Frigidaire FKCH17F7HWF, FKCH17F7HWE, FKCH17F7HWD, FKCH17F7HWC, FKCH17F7HWB Owner’s Manual

Safety Instructions .... 2-3

First Steps .......................... 3 - 4

Setting

the Temperature Control ............. 4

Freezer Optional Features ....... 4 - 5

Care and Cleaning ................ 5

Power Failure/Freezer Failure ....... 6

Avoid Service Checklist ........ 7 - 8

Warranty ............................... 9

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS P/N297245000(Mar 2008)

Product Registration

• Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing in the
freezer. Overloading the freezer forces the compressor to run
longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality or spoil.

• Be sure to wrap foods properly and wipe containers dry before
placing them in the freezer. This cuts down on frost build-up

inside the freezer.

• Freezer shelves and baskets should not be lined with aluminum
foil, wax paper, or paper toweling. Liners interfere with cold air

circulation, making the freezer less efficient.

• Organize and label food to reduce door/lid openings and
extended searches. Remove as many items as needed at one
time, and close door/lid as soon as possible.

Version en espa6ol

Si desea obtener una copia en espahol
de este Manual del Usuario, sfrvase

escribir a la direccion que se incluye a
continuacion. Solicite la P/N 297252400.

Spanish Owner's Guides

Electrolux Home Products
P.O. Box 212378

Augusta, GA 30917

The information contained in this Use and Care Guide will instruct
you on how to properly operate and care for your product. Please

read through the information contained in your literature pack to
learn more about your new freezer.

Record your Model and Serial Numbers

Record the model number and serial number of this freezer in the
space provided below.

Serial No.

Register Your Product

The self-addressed PRODUCT REGISTRATION CARD (shown
above) should be filled in completely, signed and returned to

Electrolux Home Products.

This Use and Care Guide provides operating instructions for your
model. Use your freezer only as instructed in this Use and Care

Guide.

Important Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before using this freezer.

For your safety
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this unit or any other appliance. Read

product labels for flammability and other warnings.

Child Safety

• Destroy carton, plastic bags, and any exterior wrapping material

immediately after the freezer is unpacked. Children should
never use these items for play. Cartons covered with rugs,

bedspreads, plastic sheets or stretch wrap may become airtight
chambers and can quickly cause suffocation.

• A child might suffocate if he crawls into the freezer to hide or

play, Remove the door/lid of the freezer when notin use, even
if you plan to discard the freezer, Many communities have laws

requiring you to take this safety precaution.

• Remove or discard any spacers used to secure the shelves

during shipping. Small objects are a choke hazard to children.

r_TAV±_:t#II#[€Model No.

Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past.
Junked or abandoned refrigerators or freezers are still dangerous

- even if they will sitfor "just a few days". If you are getting rid of you r
old refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions below to
help prevent accidents:

• Remove the door/lid.

• Leave shelves in place so children may not easily climb

inside.

• Have the refrigerant removed by a qualified technician.

Risk of Child Entrapment

Energy Saving Ideas

• The freezer should be located in the coolest area of the room,
away from heat producing appliances or heating ducts, and out
of direct sunlight.

Electrical Information

These guidelines must be followed to ensure that safety
mechanisms in the design ofthis freezer will operate properly.

Grounding ty e
wall receptacle e

Avoid fire hazard or

electric shock. Do not
use an extension cord

or an adapter plug. Do
not remove any prong

from power cord.

• Refer to the serial plate for correct electrical rating. The

power cord of the freezer is equipped with a three-prong
grounding plug for protection against shock hazards. It must be
plugged directly into its own properly grounded three-prong

receptacle, protected with a 15 amp time delay fuse or circuit

breaker. The receptacle must be installed in accordance with
the local codes and ordinances. Consult a qualified electrician.

Receptacles with Ground Fault Circuit interrupters (GFCI) are

NOT RECOMMENDED. DO NOTUSEAN EXTENSION CORDOR

ANADAPTER PLUG.

• if the voltage varies by 10 percent or more, freezer performance

may be affected. Operating the freezer with insufficient power
can damage the motor. Such damage is not covered under the
warranty. If you suspect your voltage is high or low, consult your
power company for testing.

• To prevent the freezer from being turned off accidentally, do not

plug the unit into an outlet controlled by awall switch or pull cord.

• Do not pinch, knot, or bend the power cord in any manner.

f' Do not under

any circumstances

cut, remove_
or bypass

the grounding pron!

\from this plug,

Power supply
cord with 3-prong

grounding plug

3" AIRSPACE

Installation

Leveling

The freezer must have all bottom corners resting firmly on a solid
floor. The floor must be strong enough to support a fully loaded
freezer. It is VERY IMPORTANT for your freezer to be level in order
to function properly. If the freezer is not leveled during installation,
the door/lid may be misaligned and not close or seal properly,

causing cooling, frost or moisture problems.

To level Upright Units:
After discarding crating screws and wood base, use a carpenter's
level to level the freezer from front to back. Adjust the plastic

leveling feet in front, _/2bubble higher, so that the door closes easily
when left halfway open.

Other Precautions

• To defrost, always unplug unit first.

• Never unplug the freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always
grip the plug firmly and pull straight out from the receptacle.

• Turning the control to "OFF" turns off the compressor but does
not disconnect power to other electrical components.

First Steps

Before starting the freezer, follow these important first steps.

