Whirlpool WRB533CZJZ User Manual

User Guide

Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Learn More
In an effort to conserve natural resources, this refrigerator includes a condensed User Guide. A complete User Instructions manual

can be downloaded at: www.whirlpool.com/manuals. The model number is located on the inside wall of the refrigerator
compartment.

In the U.S.A.:
For assistance or service, call 1-800-253-1301.
Register your refrigerator at www.whirlpool.com.
In Canada:
For assistance or service, call 1-800-807-6777.
Register your refrigerator at www.whirlpool.ca.

Para una version de estas instrucciones en español, visite www.whirlpool.com.

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.

follow instructions.

You

can be killed or seriously injured if you don't

instructions.

follow

W11331644A

WARNING:

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

follow basic precautions, including the following:

 Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

 Do not remove the ground prong.

 Do not use an adapter.

 Do not use an extension cord.

 Disconnect power before servicing.

 Replace all parts and panels before operating.

 Remove doors from your old refrigerator.

 Connect to a potable water supply only.

 Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice (on some models).

 Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, well

away from the refrigerator.

 Keep ventilation openings, in the appliance enclosure or

in the built-in structure, clear of obstruction.

 Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate

the defrosting process, other than those recommended by
the manufacturer.

 Use two or more people to move and install the refrigerator.

 Disconnect the power before installing the ice maker (on ice

maker kit-ready models only).

 Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice (on some models).

 Do not hit the refrigerator glass doors (on some models).

 Use nonflammable cleaner.

 Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.

 Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage

compartments of the appliance, unless they are of type
recommended by the manufacturer.

 This appliance is not intended for use by persons

(including children) with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge,
unless they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible
for their safety.

 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 similarly qualified
person in order to avoid a hazard.

 Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans

with a flammable propellant in this appliance.

 This appliance is intended to be used in household and

similar applications such as:

- Staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and other working
environments;

- Farm houses and by clients in hotels, motels and other
residential type environments;

- Bed and breakfast type environments;

- Catering and similar non-retail applications.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Proper Disposal of Your Old Refrigerator

WARNING

Suffocation Hazard

Remove doors or lid from your old freezer or
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 disposal of
refrigerants:

Dispose of refrigerator in accordance with Federal and Local
regulations. Refrigerants must be evacuated by a licensed,
EPA certified refrigerant technician in accordance with
established procedures.

2

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unpack the Refrigerator

Electrical Requirements

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.

1. Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning

on the refrigerator. Rub a small amount of liquid dish soap
over the adhesive with your ngers. Rinse with warm water
and dry with a soft cloth.

NOTE: 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.”

When Moving Your Refrigerator:

Your refrigerator is heavy. When moving the refrigerator for
cleaning or service, be sure to cover the oor with
cardboard or hardboard to avoid oor damage. Always pull
the refrigerator straight out when moving it. Do not wiggle or
“walk” the refrigerator when trying to move it, as oor
damage could occur.

DANGER

Explosion Hazard

Risk of re or explosion due to puncture of refrigerant
tubing.

Follow handling instructions carefully. Flammable
refrigerant used.

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

Do not remove ground prong.

Do not use an adapter.

Do not use an extension cord.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.

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

If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person.
Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along
its length or at either the plug or connector end.

Recommended Grounding Method

A 115 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 15 A or 20 A fused, grounded electrical
supply is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit
serving only your refrigerator be provided. Use an outlet that
cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension cord.

NOTE: Before performing any type of installation or cleaning, or
removing a light bulb, turn cooling off or 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 turn cooling on or reset
the control (Thermostat, Refrigerator or Freezer Control
depending on the model) to the desired setting. See “Using the
Controls” in the User Instructions, User Guide, or Use & Care
Guide.

3

Install Levelers

IMPORTANT: Lay down the refrigerator ONLY to your left-hand

side (as you are looking at the front of the refrigerator) to avoid
damaging the refrigerator.

1. Locate the levelers. They are enclosed in a plastic bag inside

the crisper drawer.

2. Using two or more people, access the bottom of the

refrigerator either by tilting it rst to one side and then the
other or by laying it down on the oor to your left-hand side
as shown.

■ Tilt the refrigerator to the side enough to access the

bottom. Using a 3/8" hex driver, remove the two screws
attaching the wooden runner to the bottom of the
refrigerator. Then install a leveler to the front corner.
Repeat for the opposite side.

NOTE: The refrigerator cabinet should not touch the floor

without a leveler installed.

BA

■ Using a 3/8" hex driver, remove the two screws attaching

each wooden runner to the bottom of the refrigerator. Install
a leveler to each of the front corners.

BA

C

A. Remove runner.
B. Install leveler.
C. Packaging corner post.

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.
Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many small,
pebble-size pieces. This is normal. Glass shelves and covers
are heavy. Use both hands when removing them to avoid
dropping.

