Amana AFC0503BW Owner’s Manual

_'lnand

D eep[reeze ®

Owner's Manual

Keep instructions for future reference.

Keep this manual and your sales receipt together in a safe place in case warranty service is required.

Deepfreeze ®

Chest Freezers

Questions about your features?

Please contact us with your model and serial number:

Maytag Services sM Attn: Amana CAIR _'Center

P.O. Box 39 403 West 4th Street North

Newton. Iowa 50208-0039 Ph# 1-800-843-0304 in U.S.A.

1-866-587-2002 au Canada

Internet: http://www.amana.com

Contents

Introduction ................................................................. 2

Important Safety Information ................................... 3-4

Installation Instructions ............................................... 4

Temperature Control ................................................... 5

Custom Features ........................................................ 6

Hints and Care ........................................................ 7-9

Freezing Guidelines ............................................. 10-12

Troubleshooting ................................................... 13-14

Warranty ................................................................... 16

Manuel de proprietaire .............................................. 17

Manual del Usuario ................................................... 33

WCW Part No. 1-35760-002 rev. 00 Part No.12631113

Form A/11/05

Please readthis Owner's Manualthoroughly.This manual provides propermaintenance information.

Complete registration card and promptly return. If registration card is missing, see contact information on the front cover of your manual.

Warranty service must be performed by an authorized servicer. Amana also recommends contacting an authorized servicer if service is required after warranty expires.Tolocate an authorized servicer, call 1-800-NAT-LSVC(1-800-628-5782). You may also contact us on the web at www.amana.com.

When contacting Amana, please provide the following information. Product information is on the serial plate, located on the inside wall of the freezer.

Model Number

'P' Number

Serial Number

Purchase Date

Dealer Name

Dealer Address

Dealer Phone

)REGLLINGSER¥1(E,oo

If something seems unusual, please check Troubleshooting section, which is designed to help you solve problems before calling service.

This book is intended to show the variety of features thatare available in the prod- uct line. If your freezer does not have all the optionsthat areshown, it is not amis- take. The information providedapplies to all of the models in the product line.

Warning and Important Safety Instructions appearing in this manual are not meantto cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. Common sense, caution, and care must be exercisedwhen installing, maintaining, or operating this freezer.

Always contact your dealer, distributor, service agent, or manufacturer about problems or conditions you do not under-

stand.

RECOGNIZE SAFETY

SYMBOLS, WORDS,

LABELS

THESESN TRUCTSONS

}

This appliance is equipped with a three- prong grounding plug for your protection

against possible electrical shockhazards. It must be plugged into a grounding

receptacle. Where a standard two-prong- wall receptacle is encountered, it is the

personal responsibility and obligation of the customer to have it replaced with a

properly grounded three-prong wall receptacle. Do not under any circum-

stances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. Donot usean

adapter plug.

Powersupply cordwith

three-prong grounding plug

\If

Grounding type

wall receptacle

REMOVE PACKING

MATERIALS:

Remove materials, tape and labels before using the freezer.

Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the

material. Clean your freezer before using it:

1. Use a sponge, cloth or paper towel and mild detergent in warm water to

clean outside and inside of freezer, door liner and gasket.

2. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

CHOOSE FREEZER

LOCATION:

1. Locate the freezer in a safe place, indoors, away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as a range, dish-

washer, laundry equipment, heat

vents or radiator.

DO NOT store flammables such as gasoline near the freezer.

Check the strength of the floor. It

should hold the weight of a fully loaded freezer.

4.Allow at least3" (7.5 cm) on all sides to allow for proper air circulation around

the freezer.

5.If thefreezer isto beagainst awall, you might want to leaveextraspace onthe hinge side so the lid can be opened

wider.

6. Ifthe location selected for your freezer is damp or moist, as in some base- ments, place freezer on wooden blocks (at least 2 or 3 boards under the entire length of the freezer are needed for adequate support).

The freezer must be level for proper

operation.

DO NOT install the freezer on a car-

peted floor.

9.This freezer is designed to operate at a household temperatureof 40°to 90° F (4° to 32° C).

NOTE: If the freezer is laid on its side during shipping or transport, place the

freezer upright and wait 12 hours before plugging it in. This prevents damage to

the freezer.

