Whirlpool Model WRX988SIBM00 Manual

The Whirlpool Model WRX988SIBM00 is a 36-inch French Door Refrigerator with 28 cubic feet capacity, featuring external ice and water dispenser, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, adaptive defrost, dual cooling systems, adjustable gallon door bins, humidity-controlled crispers, LED lighting, and energy-efficient design. 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 doors with external dispenser, adjustable interior shelves, dual evaporators, ice maker, water filter, and electronic controls.

Feature	Description
External Ice & Water Dispenser	Provides crushed ice, cubed ice, and filtered water
Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel	Easy-to-clean exterior finish
Adaptive Defrost System	Reduces energy consumption by optimizing defrost cycles
Dual Cooling Systems	Separate cooling for fridge and freezer compartments
Adjustable Gallon Door Bins	Accommodates large containers and gallon jugs
Humidity-Controlled Crispers	Preserves freshness of fruits and vegetables
LED Interior Lighting	Energy-efficient, bright illumination
Ice Maker	Produces ice automatically; includes ice bucket
Water Filtration System	Reduces contaminants; filter indicator light
Electronic Controls	Touchpad interface for temperature and settings

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper location with adequate clearance.

Position refrigerator: Allow 2 inches clearance at back and sides for ventilation.
Level the unit: Adjust front leveling legs using a wrench.
Connect water supply: Use 1/4-inch copper tubing or approved water line.
Plug into dedicated 120V AC, 60Hz outlet.
Remove shipping materials from interior and doors.

WARNING! Refrigerator is heavy; use two people for moving. Ensure water line connections are secure to prevent leaks.

First-Time Setup

Power on refrigerator; allow 24 hours for cooling stabilization.

Set temperatures: Use touchpad to set fridge to 37°F and freezer to 0°F.
Activate ice maker: Lift wire signal arm to ON position.
Flush water system: Dispense 2-3 gallons of water to clear air and particles.
Install water filter: Insert filter and run water for 5 minutes.
Adjust shelves and bins: Configure interior layout as needed.

CAUTION! Do not overload shelves. Allow space for air circulation.

Specifications

Model: WRX988SIBM00
Type: 36-inch French Door Refrigerator
Capacity: 28 cubic feet total (19.5 cu ft fridge, 8.5 cu ft freezer)
Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
Dispenser: Ice and water through door
Cooling System: Dual evaporators, adaptive defrost
Shelving: Adjustable tempered glass shelves
Lighting: LED interior lights
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 6.5 amps
Water Filter: EveryDrop™ Filter EDR1RXD1 (replaces every 6 months)
Dimensions (HxWxD): 70" x 35.75" x 34.5"

Controls and Settings

Access controls via touchpad on dispenser panel.

Touchpad Functions: LOCK (child lock), TEMPERATURE SETTINGS (fridge/freezer), FILTER RESET, ICE TYPE (cubed/crushed), LIGHTING CONTROL, DIAGNOSTIC MODE.

Temperature Settings: Fridge (34-46°F), Freezer (-6 to 6°F). Dispenser Options: Water, Cubed Ice, Crushed Ice. Filter Indicator: Flashes when replacement needed; press and hold FILTER RESET for 3 seconds after replacement. Child Lock: Press and hold LOCK for 3 seconds to enable/disable. Diagnostic Mode: Press specific sequence for service codes.

Connecting Water Line

Required for ice maker and water dispenser functionality.

Turn off main water supply.
Connect water line to cold water pipe using saddle valve or tee fitting.
Route 1/4-inch line to refrigerator connection at bottom rear.
Connect line to refrigerator inlet valve; tighten compression nut.
Turn on water supply; check for leaks at all connections.

Tip: Use copper or plastic tubing rated for drinking water. Avoid kinks in line.

Using the Dispenser

Provides filtered water and ice through door panel.

Select option: Press WATER, CUBED ICE, or CRUSHED ICE pad.
Activate dispenser: Press lever with cup or container.
Adjust ice size: Use ICE TYPE to switch between cubed and crushed.
Clean dispenser area: Wipe with damp cloth; no harsh chemicals.
Replace water filter: When indicator light flashes, twist old filter out and new filter in.

WARNING! Do not use with containers taller than indicated fill height. Keep children away from dispenser lever.

Temperature Management

Optimal temperatures ensure food safety and efficiency.

Recommended Settings: Fridge 37°F, Freezer 0°F. Adjust via touchpad. Adaptive Defrost: System automatically determines defrost timing based on usage. Dual Cooling: Maintains separate humidity and temperature for fridge and freezer. Crisper Humidity Controls: Slide vents to HIGH for vegetables, LOW for fruits. Door Alarm: Sounds if door left open >5 minutes.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning interior. Use mild soap and water; avoid abrasives.

Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth; use stainless steel cleaner for shine.
Interior: Remove shelves and bins; wash with warm soapy water.
Dispenser: Clean with vinegar solution to remove mineral deposits.
Condenser coils: Vacuum every 6 months (located at rear or bottom front).
Door seals: Wipe with damp cloth to maintain seal integrity.

CAUTION! Do not use sharp objects to remove ice. Never steam clean.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed; complies with NSF/ANSI standards for food equipment. Energy Star® certified. Copyright © Whirlpool Corporation. For support, visit www.whirlpool.com or contact 1-800-253-1301. Model WRX988SIBM00 manufactured under license.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Dispenser not working	Water supply/filter	Check water line connection; replace water filter; ensure child lock is off.
Ice maker not producing ice	Signal arm/temperature	Ensure signal arm is down; freezer temperature must be ≤ 10°F; allow 24 hours.
Refrigerator not cooling	Power/ventilation	Check power connection; ensure vents not blocked; clean condenser coils.
Water leaking on floor	Line connections/defrost	Tighten water line connections; check defrost drain for clog.
Excessive frost in freezer	Door seal/usage	Check door seal for gaps; avoid frequent door openings; ensure items not blocking vents.
Unusual noises	Leveling/fan	Level refrigerator; check for items touching rear wall; ensure evaporator fan is clear.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then reconnect to reset electronic controls.

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