whirlpool model wrx986sihz00 manual

The Whirlpool Model WRX986SIHZ00 is a 36-inch French Door Refrigerator with a 26 cu. ft. capacity, featuring an external ice and water dispenser, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, adaptive defrost system, adjustable gallon door bins, LED lighting, temperature management system, and factory-set controls. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Water Line 7. Using the Dispenser 8. Temperature Management 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: French door design with bottom freezer, external ice and water dispenser, adjustable interior shelves and bins, LED lighting, temperature controls, and adaptive defrost system.

Feature	Description
External Dispenser	Provides ice and chilled water through the door
Fingerprint-Resistant Finish	Stainless steel exterior that resists smudges
Adjustable Gallon Door Bins	Accommodates large containers and gallon jugs
Adaptive Defrost System	Optimizes defrost cycles for efficiency
LED Interior Lighting	Energy-efficient lighting for better visibility
Temperature Management	Separate controls for fridge and freezer sections
Ice Maker	Produces ice automatically; can be turned on/off
Door Alarm	Alerts if door is left open for extended period
Power Cord	For connection to standard 120V outlet
Leveling Legs	Adjustable feet for stability on uneven floors

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure location meets clearance requirements.

Position refrigerator: Allow at least 1 inch clearance on sides and back for ventilation.
Level the unit: Adjust front leveling legs using a wrench until refrigerator is stable.
Connect water line (optional): Use a 1/4-inch copper water line kit for ice maker and dispenser.
Plug into dedicated 120V AC outlet.
Allow refrigerator to stabilize for 24 hours before loading food.

WARNING! Refrigerator is heavy; use two people for moving. Ensure floor can support weight.

First-Time Setup

After installation, follow initial setup steps.

Power on refrigerator: Plug in and ensure interior lights turn on.
Set temperatures: Use control panel to set fridge to 37°F (3°C) and freezer to 0°F (-18°C).
Activate ice maker: Lift the ice maker feeler arm to start ice production cycle.
Allow cooling: Let unit run for 24 hours to reach optimal temperatures before adding food.
Dispenser setup: Flush water system by dispensing 2-3 gallons of water to clear lines.

CAUTION! Do not overload shelves. Distribute weight evenly.

Specifications

Model: WRX986SIHZ00
Type: 36-inch French Door Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer
Capacity: 26 cubic feet total (refrigerator: 17.5 cu. ft., freezer: 8.5 cu. ft.)
Finish: Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Dispenser: External ice and water
Defrost System: Adaptive defrost for both compartments
Lighting: LED interior lights
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 6.5 Amps
Dimensions (HxWxD): 69.875" x 35.625" x 34.5"
Weight: 330 lbs

Controls and Settings

Control panel located inside refrigerator on upper right wall.

Controls: TEMPERATURE SETTINGS (fridge and freezer), ICE MAKER ON/OFF, LOCK CONTROLS, FILTER RESET, DOOR ALARM SETTINGS.

Temperature Settings: Use + and - buttons to adjust fridge (34°F to 44°F) and freezer (-5°F to 5°F). Ice Maker Control: Toggle ON/OFF. Control Lock: Press and hold LOCK for 3 seconds to disable panel. Filter Reset: Press and hold FILTER RESET for 3 seconds after replacing water filter. Door Alarm: Can be disabled in settings if door is left open.

Connecting Water Line

For ice maker and water dispenser operation.

Turn off main water supply.
Connect 1/4-inch copper tubing to cold water line using saddle valve or compression fitting.
Route tubing to refrigerator connection at bottom rear.
Connect tubing to refrigerator inlet valve; tighten compression nut.
Turn on water supply and check for leaks.
Flush system by dispensing water for 3 minutes.

Tip: Use manufacturer-approved water line kit. Ensure water pressure is between 30-120 psi.

Using the Dispenser

External dispenser provides ice and chilled water.

Ice: Press glass against ice paddle; select crushed or cubed if equipped.
Water: Press glass against water paddle; hold for continuous flow.
Child Lock: Press and hold LOCK on dispenser panel for 3 seconds to disable.
Filter Indicator: Change water filter every 6 months; reset indicator after replacement.
Cleaning: Wipe dispenser area with soft cloth; clean ice bin monthly.

WARNING! Do not use thin plastic glasses; they may crack. Keep children away from dispenser.

Temperature Management

Optimal settings for food preservation.

Refrigerator: 37°F (3°C) recommended.
Freezer: 0°F (-18°C) recommended.
Allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize after adjustment.
Use built-in thermometer or external thermometer to verify temperatures.
Adaptive defrost runs automatically; no manual defrost required.

Note: Temperature may vary based on room temperature, door openings, and food load.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning interior. Use mild detergent and warm water for surfaces.

Exterior: Wipe with soft cloth and stainless steel cleaner (if applicable).
Interior: Remove shelves and bins; wash with warm soapy water.
Condenser coils: Vacuum every 6 months to maintain efficiency.
Door seals: Clean with mild detergent; check for proper seal.
Ice maker: Empty and clean ice bin monthly.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or sharp objects. Never steam clean.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed; complies with NSF/ANSI 7 for commercial refrigeration safety. Energy Star certified. Manufactured by Whirlpool Corporation. Copyright © Whirlpool Corporation. For support, visit www.whirlpool.com or contact 1-800-253-1301.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Refrigerator not cooling	Power/controls	Ensure unit is plugged in; check circuit breaker; verify temperature settings.
Ice maker not producing ice	Water supply/filler arm	Ensure water line connected; check that ice maker is ON; lift feeler arm.
Water dispenser not working	Filter/line	Replace water filter; check for kinked water line; ensure water supply on.
Excessive frost in freezer	Door seal/temperature	Check door seal for gaps; ensure door closes completely; avoid frequent openings.
Unusual noises	Leveling/objects	Ensure refrigerator is level; check for items touching back wall; condenser fan may be normal.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in to reset control board.

Service: 1-800-253-1301; www.whirlpool.com