KNOB

<11

The temperature control knob 44 is located on the outside of

the freezer cabinet on the 7 lower right side. To adjust 4

the temperature control, 3__5

place a flat-bladed screw-2 _- ....... i

driver or coin into slot and ' ..........._ 6

turn to the desired setting. 1\__0j7 The freezer temperature control uses a

range of settings from 0 to 7.When setat zero the freezer is OFF-it does not cool

or maintain a cool temperature.Setting 1 is the warmest temperature setting and

setting 7 is the coldest.

Initial control setting:

1. Set the freezer control on 4.

2. Allow the freezer to cool 6 to 8 hours before filling with frozen food. Let the

freezer cool overnight before adding large amounts of unfrozen food. Never add morethan 2 to 3 pounds of unfrozen food per cubic foot of freezer

space.

3. 24 hours after adding food, adjust control as desired.

NOTE: When the freezer is first started, the compressor will run constantly until the cabinetiscooled. This may takeup to 6-8 hours or longer, depending on room temperature andthe number of times the freezer is opened.

The outside of your freezer may feel warm. This is normal. The freezer's

designand mainfunction isto removethe heat from packages and air space inside

the freezer. This heat istransferred to the roomair,so the outsideof the freezer may

feel warm.

Adjusting the control:

1. Set household thermometer snugly between frozen packages or place

thermometer in a glass of vegetable oil, placed in freezer (vegetable oil will

not freeze).

• Thermometer should be designedfor

use with freezer.

• Thermometer should read tempera-

tures ranging from -5° to 50° F (-21° to 10° C).

2. Wait 5 to 8 hours.

3. Check temperature.

• Temperatureshould read0° F(-18° C)

or slightly below.

4. If temperature is not in range, adjust control only one number at a time.

• Turnthe control to a higher number if

a colder temperatureis desired.

• Turnthe controlto a lower number if a

less cold temperatureisdesired.

5. Wait an additional 24 hours and recheck temperature.

BA KET( }

(SELECT MODELS) Some freezer models

feature one ortwo sliding baskets.

Baskets can be used to organize the freezer bycontaining small, hard to stack items. Baskets also aid in keeping cooler air in the freezer by allowing quick, easy access to frequently used items. Baskets rest freely on the freezer liner and can be adjusted to the left or right for personal preference.

ALA

(SELECT MODELS) Some freezer models feature a tempera-

ture monitor that provides an audible alarm. The temperature monitor alarm is located near the temperature control.

LOCK

(SELECT MODELS) Touse the door lock:

1. Insert key into lock approximately Y4" (6 mm).

2, Turnkey clockwiseto lock freezer and

counterclockwise to unlock,

Once locked or unlocked, the lock will push the keyout, preventingthe key from being kept in the lock.

LIGHT

(SELECTMODELS)

The interiorlight illuminateswhenever the freezer lid is opened. The light bulb is a 15-watt appliance bulb. The light is designed and tested to provide illumina- tion while minimizing heat generated if the lid is accidentally left ajar.To replace the interior light, see the Hints and Care

section.

LIGHT

(SELECT MODELS) The power light normally will be "ON." Its

purpose is to warn you when there is a power absence. If for any reason the power to the freezer is interrupted (blown fuse, loose plug, etc.) the indicator light

will be"OFE"

The alarm sounds if the temperature in the freezer rises 10° F (12° C) or more above normal for selected setting. Alarm may sound if temperature control dial is turned to a much colder setting or if a large amount of unfrozenfoodis added at one time. Alarm is controlled by a three position switch.

0 1

• 0 = OFFprevents alarm from sounding when freezer is warm, such as during initial start-up or defrosting.

• ,/= TESTsounds alarm regardlessof temperature. Alarm system should be

tested at least once a month.

• 1 = ON is proper setting for normal freezer use. Return switch to 1 after

defrosting.

)WTOCLEANYOURFREEZER

PART

Textured Doors and Exterior

Cabinet Interior

Door Gaskets

Accessories

Shelves, etc.

