Table of Contents:
Before You Replace Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter?
How to Reset the Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter Light After Replacement
What to Do If Your Whirlpool Water Filter Won't Come Out
Replacing a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter is usually a simple DIY task, but the exact process depends on your filter type and its installation location. Some Whirlpool models use an interior filter, while others place the filter in the base grille.
In this guide, we'll show you how to identify your Whirlpool filter, remove the old cartridge, install the new one, flush the system, and reset the filter indicator.
Before You Replace Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
Check Your Filter Number and Refrigerator Model
Before replacing your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter, check the filter number on your existing cartridge and confirm it matches your refrigerator model. Common Whirlpool refrigerator water filters include:
| Whirlpool Filter | Common Filter Model |
|---|---|
| Water Filter 1 | EDR1RXD1 |
| Water Filter 2 | EDR2RXD1 |
| Water Filter 3 | EDR3RXD1 |
| Water Filter 4 | EDR4RXD1 |
| Water Filter 5 | EDR5RXD1 |
If you're unsure which filter your refrigerator uses, check the refrigerator model number before ordering. Whirlpool recommends using your refrigerator model information to identify the compatible water filter.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter?
Once you've confirmed the correct replacement filter, you can remove the old cartridge and install the new one. The exact process varies slightly depending on your Whirlpool refrigerator model and filter type, but most replacements follow these five steps:
Step 1: Locate the Water Filter
Before removing the old cartridge, locate the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator. The filter location depends on the filter type:
| Filter | Location |
|---|---|
| Filter 1 | Upper-right interior or base grille |
| Filter 2 | Upper-right interior |
| Filter 3 | Left side of base grille |
| Filter 4 | Upper-right interior |
| Filter 5 | Check model/owner's manual |
If your filter is located inside the refrigerator, first check the upper-right area of the refrigerator compartment. If you have Filter 1, also check the base grille. For Filter 3, look at the left side of the base grille.
Whirlpool notes that filter placement can vary by refrigerator model, so your owner's manual is the best reference if the filter is not in the expected location.
Step 2: Remove the Old Water Filter
Whirlpool refrigerator water filters use different removal mechanisms depending on the filter type and refrigerator model. Check the table below to identify the removal method for your filter before taking out the old cartridge.
| Whirlpool Filter | Model Number | Removal Mechanism | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter 1 | EDR1RXD1 | Pull-out | Open the filter door, then pull the filter straight out. |
| Filter 2 | EDR2RXD1 | Twist-to-remove | Pull the filter down at an angle, turn it counterclockwise, then pull it out. |
| Filter 3 | EDR3RXD1 | Push-to-release | Press the eject button to release the filter, then pull it out. |
| Filter 4 | EDR4RXD1 | Twist-to-remove | Turn the filter counterclockwise, then pull it straight out. |
| Filter 5 | EDR5RXD1 | Model-specific | Check your refrigerator owner's manual for the correct removal procedure. |
Removal procedures can vary by refrigerator model. If your filter does not match the mechanism above, use your owner's manual for the model-specific instructions.
Pull-Out Filters
For Filter 1, open the filter door and pull the cartridge straight out. Do not force the filter. If it does not slide out easily, check that the filter door is fully open and the cartridge is properly released.
Push-to-Release Filters
For Filter 3, press the eject button to release the cartridge, then pull the filter straight out. If your Filter 3 uses a reusable cap, remove the cap from the old cartridge and set it aside. You will need to transfer the cap to the new filter during installation.
Twist-to-Remove Filters
For Filter 2, pull the filter down at an angle, turn it to the left, and then pull it out.
For Filter 4, turn the filter to the left and pull it straight out.
If the filter does not come out easily, don't force it. Check whether the cartridge is fully released and aligned correctly. Applying excessive force can damage the filter or the refrigerator's water system.
Step 3: Prepare the New Filter
Whether you're replacing a Whirlpool Water Filter 1, Water Filter 4, or another compatible cartridge, make sure the new filter matches the original in size, connection points, and model number.
Use this checklist before installation:
- Correct filter number: Confirm that the replacement filter matches the filter required for your refrigerator.
- Correct refrigerator model: Make sure the filter is compatible with your specific Whirlpool refrigerator model.
- Protective caps removed: Remove any packaging, protective caps, or seals that should not remain on the filter during installation.
- O-rings and seals in place: Check that any O-rings or sealing components are in the correct position and are intact.
- No visible damage: Inspect the cartridge for cracks, dents, or other visible damage before installing it.
If your old filter has a reusable cap, keep it nearby and install it to the new cartridge according to your refrigerator's filter design.