A. Remove runner.
B. Install leveler.

OR

■ Using the packaging corner posts (left-hand side, front and

back) as a cushion, lay the refrigerator down on the floor (to
your left-hand side only) as shown in the following graphic.

NOTE: Using the packaging as a cushion will help to avoid
possible damage to the refrigerator.

4

Location Requirements

IMPORTANT: This refrigerator is designed for indoor, household

use only.

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

Keep ammable materials and vapors, such as
gasoline, away from refrigerator.

Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or re.

To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, it is
recommended to allow a 1/2" (1.25 cm) space on each side.
Allow 1½" (3.81 cm) of space between overhead cabinets and
refrigerator top. Allow at least 1" (2.54 cm) between back of
cabinet and the wall (consider the condenser as back in case
is present). If your refrigerator has an ice maker, make sure you
leave extra space at the back for the water line connections.
If you are installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave
enough space on the hinge side to allow the door to swing open.

NOTE: This refrigerator is intended for use in a location where
the temperature ranges from a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to a
maximum of 110°F (43°C). The preferred room temperature
range for optimum performance, which reduces electricity usage
and provides superior cooling, is between 60°F (15°C) and 90°F
(32°C). It is recommended that you do not install the refrigerator
near a heat source, such as an oven or radiator.

1/2" (1.25 cm)

1" (2.54 cm)

5

Electrical Requirements

WARNING

Water Supply Requirements

Read all directions before you begin.

IMPORTANT:

■ Connect to potable water supply only.

Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or
of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before
or after the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction
may be used on disinfected waters that may contain
filterable cysts.

Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

Do not remove ground prong.

Do not use an adapter.

Do not use an extension cord.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.

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

Recommended Grounding Method

A 115 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 15 A or 20 A fused, grounded
electrical supply is required. It is recommended that a separate
circuit serving only your refrigerator be provided. Use an outlet
that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension
cord.

NOTE: Before performing any type of installation or cleaning, or
removing a light bulb, turn cooling off or 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 turn cooling on or reset
the control (Thermostat, Refrigerator or Freezer Control,
depending on the model) to the desired setting. See “Using the
Controls” in the User Instructions, User Guide, or Use & Care
Guide.

■ 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.

TOOLS NEEDED: Flat-blade screwdriver, 7/16" and 1/2"
open-end wrenches or 2 adjustable wrenches, 1/4" nut driver
and drill bit, cordless drill. Gather the required tools and parts
before starting installation. Read and follow the instructions
provided with any tools listed.
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

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

Reverse Osmosis Water Supply

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 psi to 60 psi (276 kPa to 414 kPa).

If the water pressure to the reverse osmosis system is less than
40 psi to 60 psi (276 kPa to 414 kPa), a booster pump can be
inserted into the small tubing that goes from the cold water line
to the reverse osmosis system.

If the ice maker is still not operating properly:

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

Connect the Water Supply

(on some models)

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

is connected, turn the ice maker off to avoid excessive noise or
damage to the water valve.

Connect the 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. Locate a 1/2" to 1¹⁄4" (1.27 cm to 3.18 cm) vertical cold water

pipe near the refrigerator.

IMPORTANT:

■ Make sure it is a cold water pipe.

■ Horizontal pipe will work. Drill on the top side of the pipe,

not the bottom. This will help keep water away from the
drill and normal sediment from collecting in the valve.

4. Determine the length of copper tubing you will need.

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

6

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

A

DFE

G

water pipe you have selected.

B

C

Style 2

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Disconnect the tube clamp on the back of the product and

insert the copper tubing through the clamp as shown.

3. Attach the copper tube to the valve inlet using a

compression nut and sleeve as shown.

4. Tighten the compression nut. Do not overtighten. Reattach

the tube clamp and tube to the back of the cabinet.

A. Cold water pipe
B. Pipe clamp
C. Copper tubing
D. Compression nut

E. Compression sleeve
F. Shutoff valve
G. Packing nut

6. Fasten the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe

clamp. Be sure the outlet end is solidly in the 1/4" (6.35 mm)
drilled hole in the water pipe and that the washer is under the
pipe clamp. Tighten the packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp
screws slowly and evenly so washer makes a watertight seal.
Do not overtighten.

7. Slip the compression sleeve and compression nut on the

copper tubing as shown. Insert the end of the tubing into the
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 copper tubing in a container or sink,

and turn on the main water supply. Flush the tubing until
water is clear. Turn off the shutoff valve on the water pipe.
Coil the copper tubing.

Connect to Refrigerator

NOTE: On kit models, attach water valve to refrigerator

according to kit instructions.

Style 1

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Attach the copper tube to the valve inlet using a

compression nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the
compression nut. Do not overtighten.

3. Use the tube clamp on the back of the refrigerator to secure

the tubing to the refrigerator as shown. This will help avoid
damage to the tubing when the refrigerator is pushed back
against the wall.

