Whirlpool Refrigerator Modes [Detailed Guide]

Refrigerators have different modes that allow you to use functions. Some Whirlpool refrigerator modes are unique, and this article explains each one in detail.

Whirlpool refrigerator modes

Whirlpool Intellifresh Refrigerator Convert Mode – What It Means

The convert mode in a Whirlpool Intellifresh refrigerator model allows you to turn the freezer into a refrigerator. All you have to do is to press a button on the control panel to convert the refrigerator. Sometimes, you may need more refrigerating space to store food without freezing it. So, there is the option of converting the freezer into a refrigerator to create more storage space. 

Another advantage of this mode is that it can help you conserve energy, especially if you need to travel without turning off the refrigerator. The compressor does not have to run so much in this mode. It does not reduce the refrigerator’s efficiency or performance, even if there is a power outage. 

In addition, there is an option of five modes while the freezer is working as a refrigerator. The modes are deep freeze, chef, all-season, party, and dessert. In other words, the refrigerator remains functioning even for storing food for freezing without affecting other contents. It handles all storage needs.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Diagnostic Mode – How to Use

To put a Whirlpool refrigerator in diagnostic mode, open the door of the refrigerator and find the door switch. It may be on the ceiling or one side of the internal frame. It depends on the model, but the door switch must be in a position where the door can activate or deactivate it whenever you open or close it.

Press the switch and while holding it, press the refrigerator temperature up button three times in quick succession before releasing the switch. When you do this, you should see ‘S’ on the freezer’s display, while ‘E’ appears on the refrigerator’s display. Press the refrigerator temperature down button again to confirm you want to put the refrigerator in service or diagnostic mode.

The display should show numbers for about three seconds, representing the refrigerator’s software version. After the software version disappears, the freezer’s display should show 1, while the refrigerator’s display should be blank. This indicates the refrigerator is in diagnostic mode; you can troubleshoot different parts and find solutions.

It is crucial to consult the user manual for specific steps to enter the diagnostic mode in your Whirlpool refrigerator mode if these steps do not exactly apply. If you no longer have the manual or there are no clear steps, contact the Whirlpool Service Center for further assistance.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Modes – Defrost Mode

The defrost mode in a Whirlpool refrigerator is usually automatic. Not all refrigerators have an automatic defrost mode, but most newer models can go into a defrost cycle at certain times of the day. The defrost mode ensures the evaporator coils never freeze; the defrost heater turns on when the defrost timer advances the system into the defrost mode and warms the coils when they reach a preset temperature.

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But if your Whirlpool refrigerator does not have an automatic defrost system and there is an ice buildup, you can manually defrost it. Follow the steps in this article on defrosting a Whirlpool refrigerator and ensure you determine the reason for the ice buildup afterward. It may be due to a weak door gasket, dirt on the evaporator, or low refrigerant. You may want to hire a technician to troubleshoot further, especially if you suspect a leak in the sealed system.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Demo Mode – How to Use

The demo or showroom mode in a Whirlpool refrigerator turns off all the functions of the control panel and dispensers. Only the internal lights work, and retail stores use this mode to display refrigerators for sale. The installers can disable the demo mode once you purchase a refrigerator or wait until it is fully installed in your home before disabling it.

Another option is to disable the mode yourself. The refrigerator’s owner manual has instructions on how to do it. But if you cannot find the instructions in the manual or accidentally put the refrigerator in demo mode and do not have the manual, follow the instructions in this section to disable it. You will also find instructions on how to enable the demo mode if you choose to use it.

Here are instructions for entering and exiting the demo mode in different Whirlpool refrigerator models…

Models WRS970CID, WRS973CID, WRS975SID, WRX735SDH, WRS571CIH, WRS588FIH, WRX986SIH, WRF997SDD, WRV976FDE, WRV986FDE, WRV996FDE

Press the Light and Lock buttons simultaneously and hold them for about three seconds. The control panel’s display should count down from three to one, and once done, the refrigerator is in demo mode.

