Whirlpool WRS321SDHB, WRS321SDHV, WRS321SDHW, WRS321SDHZ, WRS325SDHB Owner's Manual

User Guide

Side by Side Refrigerator

LEARN MORE

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. The model number is located on the inside wall of
the refrigerator compartment. To request a printed copy of the User Instructions manual (shipping and handling fees may apply),
call 1-800-253-1301 in the U.S.A. or 1-800-807-6777 in Canada.
Register your refrigerator at www.whirlpool.com. In Canada, register 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

follow instructions.

You

can be killed or seriously injured if you don't

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.

instructions.

follow

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

 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 only to the potable water supply.

 Use non-flammable cleaner.

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

away from the refrigerator.

 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).

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

follow basic precautions, including the following:

 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.

PLEASE KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1

W11102108A

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:

J Take off the doors.
J 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.

OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Using the Controls

The refrigerator and freezer controls are located on the dispenser
panel.

IMPORTANT: The display screen on the dispenser control panel
will turn off automatically and enter “sleep” mode when the control
buttons and dispenser lever have not been used for 2 minutes or
more. While in “sleep” mode, the first press of a control button will
only reactivate the display screen, without changing any settings.

J Touch any control button on the dispenser panel to activate the

display screen. The home screen will appear as shown.

Adjusting the Controls

For your convenience, your refrigerator and freezer controls are
preset at the factory. When you first install your refrigerator, make
sure that both the refrigerator and freezer controls are still set to the
of bars with three illuminated bars.

IMPORTANT:

J Wait 24 hours before you put food into the refrigerator. If you add

food before the refrigerator has cooled completely, your food
may spoil.

NOTE: Adjusting the set points to a colder than recommended
setting will not cool the compartments any faster.

J 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
before adjusting the controls.

J The preset 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.

J Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments. Recheck the

temperatures before other adjustments are made.

When adjusting set points, use the following chart as a guide.

CONDITION: ADJUSTMENT:

REFRIGERATOR too
cold

REFRIGERATOR too
warm

FREEZER too cold FREEZER Setting one setting lower
FREEZER too warm/

Too little ice

The set point range is “1 bar” (least cold) to “5 bars” (coldest).

REFRIGERATOR Setting one setting
lower

REFRIGERATOR Setting one setting
higher

FREEZER Setting one setting higher

2

CRUSHED

Refrigerator Control:

J Press REFRIGERATOR TEMP to view the current set point for

the refrigerator.

J Press REFRIGERATOR TEMP again to adjust the set point.

The setting will increase by 1 bar with each press of the
button, returning to 1 bar after reaching 5.

After 2 minutes of inactivity, any changes will be saved and
the display will return to the home screen.

Freezer Control:

J Press FREEZER TEMP to view the current set point for the

freezer.

J Press FREEZER TEMP again to adjust the set point. The

setting will increase by 1 bar with each press of the button,
returning to 1 bar after reaching 5.

After 2 minutes of inactivity, any changes will be saved and
the display will return to home screen.

Crisper Humidity Control

You can control the amount of humidity in the moisture-sealed
crisper. Adjust the control to any setting between LOW and HIGH.

LOW (open) for best storage of fruits and vegetables with skins.
HIGH (closed) for best storage of fresh, leafy vegetables.

ICE AND WATER

Water and Ice Dispensers

IMPORTANT:

J Connect to potable water supply only.

NOTES:

J The dispensing system will not operate when the freezer door is

open.

J Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to cool down and chill water.
J Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the

first three batches of ice produced. Wait 72 hours for full ice
production.

J The display screen on the dispenser control panel will turn off

automatically and enter “sleep” mode when the control buttons
and dispenser lever have not been used for 2 minutes or more.
While in “sleep” mode, the first press of a control button will only
reactivate the display screen, without changing any settings.

Flush the Water System

Air in the water dispensing system can cause the water dispenser to
drip. After connecting the refrigerator to a water source or replacing
the water filter, flush the water system. Flushing the water dispensing
system forces air from the water line and filter, and prepares the water
filter for use.

NOTE: As air is cleared from the system, water may spurt out of the
dispenser.

1. Using a sturdy container, depress and hold the water dispenser

lever for 5 seconds, and then release it for 5 seconds.

2. Repeat Step 1 until water begins to flow.

3. Once water begins to flow, continue depressing and releasing the

dispenser lever (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) until a total of 3 gal.
(12 L) has been dispensed.

Additional flushing may be required in some households.

The Water Dispenser

IMPORTANT:

J Dispense at least 1 qt (1 L) of water every week to maintain a

fresh supply.

J If the flow of water from the dispenser decreases, it could be

caused by low water pressure.

J With the water filter removed, dispense 1 cup (237 mL) of

water. If 1 cup (237 mL) of water is dispensed in 8 seconds or
less, the water pressure to the refrigerator meets the minimum
requirement.

J If it takes longer than 8 seconds to dispense 1 cup (237 mL)

of water, the water pressure to the refrigerator is lower than
recommended. See “Water Supply Requirements” (in the
User Instructions or the Installation Instructions and Owner’s
Manual) or “Troubleshooting” for suggestions.

To Dispense Water:

1. Press a sturdy glass against the water dispenser lever. Hold the

glass close to the water dispenser spout to ensure that the water
dispenses into the glass.

2. Remove the glass to stop dispensing.
IMPORTANT: The small tray at the bottom of the dispenser is

designed to catch small spills and allow for easy cleaning. There is no
drain in the tray.

