“My Whirlpool fridge control panel is beeping!”
Beeping and flashing lights indicate a problem with your unit.
And to fix that, you have to reset your appliance.
Don’t know how?
Don’t worry! I got you.
I’ve made sure to make the instructions below easy-to-follow for you. So…
Continue reading to learn:
- 9 easy steps to reset a Whirlpool refrigerator.
- Whether Whirlpool refrigerators have reset buttons.
- How to know if your Whirlpool fridge needs resetting.
- How to reactivate its cooling function after the reset process.
- And a lot more…
How to reset a Whirlpool refrigerator?
To reset a Whirlpool refrigerator, unplug the unit for about 5 to 10 minutes. After that, replug the fridge and reactivate its cooling function by pressing the LOCK and FILTER buttons. Alternatively, you can reset it by pressing the temperature button and switches at the door shelves for 3 seconds.
9 steps to reset a Whirlpool refrigerator
#1: Unplug the refrigerator
First, unplug your Whirlpool refrigerator from the power socket.
Doing this will cut off the power supply from your appliance. Allowing your fridge to:
- Reboot.
- Refresh its system.
- Fix glitches and errors.
“My fridge is placed in a built-in cabinet. I can’t reach its power cord.”
If that’s the case, switch off its power from the circuit breaker.
Typically, main circuit breakers in residential houses have a specific switch for refrigerators. If not, look for a single circuit breaker in your kitchen.
Once you’ve found it, switch it OFF.
Pro tip: Reset your Whirlpool refrigerator before you restock it. That way, you don’t have to worry about possible food spillage or wastage.
#2: Wait for 5 to 10 minutes
After unplugging your fridge, wait for about 5 to 10 minutes.
This is necessary to ensure that the power supply in your appliance is completely cut off.
“Why do I have to wait? Can’t I just replug it right after?”
When you unplug any appliance or gadget, a certain amount of power supply remains in the unit.
That remaining power supply will continue to run in its system until it runs out. Which can take several seconds or minutes to finish.
So, to properly reset your Whirlpool refrigerator, unplug it for several minutes.
#3: Replug the refrigerator
Next, power ON your Whirlpool fridge by replugging it or switching ON its circuit breaker.
After turning it ON, you should hear a buzzing sound which indicates that its fan and motor are running.
Its lights should also turn ON once you open the fridge door.
Note: This step completes the basic resetting process.
#4: Press and hold LOCK and FILTER buttons
Okay, you’ve now got your fridge back to running.
But we’re not done yet…
Usually, the fridge’s cooling function should reactivate as well once you’ve turned ON the unit.
If not, then you have to turn it ON yourself manually.
To do that:
- Locate the control panel.
- Press the LOCK and FILTER buttons simultaneously.
- Hold the buttons for 3 seconds.
- Then, release.
To check whether it’s successful, see if the vents inside the fridge are releasing cool air.
If it doesn’t, try repeating the same process.
Note: The control panel is located at the door or inside the unit, depending on your fridge model.
The control panel inside the fridge unit is referred to as “Control W10503278.”
Some earlier models that have it are:
- JC2225GEKB.
- ABB2527DEW.
- GZ2626GEKW.
- MBL1956KES4.
- KBRS19KTBL3.
- GX5FHTXTS00.
#5: Check the control panel’s functionality
Done reactivating its cooling function?
Then, it’s time for you to check whether the control panel is working flawlessly.
Consider your Whirlpool fridge control panel “malfunctioning” if:
- It’s flashing lights.
- It’s creating a buzzing sound.
- All or some of its buttons are unresponsive.
If any of these signs are still present in your unit, you can either:
- Jump to step #9.
- Continue to steps #6 to #8.
- Redo the steps from #1 to #5.
Editor’s pick: 15 Best Ways To Maintain Your Refrigerator (Checklist)
#6: Locate the door switch
To locate your Whirlpool fridge door switch…
First, open the refrigerator door.
Then, depending on your fridge model, look for 1 or 2 door switches.
“What does a door switch look like?”
The Whirlpool fridge door switch is typically colored white. And is located on one side of the unit where the fridge door is attached to.
To describe it simply, it looks like your typical light switch in the house.
Good to know: The door switch turns OFF the light and controls other functions once you’ve closed its door.
#7: Press the door switch and temperature plus (+) button
Have you located it already?
Now, press the door switch and temperature plus (+) button 3 times within 10 seconds.
Once you’ve released the button and door switch, the freezer panel will display an “S.”
And the fridge panel will display an “E” to indicate that a reset process is complete.
#8: Press the temperature plus (+) button again
After that, press the temperature plus (+) button again.
Doing this will set your Whirlpool refrigerator back to “service mode.”
Once done, the freezer panel will display the number “1” then blank. That indicates that the reset process is complete and successful.
If it still doesn’t work, proceed to step #9.
Or watch this video to try a slightly different troubleshooting method:
#9: Contact Whirlpool support for service
If all things fail, contact Whirlpool support for assistance or service.
Instead of trying other troubleshooting methods, ask for assistance from Whirlpool professionals.
That way, you can ensure that the problem will be fixed. And that your product warranty won’t be void.
Before contacting Whirlpool support, make sure to prepare the following:
- Warranty information.
- Order number (optional).
- Whirlpool refrigerator model.
- Whirlpool refrigerator serial number.
“Where can I find my fridge’s serial number?”
The product model and serial number in Whirlpool fridges are located inside the unit. On its left or right side, depending on where the fridge door is attached to.
Look for a rectangular sticker, and note down your fridge’s model and serial numbers.
You might also want to check out: 15 Refrigerator Do’s And Don’ts (Avoid #7 At All Times)
Frequently asked questions:
Is there a reset button on a Whirlpool refrigerator?
There’s a reset button on some Whirlpool refrigerators, but it’s exclusively for the ice maker. You have to unplug your appliance for 5 to 10 minutes to reset the fridge. You can also reset it by pressing the door switch and temperature plus (+) button 3 times in 10 seconds.
Depending on your unit’s issue, there are several ways to reset it.
See below for the quick guide.
If the fridge isn’t cooling or the control panel isn’t working after a power outage:
- Unplug the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Press the door switch and temperature plus (+) button 3 times in 10 seconds.
If the ice maker isn’t working:
- Press the ice maker reset button until you hear a beep sound.
If you have changed the filter or filter light:
- On the control panel, press Options>Filter Reset.
Learn more: What is a smart inverter on a fridge?
When should you reset a Whirlpool refrigerator?
You should reset a Whirlpool refrigerator once it malfunctions after a power outage. If the fridge isn’t cooling or the control panel is unresponsive, a reset is also necessary.
Resetting your Whirlpool refrigerator is great for fixing minor errors and power-related issues.
But keep in mind that unnecessarily resetting your fridge can also further damage it.
Not to mention that not all refrigerator issues need resetting to resolve them.
So, if your fridge is having issues, either:
- Review your user’s manual for solutions.
- Contact Whirlpool support for assistance or service.
- Visit the Whirlpool support page for troubleshooting methods.
Warning: Disassembling your fridge or doing other troubleshooting methods may void your warranty.