Whirlpool refrigerators are one of the best in the market, and they are designed with electronic control panels. The electronic control panel allows the users to make changes to the refrigerator and freezer compartment, including temperature, cooking time, and cooking function.
Also, it can be used to diagnose problems with the refrigerator, but you’ve to enable the diagnostic mode. So, if you have to troubleshoot the Whirlpool refrigerator, we are sharing how to enter the diagnostic mode.
How to Enter Diagnostic Mode on Whirlpool Refrigerator
Method 1 – Using SW Buttons
There are different methods of entering diagnostic mode on the Whirlpool refrigerators, depending on the model. If your refrigerator’s electronic control panel has SW buttons, follow these steps;
- Press the SW1 and SW2 buttons on the control panel simultaneously for three seconds
- Then, release the buttons as soon as the CHIME indicator turns on (it will make a chiming sound as well)
- As a result, “01” will appear on the screen to show that the diagnostic mode has been turned on
If you want to exit this mode, just turn off the refrigerator for a few minutes and reconnect it to the power source.
Method 2 – Using The Temperature Buttons
This is a more detailed process, but it’s recommended for Whirlpool refrigerators that don’t have the SW buttons. To enable the diagnostic mode, follow the below-mentioned steps;
- Open the refrigerator door and press the door switches.
- Press the temperature button (+) three times and release the switch. As a result, “S” will appear on the freezer’s display panel and an “E” on the refrigerator’s display panel.
- Then, press the temperature button (+) again to confirm the diagnostic mode.
- For a few seconds, the software version of the refrigerator will be displayed, and it will be followed by “1” on the panel.
- Once the display becomes blank, the diagnostic mode has been enabled.
It allows the users to run diagnostics on defrost thermometer, condenser fan and compressor, refrigerator and freezer sensor, evaporator fan, and damper door.
You can use the “+” and “-“ buttons on the panel to select the diagnostic test. Once the desired diagnostic test appears on display, press the OK button to start the test.
Method 3 – Using Water Filter Reset
If your Whirlpool refrigerator is designed with a counter-depth and side-by-side keypad, you can conduct diagnostic tests to make sure the condenser fan motor, compressor, and evaporator fan motor are running properly. In addition, it helps check the air door’s position.
So, to enter the diagnostic mode, you must turn on the control and make sure the refrigerator is operating in the cooling mode. Then, follow these steps;
- Press the water filter reset keypad and hold it
- Then, press the power keypad and hold it (be quick about it)
- Press both water filter reset and power keypads for three seconds or until it makes a beeping sound
- When the beeping sound is heard, you can start diagnosing the refrigerator parts.
In the diagnostic mode, you will be able to check the thermistors, heater, and termination thermostat. Also, you can operate the compressor, condenser fan motor, and evaporator fan motor. Once you are done running the tests, just press the water filter reset button again.
Keep in mind that the refrigerator will remain in diagnostic mode unless you reset it. To reset the refrigerator, disconnect the power cord from the socket and keep it turned off for twenty minutes. Then, turn on the refrigerator, and it will start working normally.
The Bottom Line
A diagnostic mode is a great way of determining the performance errors in the refrigerator and identifying the faulty components.
We have shared three methods of entering the diagnostic mode, and once the test is over, the control panel shows an error code. You can consult the manual to check what the error code means and how it can be resolved!