DO NOT USE

Abrasive or harsh cleaners Ammonia Chlorine bleach

Concentrated detergents or solvents

Metal or plastic-textured

scouring pads Abrasive or harsh cleaners

Metal or plastic-textured

scouring pads An automatic dishwasher

Use 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart warm soapy water. Rinse surfaces with clean warm water and dry immediately to avoid waterspots.

Use warm, soapy water and a soft, clean cloth or sponge. Rinse surfaces with clean warm water and dry immediately to avoid waterspots.

Allow items to adjust to room temperature. Dilute mild detergent with water and use a soft clean cloth or sponge for cleaning. Use a plastic bristle brush to get into crevices.

Rinse surfaces with clean warm water.

(ON[.

1. Move all food to another freezer.

2. Disconnect power to the freezer.

3. Wash all interior surfaces including

door,floor and walls.

4. Clean corners, crevices and grooves

thoroughly.

5. Wash all accessories and shelves by

hand.

6. Dry thoroughly with soft clean cloth.

7. Reconnect power to freezer and

allow it to cool back down,

8. Return food to freezer. Verify all food

iswrapped tightly or in sealed contain- ers to prevent further odor problems.

If odor is still present:

1. Move all food to another freezer.

2. Disconnect power to the freezer.

3. Pack freezer with crumpled sheets of black and white newspaper.

4. Place plain charcoal briquettes in freezer on newspaper.

5. Close the freezer door and let stand 24 to 48 hours.

6. Remove charcoal briquettes and newspapers. Clean according to directions provided in the first column.

7. Reconnect power to freezer and allow it to cool back down,

8. Replace food in freezer in sealed, air- tight containers to minimize odor con-

tamination.

Placing a cotton swab soaked with vanilla extract or an open box of

baking soda in the freezer may help prevent odors from returning.

Remove allfrozen food and pack it in dry ice. Unplug the freezer and clean it thor- oughly. Tape the door shutand tape elec-

trical cord to the cabinet. When you get to your new home, referto

pages 4 and 5 for information on installa- tion and setting controls.

+AV+NG+DB+

Toconserve energy:

• Do not set controls colder than neces- sary to maintain a temperature range

of 0° F (-18° C) or slightly below.

• Operate in normal room temperatures away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

• Keep freezer full.

• Keep door gaskets clean and pliable. Replace gaskets if worn.

9. After 24 hours, check freezer to verify odor was eliminated.

Manualdefrostfreezersneedto be defrostedwhenfrosthasaccumulatedto

approximatelyY4"(6 mm)ofthickness. Completedefrostingandcleaningshould bedoneatleastonceayear.In high humidityareas,morefrequentdefrosting andcleaningmaybenecessary.The uppersectionofthefreezerwillgenerally

havemorefrostaccumulationthanthe lower.Frostshouldnotbescrapedor

pulledoutofthefreezer,asdamagemay result.

MANUAL DEFROST

FREEZERS

1. Transfer food to another freezer or a well insulated cooler.

Disconnect power to freezer.

Some models have drain plugs to aid in

defrosting. Pull gently to remove

the plugs.

• Interior drain

plug is in lower left corner.

• Exterior drain plug is on the lower

front left corner.

4. Place a shallow pan beneath the drain opening to catch defrost water or attach a garden hose to outside drain hole by using the hose fitting adapter (select models).

5. Tospeed defrosting, pans of hot water may be placed in the freezer.

6. Once defrosted, clean the freezer according to guidelines in Hints and

Care.

7. Remove hose fitting Adapter models) if used.

adapter (select ._/ Replace drain plug. @,- -------

Plug

Hose

1. Disconnect power to freezer.

2. Remove light bulb.

3. Replace bulb with 15-watt appliance bulb.

• Drainplug must be i_, properly installed for _,s_

efficient operation.

8. Restore power to the freezer.

4. Reconnect power supply.

+:RNGFACTS

10 TINGFOODS

Freezer burn occurswhen air reaches the surfaceof thefood.The cold, dry air inthe

freezer causes the foodstuff to dry out in spots and lose quality,While freezer burn may not taste good, it does not make the food unsafe, Freezer burned portions should be cut away either before or after cooking the food,

CHANGE+

Color changes can occur in frozen foods. This can cause ground beef to go from a bright, red to a darker, duller brown due to lack of oxygen. Freezing normally doesn't cause color changes in poultry, but itwill cause changes to the color near the bones resulting in 'bone darkening'. These changes are only visual changes and do not indicate poor quality or unsafe

food.

