Whirlpool 5WT511SFEG Top Mount Refrigerator User Guide

User Guide
Top Mount Refrigerator
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In an effort to conserve natural resources, this refrigerator includes a condensed User Guide. A complete User Instructions manual for your model can be downloaded at  www.whirlpool.com/manuals
For future reference, please make a note of your product model and serial numbers. These can be found on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment.
Model Number ___________Serial Number __________
Register your refrigerator at www.whirlpool.com. In Canada, register at www.whirlpool.ca.

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:

DANGER
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.
WARNING
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.
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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet. Remove doors from your old refrigerator.
Do not remove the ground prong. Use non-flammable cleaner.
Do not use an adapter. Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from
refrigerator.
Do not use an extension cord. Use two or more people to move and install the refrigerator.
Disconnect power before servicing. Disconnect power before installing ice maker (on ice maker kit ready models only).
Replace all parts and panels before operating.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

State of California Proposition 65 Warnings:
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD REFRIGERATOR
WARNING
Suffocation Hazard
Remove doors from your old refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in death or brain damage.

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 doors.
  • Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

Important information to know about the disposal of refrigerants:
Dispose of the refrigerator in accordance with Federal and Local regulations. Refrigerants must be evacuated by a licensed, EPA-certified refrigerant technician in accordance with established procedures.

OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Using the Controls
Your refrigerator has two controls that affect the temperature. The Temperature control is located at the top front of the refrigerator compartment and the Airflow control is located on the back wall of the freezer compartment.

Temperature Control
The Temperature control regulates the coldness of the air flowing into the compartments.
For your convenience, your refrigerator controls are preset at the factory. When you first install your refrigerator, make sure that the controls are still preset to the mid-setting as shown.
NOTE: To turn off your refrigerator, turn the refrigerator control to the word OFF. Turning the Temperature Control to OFF stops cooling in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, but it does not disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.

IMPORTANT:

  • Give your refrigerator time to cool down completely before adding food. It is best to wait 24 hours before you put food into the refrigerator.
    NOTE: Adjusting the Temperature Control to a higher (colder) setting will not cool the compartments any faster.
  • If you add food before the refrigerator has cooled completely, your food may spoil.

Adjust the Temperature Control
The mid-settings should be correct for normal household usage. The controls are set correctly when milk or juice is as cold as you like and when ice cream is firm.
If the temperature is too warm or too cold in the refrigerator or freezer, first check the air vents to be sure they are not blocked.
If you need to adjust temperatures, use the settings listed in the chart below as a guide. On models with two controls, adjust the refrigerator temperature first. Wait at least 24  hours between adjustments and then recheck the temperatures.

CONDITION/REASON: ADJUSTMENT:
REFRIGERATOR section too warm
• Door opened often, a large amount of food added or room temperature very warm
Adjust REFRIGERATOR Control one setting higher
FREEZER section too warm/ice not made fast enough
• Door opened often, or a large amount of food added or very cold room  temperature (can’t cycle often enough)
• Heavy ice usage
Adjust AIRFLOW or REFRIGERATOR Control one setting higher
REFRIGERATOR section too cold
• Controls not set correctly for your conditions
Adjust REFRIGERATOR Control one setting lower
FREEZER section too cold
• Controls not set correctly for your conditions
Adjust AIRFLOW or REFRIGERATOR Control one  setting lower

Airflow Control
The Airflow control regulates the amount of air flowing between the freezer and the refrigerator compartments.
When you plug in the refrigerator for the first time, turn the Airflow control to the Recommended setting.

Adjust the Airflow Control
If you want to temporarily increase the cold airflow to a specific compartment, adjust the control.

  • Max – Increase airflow to the freezer
  • Min – Increase airflow to the refrigerator

IMPORTANT: Once the performance is achieved, return the Airflow control to the Recommended setting to keep the refrigerator operating at optimum efficiency.

CONDITION/REASON: ADJUSTMENT:
Heavy ice use Max
Hot room temperature Max – To maintain ice making production rate
Large quantity of groceries Min – To quickly chill food and beverages

ICE AND WATER

Ice Maker (on some models)
Turning the Ice Maker On/Off

NOTE: Do not force the wire shutoff arm up or down.

  • To turn on the ice maker, simply lower the wire shutoff arm.
    NOTE: Your ice maker has an automatic shutoff. As ice is made, the ice cubes will fill the ice storage bin and the ice cubes will raise the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (arm up) position.
  • To manually turn off the ice maker, lift the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (arm up) position and listen for the click to make sure the ice maker will not continue to operate.

NOTE: Turn off the ice maker before removing the ice storage bin to serve ice or to clean the bin. This will keep the ice cubes from dropping out of the ice maker and into the freezer compartment. After replacing the ice storage bin, turn on the ice maker.

