The Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ00 is a 36-inch French Door Refrigerator with a capacity of 26.2 cubic feet, featuring dual evaporators, external ice and water dispenser, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, adaptive defrost, LED lighting, and electronic temperature controls. This service manual provides essential information for qualified technicians regarding safety procedures, technical specifications, component locations, diagnostics, disassembly/assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, diagnostics, parts, and repair procedures.
This section outlines critical safety warnings for technicians to prevent injury, electric shock, or damage to the appliance during service.
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Electrical Shock | Disconnect power before servicing. Verify power is off with a voltmeter. |
| Refrigerant Handling | Use EPA-certified recovery equipment. Avoid open flames; refrigerant can produce toxic gas. |
| Sharp Edges | Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling evaporator coils, sheet metal, or fasteners. |
| Heavy Components | Use proper lifting techniques or a helper when removing doors, compressors, or condensers. |
| Moving Parts | Ensure all fans are stopped before reaching into compartments. |
WARNING! Only qualified personnel familiar with refrigeration systems and electrical safety should perform service. Follow all local codes.
Key technical data and standard features of the WRX986SIHZ00 model.
Proper installation is critical for performance and safety. Verify all steps before powering the unit.
CAUTION! Incorrect leveling can prevent doors from sealing, leading to condensation and compressor overwork.
Identification of major serviceable components and their access panels.
| Component | Location / Access Method |
|---|---|
| Main Control Board | Behind the top grille. Remove screws securing grille. |
| User Interface Board | Integrated into the external dispenser control panel. |
| Compressor & Relay | Bottom rear, behind the kickplate. Remove kickplate screws. |
| Evaporator Fans & Coils | Fresh Food: Rear panel inside fridge compartment. Freezer: Behind rear interior panel. |
| Condenser Fan & Coil | Bottom rear, behind the lower back panel. Ensure power is disconnected. |
| Water Inlet Valve | Bottom left rear, behind the access panel. |
| Ice Maker Assembly | Upper left of the freezer compartment. |
| Temperature Sensors | Various locations: Fresh food evaporator, freezer evaporator, damper area, ambient air. |
Overview of the electronic control system, diagnostic modes, and user settings.
Control Board: The main board manages compressor cycles, defrost, fan operation, and communicates with the user interface.
User Interface (Dispenser Panel): Controls include: - Temperature Setpoints (Fresh Food & Freezer) - Filter Reset Indicator - Ice Maker On/Off - Sabbath Mode - Diagnostic Mode Entry
Entering Diagnostic Mode: 1. Press and hold "Light" and "Ice Type" buttons on the dispenser panel for 3 seconds. 2. Display will show test codes. Use "Temp Up/Down" to scroll through tests (e.g., Compressor Relay, Fans, Valve). 3. Press "Lock" button to exit.
Factory Reset: Disconnect power for 5 minutes, then reconnect.
Step-by-step instructions for accessing key components. Always disconnect power first.
Tip: Take photos during disassembly to aid reassembly. Keep screws organized.
Reference wiring schematic (not shown in text manual; included in full PDF). Key electrical components:
Testing Components: Use a multimeter to check continuity and resistance. Refer to component-specific resistance values in the full diagram.
Details on the sealed system using R-600a refrigerant.
Dual Evaporator System: Separate cooling loops for the fresh food and freezer compartments improve humidity control and efficiency.
Key Components: - Compressor (Variable Speed or On/Off) - Condenser Coil - Capillary Tubes/Expansion Devices - Fresh Food Evaporator Coil - Freezer Evaporator Coil - Filter-Drier
Service Ports: This model may have service access valves. Always recover refrigerant before opening the system. Charge with specified amount of R-600a (weight-critical, typically ~2.0 oz).
WARNING! R-600a is flammable. No brazing on a charged system. Evacuate system thoroughly before recharging.
Common error codes displayed or indicated by flashing lights.
| Code / Symptom | Description | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| FF / F1 (Flashing) | Fresh Food Temperature Sensor Fault | Open/short in sensor or wiring. Check thermistor resistance. |
| FF / F2 (Flashing) | Freezer Temperature Sensor Fault | Open/short in sensor or wiring. |
| FF / F3 (Flashing) | Ambient Temperature Sensor Fault | Sensor failure near control board. |
| Compressor not running | No cooling | Check power, relay, overload, control board output. |
| Continuous running | Poor cooling | Low refrigerant, dirty condenser, faulty damper, door seal leak. |
| Ice maker not working | No ice production | Water supply, inlet valve, ice maker assembly, temperature too warm. |
Structured approach to common problems.
Problem: Refrigerator not cooling. 1. Check power: Is unit plugged in? Display lit? 2. Listen: Is compressor running? Are fans running? 3. Check diagnostics: Enter diagnostic mode for error codes. 4. If compressor runs but no cool: Check condenser (clean?), evaporator fans, sealed system. 5. If compressor does not run: Check relay, overload, control board output.
Problem: Water dispenser not working. 1. Check water supply: Is shut-off valve open? Line kinked? 2. Check filter: Is it installed? Is it clogged? Reset filter indicator. 3. Listen for valve: Press dispenser paddle; do you hear a click? 4. Test valve: Use diagnostics to activate valve. Check for voltage. 5. Check for frozen water line in freezer compartment.
Reference for ordering replacement parts. Key part numbers (example prefixes: WPY, WPW, W).
Note: Always verify the exact part number using the model's serial number and the official Whirlpool parts website or catalog.
Service Contact: For technical support or to order genuine parts, contact Whirlpool at 1-800-253-1301 or visit www.whirlpoolparts.com.