This article explains how to turn on a Whirlpool refrigerator and other appliance parts. Learn steps to take to keep the refrigerator functioning optimally.
Table of Contents
How to Turn On a Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker
The ice maker in a Whirlpool refrigerator automatically turns on and off. You do not need to adjust it manually unless it is malfunctioning. If you have to turn it on manually, you will find a wire arm by the side. Move the arm down to get the ice maker in the On position.
Typically, the arm moves down when it is time to make ice, to get the ice maker running. After an ice-making cycle, the arm moves up to keep the ice maker from making more ice. Then, the machine dumps the ice into the storage bin and prepares for another cycle as the arm moves down to turn the machine on again.
Note that some ice makers may have a dedicated power button to control the machine’s functions. If you are unsure, check the user manual to see if your model has such a button. It may be located in a hidden part of the machine and may not be immediately obvious.
How to Turn On a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water
Check the main supply point to turn on the water on a Whirlpool refrigerator. The water to the refrigerator connects to the house’s main cold water supply. You can control how it runs by turning a shut-off supply valve connected under the sink, on the wall behind the refrigerator, or in the basement, depending on the house’s layout.
Locate the valve and ensure it is fully open. If the valve is shut, the water from the refrigerator won’t work. You can turn the valve clockwise to open it or push it; the control depends on the type of valve installed for the water supply. However, check the water line and ensure it is straight if the main water supply valve is open, but the refrigerator does not produce water.
Also, check the Control Lock feature on the control panel. If the lock is active, the refrigerator cannot produce water. Press the Lock button on the panel for a few seconds to turn off the function and turn on the refrigerator water. In addition, ensure the water pressure is high enough to flow through the water line and out of the dispenser. You may need professional assistance to correct issues if the water from your Whirlpool refrigerator does not work.
How to Turn On Door Alarm on a Whirlpool Refrigerator
The door alarm feature on a Whirlpool refrigerator is typically an automatic process. Once the door is open for a specific number of minutes, the alarm becomes active and beeps. However, some Whirlpool refrigerator models have a dedicated door alarm button, including the French door bottom refrigerator models.
The button allows you to turn on the alarm or turn it off. Press the button once to turn on the door alarm and once to turn it off. If there is no button for the alarm or your model is not the type with a dedicated button, consult the user manual for steps to turn on the door alarm. Another method to try is to leave the refrigerator door open for about five minutes or more.
When the door is open for up to five minutes consecutively, the door alarm becomes active and chimes every couple of seconds. Therefore, opening the door may reactivate it if it seems not to be working. Otherwise, your Whirlpool refrigerator needs service. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center for assistance.
Important Note
Consider resetting the refrigerator’s control board if the door alarm does not seem to be working. Unplug the appliance for about ten minutes and plug it back into the wall outlet. The door alarm should begin working if it is an error with the main control board. Otherwise, the alarm problem may require replacing the control board.
How to Turn On a Whirlpool Freezer
You must correctly position the freezer in the part of the house where you want it. If it takes time to transport the appliance to your house, it is best to allow it to stand for about an hour before powering it. To turn it on, connect the power cord to a dedicated wall outlet and ensure the outlet is working. The freezer should start working at this point.
If it is not a new installation, but you need to turn it on after a power outage, consult the user manual for instructions. Some freezer models do not automatically resume working after an outage, and you must manually turn them on. For some, there is a button to press and hold for about three seconds to activate the freezer. Others may have a more complex method.
Set the temperature control after turning the appliance on; there are instructions in the user manual. There is usually a control knob to adjust if you want to make the freezer colder or warmer. The higher the number, the colder the temperature, but it is always best to set it at mid-point for optimum results.
The mid-point keeps the freezer at or near 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -17.8 degrees Celsius. Give the appliance about eight hours of operating time to cool properly before putting food in it. And do not overstock the freezer to allow for correct cold air circulation. Otherwise, there may be cooling issues.
Some Whirlpool refrigeration models have a dedicated button to turn the refrigerator and freezer on and off. You will find the power button on the control panel. If your appliance features both a refrigerator and freezer, it means you may be unable to turn off only the freezer without turning off the refrigerator. However, you can turn off the temperature in the freezer to stop the cooling function.
Check out these other articles…
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice [Problems & Solutions]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispensing [Issues & Solutions]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser [Issues, Solutions & Guide]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Running…[Problems Solved]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Starting [Issues, Solutions & Guide]
How to Turn On the Cooling Function on a Whirlpool Refrigerator
There are several ways to turn on the cooling function on a Whirlpool refrigerator. Some newer models have a button that controls the function, and you have to press and hold it for about three seconds to turn it on or off. The button is usually on the control panel, marked Cooling On/Off, but you can check your user manual for other locations for your specific model. The refrigerator’s LED, which was previously lighted, should go off when you turn on the cooling function.
But if your refrigerator model does not have a Cooling On/Off button, use the Measured Fill and Lock buttons. Press both buttons at the same time to activate the function. You can also use the Filter and Smart Grid buttons if your model does not have the Measured Fill and Lock buttons. Follow the same steps; press and hold both buttons simultaneously for about three seconds.
Press them at exactly the same time, so you do not lock the water or ice dispenser. The display should show Cooling On if successful. Another method is to press the Fast Ice and Lock buttons simultaneously for three seconds. Cooling Off should show on the control panel’s display, flash seven times, and go off. Then, you know the cooling function is active.
If none of the above methods apply to your refrigerator model, use the Refrigerator Temp and Freezer Temp buttons for the same purpose. Press both buttons and hold them for three seconds to turn on the cooling function. Alternatively, use the Filter and Lock buttons to turn on the function. However, check your user manual if the above combinations do not apply to your unit.
How to Turn On a Whirlpool Refrigerator
Check to see if your model has a power button that allows you to turn it on, especially after a power outage. Some units may not automatically resume operations if there is a power interruption; you will need to do it manually. Consult the user manual or search for it online if you no longer have a hard copy.
Alternatively, turn off the cooling function to keep the refrigerator from working. The light and dispenser will work, but the refrigerator will not cool or produce cold water and ice. Follow this guide to turn off the cooling function, or consult the appliance’s user manual for further instructions.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Turning On – What to Do
If you find that your Whirlpool refrigerator is not turning on, check the power connection. This is especially needed if the refrigerator light is not working as well. The circuit breaker may be tripped, which means there is no electricity supply to the appliance. Locate the breaker controlling the refrigerator and see if it is tripped. Turn it on and check the appliance. If it is still not turning on, there may be a damaged fuse that requires a replacement.
Also, check the refrigerator’s power cord and the wall outlet to which it connects. The power cord may be loose, or the outlet may be malfunctioning. However, the refrigerator may have a defective component if the power issue is not the problem. Check out this article on a Whirlpool refrigerator not working to fix this problem permanently. Alternatively, hire a qualified appliance technician for further assistance.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Won’t Turn On After Power Outage – Quick Fix
Ensure you confirm the power outage by pressing any button on the control panel. The refrigerator should beep to alert you to the outage and may not work until you confirm it. If that is not the case, consider resetting the unit.
You may want to check the breaker and power outlet if the reset does not work. The final solution may be to troubleshoot internal components and find any faulty ones, which a qualified appliance technician should perform. This article guides you on steps to take to fix a faulty refrigerator after a power outage.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.