Whirlpool 8ET8MTKXKT04 User Manual

TOP-MOUNT REFRIGERATOR

Use & Care Guide

2302300

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REFRIGERATOR SAFETY .............................................................3

Proper Disposal of Your Old Refrigerator....................................3

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS..................................................4

Unpack the Refrigerator...............................................................4

Location Requirements................................................................ 4

Electrical Requirements ...............................................................5

Water Supply Requirements........................................................5

Connect the Water Supply...........................................................5

Refrigerator Doors........................................................................6

Adjust the Doors.........................................................................10

Normal Sounds ..........................................................................10

REFRIGERATOR USE..................................................................10

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation..................................................10

Using the Controls .....................................................................11

Adjusting Control Settings .........................................................11

Ice Maker....................................................................................11

REFRIGERATOR FEATURES ......................................................12

Refrigerator Shelves...................................................................12

Crispers and Meat Drawers .......................................................12

Crisper Humidity Control ...........................................................13

Chilled Meat Drawer...................................................................13

Wine or Can/Bottle Rack ...........................................................13

Utility or Egg Bin.........................................................................13

FREEZER FEATURES..................................................................14

Freezer Shelf ..............................................................................14

Pull-out Freezer Floor.................................................................14

DOOR FEATURES........................................................................14

Door Rails...................................................................................14

Can Racks and Door Bins..........................................................15

Adjustable Utility Compartment & Tray .....................................15

Flip-up Door Shelf ......................................................................15

REFRIGERATOR CARE ...............................................................15

Cleaning......................................................................................15

Changing the Light Bulbs...........................................................16

Power Interruptions....................................................................16

Holiday and Moving Care ..........................................................16

TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................17

ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE.........................................................18

WARRANTY ..................................................................................20

2

REFRIGERATOR SAFETY

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:

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately

DANGER

WARNING

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

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons when using your refrigerator, follow these basic

WARNING:

precautions:

■ Plug into a grounded (earthed) outlet.

■ Do not remove ground prong.

■ Do not use an adapter.

■ Do not use an extension cord.

■ Disconnect power before servicing.

■ Replace all panels before operating.

■ Remove doors from your old refrigerator.

■ Use nonflammable cleaner.

■ Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline,

away from refrigerator.

■ Use two or more people to move and install refrigerator.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

follow instructions.

can be killed or seriously injured if you don't

You
instructions.

■ Disconnect power before installing ice maker (on ice maker

kit ready models only).

■ Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice or water (on some

models).

■ The appliance is not intended for use by young children or

infirm persons without supervision.

■ Young children should be supervised to ensure that they

do not play with the appliance.

■ If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the

manufacturer, its service agent or similar qualified persons
in order to avoid a hazard.

follow

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.

3

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unpack the Refrigerator

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.

Removing the Packaging

■ Remove tape and glue from your refrigerator before using. To

remove any remaining tape or glue, rub the area briskly with
your thumb. Tape or glue residue can also be easily removed
by rubbing 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” section.

■ On some models, shelves, bins, door shelf rails, and other

feature parts may be packaged in the Interior FeaturePak.
Follow the instructions contained in the package for proper
assembly.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove the white foam air return insert that
is located behind the control panel on the ceiling of the
refrigerator (on some models). The insert is part of the refrigerator
and not part of the packing material. If the insert is removed, ice
may migrate down from the freezer and cause icicles to form.

When Moving Your 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.

Location Requirements

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.

To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for a ¹/₂"
(1.25 cm) space on each side and at the top. When installing your
refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave 2" (5.08 cm) minimum on
each side (depending on your model) to allow for the door to
swing open. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra
space at the back for the water line connections.

NOTE: Do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator, or
other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall
below 55°F (13°C).

1

/

2" (1.25 cm)

2" (5.08 cm)

Clean Before Using

After you remove all of the package materials, clean the inside of
your refrigerator before using it. See the cleaning instructions in
“Refrigerator Care.”

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.

4

Electrical Requirements

WARNING

TOOLS NEEDED: Flat-blade screwdriver, ⁷⁄₁₆" and ¹⁄₂" open-end
wrenches or two adjustable wrenches, ¹⁄₄" nut driver and drill bit,
hand drill or electric drill (properly grounded).

NOTE: Your refrigerator dealer has a kit available with a ¹⁄₄"
(6.35 mm) saddle-type shutoff valve, a union, and copper tubing.
Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve complies with
your local plumbing codes. Do not use a piercing-type or ³⁄₁₆"
(4.76 mm) saddle valve which reduces water flow and clogs more
easily.

Water Pressure

Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded (earthed) 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.

Before you move your refrigerator into its final location, it is
important to make sure you have the proper electrical
connection:

Recommended Grounding Method

Plug 1: A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only 15 or 20 ampere fused,
grounded (earthed) electrical supply is required.

Plugs 2 and 3: A 220/240 Volt/50 Hz or 220 Volt/60Hz AC only
10 ampere fused and grounded (earthed) electrical supply is
required.

Plug 1

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, turn the control, (Thermostat, Refrigerator
or Freezer Control depending on the model) to OFF and then
disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical source. When you
are finished, reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical source
and reset the control (Thermostat, Refrigerator or Freezer Control
depending on the model) to the desired setting.

Plug 2

Plug 3

Water Supply Requirements

Read all directions carefully before you begin.

IMPORTANT:

■ If you turn the refrigerator on before the water line is

connected, turn the ice maker OFF.

■ All installations must meet local plumbing code requirements.

■ Use copper tubing and check for leaks. Install copper tubing

only in areas where the household temperatures will remain
above freezing.

A cold water supply with water pressure of between 30 and
120 psi (207 - 827 kPa) is required to operate the water dispenser
and ice maker. If you have questions about your water pressure,
call a licensed, qualified plumber.

