Did you encounter an issue with your Westinghouse fridge?
If so, your problem might be fixed with a simple reset.
And here’s another piece of good news…
It’s pretty easy and you can do it within only 29 seconds.
How?
Keep reading to learn:
- The ideal temperature for your Westinghouse fridge.
- 7 steps to reset a Westinghouse fridge in 29 seconds.
- When you should do this in your Westinghouse refrigerator.
- The answer to, “Is there a reset button on a Westinghouse fridge?”
- And many more…
How to reset a Westinghouse fridge?
To reset a Westinghouse fridge, unplug it from its power source first. After 10 minutes, put its cord back into the outlet. And then, ensure that your unit is set at the ideal temperature. Generally, it’s 0°F (-18°C) for freezers and 37.4°F (3°C) for refrigerators. Then, wait for it to fully adjust.
7 steps to reset a Westinghouse fridge
#1: Disconnect your fridge from its power source
If you want to restart your whole fridge, you need to reset its ‘heart’ or compressor.
But Westinghouse refrigerators don’t have a dedicated button for this.
However…
There are reboot switches for the door alarm and water filter.
So, the easiest way to reset your fridge is by simply unplugging its cord from the outlet. Or by switching its circuit breaker off.
By doing this, you’ll force reboot your unit. And this may help clear some of its issues.
Say, if it’s not cooling properly. As well as if your ice maker isn’t working.
Reading tip: 9 Things To Do When Your Smart Fridge Isn’t Cooling (DIY)
#2: Let your fridge rest for a while
After removing the power from your unit, wait for about 10 minutes.
Usually, this is enough time for your fridge to rest. And also, to clear its system.
Next…
#3: Reconnect your fridge
Once the 10 minutes is up, it’s now time to connect your fridge to its power supply.
You can either plug your unit back into its wall outlet or turn its circuit breaker on.
And then…
#4: Set your fridge’s temperature
Did your unit turn on successfully?
If so, it isn’t the last step.
To make sure that it’ll work properly, you also need to check its temperature first. Then adjust it if needed.
You can change this on your Westinghouse fridge’s panel. But if you have a manual at home, you may also check it to be sure.
“What temperature should a Westinghouse fridge be set at?”
Here’s what I got from their manual:
| Refrigerator type | Part | Ideal temperature |
| Top Mount | Refrigerator | Mid |
| Freezer | Mid | |
| Bottom Mount/French Door | Refrigerator | 37.4°F (3°C) |
| Freezer | 0°F (-18°C) | |
| All Refrigerator | – | Mid |
| All Freezer | – | 0°F (-18°C) |
Don’t forget to check out: 15 Refrigerator Do’s And Don’ts (Avoid #7 At All Times)
#5: Give your fridge some time to stabilize
Once you’ve set your unit at the right temperature…
Wait for it to fully stabilize.
“How long should I wait?”
This process normally takes up to 24 hours.
So, check your fridge once again after a whole day. And avoid expecting results right away.
From steps #1 to #5 (excluding the waiting time), you can reset your Westinghouse fridge in 29 seconds or less.
But if this didn’t fix your refrigerator issues…
Try the extra steps below.
#6: Unplug your fridge a little bit longer
What problem does your Westinghouse fridge have?
If it still persists after the reset, try leaving your unit unplugged for a longer time. Say, let it rest for up to 40 minutes.
“Do I need to remove all the contents of my fridge?”
According to the CDC, you don’t need to worry about it if you have to turn your fridge off for 40 minutes.
Your items will be safe inside for 4 hours. But as long as your refrigerator and freezer doors are closed.
However…
If the reset has been taking so long, you may need to take some action.
- Get a cooler or ice chest.
- Take out the goods from your fridge.
- Layer the items using this rule: freezer goods > fridge items > freezer goods > and so on.
Do this to keep all your items cool and fresh while waiting for your fridge to reset.
#7: Find and turn its defrost timer switch
Did your Westinghouse fridge suddenly stop working?
So now, you’re looking for a way to reset it?
If this is the case, this trick might work.
Look for the defrost timer switch in your unit. Then turn the dial to the left to switch on your fridge.
“What is a defrost timer and where can I find it?”
A defrost timer regulates the ice build-up inside a refrigerator.
So its job is to turn the heater on at least once a day to thaw any frost. And also, to prevent your unit from accumulating so much.
The timer is usually a white-colored box.
In some fridges, this is located inside – below the temperature control panel. But in other models, the timer is found behind the rear access panel.
If you can’t find your defrost timer inside your unit, it must be on the back.
So, follow these steps:
- Unplug your fridge from the power socket.
- Move it away from the wall so you can access the rear panel.
- Remove the screws that hold the rear access panel. Then take it out.
- Find a white-colored box (a.k.a. defrost timer). This is usually beside the compressor.
- Locate its hole and insert a flat-head screwdriver inside it.
- Turn it counterclockwise or to the left.
- Put the rear access panel back to your fridge.
Note: If you did everything and your fridge still doesn’t work, here are some of the possible causes:
- Damaged start relay.
- Dirty condenser coils.
- Defective thermostat.
- Malfunctioning compressor.
- Faulty condenser fan motor.
- Broken evaporator fan motor.
Now, a simple reset won’t be able to fix these problems.
So if your unit is new and still under warranty, contact the store where you bought it.
You may also call a trusted repairman to check your fridge. Then solve the issue.
Frequently asked questions:
Is there a reset button on a Westinghouse fridge?
There’s no reset button on a Westinghouse fridge. To restart it, it must be done manually. Unplug the unit from the outlet and put it back on after 10 minutes.
Typically, this should do the trick.
But if it doesn’t work on your fridge, try the other steps above. Specifically steps #6 and #7.
Locate and turn your defrost timer switch. Or unplug your unit for longer than 10 minutes.
Again, if none of these work, you might have a different problem. Say, a faulty fridge component.
And resetting your unit wouldn’t do much to fix it.
When should you reset a Westinghouse fridge?
You should reset a Westinghouse fridge when it’s not cooling properly. As well as if some of its functions aren’t working (e.g., ice maker, water filter).
“How does resetting help?”
By doing this, you’ll restart its whole system and clear up any errors.
Just like TVs and computers, your fridge may also encounter some bugs. These prevent your unit from functioning well.
And one of the easiest ways to fix it is by doing a reset.
To avoid having issues in your fridge, there are things you need to keep in mind.
For example, defrost it once weekly. Then inspect and clean its door gasket regularly.
If you want to know more, read this article: 15 Best Ways To Maintain Your Refrigerator (2022 Checklist)