Whirlpool · Refrigerator Minor

Co — Cooling Off / Demo Mode

'Co' or 'Cooling Off' means the cooling system has been intentionally disabled — typically Showroom/Demo Mode, used by retailers so the fridge can light up and respond to buttons without running the compressor. Food will warm to room temperature.

Keep using it?
Yes — fix when convenient
DIY difficulty
Easy
Verified against
producthelp.whirlpool.com ↗

How to fix it

  1. Check the manual for the exact disable combo for your model. On most French-door units: press and hold 'Measured Fill' (or 'Lock') and 'Filter' together for 3 seconds.
  2. Older side-by-sides: hold 'Filter' and 'Light' simultaneously for 3 seconds.
  3. Confirm the 'Co' or 'OFF' indicator disappears.
  4. Listen for the compressor to start within a few minutes.
  5. Verify temperatures reach setpoint within 24 hours.

Why it happens

Typical signs: 'Co' or 'OFF' on display · Fridge and freezer at room temperature · Lights and dispenser still work · Compressor never runs

  • Demo/Showroom mode enabled Common on units that came from a floor model or were 'reset' by a child.
  • Cooling intentionally turned off Owner disabled cooling for cleaning or moving.

Replace your water filter

A clogged or overdue water filter is a common cause of low water and ice flow on Whirlpool refrigerators — they are meant to be changed about every 6 months. The OEM-style filter that fits most Whirlpool refrigerators is the EDR1RXD1 ($40-50 OEM, $15-25 compatible).

  • Whirlpool EDR1RXD1 refrigerator water filter OEM water filter
    Amazon →

Not sure which filter fits your model? See the full compatibility guide →

Related repair guides

How to Reset a Refrigerator (After a Power Outage or Glitch) →

More Whirlpool refrigerator codes

6 (flashing) Flashing 6 — 6th Sense Active CF CF — Communication Failure dF dF — Defrost System Failure Er Er — Generic Error / Control Glitch F3 E1 F3 E1 — Fresh Food Thermistor Fault F3 E2 F3 E2 — Freezer Thermistor Fault

All Whirlpool codes → All refrigerator codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the Co code mean on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

'Co' or 'Cooling Off' means the cooling system has been intentionally disabled — typically Showroom/Demo Mode, used by retailers so the fridge can light up and respond to buttons without running the compressor. Food will warm to room temperature.

What causes the Co code on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Demo/Showroom mode enabled: Common on units that came from a floor model or were 'reset' by a child. Cooling intentionally turned off: Owner disabled cooling for cleaning or moving.

Is it safe to keep using a Whirlpool refrigerator with a Co error?

Yes — fix when convenient. This is rated a minor-severity fault.

How do I fix Co on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Check the manual for the exact disable combo for your model. On most French-door units: press and hold 'Measured Fill' (or 'Lock') and 'Filter' together for 3 seconds. Older side-by-sides: hold 'Filter' and 'Light' simultaneously for 3 seconds. Confirm the 'Co' or 'OFF' indicator disappears.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com.