Step 4: Install the New Water Filter
- Align the new filter with the housing, then push, turn, or both, depending on your Whirlpool refrigerator and filter type. Make sure the filter is oriented correctly and that any tabs, notches, or grooves line up with the corresponding slots in the filter housing.
- Once aligned, push the cartridge firmly into place or turn it until it locks, following the markings on the filter housing. If your filter uses a reusable cap, make sure the cap is properly attached before completing the installation.
- Never force the cartridge into place. If the filter does not slide in easily or will not lock, remove it and check the notch and groove alignment. Also confirm that you have the correct replacement filter for your refrigerator model.
- After the filter is fully seated, check the filter housing and surrounding area for any signs of leaking before using the water dispenser.
Step 5: Flush the New Filter
After installing the new cartridge, flush the water system to remove trapped air and any loose particles from the new filter. Follow the manufacturer's flushing instructions for your specific filter. Whirlpool's current guidance recommends running four gallons of water through the line after replacement.
How to Reset the Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter Light After Replacement
After replacing and flushing the new water filter, you may need to reset your Whirlpool refrigerator's filter indicator. The reset method varies by refrigerator model, so follow the instructions for your specific model.
Reset the Filter Indicator
If Your Refrigerator Has a Filter Reset Button
If your Whirlpool refrigerator has a dedicated Filter Reset button, follow the instructions in your owner's manual to reset the filter indicator after installing the new cartridge.
If Your Refrigerator Uses a Touchscreen or Settings Menu
Some Whirlpool refrigerators use a touchscreen or electronic control panel instead of a dedicated reset button. Open the refrigerator's settings or filter menu and follow the model-specific instructions to reset the filter indicator.
If the Filter Light Does Not Reset
Reset procedures vary by Whirlpool refrigerator model, so check your owner's manual for the exact button sequence or menu instructions.
Why Is My Whirlpool Water Filter Light Still Red?
If the filter light remains red after replacing the cartridge, check the following:
- The filter indicator has not been reset: Complete the reset procedure for your refrigerator model.
- The new filter is not fully seated: Remove and reinstall the cartridge, making sure it is properly aligned and locked into place.
- The filter is not compatible: Confirm that the replacement filter matches your refrigerator model.
- The reset procedure is model-specific: Check your owner's manual for the correct button sequence or settings-menu instructions.
If the indicator still does not change after these checks, refer to your refrigerator's owner's manual or Whirlpool's product support resources for model-specific troubleshooting.
What to Do If Your Whirlpool Water Filter Won't Come Out
If your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter won't come out, don't force the cartridge. A stuck filter may not be fully released, or it may not be aligned correctly with the filter housing.
Try these steps:
- Check the release mechanism: Make sure you have pressed the eject button or turned the filter far enough to release it, depending on your filter type.
- Check the alignment: Reposition the cartridge and make sure the notches, grooves, or tabs are properly aligned with the filter housing.
- Try again gently: Once the filter is fully released, pull it straight out without twisting or applying excessive force.
- Check for the correct removal method: Filter mechanisms vary by Whirlpool refrigerator model. Refer to your owner's manual if you're unsure whether your filter need to push, turn, or pull.
- Don't force a stuck filter: Excessive force can damage the filter housing or refrigerator. If the cartridge still won't come out, consult Whirlpool's model-specific support instructions.
If the filter is difficult to remove even after following the correct procedure, confirm that you are using the removal method specified for your refrigerator model before attempting again.
Conclusion
Replacing a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter is usually a straightforward task when you use the correct replacement cartridge and follow the proper removal and installation method.
Before you begin, confirm your filter number and refrigerator model, then remove the old filter, install the new cartridge, and flush the system according to the manufacturer's instructions.
After replacement, reset the filter indicator if your Whirlpool refrigerator has one. If the filter won't come out or won't lock into place, check the alignment and model-specific instructions rather than forcing the cartridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my whirlpool water filter come out?
Your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter is likely stuck because of incorrect installation, trapped water pressure, the filter cap is stuck or broken, or mineral buildup around the seal.
Why does my Whirlpool fridge not dispense water after replacing the filter?
Your Whirlpool fridge not dispense water after replacing the filter due to trapped air in the lines, an improperly seated filter, or a stuck valve in the filter housing.
How to change water filter on whirlpool fridge no filter indicator?
For Whirlpool refrigerator without a filter indicator light or button, you simply replace the water filter every 6 months (or sooner if water flow slows down).
How to change water filter in whirlpool side by side refrigerator?
To change the water filter on a Whirlpool refrigerator, locate the filter (usually at the base grille or inside the freezer/fridge compartment), press the eject button or twist the old filter counterclockwise 1/4 turn to release the old unit, and snap the new one into place.