Models WRF555SDF and WRF555SDH

Press the Fast Cool and Light buttons and hold them at the same time for about three seconds. Check the control panel; when it counts from three to one, you know the refrigerator has entered demo mode.

Model WRF560SE

Press the freezer and refrigerator temp buttons simultaneously and hold them for about three seconds. The control panel’s display should show a countdown from three to one, and once done, the refrigerator enters the demo or showroom mode.

Models WRF992FIF and WRF993FIF

Check inside the refrigerator for the LED display inside the top console. You will find the refrigerator and freezer buttons; press and hold them until the display shows a countdown from three to one. After that, the refrigerator enters demo or showroom mode.

Models WRF757SDE and WRF767SDE

Press the Lock and Light buttons and hold them at the same time for about three seconds. Check the display on the control panel, and you will see a countdown from three to one. Once the countdown completes, the refrigerator goes into demo mode.

Models WRF953CIH, WRF954CIH, and WRF972SIH

These models have their buttons on the left-side door. Open the door and check the frame; locate the F/C and Drawer buttons and press them at the same time. Hold them for about three seconds, and the control panel should begin to count down. Once the control panel counts down from three seconds to one second, the display should show Showroom to indicate the refrigerator is in demo mode.

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Model WRF550CDH

Locate the Cooling On/Off button on the control panel and press it. Hold the button for three seconds, and the LED should illuminate to show that the cooling function is off. That way, the refrigerator can function in demo mode. Press the same button again to turn on the cooling function.

Models WRS331SDH, WRS335SDH, WRS555SIH, WRS315SDH, WRS321SDH, and WRS325SDH

Press the refrigerator temp and freezer temp buttons simultaneously. Hold them for about five seconds, and the temperature lights should sequentially blink. Once this happens, you know the refrigerator is in demo mode. Disconnect the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait about two minutes, and reconnect it if it does not enter the demo mode after these steps. Then, try again.

Model WRS586FIE

Locate the Filter and Lock buttons on the control panel. Press and hold them for about three seconds, and Cooling Off should appear on the screen. That means the cooling function is inactive, and the refrigerator is in demo mode.

Models WRT108FZD, WRT138FZD, WRT318FZD, WRT318FMD, WSR57R18D, WRT348FME, WRT518SZF, WRT549SZD, WSZ57L18D

Locate the Setting temperature button on the controls and press it. You will find the button on the left-hand side of the control panel. Hold it for about four seconds, and all the lights should illuminate for a second before going off. The cooling function goes off, and the refrigerator enters demo mode at this point.

Models WRS312SNH and WRS315SNH

Press the Temp Setting button until it reaches the maximum point (MAX). Next, locate the door switch and press it to activate and simulate a closed door. Then, press the Temp Setting button again and hold it for about three seconds. The refrigerator will enter the Showroom or demo mode as the user interface shows showroom animation.

Models WRB119WFB, WRB322DMH, WRB322DMB, WRB329DMB, WRF532SMH, WRF535SMH. WRF535SWH, WRF540CWH

Use either the refrigerator temperature button or the freezer temperature button; whichever you choose, turn it to the lowest point. When you see a temperature line on that section’s display, you know the cooling function is off, and the refrigerator is in demo mode.

Model WRF560SMH

Press the Moisture and Fast Cool buttons simultaneously and hold them for about three seconds. The cooling function should go off after three seconds elapse as the refrigerator goes into demo mode.

Models WRT134TFD, WRT104TFD, WRT106TFD, WRT314TFD, WRT316SFD, and WRT111SFD

These models have dials to control the temperature settings. Locate the dial in each refrigerator model and turn it to the left until it reaches 0 or Off. The cooling function becomes inactive, and the refrigerator should be in demo mode.