Ice Production Rate

  • NORMAL Ice Production: The ice maker should produce approximately 8 to 12 batches of ice in a 24-hour period. If ice is not being made fast enough, turn the Freezer control toward a higher (colder) number in half number steps. (For example, if the control is at 3, move it to between 3 and 4.) Wait 24 hours and, if necessary, gradually turn the Freezer control to the highest setting, waiting 24 hours between each increase.
  • MAXIMUM Ice Production (on some models): The ice maker should produce approximately 16 to 20 batches of ice in a 24-hour period. If your refrigerator has the maximum ice production feature, push the switch to MAX.

Remember

  • Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Allow 3 days to completely fill the ice storage bin. Discard the first three batches of ice produced.
  • The quality of your ice will be only as good as the quality of the water supplied to your ice maker. Avoid connecting the ice maker to a softened water supply. Water softener chemicals (such as salt) can damage parts of the ice maker and lead to poor quality ice. If a softened water supply cannot be avoided, make sure the water softener is operating properly and is well maintained.
  • Do not store anything on top of the ice maker or in the ice storage bin.

REFRIGERATOR CARE

Cleaning
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Use non-flammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost automatically.
However, clean both compartments about once a month to avoid the buildup of odors. Wipe up spills immediately.
IMPORTANT: Because air circulates between both sections, any odors formed in one section will transfer to the other. You must thoroughly clean both sections to eliminate odors. To avoid odor transfer and drying out of food, wrap or cover foods tightly.

To Clean Your Refrigerator:
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 another harsh cleaning tool.

  1. Unplug the 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 stainless steel and painted metal exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
    NOTE: To keep your stainless steel refrigerator looking new and to remove minor scuffs or marks, it is suggested that you use the manufacturer’s approved Stainless  Steel Cleaner and Polish. To order the cleaner, see the “Accessories” section.
    IMPORTANT: This cleaner is for stainless steel parts only! Do not allow the Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish to come into contact with any plastic parts such as the trim pieces, dispenser covers, or door gaskets. If unintentional contact does occur, clean the plastic part with a sponge and mild detergent in warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
  4. Clean the condenser coils regularly. Coils may need to be cleaned as often as every other month. This may help save energy.
    • Pull the refrigerator out away from the wall. See “Unpack the Refrigerator.”
    • Vacuum coils when they are dusty or dirty.
    • Roll refrigerator back into place. Make sure to leave 1″ (2.5 cm) between the cabinet back and the wall.
    • Check to see that the refrigerator is level.
  5. Plugin refrigerator or reconnect power.
Vacation and Moving Care

Vacations
If You Choose to Leave the Refrigerator On While You’re Away:

  1. Use up any perishables and freeze other items.
  2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker and is connected to the household water supply, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Property damage can occur if the water supply is not turned off.
  3. If you have an automatic ice maker, turn off the ice maker.
    NOTE: Raise the wire shutoff arm to OFF (up) position.
  4. Empty the ice bin.

If You Choose to Turn Off the Refrigerator Before You Leave:

  1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
  2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:
    • Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.
    • When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position.
  3. Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”
  4. Clean the refrigerator, wipe it, and dry well.
  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.

Moving
When you are moving your refrigerator to a new home, follow these steps to prepare it for the move.

  1. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:
    • Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.
    • Disconnect the water line from the back of the refrigerator.
    • When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position.
  2. Remove all food from the refrigerator and pack all frozen food in dry ice.
  3. Empty the ice bin.
  4. Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”
  5. Unplug refrigerator.
  6. Clean, wipe and dry thoroughly.
  7. Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.
  8. Depending on the model, raise the front of the refrigerator so it rolls more easily OR raises the leveling screws so they don’t scrape the floor. See “Adjust the Door(s)” or  “Door Closing and Door Alignment.”
  9. Tape the doors closed and tape the power cord to the back of the refrigerator.

When you get to your new home, put everything back and refer to the “Installation Instructions” section for preparation instructions. Also, if your refrigerator has an automatic icemaker, remember to reconnect the water supply to the refrigerator.

Changing the Light Bulbs

NOTE: 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 40 watts).
Refrigerator Light

  1. Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power.
  2. Reach behind the control panel and unscrew the bulb.
  3. Replace the bulb with a 40-watt, appliance bulb.
  4. Plugin the refrigerator or reconnect power.

ACCESSORIES

The following accessories are available for your refrigerator. To order, contact us and ask for the Part Number.
In the U.S.A., visit our webpage www.whirlpool.com/accessories or call 1-800-901-2042. 
In Canada, visit our webpage www.whirlpoolparts.ca or call 1-800-807-6777.

affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaner:
In the U.S.A., order Part #W10355016
In Canada, order Part #W10355016B
affresh® Stainless Steel Wipes:
In the U.S.A., order Part #W10355049
In Canada, order Part #W10355049B
affresh® Kitchen & Appliance Cleaner:
In the U.S.A., order Part #W10355010
In Canada, order Part #W10355010B
Reversibility Kit:
Order Part # W10395148

PROBLEM SOLVER

First, try the solutions suggested here. If you need further assistance or more recommendations that may help you avoid a service call, refer to the warranty page in this manual and scan the code there with your mobile device, or visit www.whirlpool.com/product_help. In Canada, visit http://www.whirlpool.ca.
Contact us by mail with any questions or concerns at the address below:

In the U.S.A.:
Whirlpool Brand Home Appliances
Customer Experience Center
553 Benson Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
In Canada:
Whirlpool Brand Home Appliances
Customer Experience Centre
200 – 6750 Century Ave.
Mississauga ON L5N 0B7

Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove the 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
Explosion Hazard
Use non-flammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

If you experience

Possibl e Causes and/or Recommended Solutions

The refrigerator  w ill not operate • No t connected to an electrical supply – Plug the power cord into a grounded 3 prong outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
• N o power to the electrical outlet – Plug in a lamp to see if the outlet is working.
• House h ol d fuse has blown or circuit breaker tripped – Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, contact an electrician.
• Cont r o l is not turned on – Turn on the refrigerator control. See “Using the Control(s).”
• N e w Installation – Allow 24 hours following installation for the refrigerator to cool completely.
N O TE : Adjusting the temperature control(s) to the coldest setting will not cool the refrigerator more quickly.
The motor seems  to run too much Your new refrigerator may run longer than your old one. Energy-efficient refrigerators run longer at lower, more energy-efficient speeds. Your refrigerator 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 is  n oisy Refrigerator noise has been reduced over the years. Due to this reduction in operating noise, you may notice unfamiliar noises that are normal. Following are some normal sounds with an explanation:
• Buzzin g – heard when the water valve opens to fill the ice maker
• Cli c kin g /Sna p pin g – valves opening or closing
• Pu l sati n g – fans/compressor adjusting to optimize performance
• Rattli n g – the flow of refrigerant, water line, or from items placed on top of the refrigerator
• Sizzlin g /Gu r gli n g – water dripping on the heater during defrost cycle
• P o p pin g – contraction/expansion of inside walls, especially during initial cool-down
• W ater running – may be heard when the ice melts during the defrost cycle and water runs into the drain pan
• C reaking/Cracking – occurs as ice is being ejected from the ice maker mold
T he door will not  c lose completely • T h e door is blocked open – Move food packages away from the door. Push bin or shelf back in the correct position. Make sure the crisper cover is fully pushed in so that the backrests on the supports.
T he door is  difficult to open • G askets are dirty or sticky – Clean gaskets and contact surfaces with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and dry with soft cloth.
Temperature is too  warm • N e w installation – Allow 24 hours following installation for the refrigerator to cool completely.
• Door(s ) opened often or not closed completely – Allows warm air to enter refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep doors fully closed.
• A large amount of warm food has been recently added – Allow several hours for the refrigerator to return to normal temperature.
• Che c k that the Temperature Control(s) are set correctly for the surrounding conditions – Adjust the controls to one setting colder. Check the temperature in 24 hours. See “Using the Control(s).”
There is interior  moisture  buildup
NOTE: Some  moisture buildup is normal. 
• Humi d room – Contributes to moisture buildup in the refrigerator.
• Door(s ) opened often or not closed completely – Allows humid air to enter the refrigerator. Minimize door openings and keep the door fully closed.
The ice maker is not producing ice or not enough  ice  • T h e ice maker is not connected to a water supply – Connect refrigerator to water supply and turn water shutoff valve fully open.
• A kink in the line can reduce water flow – Straighten the water source line.
Ic e maker is not turned on – Make sure the ice maker wire shutoff arm or switch (depending on model) is in the ON position.
• N e w installation – Wait 24 hours after ice maker installation for ice production to begin. Wait 3 days for full ice production.
• L arge amount of ice recently removed – Allow sufficient time for the ice maker to produce more ice.
• I c e cube jammed in the ice maker ejector arm – Remove ice from the ejector’s arm with a plastic utensil.
• A reverse osmosis water filtration system connected to your cold water supply can decrease water pressure – See “Water Supply Requirements.”
The ice cubes are  hollow or small
NOTE: This is an  indication of low water pressure. 
• T h e water valve is not completely open – Turn the water shutoff valve fully open.
• A kink in the line can reduce water flow – Straighten the water source line.
• A reverse osmosis water filtration system connected to your cold water supply can decrease water pressure – See “Water  Supply Requirements.”
If questions regarding water pressure remain, call a licensed, qualified plumber.
Off-taste, odor or  gray color  in the  ice            • N e w plumbing connections can cause discolored or off-flavored ice – Discard the ice and wash the ice storage bin. Allow 24 hours for the ice maker to make new ice, and discard the first three batches of ice produced.
• Ic e stored too long can develop an off-taste – Discard ice. Wash ice bin. Allow 24 hours for the ice maker to make new ice.
• F oo d odor transferring to ice – Use airtight, moisture-proof packaging to store food.
• T her e are minerals (such as sulfur) in the water – A water filter may need to be installed to remove the minerals.