The Ice Dispenser

Ice dispenses from the ice maker storage bin in the freezer when
the dispenser lever is pressed. To turn off the ice maker, see the “Ice
Maker and Storage Bin”.

Your ice maker can produce both crushed and cubed ice. Before
dispensing ice, select which type of ice you prefer by pressing the Ice
Type button.

The display screen indicates which type of ice is selected.

CUBED

3

For crushed ice, cubes are crushed before being dispensed. This
may cause a slight delay when dispensing crushed ice. Noise
from the ice crusher is normal, and pieces of ice may vary in size.
When changing from crushed to cubed, a few ounces of crushed
ice will be dispensed along with the first cubes.

1. Make sure the desired type of ice is selected.

WARNING

Cut Hazard

Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice.

Failure to do so can result in cuts.

2.

Press a sturdy glass against the dispenser lever. Hold the
glass close to the ice guide to ensure that the ice dispenses
into the glass.

IMPORTANT: You do not need to apply a lot of pressure to the
lever in order to activate the ice dispenser. Pressing hard will
not make the ice dispense faster or in greater quantities.

3. Remove the glass to stop dispensing.

A

B

D

C

J 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.

J Do not use anything sharp to break up the ice in the storage

bin. This can cause damage to the ice container and the
dispenser mechanism.

J Do not store anything on top of or in the ice maker or storage

bin.

Turning the Ice Maker On/Off
Style 1

■ To turn on the ice maker, lift open the ice maker door and

lower the wire shutoff arm to the On position

■ To manually turn off the ice maker, lift the wire shutoff arm to

the Off (arm up) position and listen for the click. Ice can still be
dispensed, but no more can be made.

NOTE: Your ice maker has an automatic shutoff to keep the
storage bin from overfilling during normal operation. 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.
Do not force the wire shutoff arm up or down.

Removing and Replacing the Ice Storage Bin

1. Pull the covering panel up from the bottom.

2. Lift the wire shutoff arm so it clicks into the Off (up) position.

3. Lift up the front of the storage bin and pull it out.

4. Replace the bin by pushing it in all the way or the dispenser

will not work.

5. To restart ice production, lower the wire shutoff arm into the

On (down) position. Make sure the door is closed tightly.

A. Water dispenser lever
B. Water dispenser spout

C. Ice dispenser lever
D. Ice guide

The Dispenser Light

When you use the dispenser, the light will automatically turn on.

J If you want the light to be on continuously, press LIGHT.
J Press LIGHT again to turn the dispenser light off.

The dispenser lights are LEDs that cannot be changed. If it
appears that your dispenser lights are not working, see the
“Troubleshooting” section for more information.

The Dispenser Lock

The dispenser can be turned off for easy cleaning or to avoid
unintentional dispensing by small children and pets.

NOTE: The lock feature does not shut off power to the refrigerator,
to the ice maker, or to the dispenser light. It simply deactivates the
controls and dispenser lever. To turn off the ice maker, see the “Ice
Maker and Storage Bin” section.

J Press and hold LOCK for 3 seconds to lock the dispenser.
J Press and hold LOCK a second time to unlock the dispenser.

The display screen indicates when the dispenser is locked.

Ice Maker and Storage Bin

J Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the

first three batches of ice produced.

Style 2

The On/Off switch is located on the bottom of the Ice Maker, can
be accessed by lifting and opening the ice maker door.

J To turn on the ice maker, lift open the ice maker door, flip the

switch to the On (right) position.

J To manually turn off the ice maker, lift open the ice maker

door, flip, the switch to the Off (left) position. Ice can still be
dispensed, but no more can be made.

4

NOTE: Your ice maker has an automatic shutoff to keep the storage

bin from overfilling during normal operation. As ice is made, the ice
cubes will fill the ice storage bin, and the ice cubes will raise the
shutoff arm to the Off (arm up) position. When the storage bin is at
full capacity, the ice maker will automatically stop ice production,
but the ice maker On/Off switch will remain in the On position.

Water Filtration System

3. Take the new filter out of its packaging and remove the covers

from the O-rings. Be sure the O-rings are still in place after the
covers are removed.

4. With the arrow pointing to the left (toward the filter cover door’s

hinge), align the new filter with the filter housing and slide it into
place. The filter cover door will automatically begin to close as
the new filter is inserted.

5. Close the filter cover door completely in order to snap the filter

into place. You may need to press hard.

6. Flush the water system. See the “Water and Ice Dispensers”

section.

Style 2

1. Locate the water filter cover door in the base grille, and pull

open the filter door.

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.

Water Filter Status Light

The filter status light will help you know when to change your
water filter.

J It is recommended that you replace the filter when the status

light changes to red or water flow to your water dispenser or ice
maker decreases noticeably.

NOTE: The filter should be replaced at least every 6 months
depending on your water quality and usage.

Resetting the Filter Status

J After changing the filter, reset the filter status light by pressing

and hold LIGHT and ICE TYPE button for 3 seconds.
The status light will turn off when the system is reset.

Changing the Water Filter

A

A. Water filter cover door

2. Twist the water filter and turn 90 counterclockwise to unlock.

3. Pull the filter out of the housing.

4. Remove the water filter cap from the water filter.

A. Water filter cover door

A

1. Locate the water filter cover door in the base grille, and pull

open the filter door. The filter will be released and then be
ejected as the door is opened.

2. When the door is completely open, pull the filter straight out.

NOTE: There may be some water in the filter. Some spilling may

occur. Use a towel to wipe up any spills.

5. Install the water filter cap onto the new filter. Be sure to align the

arrows so the grooves in the filter align with the ribs in filter cap.

5