Amana provides this information as a guide to aid infood preservation. For spe- cific questions regarding food handling, cooking, or storage contact USDA Meat

and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.

• You can freeze almost any food, the main exceptions being eggs still in the

shell and cans of foods. Frozen food kept at 0° F (-18° C) or

slightly below will always be safe.Only the quality of food suffers overtime.

It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in supermarket wrapping. This wrapping is airpermeablewhich allows freezer burn, so the meat should be

used within one to two months.

• Freeze foods as quickly as possible. This prevents large ice crystals from forming which decreases food quality.

• Neverstack packagesto befrozen. Lay packages out ina single layerand then stack them after they are frozen.

• During a power outage, a full freezer will normally keep 2 days, a half full freezer about 1 day. Food should be stacked tightly to provide a nest of cold air-resisting thawing.

There are basic methods to defrost food safely.Food should never be defrosted at

room temperature. This allows unsafe bacteria to growwhile thefood isthawing. Todefrost safely use:

• Refrigerator: this allows the food to thaw in an environment that controls

bacterial growth. Most foods require a day or two to

defrost, approximately one day for each 5 Ibs.of weight.

• Cold water: place food in a leakproof bag and immerse it incoldwater (If bag leaks, food will become contaminated by bacteria). Check water frequently to

verify it stays cold. Change waterevery

thirty minutes.After thawing, refrigerate the food until it is ready to use.

• Microwave: cook food immediately after using a microwaveto defrost food. Microwave defrosting warms food and can partially cook it, allowing bacteria to grow as it defrosts. Food cannot be

refrozen until it is cooked.

• As a general guideline, food 2" thick should freeze completely in about

2 hours.

Proper packaging helps prevent freezer burn, and helps limit odor transfer in the

freezer. For short term storage, freeze meat or

poultry directly in supermarket wrapping. This meat should be used within 1 to 2

months. For longterm storage, followthese wrap-

ping guidelines:

• Overwrap store wrapped packages with airtight heavy duty foil, plastic wrap, freezer paper or freezer bags.

• Freeze unopened vacuum wrapped packages as they are.

• Make sure lids are sealed tightly when using airtight freezer containers.

• Breakdown foods into smaller portions for faster freezing.

• Removeas much air as possible from packages before placing inthe freezer.

• Ifa package hasaccidentally been torn or damaged while in the freezer, the food is still safe to eat. Just overwrap it or repackage it.

• It is not necessary to rinse meat or poultry before freezing.

FREEZER

STORAGE CHART*

NOTE: Freezer storage time is for quality only. Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely.

Foodstuff Months Bacon and Sausage 1 to 2

Casseroles 1 to 2 Egg whites or egg substitutes 12

Gravy,meat or poultry 2 to 3 Ham, Hot Dogs and

Lunch Meats 1 to 2 Meat, uncooked roasts 9

Meat, uncooked steaks or chops 4 to 6

Meat, uncooked ground 3 to 4 Meat, cooked 2 to 3 Poultry,uncooked whole 12 Poultry,uncooked parts 9 Poultry,uncooked giblets 3 to 4 Poultry,cooked 3 to 4 Soups and Stews 2 to 3 Wild game, uncooked 8 to 12

*Provided by the USDA.

Chart is based on foodstorage at 0° F (-18° C) or slightly below.

FROZENFOODS

Foods can be cookedor reheated directly from the frozen state. The cooking time

will increase to almost one and a half times it would normally take. Remember

when cooking poultry or meat to remove paper wrapping, giblet sacks, and any strings that might burn during cooking. Some meats, such as pre-stuffed whole birds, must be cooked from the frozen state to ensure food safety. Remember to

read the USDA label on the meat. NOTE: Do not use a slow cooker for

preparing foods from the frozen state.

ThechartbelowisprovidedbytheUSDAandshouldbeusedasaguidelineonly.Whenindoubtaboutfoodsafety,itisalwaysbetter tothrowquestionablefoodout.