4. Turn shutoff valve ON.

5. Check for leaks. Tighten any connections (including

connections at the valve) or nuts that leak.

A
B
C

D
E

A

B

C

A. Tube clamp
B. Copper tubing

C. Compression nut

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

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

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

your water conditions require a second water strainer, install
it in the 1/4" (6.35 mm) water line at either tube connection.
Obtain a water strainer from your nearest appliance dealer.

Complete the Installation

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

Do not remove ground prong.

Do not use an adapter.

Do not use an extension cord.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.

A. Tube clamp
B. Tube clamp screw
C. Copper tubing

D. Compression nut
E. Valve inlet

1. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
NOTE: Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard

the first three batches of ice produced. Allow 3 days to
completely fill ice container.

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

your water conditions require a second water strainer, install
it in the 1/4" (6.35 mm) water line at either tube connection.
Obtain a water strainer from your nearest appliance dealer.

7

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:

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Disconnect power before removing doors.

Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.

Cabinet

1. From the top of the cabinet, remove the hinge caps, move

them to the opposite side, and insert the hinge caps into the
holes from where you removed the hinge screws.
See Graphic 1-2.

2. Remove the screws lling the holes to be used for the center

hinge and install them on the opposite side.

3. Move the leveler from the bottom of the refrigerator and install

it on the opposite side.

4. Move the parts of the top hinge, center hinge and bottom

hinge to the opposite side.

Doors

1. Remove door hinge hole plug from top of freezer door. Move

to opposite side as shown. See Graphic 2.

2. Remove the door stop from the bottoms of both the freezer

and refrigerator doors and install them on the opposite side.
See Graphics 3 and 4.

■ Before you begin, turn off the refrigerator control. Unplug

refrigerator or disconnect power.

■ Remove food and adjustable door or utility bins from doors.

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

“Remove Doors and Hinges” and “Replace Doors and
Hinges” sections.

Remove Doors and Hinges

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

WARNING

Excessive Weight Hazard

Use two or more people to lift the refrigerator door.

Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

A. 5/16" Hex-Head Hinge Screw

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

you are ready to lift them free from the cabinet.
NOTE: Provide support between the freezer and refrigerator

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

3. Remove the parts for the top hinge as shown in Top Hinge

graphic. Lift the freezer door free from the cabinet.

4. Remove the parts for the center hinge as shown in the Center

Hinge graphic.
NOTE: Provide support between the refrigerator door and the

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

5. Lift the refrigerator door free from the cabinet.

6. Remove the four screws, (two on the bottom and two on the

front) attaching the bottom hinge to the cabinet. See Bottom
Hinge graphic.

Reverse Doors (optional)

IMPORTANT: If you want to reverse your doors so that they open

in the opposite direction, follow these steps. If you are not
reversing the doors, see “Replace Doors and Hinges.”

Graphics follow these instructions.

Door Hinge

Hole Plug

Replace Doors and Hinges

NOTES:

■ Door Removal & Replacement and Door Swing Reversal

graphics may be reversed if door swing is reversed.

■ Provide additional support for the doors while the hinges are

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

1. Replace the parts for the bottom hinge as shown. Tighten

screws. Replace the refrigerator door.

2. Assemble the parts for the center hinge as shown and

tighten all screws. See Center Hinge graphic. Replace the
freezer door.

3. Assemble the parts for the top hinge as shown. See Top

Hinge graphic. Do not tighten screws completely.

4. Align the doors so that the bottom of the freezer door

is even with the top of the refrigerator door. Tighten all
screws.

Final Steps

1. Check all holes to make sure that hinge caps and screws are

in place.

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

Do not remove ground prong.

Do not use an adapter.

Do not use an extension cord.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.

2. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

3. Reset the controls. See “Using the Control(s)” in the User

Instructions, User Guide, or Use & Care Guide.

4. Return all removable door parts to doors and food to

refrigerator.

8

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Disconnect power before removing doors.

Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.

DOOR REMOVAL AND DOOR SWING REVERSAL (OPTIONAL)
REPLACEMENT

Top Hinge

1-1

A

B

C

A. 5/16" Hex-Head Hinge Screws
B. Top Hinge
C. Spacer
In case your refrigerator has
electronic control on the door
disconnect the cables and
connect them on the other side

Wiring plug

Center Hinge

A

A

A. 5/16" Hex-Head Hinge
Screws and Washers

1-2

A. Cabinet Hinge Cover
B. Door Hinge cover

A

B

A. Center Hinge
B. 5/16" Hex-Head Hinge Screws

Bottom Hinge

A. Bottom Hinge
B. 5/16" Hex-Head Hinge Screws
C. Leveler

Removal of Door Stops

A

A. Door Stop
B. Door Stop Screw

B

A

B

Reinstallation of Door

A

B

C

Stops

A. Door Stop
B. Door Stop Screw

B

A

9