Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator - Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, and Error Code System Entry

This is a brand new Whirlpool wrs321sdhz side-by-side refrigerator with a display panel. I want to show you how to enter the hidden diagnostic system that allows you to test and report many components of your refrigerator, as well as modes such as the forced defrost mode.

Later on in the video, I also have the diagnostic system for units without icemakers, including their Whirlpool refrigerator error codes using the interface inside the refrigerator cabinet, so this video covers all newer Whirlpool Side by Side refrigerators.

Video Timeline:

00:00 - Intro and Description of Refrigerator Whirlpool Side by Side with In-Door Water and Ice
00:52 - Start of Activating Diagnostic Mode and Forced Modes
02:27 - Beginning of Codes & How to Read Them
04:25 - Whirlpool Forced Defrost Mode
06:21 - Whirlpool Side by Side Ice Maker Diagnostics and Control Modes
07:55 - How to Activate Demo AKA "Showroom" Mode
09:13 - Description of Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator without In-Door Water and Ice
09:33 - How to Enter System into Diagnostics and Error Code Mode
11:01 - Whirlpool Side by Side Error Codes for No Icemaker / In Door Water Refrigerator
11:55 - How to Activate Demo AKA "Showroom" Mode for Athena-Style Refrigerator

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[latricewilliams]

When you don’t wanna look for the manual, you come to YouTube where the great illustrators can help in 30 seconds or less, lol ! Thank you

[malekodesouza]

I remember the days when refrigerators were refrigerators and computers were computers. I miss those days.

[gloryfulskip]

Just wanted to update! I don’t have this fridge but searched for the “Nidec” ice maker. This video popped up but it was still a help.

[transmitterguy]

I live in central PA and my ice maker quit working, it was under warranty but since I bought it at Lowes no service tech around here would look at it. After 6 months of Whirlpool trying to find someone they sent me an email saying to find someone myself and send the bill to them. That was last December. My previous fridge was a really nice $3000 LG Kenmore unit, where they had bad compressors. I paid the Sears service tech to look at it and he verified the compressor was one of LGs junk units. The compressor was under warranty so I asked him If I should fix it and he said If it was his fridge he would not because the compressor part that goes bad disintegrates and gets all through the closed system and I could have problems later. So I junked it and bought the Whirlpool unit and I don't have ice. I'm so pissed I haven't wanted to troubleshoot using Bens's video yet, I just bring ice from the fridge downstairs and dump it into the Whirlpool upstairs. I guess I will try soon to see what's wrong with the ice maker. They have been making ice makers in fridges for over 50 years, why can't they make a model that works?🤬🤬🤬🤬

[brandonrobinson]

This model is a nightmare and needs to be recalled. Whirpool has had to pay millions in past class action lawsuits for similar issues and I think it time owners of this unit get one going. Based on the views on this video there is at least 126, 000 of us!

[djscratch]

This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen. I have this fridge and it’s been a nightmare. Thanks so much for this. The force defrost mode is everything !!!

[joman]

this a life saving video, thank you for your help, I was asked to change the control panel, I followed these steps and so fare it is working as day one. mine is only 3 years old exact same model. start to make ice around the freezer and eventually stopped cooling. the technician suggested to change the control panel or the compressors. I followed the instructions on this video and to my surprise it worked perfectly. it has been few days and no signs of freezing. thank

[STEVEJOY]

BAD FRIG! The fan blowing air from freezer to frig. Touches the internal flashing making this the LOUDEST FRIG I EVER HEARD. 3 Tech's would/could not fix it. I fixed it my self using a "Rubber 0-Ring" to offset the motor fan. Good video!

[Wayne-nbwz]

Fixed! Ran the defrost program and my icemaker works again. Thanks

[sobanosilva]

Run as fast as you can from this fridge.

[dennisleahy]

Ben, thank you very much for presenting this video! It is the only video that I can find that shows the exact same controller panel that my (WRS555SIHZ06) Whirlpool uses.

I went searching for a video that describes troubleshooting and repair of the dreaded cold freezer/warm refrigerator issue - and all the other videos show completely different components/technology in the thermister, defrost heater, and... there is evidently not a replaceable defrost timer device, but rather is handled by the ($300+ !) controller board.

I'll run the diagnostic test you describe in this video, and try to force the defrost heater on, but if it doesn't work, do you outline further troubleshooting and repair for this style of components, in another video?

Thanks again! Really appreciate that you took the time to present this info!

[palerider]

Very helpful found my evaporator thermistor was open bad connector and it was solid ice with inside fridge at 60F. Fixed that code and just started it back up will see if it's good now. How do you exit the test mode without unplugging the fridge? I want to check the sensor periodically for a few weeks and it would be best to just exit and not have to stretch behind the fridge to reach the plug.

Few hours later edited fridge at 37F. This video helped me get it fixed thanks.

[steelcityrc]

Thank you for this video. Whirlpool never plugged in my heater element fully from the factory...it was shorting out. Such a easy fix. Terrible quality control.

[scottdannen]

Thank you so much. This quickly helped to diagnose an electric issue where the defrost sensor was shorted on the condenser (which became obvious once I defrosted the whole thing). But your video also confirmed that was the reason the defroster wasn't coming on and helped confirm that the short was no longer detected once I relocated the wiring harness.

[dpurplepalm]

Ive listened to this over and over. So good! Thank you!😘💛

[FreeZeppelin]

Great Video! It's super easy to follow, straight to the point. Amazing job!

[ashleykumm]

Thank you for the helpful video. Especially the demo mode it is odd the manual doesn’t have any mention of that. I just had the fridge delivered five days ago and after waiting over 24 hours realized it’s not cooling at all. So I have been trying to trouble shoot it according to the manual with no luck so far. I was hoping demo mode was the issue but thanks to your video that’s one more thing I can rule out.

[kevinvg]

Here is a cool thing if you bought this new. Take off the bottom grill. Inside they have taped in a folded up spec sheet for the service tech showing all these test codes for the service tech. Great to have if you are a DIY'er like all of us.

[rgbaker]

Stop cooling on us.. thank u for the video😊

[monicacobar-ayala]

Hello, I have this exact fridge. My ice maker has stopped working. Do you know how I can get it to produce ice again?