KitchenAid KSSC36QMS00 built-in refrigerator Parts

On KitchenAid model KSSC36QMS00, the water filter is a base grille cartridge. We replace it by rotating the filter cap to the vertical position, pulling the old cartridge out, moving the cap to the new cartridge, then pushing in and turning the cap back to horizontal; finish by flushing water and resetting the filter status. See the owner's manual.

Step-by-step: changing the base grille water filter

• Locate the filter cap in the front base grille.
• Rotate the cap counterclockwise to a vertical position.
• Pull the cap and old cartridge straight out (some water may spill).
• Slide the cap off the old cartridge (keep the cap; it is reused).
• Remove the protective cover from the new filter O-rings.
• Slide the cap onto the new cartridge.
• Push the new cartridge into the base grille until it stops, then rotate the cap clockwise to a horizontal position.

After you install the new filter

Flush the water system

Run water through the dispenser to clear air and carbon fines. Expect brief sputtering at first.

Reset the filter indicator

Press and hold RESET for 2 seconds; the display returns to 99%.

What you see	What it means	What to do
10%	Filter life is low	Order a replacement filter soon
0% or low flow	Filter is used up or restricted	Replace the cartridge now

Which filter fits this model?

For KSSC36QMS00, the compatible replacement on this page is the refrigerator filter EDR5RXD1.

Why it matters

A fresh filter helps maintain water taste and keeps dispenser and ice maker flow from dropping as the cartridge loads up.

Last updated: February 2026

To unlock the water dispenser on your KitchenAid built-in refrigerator model KSSC36QMS00, press the UNLOCK button until the lock indicator shows the dispenser is unlocked; the ice and water levers will work normally again. For the exact button layout on your unit, use the owner's manual.

Quick unlock steps

• Press UNLOCK once; watch for the lock indicator to change.
• If it does not respond, press and hold UNLOCK for 2 to 3 seconds.
• Try dispensing water again using a sturdy glass.
• If water does not dispense right away after unlocking, keep the lever pressed; it can take 3 to 4 minutes for water to begin dispensing if the system has air.
• If the dispenser was recently installed or serviced, flush the system by dispensing and discarding 2 to 3 gallons (8 to 12 L).

What the lock feature does (and does not do)

The dispenser lock is designed to prevent unintentional dispensing (for example, during cleaning). It deactivates the dispenser levers, but it does not shut off power to the refrigerator, ice maker, or dispenser light.

Feature	What happens when locked	What happens when unlocked
Water lever	Disabled	Works normally
Ice lever	Disabled	Works normally
Refrigerator power	Stays on	Stays on
Dispenser light	Still available	Still available

If it still will not dispense after unlocking

• Confirm the water supply valve to the refrigerator is fully open.
• Check for a clogged or overdue water filter; reduced flow is a common symptom.
• If you recently replaced the filter, flush 2 to 3 gallons to clear air.
• Inspect the dispenser area for a stuck lever or switch; a failed switch can prevent dispensing.

Parts that commonly relate to dispenser issues

• Refrigerator filter EDR5RXD1
• Refrigerator dispenser switch WP2162361

Why it matters

Unlocking restores normal dispenser operation, but slow or no flow after unlocking usually points to air in the water line, a restricted filter, or a dispenser switch issue. Addressing the root cause helps protect water flow and ice production.

Last updated: February 2026

On the KitchenAid KSSC36QMS00 built-in refrigerator, “Sabbath mode” is typically the same idea as Holiday Mode: it keeps your temperature set points unchanged while turning off interior lights and disabling the ice maker (and it also reduces sounds and alarms on many models). For exact behavior and button steps, use the owner's manual.

What Holiday Mode (Sabbath-style operation) does on this model

When Holiday Mode is turned on, we expect these changes:

• Refrigerator and freezer temperature set points stay the same
• Ice maker is disabled
• Interior lights turn off
• The feature stays on until you turn it off

How to turn it on and off

Use the control pad:

• Press HOLIDAY MODE to turn the feature on
• Press HOLIDAY MODE again to return to normal operation

If you are leaving for a trip, we also recommend:

• Use up perishables and freeze what you can
• Shut off the water supply to the ice maker (if equipped)
• Empty the ice bin

How it interacts with Max Cool

If Max Cool is already on when you enable Holiday Mode, Max Cool can hold the display at 34°F (1°C) for the refrigerator and -5°F (-21°C) for the freezer until Max Cool times out (about 24 hours). After that, temperatures return to your previous set points, but lights and the ice maker stay off until you exit Holiday Mode.

Feature	What changes	How long it lasts
Holiday Mode (Sabbath-style)	Lights off, ice maker off, temps unchanged	Until you turn it off
Max Cool	Forces colder set points for heavy use	About 24 hours

Why it matters

Using Holiday Mode helps maintain safe storage temperatures while preventing unwanted light operation and ice production during travel or religious observances.

Last updated: February 2026

If your KitchenAid KSSC36QMS00 dispenser isn’t dispensing water, the most common causes are trapped air after installation, a clogged or incorrectly installed water filter, or a supply issue (shutoff valve closed or a kinked water line). Start by flushing the dispenser and then isolate the filter.

Quick checks (fastest fixes first)

• Dispense water continuously for several minutes; on this model it can take 3 to 4 minutes for water to begin dispensing after the system is first installed or opened.
• Flush the system fully by dispensing and discarding 2 to 3 gallons (8 to 12 L), which typically takes 6 to 7 minutes after water starts flowing.
• Confirm the household shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked or pinched.
• If you recently changed the filter, reseat it; an incorrectly installed filter can stop flow.
• If flow is weak or stops, remove the filter and test dispenser flow briefly; if flow improves, replace the filter.

Step-by-step: isolate the water filter

1. Remove the water filter.
2. Dispense water into a sturdy container.
3. Compare flow with and without the filter.
4. If flow improves without the filter, install a new refrigerator filter EDR5RXD1.

What the results mean

Test result	Most likely cause	What to do next
No water with filter installed, better without	Filter clogged or not seated	Replace or reinstall filter
No water with or without filter	Supply line, shutoff valve, or inlet valve issue	Check valve open, line not kinked; then diagnose inlet valve
Water starts after a long delay	Air in lines	Keep flushing; normal use clears air within 24 to 72 hours

Why it matters

No water at the dispenser usually points to a restriction (filter) or no supply (valve/line). Flushing also clears air that can prevent dispensing and can cause dripping until the air is purged.

Helpful references

• Use the flushing and dispenser guidance in the owner's manual.
• For a guided walkthrough, follow how to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator.

Last updated: February 2026