FoodorFoodType MEAT,POULTRYandSEAFOOD Beef,veal,lamb,porkandgroundmeats Poultryandgroundpoultry Varietymeats

(liver,kidney,heart,chitterlings) Fish,shellfish,breadedseafoodproducts

DAIRY Milk

Eggs(outofshell)andeggproducts Icecream,frozenyogurt

Cheese(softandsemi-soft) Hardcheeses

Shreddedcheeses Casserolescontainingmilk,cream,

eggs,softcheeses Cheesecake

FRUITSandVEGETABLES Juices--fruit

Juices--vegetables Home,commerciallypackagedor

blanched BREADSandPASTRIES

Breads,rolls,muffins, cakes(withoutcustardfillings)

Cakes,pies,pastrieswithcustardor cheesefilling

Piecrusts,commercialandhomemade breaddough

OTHER Casseroles--pastaorricebased

Flour,cornmeal,nuts Breakfastitems-

waffles,pancakes,bagels Frozenmeal,entree,specialtyitems

(pizza,sausageandbiscuit, meatpie,andconveniencefoods)

Stillcontainsice crystals and

feels as cold as if refrigerated

Refreeze Refreeze Refreeze

Refreeze, however, there will be

some texture and flavor loss.

Refreeze, may lose some texture.

Refreeze

Discard

Refreeze, may lose some texture.

Refreeze Refreeze Refreeze

Refreeze

Refreeze, will change in

texture and flavor.

Refreeze

Refreeze, some quality loss

may occur.

Refreeze Refreeze Refreeze

Refreeze Discard

Thawed.

Held above 40° Ffor over 2 hours

Discard Discard Discard

Discard

Discard Discard Discard Discard

Refreeze

Discard Discard

Discard

Refreeze, discard if mold, yeasty smell

or sliminess develops

Discard afterheld above

40° F (4° C) for 6 hours

Discard afterheld above

40° F (4° C) for 6 hours or if mold,

yeasty smell or sliminess develops

Refreeze

Discard

Refreeze, quality loss is considerable.

Discard Refreeze Refreeze

You may save time and money by checking items below before calling for service. List includes common concerns that are not the result of defective workmanship or materials. If your question is not explained below, contact the Amana CAIR®Center at 1-800-843-0304 in the U.S.A., or 1-866-587-2002 inCanada.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES WHATTO DO Appliance not working Power outage Make sure appliance is plugged in.

Circuit breaker has tripped Verify that circuit breaker isnot tripped. Fuse has blown Replace fuse, but do not change fuse capacity.

Freezer not cooling Temperaturecontrol Change control setting to 4 or above.

Poor gasket seal Clean gasket as described in Hints and Care.

Apply light coating of petroleum jelly to gasket. Failed gasket Have gasket replaced Food added recently Wait 5 to 8 hours for temperature to stabilize after the

addition of large quantities of unfrozen food.

Freezer runs frequently Normal Needs to run to maintain an eventemperature.

Door open Close door. Temperatureset too cold Adjust temperature control to maintain freezer

temperature. Poor gasket seal Clean gasket as described in Hints and Care.

Apply light coating of petroleum jelly to gasket. Poor clearance Confirm that freezer has proper clearance on each side

and vents are unobstructed as specified in Installation

Instructions.

Light fails to illuminate Bad bulb Replace bulb as described in Hints and Caresection.

Switch not opening Clean switch plunger to ensure proper operation. Bad switch Have authorized servicer replace switch.

Door lock key will not Normal Locks have "pop out key"function, preventing the key stay in lock from being kept in the lock. This feature is to prevent

child entrapment.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES WHATTO DO Clicks Normal Temperaturecontrol clicks when starting or stopping

compressor.

Gurgles and pops Normal Refrigerantflow through evaporatorcoil. (like boiling water)

Hum or pulsing sound Normal Compressor operation.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES WHATTO DO Water droplets on Poor gasket seal Clean gasket as described in Hints and Care.

outside of freezer Apply light coating of petroleum jelly to gasket. Water pooling in floor Poor or missing drain plug Verify that drain plug is properly in place and sealed.

by freezer Replace drain plug if seal is poor.

+ 33 hidden pages

Amana AFC0503BW Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual