by hand. Otherwise, put oven racks on second and fourth guides (guides are counted from bottom to top). After racks are cleaned in the Self-Cleaning cycle, they become harder to slide. See page 24.

Turn on a vent hood or other kitchen vent during the Self-Cleaning cycle. This will help remove heat and odors that are normal during the cycle.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows areas to hand clean: the oven frame, the door seal, and the door edge.

Personal Injury and Product Damage Hazard: Do not touch the oven during the Self-Cleaning cycle. It could burn you. Do not use commercial oven cleaners in your oven. Cleaners may produce hazardous fumes or damage the porcelain finish. Do not force the Lock Lever, you could bend or break it. The lever is designed to stay locked until the oven is cool enough to safely open. Wait until it moves freely. Do not use foil or other liners in the oven. During the Self-Cleaning cycle foil can burn or melt and damage the oven surface. Do not block the vent during the Self-Cleaning cycle. Air must move freely for best cleaning results. Do not leave plastic utensils near the vent. They may melt.

Setting the controls

  1. Make sure the clock is set to the right time of day. (See "Setting the clock" on page 8.)
  2. Move the Lock Lever all the way to the right - the Clean position.

3. Push the Self-Clean button. A 3-hour Self-Cleaning cycle will be set automatically. "C3:00" will show in the large display and "cln" will show in the small display. The ON light will come on. If a cleaning cycle other than 3 hours is desired, push the Self-Clean button. Turn the Set Knob to the new time up to 4 hours.

4. Skip to Step 6 if you want the Self-Cleaning cycle to start now.

5. (Option) Delayed clean: Push the Self-Clean button. Immediately push the Stop Time button. Immediately turn the Set Knob to the new stop time. The DELAY and ST/TM lights will come on.

After the stop time has been set, the large display will go back to showing the current time of day. "cln" will show in the small display and the DELAY light will stay on.

6. After the Self-Cleaning cycle is started, the Locked Indicator light will come on when the oven temperature exceeds normal baking temperatures. The Lock Lever must not be moved and the door can't be opened when this light is on.

7. After the Self-Cleaning cycle is completed, the oven will beep four times and "End" will show in the display.

8. When the oven reaches normal baking temperatures, the Locked Indicator Light goes off. Move the Lock Lever back to the left. Do not force it. Wait until it will move easily.

9. After the oven is cool, wipe off any residue or ash with a damp cloth. If needed, touch up spots with a soapy steel wool pad.

Special tips:

To stop the Self-Cleaning cycle at any time:

  1. Push the Oven-Off button.
  2. When the Locked Indicator Light goes off, move the Lock Lever back to the left. Do not force it. Wait until it moves easily.

Diagram Description: Images show the display indicating the self-cleaning cycle progress and completion, and the "OVEN-OFF" button.

How it works

During the Self-Cleaning cycle, the oven gets much hotter than it does for baking or broiling...approximately 875°F (468°C). This heat breaks up grease and soil and burns it off. This graph shows approximate temperatures and times during a Self-Cleaning cycle for 3 hours.

Diagram Description: A line graph illustrates the temperature and time progression of a 3-hour self-cleaning cycle, showing temperature rising to 875°F (468°C), the thermal door lock engaging and disengaging, and the oven shutting off.

Cleaning tips

Control knobs

Control panel

Black-glass cooktop

See pages 17 and 18 for cleaning care instructions.

Exterior surfaces (other than cooktop)

NOTE: Do not allow food containing acids (such as vinegar, tomato, lemon juice or milk) to remain on surface. Acids may remove the glossy finish.

Broiler pan and grid

Oven racks

NOTE: The oven racks will discolor and be harder to slide when left in the oven during the Self-Cleaning cycle. If you want them to stay shiny, remove from the oven and clean by hand. If racks are left in the oven during the Self-Cleaning cycle, apply a small amount of vegetable oil to the sides of the racks to make them easier to slide.

Oven door glass

Self-Cleaning oven

Using and replacing the light bulbs

The cooktop light

The fluorescent light is on the top of the control panel. The Top Light switch is on the control panel. Push it and hold it for a second or two to turn on the top light. Push it again to turn it off.

Electrical Shock Hazard: Make sure power to the range has been turned OFF at the main power supply before replacing the fluorescent tube. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock.

1. Unplug appliance or disconnect at main power supply.

2. Flip up the top of the control panel.

3. Grasp the fluorescent tube at both ends. Turn the tube away from you until both ends come out of the receptacles. Replace with a 20-watt cool-white fluorescent tube.

4. Close the top panel. Plug in appliance or reconnect at main power supply.

Diagram Description: Illustrations show unplugging the appliance, flipping up the control panel, and removing the fluorescent tube.

The oven light

The oven light will come on when you open the oven door. To turn the light on when the oven door is closed, push the Oven Light Switch on the control panel. Push the switch again to turn off the light.

Electrical Shock and Personal Injury Hazard: Make sure oven and light bulb are cool and power to the range has been turned OFF before replacing the light bulb. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or burns. The bulb cover must be in place when using the oven. The cover protects the bulb from breaking, and from high oven temperatures. Since bulb cover is made of glass, be careful not to drop it. Broken glass could cause injury.

To replace the oven light:

  1. Unplug appliance or disconnect at main power supply.
  2. Remove the glass bulb cover in the back of the oven by screwing it out counterclockwise.
  3. Remove the light bulb from its socket. Replace the bulb with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
  4. Replace the bulb cover by screwing it in clockwise. Plug in appliance or reconnect at the main power supply.

NOTE: The oven light will not work during the Self-Cleaning cycle.

Diagram Description: Illustrations show removing the oven bulb cover and the bulb.

If You Need Service Or Assistance

Before calling for assistance...

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

If nothing operates:

If the oven will not operate:

If surface units will not operate:

If surface unit knob(s) will not turn:

If the Self-Cleaning cycle will not operate:

If cooking results aren't what you expected:

If the oven temperature seems too low or too high:

If there has been a power interruption, the display will flash 88:88. Reset the clock, (page 8).

If "call" shows on the display, call for service. (See "If you need service" on page 28.)

See the Cooking Guide for more information on cooking problems and how to solve them.

If you need assistance...

Call Whirlpool COOL-LINE® service assistance telephone number. Dial free from anywhere in the U.S.: 1-800-253-1301

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.

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 - ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - MAJOR - SERVICE & REPAIR
OR
WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS & IRONERS - SERVICING

WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES AUTHORIZED WHIRLPOOL SERVICE COMPANIES
XYZ SERVICE CO
123 MAPLE
999-9999

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 a replacement part 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.

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

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 in order to better respond to your request.

Whirlpool Range Product Warranty

LENGTH OF WARRANTY WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
FSP® replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship. Service must be provided by an authorized Whirlpool™ service company.

WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR

A. Service calls to:

  1. Correct the installation of the range product.
  2. Instruct you how to use the range product.
  3. Replace house fuses or correct house wiring or plumbing.
  4. Replace owner accessible light bulbs.

B. Repairs when range product is used in other than normal, single-family household use.

C. Pick up and delivery. This product is designed to be repaired in the home.

D. Damage to range product caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts of God or use of products not approved by Whirlpool.

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 also have other rights which vary from state to state.

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

If you need service, first see the "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.

®Registered Trademark/™ Trademark/SM Service Mark of Whirlpool Corporation

Part No. 3150580

©1990 Whirlpool Corporation

Printed in U.S.A.

Notes

This section contains blank pages for notes.

PDF preview unavailable. Download the PDF instead.

Use and Care Guide - 3150580 Acrobat PDFWriter 3.02 for Windows; modified using iTextSharp 4.1.6 by 1T3XT

Related Documents

Preview Whirlpool Electric Range Use & Care Guide: Operation, Safety, and Maintenance
Comprehensive guide for Whirlpool electric ranges, covering safety instructions, parts and features, cooktop and oven operation, cleaning, troubleshooting, and warranty information.
Preview Whirlpool Freestanding Electric Range Control Guide
Comprehensive user guide for Whirlpool freestanding electric ranges, detailing control panel functions, cooking modes, safety precautions, and maintenance tips for optimal appliance use.
Preview Whirlpool RB170PXL Electric Oven: Use & Care Guide
Comprehensive use and care guide for the Whirlpool RB170PXL 27-inch built-in electric oven, covering installation, operation, cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Preview Whirlpool RF315PXX Electric Range: Use and Care Guide
This guide provides essential information for operating, cleaning, and maintaining your Whirlpool RF315PXX electric range, including safety precautions, troubleshooting tips, and warranty details.
Preview Whirlpool RM286PXV Lower Oven Use & Care Guide
This guide provides comprehensive instructions for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the Whirlpool RM286PXV self-cleaning lower oven. It includes safety precautions, usage details for baking and broiling, self-cleaning procedures, cleaning tips, and warranty information.
Preview Whirlpool Oven User Manual: Features, Operation, and Care
A comprehensive guide to using your Whirlpool oven, covering features, safety instructions, cooking modes, cleaning, and troubleshooting. Learn about baking, broiling, convection cooking, and self-cleaning cycles.
Preview Whirlpool Standard Cleaning Gas Range Use & Care Guide
Comprehensive guide for using and caring for your Whirlpool Standard Cleaning Gas Range, covering safety, cooktop and oven operation, cleaning, troubleshooting, and assistance.
Preview Whirlpool Slide-In Electric Range Quick Start Guide
A quick start guide for Whirlpool slide-in electric ranges, providing operating instructions for the oven and cooktop, safety warnings, and information on features like Wi-Fi connectivity and Sabbath Mode. Includes guidance on rack positioning, baking tips, and troubleshooting.