How do I remove the base grille on my Whirlpool refrigerator?
On your Whirlpool WRF989SDAM02 bottom-mount refrigerator, we remove the base grille by opening the freezer drawer, gripping the grille firmly, and pulling it straight toward you to release it. This exposes the brake feet and the area you may need for leveling or condenser cleaning (see the WRF989SDAM02 owner's manual).
- Unplug the refrigerator (recommended anytime you are accessing the condenser area).
- Open the freezer drawer for clearance and access.
- Grasp the base grille firmly with both hands.
- Pull the grille straight toward you to disengage the clips.
- Set the grille aside where it will not get stepped on or warped.
- Align both ends of the grille with the leveling assemblies on each side.
- Push firmly until the grille snaps into place.
- Close the freezer drawer and confirm the grille sits flush.
| Task | What you access | Typical tool |
|---|---|---|
| Leveling and door alignment | Brake feet and roller assemblies | 1/4-inch hex driver |
| Condenser cleaning | Open area behind grille and front of condenser | Vacuum with soft brush |
| Fixing “rolls forward” issue | Brake feet adjustment screws | 1/4-inch hex driver |
The base grille covers the adjustable brake feet and roller assemblies. Removing it lets us level the refrigerator so doors and the freezer drawer close correctly, and it also gives access for condenser cleaning to help maintain efficient cooling.
- Pull straight out; twisting can crack the grille tabs.
- If the refrigerator rolls forward when you open doors or the drawer, tighten both brake feet clockwise the same amount.
- In dusty or pet-heavy homes, cleaning the condenser every 2 to 3 months helps performance.
You can also find model-specific replacement parts and diagrams for WRF989SDAM02 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Whirlpool refrigerator?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problem is a cooling complaint: the fresh food section gets warm, the freezer temperature drifts, or temperatures swing. On the Whirlpool WRF989SDAM02 French door bottom-mount, cooling issues are most often tied to airflow (evaporator fan, damper) or defrost performance; use the WRF989SDAM02 owner's manual troubleshooting section to narrow it down.
- Refrigerator warm, freezer OK: restricted airflow into the refrigerator compartment, often the damper or frost buildup
- Freezer warm and refrigerator warm: airflow failure (evaporator fan) or sealed system/compressor related
- Frost or ice on the back wall inside the freezer: defrost system issue
- Ice maker not making ice or slow production: water supply restriction, inlet valve issue, or ice maker fault
- Unusual buzzing, humming, or whirring: normal high-efficiency operation in many cases, or a fan motor starting to fail
- Confirm controls are turned on and set correctly (the manual covers control use and basic checks).
- Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Clean condenser coils (dust buildup commonly causes poor cooling and long run times).
- Check door sealing and closing; a small air leak can cause temperature swings and frost.
- If you have an ice maker or dispenser issue, verify the household water supply valve is fully open.
| Symptom | Common part to check | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator section warm | Refrigerator air damper control assembly WPW10248595 | Regulates cold air flow into fresh food section |
| Warm temps, weak airflow | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor W10633627 | Circulates cold air across the evaporator and into compartments |
| Frost buildup, poor cooling | Refrigerator defrost heater WP12729128 | Melts frost off the evaporator to keep airflow open |
| No ice or no water fill | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WPW10341329 | Opens to send water to the ice maker and dispenser |
Cooling and airflow problems can spoil food quickly and force the compressor to run longer than necessary. Catching a blocked vent, dirty coils, or a failing fan early helps restore stable temperatures and reduces strain on major components.
If you need to order parts for Whirlpool WRF989SDAM02, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Do you remove cardboard from the bottom of a Whirlpool refrigerator?
No. On the Whirlpool WRF989SDAM02 bottom-mount refrigerator, any cardboard-like panel or cover at the bottom is there to protect components and help manage airflow; it should stay in place. Only remove temporary shipping materials (tape, foam, film) as described in the owner's manual.
Remove (packaging):
- Tape, protective film, and foam blocks used for shipping
- Cardboard corner protectors and spacers inside the refrigerator
- Plastic wrap and any removable packing inserts
Leave in place (covers/panels):
- Any bottom cover that looks like a fitted panel (often near the rear)
- The base grille at the front (remove only when you need access for leveling or cleaning)
- Any fixed shields that protect wiring, tubing, or the compressor area
Use these simple cues to tell the difference:
- Fitted and fastened (screws/clips) usually means it is a protective cover
- Loose and taped on usually means it is shipping material
- Near coils, fan, compressor, or wiring means it is part of the refrigerator’s protection and airflow path
| What you see | Most likely is | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Loose cardboard/foam inside compartments | Shipping packaging | Remove and recycle |
| Flat panel under or behind the unit | Protective cover/airflow shield | Leave installed |
| Front base grille below doors | Access panel for leveling/cleaning | Remove only when needed, then reinstall |
That bottom cover helps protect critical parts (like wiring and tubing) and supports proper airflow for efficient cooling. Removing it can lead to overheating, noise changes, or performance issues.
If the reason you are looking underneath is odor or airflow concerns, these model-matched items often help:
You can order replacement parts for WRF989SDAM02 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator leaking out the bottom?
For Whirlpool model WRF989SDAM02, bottom leaks usually come from a clogged or frozen defrost drain, the refrigerator not being level so water spills from the drain pan, or a slow leak at the rear water line or inlet valve. Use the WRF989SDAM02 owner's manual for the correct leveling and water-connection checks.
- Confirm the cabinet is stable and level; many refrigerators are set slightly higher in front so doors close fully.
- Look for ice or standing water on the freezer floor (a common sign of a blocked defrost drain).
- Check for water under the crispers and along the front kick plate.
- Inspect the rear lower area for drips at the water supply connection.
- If you recently changed the filter, flush several glasses of water; a few initial drips can happen while air purges.
Defrost meltwater can back up, run into the freezer, then leak out the bottom.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the freezer drawer and bins; check for a sheet of ice on the freezer floor.
- Melt ice with warm air and clear the drain opening with warm water.
The manual notes leaks can occur when water line connections are not fully tightened.
- Tighten fittings snugly (do not overtighten).
- If dripping continues, inspect and test the refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WPW10341329.
| What you see | Most likely cause | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Ice on freezer floor, water after defrost | Defrost drain blocked | Freezer bottom, drain hole |
| Water at front corners | Not level, pan spill | Leveling legs, drain pan area |
| Drips behind fridge | Loose line or valve leak | Rear lower area |
Stopping a bottom leak prevents floor damage and reduces ice buildup that can restrict airflow and cause temperature swings.
You can order model-specific replacement parts from the parts list for WRF989SDAM02, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