WHIRLPOOL® 
MAJOR APPLIANCE
LIMITED WARRANTY

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE. PROOF OF PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN  WARRANTY SERVICE. 
Please have the following information available when you call the Customer eXperience Center:
Name, address, and telephone number
Model number and serial number
A clear, detailed description of the problem
Proof of purchase including dealer or retailer name and address

IF YOU NEED SERVICE:

  1. Before contacting us to arrange service, please determine whether your product requires repair. Some questions can be addressed without service. Please take a few minutes to review the Troubleshooting or Problem Solver section of the Use and Care Guide, scan the QR code on the right to access additional resources, or visit  www.whirlpool.com/product_help.
  2. All warranty service is provided exclusively by our authorized Whirlpool Service Providers. In the U.S. and Canada, direct all requests for warranty service to:

www.whirlpool.com/product_help

Whirlpool Customer eXperience Center
In the U.S.A., call 1-800-253-1301. In Canada, call 1-800-807-6777.
If outside the 50 United States or Canada, contact your authorized Whirlpool dealer to determine whether another warranty applies.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

WHAT IS COVERED
For one year from the date of purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated, and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product,  Whirlpool Corporation or Whirlpool Canada LP (hereafter “Whirlpool”) will pay for Factory Specified Replacement Parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship that existed when this major appliance was purchased, or at its sole discretion replace the product. In the event of product replacement, your appliance will be warranted for the remaining term of the original unit’s warranty period.

YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN.
Service must be provided by a Whirlpool designated service company. This limited warranty is valid only in the United States or Canada and applies only when the major  appliance is used in the country in which it was purchased. This limited warranty is effective from the date of the original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date is required to obtain service under this limited warranty.

  1. Commercial, non-residential, multiple-family use, or use inconsistent with the published user, operator, or installation instructions.
  2. In-home instruction on how to use your product.
  3. Service to correct improper product maintenance or installation, installation not in accordance with electrical or plumbing codes, or correction of household electrical or plumbing (i.e. house wiring, fuses, or water inlet hoses).
  4. Consumable parts (i.e. light bulbs, batteries, air or water filters, preservation solutions, etc.).
  5. Defects or damage caused by the use of non-genuine Whirlpool parts or accessories.
  6. Conversion of products from natural gas or L.P. gas.
  7. Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, fire, floods, acts of God or use with products not approved by Whirlpool.
  8. Repairs to parts or systems to correct product damage or defects caused by unauthorized service, alteration or modification of the appliance.
  9. Cosmetic damage including scratches, dents, chips, and other damage to the appliance finishes unless such damage results from defects in materials and workmanship and is reported to Whirlpool within 30 days.
  10. Discoloration, rust, or oxidation of surfaces resulting from caustic or corrosive environments including but not limited to high salt concentrations, high moisture or humidity, or exposure to chemicals.
  11. Food or medicine loss due to product failure.
  12. Pick-up or delivery. This product is intended for in-home repair.
  13. Travel or transportation expenses for service in remote locations where an authorized Whirlpool servicer is not available.
  14. Removal or reinstallation of inaccessible appliances or built-in fixtures (i.e. trim, decorative panels, flooring, cabinetry, islands, countertops, drywall, etc.) that interfere with servicing, removal, or replacement of the product.
  15. Service or parts for appliances with original model/serial numbers removed, altered or not easily determined.

The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances shall be borne by the customer.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR  PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR OR THE SHORTEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. Some states and provinces do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so this limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

DISCLAIMER OF REPRESENTATIONS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY
Whirlpool makes no representations about the quality, durability, or need for service or repair of this major appliance other than the representations contained in this warranty.  If you want a longer or more comprehensive warranty than the limited warranty that comes with this major appliance, you should ask Whirlpool or your retailer about buying an extended warranty.

LIMITATION OF REMEDIES; EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. WHIRLPOOL SHALL  NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

W11209379® 
/™ ©2014 Whirlpool. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved.
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