A properly functioning refrigerator is essential for getting everyone through the day. That’s why it feels like an emergency when something goes wrong with your fridge.
Whirlpool is generally a well-trusted name in appliances for a good reason. They’ve been around since 1911, making washing machines and expanding into virtually every household appliance by 1955, including refrigerators.
However, just because the refrigerator works all the time doesn’t mean it will work well all the time. Unfortunately, even the best appliances break down from time to time.
So, today we’re going to talk about the Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ problems. Some are even so simple you can fix them yourself. This guide will help you pinpoint and repair the problem with a few troubleshooting steps.
The Most Common Problem with Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ
Before tackling the Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ problems, you should consult your owner’s manual. Since most fridge manuals have troubleshooting steps, you must know about the model-specific instructions.
Many issues will have simple fixes, while others will require professional help. But you won’t know when it’s something you can handle yourself if you don’t learn more about your model first.
You may be experiencing problems with the freezer that is not freezing, temperature control issues, or malfunctioning defrosts times. However, it could also be something as serious as constant noise.
The best news is that you’ve landed on the right page. We’ve gathered the most common Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ problems and their DYI fixes in one place.
1. Poor ice production or quality
The first and most common problem with the Whirlpool refrigerator is related to the Whirlpool ice maker. It isn’t making as much ice as you’d expect, or it is too small. In this case, the solution is straightforward.
If you’ve just installed your Whirlpool refrigerator, note that it takes about 24 hours for ice production to start and 72 hours to complete. Besides, it also takes 24 hours for the ice to replenish if you’ve just removed a large amount.
Before troubleshooting the ice maker, check if it wasn’t turned off accidentally first.
Then check the water line. The ice should get enough water for the ice maker to make ice. So make sure the water line is securely connected to the back of the fridge. Don’t forget to check for kinks.
Additionally, locate the water shutoff valve and make sure it is fully open by turning it counterclockwise. You can usually find it on the wall, under the sink, or in the cabinet next to it.
If there’s everything alright with these two, try removing the water filter and waiting for a few hours or, better, a full day.
The ice volume should improve if the filter is clogged or incorrectly installed. Clean the water filter or replace it.
2. The Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling.
It typically takes several hours for the temperature to go back to normal. So if the refrigerator doesn’t seem to be cooling properly, check if the power has gone out recently or if you’ve added a large amount of food.
If cooling is one of the Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ problems you face, you should ensure the settings are right.
In some models, a cooling setting must be turned on for the fridge to get cold. Check if it hasn’t been turned off accidentally. But if you’ve just installed the Whirlpool fridge, check if it’s still in the showroom or demo mode.
You can use the user manual to check how this setting is turned on and off. Or you can turn the temperature setting cold and wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust.
If the above doesn’t help, check if the air vents haven’t been blocked. They help cold air enter and exit the fridge compartment from the freezer and ensure adequate airflow between the two.
Ensure no food is blocking these vents in the Whirlpool refrigerator freezer and fridge.
Finally, clean the condenser coils if the Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling properly. You should clean them every 2-3 months if the environment is dusty or your place has significant pet traffic.
3. The motor seems to run too much
New refrigerator usually has a high-efficiency compressor that regulates temperatures and optimized energy to meet the cooling demand.
You may notice your Whirlpool fridge compressor run for an extended period. It is usual for high-efficiency compressors to do that since they can consume energy for optimum efficiency only this way.
Check the refrigerator’s installation if that seems to be your Whirlpool problem. Most fridges are designed to be used in locations with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 110°F.
Correspondingly, they shouldn’t be installed near hot sources. Too hot or too cold a location can create extra pressure on the refrigerator motor.
According to the user manual, there should also be enough room for ventilation.
Moreover, leaving the doors too much or leaving the fridge open for long periods will cause the temperature to rise, making the motor work harder to drop the temperatures.
Keep an eye on how often you open the fridge food and check the refrigerator door seals to ensure it is in full contact with the refrigerator.
Set the controls correctly if you don’t want the refrigerator to run longer than it needs to.
4. The water dispenser is not working properly.
The faulty water dispenser is the last, but not least of Whirlpool refrigerator problems. It could be leaking, dispensing cloudy water, or dispensing it too slowly 一 the solutions are always similar.
The water filter is the first thing to check if you’re experiencing problems with the water dispenser. Incorrectly installed or clogged water filters will reduce the water flow. To check it, dispense water and note the amount of water flow.
Then try to dispense water with the filter removed. If the water flow increases noticeably, the filter’s clogged or installed incorrectly. Correspondingly, it would be best if you cleaned or replaced it.
The next step would be to flush the water system (once you install a new filter). The air in the water system may cause dripping at the dispenser or slow dispensing.
And finally, check the water pressure. It should be around 30-120 psi. If the water pressure is lower than that, you may have a problem with the water supply connection or a clogged filter. However, low water pressure could also be caused by the reverse osmosis system.
Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ Problems: Are they a deal breaker?
Although Whirlpool appliances are one of the best on the market, even they can have issues sometimes. However, it shouldn’t discourage you from buying Whirlpool fridges or looking for a new brand.
As you can see from the Whirlpool refrigerator problems we’ve just discussed, there is nothing so serious you won’t be able to fix on your own. One of the symptoms we describe will definitely match your problem.
But once you identify the problem, it’s half the battle.
Your fridge needs constant maintenance. So as long as you check and clean its parts regularly, it should serve you properly for years.
Use this post as a troubleshooting guide and a maintenance checklist to service your Whirlpool fridge.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