Reverse Osmosis Water Supply

IMPORTANT: The pressure of the water supply coming out of a

reverse osmosis system going to the water inlet valve of the
refrigerator needs to be between 30 and 120 psi (207 - 827 kPa).

If a reverse osmosis water filtration system is connected to your
cold water supply, the water pressure to the reverse osmosis
system needs to be a minimum of 40 to 60 psi (276 - 414 kPa).

If the water pressure to the reverse osmosis system is less than
40 to 60 psi (276 - 414 kPa):

■ Check to see whether the sediment filter in the reverse

osmosis system is blocked. Replace the filter if necessary.

■ Allow the storage tank on the reverse osmosis system to refill

after heavy usage.

■ If your refrigerator has a water filter cartridge, it may further

reduce the water pressure when used in conjunction with a
reverse osmosis system. Remove the water filter cartridge.
See “Water Filtration System.”

If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed,
qualified plumber.

Connect the Water Supply

(on some models)

Read all directions carefully before you begin.
IMPORTANT: If you turn the refrigerator on before the water line

is connected, turn the ice maker OFF.

Connecting to Water Line:

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet long

enough to clear line of water.

3. Find a ¹⁄₂" (1.27 cm) to 1¹⁄₄" (3.18 cm) vertical COLD water

pipe near the refrigerator.
NOTE: Horizontal pipe will work, but the following procedure

must be followed: Drill on the top side of the pipe, not the
bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill. This
also keeps normal sediment from collecting in the valve.

4. To determine the length of copper tubing you will need,

measure from connection on lower left rear of refrigerator to
water pipe. Add 7 ft (2.1 m) to allow for moving refrigerator for
cleaning. Use ¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) O.D. (outside diameter) copper
tubing. Be sure both ends of copper tubing are cut square.

5

5. Using a grounded drill, drill a ¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) hole in the cold

C

A

C

water pipe you have selected.

A

G

B

C

DEF

A. Cold Water Pipe
B. Pipe Clamp
C. Copper Tubing
D. Compression Nut

E. Compression Sleeve
F. Shutoff Valve

G. Packing Nut

6. Fasten shutoff valve to cold water pipe with pipe clamp. Be

sure outlet end is solidly in the ¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) drilled hole in the
water pipe and that washer is under the pipe clamp. Tighten
packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws carefully and
evenly so washer makes a watertight seal. Do not overtighten
or you may crush the copper tubing, especially if soft (coiled)
copper tubing is used. Now you are ready to connect the
copper tubing.

7. Slip compression sleeve and compression nut on copper

tubing as shown. Insert end of tubing into outlet end squarely
as far as it will go. Screw compression nut onto outlet end
with adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.

8. Place the free end of the tubing into a container or sink, and

turn ON main water supply and flush out tubing until water is
clear. Turn OFF shutoff valve on the water pipe. Coil copper
tubing.

Connecting to Refrigerator:

NOTE: The first step for connecting the water line to your

refrigerator is different depending on the type of water valve
provided with your refrigerator. See the diagrams below to
determine the style of valve you have. (On kit models, assemble
water valve to refrigerator per kit instructions.)

1. For Style 1, disconnect the tube clamp on the back of the

product and insert the copper tubing through the clamp, as
shown. Remove the tape label from the valve inlet and insert
copper tubing until it bottoms out (approximately ³⁄₄"
[1.9 cm]). Tighten nut by hand as much as possible; then turn
the nut an additional ¹⁄₂ turn using a wrench. Do not
overtighten. Reattach the tube clamp and tube to the back of
the cabinet. Skip to Step 2.

For Style 2, disconnect the tube clamp on the back of the
product and insert copper tubing through the clamp as
shown. Attach the copper tube to the valve inlet using a
compression nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the
compression nut. Do not overtighten. Reattach the tube
clamp and tube to the back of the cabinet. Move to Step 2.

Style 1

Style 2

B

A. Tube Clamp
B. Copper Tubing

C. Compression Nut

2. Turn shutoff valve ON. Check for leaks. Tighten any

connections (including connections at the valve) or nuts that
leak.

3. The ice maker is equipped with a built-in water strainer. If

local water conditions require periodic cleaning or a well is
your source of water supply, a second water strainer should
be installed in the ¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) water line. Obtain a water
strainer from your nearest appliance dealer. Install at either
tube connection.

4. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Refrigerator Doors

TOOLS NEEDED: ⁵⁄₁₆" hex-head socket wrench, #2 Phillips
screwdriver, flat-blade screwdriver, ⁵⁄₁₆" open-end wrench, flat 2"
putty knife.

IMPORTANT:

■ Before you begin, turn the refrigerator control OFF, unplug

refrigerator or disconnect power. Remove food and any
adjustable door or utility bins from doors.

■ If you are only removing and replacing the doors, the

instructions are the same regardless of door style. See
“Remove Doors and Hinges” and “Replace Doors and
Hinges” later in this section.

■ Depending on your model, you may have standard Style 1 or

contour Style 2 doors. If you are also going to reverse the
door swing, follow the instructions for the appropriate door
style.

■ All graphics referenced in the following instructions are

included later in this section after “Final Steps.”

Remove Doors and Hinges

6

A. Tube Clamp
B. Copper Tubing

A

B

D

C. Compression Nut
D. Valve Inlet

" Hex-Head Hinge Screw

⁵⁄₁₆

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Open refrigerator door and remove base grille from the

bottom front of the refrigerator. See Base Grille graphic.

3. Close the refrigerator door and keep both doors closed until

you are ready to lift them free from the cabinet.
NOTE: Provide additional support for the doors while the

hinges are being moved. Do not depend on the door magnets
to hold the doors in place while you are working.