Models WRT311FZD, WRT511SZD, WRT519SZD, WRT541SZD, and WRT541SZH

Locate the temperature dial inside the refrigerator and turn it to the right. Keep turning it until Off appears in the center of the dial. That indicates that the refrigerator’s cooling function is off, and the unit should be in demo mode.

Note: If your Whirlpool refrigerator demo mode is off, use the same combinations of buttons to turn it on again. The same applies if you want to turn the mode off.

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Whirlpool Refrigerator Stuck in Defrost Mode – What to Do

Only a WHirlpool refrigerator with an automatic defrost system can have its defrost function stuck. And if that happens, check the components of the defrost system: defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and the defrost control board.

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The most probable cause of the refrigerator being stuck in the defrost mode is a faulty defrost timer. The timer is responsible for advancing the defrost system in and out of a cycle. So, check the timer’s functionality if your Whirlpool refrigerator is stuck in the defrost mode. Locate the timer behind the front bottom tor grille or inside the refrigerator.

Manually turn the timer to try advancing the refrigerator out of the defrost mode. It usually goes in one direction, so use a small screwdriver to turn it. If the compressor and fans turn on and the refrigerator begins cooling, the timer needs a replacement. The same applies if the refrigerator does not start cooling or the system fails to advance out of the defrost mode when you turn the timer.

Check Other Components

But if the defrost timer is not faulty, you may want to check the defrost heater and thermostat. Use a multimeter to test the heater to check for continuity. The same applies to the thermostat; place the meter’s test probes on the terminals of the heater or thermostat. If you find no continuity, replace the heater or thermostat.

The thermostat must close contacts to allow voltage to flow to the heater. When the evaporator coils are warm enough, according to a preset temperature, the thermostat opens contacts to cut off power to the heater. If the thermostat fails to work, the heater may not turn off, and the refrigerator remains stuck in defrost mode.

Another part to check is the defrost control board. It governs the functions of the defrost system, and the timer may fail to work if the control board malfunctions. However, ensure other components are in good working condition before testing or replacing the control board. The reason is that most control boards are easily misdiagnosed and may be expensive to replace.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Cooling Off Mode – What It Means

In the Cooling Off mode, a Whirlpool refrigerator stops cooling. The display shows Cooling Off to alert you that the refrigerator is not cooling. How you turn the cooling function on depends on the model, but if the refrigerator has Measured Fill and Lock buttons, press both simultaneously to turn on the function. 

You may need to turn it manually after a power outage for some models. Check the user manual for specific steps to fix your model’s cooling function issue. In some cases, the refrigerator may be in demo or Showroom mode. Use the guide in this article or check the user manual for steps to exit the mode if it applies.

How to Turn Off Sabbath Mode on a Whirlpool Refrigerator

You must consult the user manual for your specific Whirlpool refrigerator model if you want to deactivate the Sabbath mode. No particular combination of buttons applies across all models; each model has a unique button combination for exiting the Sabbath mode. 

If the manual is no longer available or the combination does not work, you may want to contact Whirlpool to report the issue and request service. An independent appliance technician may also help you fix the problem.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Vacation Mode – How to Use

The Vacation mode on a Whirlpool refrigerator works best when you will not use the appliance for several days and need to reduce energy consumption. Not all Whirlpool refrigerator models have this mode, but if your model has the feature, check the user manual for steps to activate or deactivate it. 

However, there is usually a dedicated button marked Vacation Mode on the controls to press and activate the feature in some models. When active, the temperature display changes to ‘-’, and the icon for vacation mode appears on the screen. Press the same button or the refrigerator temperature button once to restore the refrigerator to its normal settings.

Note: Do not use the vacation mode if you have perishable food in the refrigerator. Move it to the freezer section for proper storage because the refrigerator temperature rises when in this mode.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Forced Defrost Mode – How to Use

If your Whirlpool refrigerator seems not to be automatically advancing into the defrost mode, you can try exiting using the forced defrost mode. Check out this article for steps to advance the unit into the mode. If that does not work, check the user manual or contact Whirlpool for further assistance.

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