If you have a Whirlpool fridge with a frost-free freezer, you may not have to worry about defrosting it manually. Most Whirlpool fridges have an automatic defrost mode that melts the frost on the evaporator coils periodically and drains the water through a tube.
However, sometimes the automatic defrost mode may not work properly due to a faulty component or a power outage. This can cause ice to build up on the coils and block the airflow, resulting in poor cooling performance and increased energy consumption.
In this blog post, we will show you how to put your Whirlpool fridge into defrost mode manually and troubleshoot some common problems with the automatic defrost mode. Read on to learn more!
To put your Whirlpool fridge into defrost mode manually, you need to locate the defrost timer or the forced defrost button on your fridge and activate it. The location and shape of the timer or button may vary depending on the model and type of your fridge.
How to locate the defrost timer or the forced defrost button
The first step to put your Whirlpool fridge into defrost mode manually is to find the defrost timer or the forced defrost button on your fridge. The defrost timer is a device that controls the frequency and duration of the defrost cycles. The forced defrost button is a feature that allows you to initiate a defrost cycle on demand.
The location and shape of the timer or button may vary depending on the type and model of your fridge. Here are some common places where you can find them:
- On some older models, the defrost timer is located behind the kick plate at the bottom of the fridge or behind a panel on the back of the fridge. It may look like a small box with a dial or a screwdriver slot.
- On some newer models, the defrost timer is located inside the refrigerator compartment, behind a panel on the top right corner of the fridge. It may look like a small circuit board with wires attached to it.
- On some models, there is no physical timer or button, but instead a digital control interface that allows you to enter a specific sequence of keystrokes to activate the defrost mode.
How to put your Whirlpool fridge into defrost mode manually
Once you have located the defrost timer or the forced defrost button, follow these steps to put your Whirlpool fridge into defrost mode manually:
- Unplug your fridge from the power supply and remove any food items from the freezer compartment.
- If your fridge has a defrost timer, turn it clockwise with a flathead screwdriver or your fingers until you hear a click. This means that you have entered the defrost mode. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity between two terminals on the timer. If there is continuity, it means that you are in the defrost mode.
- If your fridge has a forced defrost button, press and hold it for three seconds or until you hear a beep. This means that you have entered the defrost mode. You can also check for voltage between two terminals on the button. If there is voltage, it means that you are in the defrost mode.
- If your fridge has a digital control interface, open the refrigerator door or doors and press and hold the door switch or switches until the display goes blank. Then press the refrigerator temperature (-) button three times in 10 seconds and release the door switches. The display should show “F” and “D” (Forced Defrost). Press the refrigerator (-) button one more time to confirm that this is what you want to do. The display should show “S” (Short) or “L” (Long). You can switch between short and long cycles with the refrigerator (+) button. Press the refrigerator (-) button again to start the defrost cycle. The display will go back to its original settings and you can close the door.
- Wait for about 20 to 30 minutes for the defrost cycle to complete. You should hear some hissing or sizzling sounds as the ice melts and drips onto the heater. You should also see some water coming out of the drain tube at the back of the fridge.
- Plug your fridge back into the power supply and reload your food items into the freezer compartment.
How to troubleshoot some common problems with the automatic defrost mode
Sometimes, your Whirlpool fridge may not enter or complete the automatic defrost mode due to a faulty component or a power outage. This can cause ice to build up on the coils and block the airflow, resulting in poor cooling performance and increased energy consumption.
To troubleshoot some common problems with the automatic defrost mode, follow these steps:
- Check if there is any frost or ice on the back wall of your freezer compartment. If there is, it means that your fridge is not defrosting properly and you may need to put it into defrost mode manually as described above.
- Check if there is any water leaking from your fridge or pooling under it. If there is, it means that your drain tube is clogged or frozen and you may need to clear it with a turkey baster or a hair dryer.
- Check if there is any continuity or voltage between the terminals of the defrost thermostat, the defrost heater and the defrost timer or button. If there is no continuity or voltage, it means that one of these components is defective and you may need to replace it.
FAQs
Q: How often does my Whirlpool fridge enter the automatic defrost mode?
A: The frequency and duration of the automatic defrost mode depend on the model and type of your Whirlpool fridge. Generally, most Whirlpool fridges enter the automatic defrost mode every 8 to 10 hours of compressor run time and last for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Q: How do I know if my Whirlpool fridge is in the automatic defrost mode?
A: You can tell if your Whirlpool fridge is in the automatic defrost mode by observing some signs, such as:
- The compressor and the fan are not running
- The interior lights are on
- The display shows “d” or “def” (Defrost)
- You hear some hissing or sizzling sounds from the freezer
- You see some water coming out of the drain tube at the back of the fridge
Q: How do I prevent ice build up on my Whirlpool fridge?
A: You can prevent ice build up on your Whirlpool fridge by following some tips, such as:
- Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible and avoid opening it frequently or leaving it open for too long
- Check the door gasket for any cracks, tears or gaps and replace it if necessary
- Avoid putting hot or moist food items into the freezer
- Adjust the temperature settings of your fridge and freezer according to your needs and preferences
- Replace your water filter regularly and flush your water system after filter installation or replacement
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped you understand how to put your Whirlpool fridge into defrost mode manually and troubleshoot some common problems with the automatic defrost mode. By following these steps, you can keep your fridge running smoothly and efficiently.
If you need more help or advice, feel free to contact us at PressToCook.com. We are experts in kitchen appliances and food safety, and we can help you with any questions or issues you may have. Thanks for reading!