Installation / Freezer Placement

• Choose a place that is near a grounded electrical outlet.

• The freezer should be located where surrounding temperature
will not exceed 110°F (43°C). Temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and

below will NOT affect freezer operation. Additional compressor
heaters are not recommended.

• Allow space around the unit for good air circulation. Leave a 3
inch (75ram) space on all sides of the freezer for adequate

circulation.

DISCARD THE {4) CRA_ING
SCREWS AND (2) WOOD BASES

Unpacking and Leveling - Upright Freezers

I_1_1_1 TOallow door to

close and seal properly, DO NOT let
food packages extend past the front

of shelves.

Shelf Front

3

Door Removal (Upright Models)

• Unplug the unit

• Gently lay freezer on its back, on a rug or blanket.

• Remove two base screws and base panel.

• Remove the bottom hinge screws.

• Remove the plastic top hinge cover.

• Remove the screws from the top hinge.

• Remove the top hinge from the cabinet.

• Remove the door and bottom hinge from the cabinet.

• To replace door, reverse the above procedures and securely
tighten all screws to prevent hinge slippage.

Setting the Temperature Control

Cool Down Period

• For safe food storage, allow four (4) hours for freezer to cool
down completely. The freezer will run continuously for the first
several hours. Foods that are already frozen may be placed in

the freezer after the first few hours of operation. Unfrozen foods
should NOT be loaded into the freezer until freezer has operated
for four (4) hours.

• When loading freezer, freeze only three (3) pounds of fresh food
per cubic foot of freezer space at one time. Distribute packages

to be frozen evenly throughout the freezer. It is not necessary to
turn the control knob to a colder setting while freezing food.

Pushing the switch to the "F" position will engage the freezer
control on the left and pushing the switch to the "R" position will
engage the refrigerator control on the right side. Positioning the
switch in the middle position will disengage both freezer and

refrigerator controls and disable all cooling functions. The light, if

equipped, will still operate.

]ridge temp

Convertible Controls

Figure 2

The temperature is factory preset to provide satisfactory food
storage temperatures. To adjust the temperature setting, press
UP button for warmer temperatures and the DOWN button for
colder temperatures. Allow several hours for the temperature to
stabilize between adjustments.

1

O_off !iif

=

]reezer temp

The convertible model can operate as either a freezer or a
refrigerator. The selection is made using the rocker switch on the

top of the panel as shown in Figure 1.

Convertible Switch

Figure 1

Convertible
Temperature

Controls -._

Automatic Freeze Control
When in the refrigerator mode the Freeze Control Feature will

maintain proper interior refrigerator temperature even when the

refrigerator is placed in an area where the surrounding temperature

drops to 10°F (-12°C).

Freezer Optional Features

Your freezer may have some or all of the features listed below.

Become familiar with these features and their use and care.

\

Dairy Door

/,

Humidity
Control

/

4

Adjustable Interior Shelves

Multi-position adjustable interior shelves can be moved to any
position for larger or smaller packages. The shipping spacers
that stabilize the shelves for shipping may be removed and

discarded.

AdjustableInteriorShelves- UprightModels

Door storage

Door bins, shelves, and racks are provided for convenient
storage of jars, bottles, and cans. Frequently used items can be
quickly selected.

Some models have door racks or bins that can accommodate
gallon-sized plastic drink containers and economy-sized jars

and containers.
The dairy compartment, which is warmer than the general food

storage section, is intended for short term storage of cheese,
spreads, or butter.

Adjustable door bins

Some models have adjustable door bins that can be moved to
suit individual needs.

To move door bins

1. Lift bin straight up.

2. Remove bin.

3. Place bin in desired

position.

4. Lower bin onto supports
until locked in place.

Crispers (some models)
The crispers, located under

bottom refrigerator shelf, are
designed for storing fruits,

vegetables, and other fresh

produce. Wash items in clear
water and remove excess

water before placing them in

the crispers, items with strong

odors or high moisture content
should be wrapped before
storing.

Crisper Drawer

Humidity Control (some models)
The Humidity Control, present on some models with crisper

drawers, allows you to adjust the humidity within the crisper.
This can extend the life of fresh vegetables that keep best in
high humidity.

ieske

"" High

i it to;;

i ,ii coi ;,

Care and Cleaning

• Damp objects stick to cold metal surfaces, DO NOT touch

interior metal surfaces with wet or damp hands.

• The freezer must be unplugged (to avoid electrical hazard)
from power source when defrosting the unit.

Convertible model is frost free and will defrost automatically, but
should be cleaned occasionally.

Cleaning The Inside
After defrosting, wash inside surfaces of the freezer with a solution
of two (2) tablespoons of baking soda in one (1) quart (1.136 liters)
warm water. Rinse and dry. Wring excess water out of the sponge

or cloth when cleaning in the area of the controls, or any electrical
parts.

Wash the removable parts with the baking soda solution mentioned
above, or mild detergent and warm water. Rinse and dry. NEVER

use metallic scouring pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners or alkaline
solutions on any surface. DO NOT wash removable parts in a

dishwasher.
Cleaning The Outside

Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid detergent.
Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth. Replace parts and

food.

Do not use razor blades or other sharp instruments, which can
scratch the freezer surface when removing adhesive labels. Any
glue left from the tape can be removed with amixture of warm water

and mild detergent, or touch the residue with the sticky side of the
tape already removed. DO NOT REMOVE THE SERIAL PLATE.

Crisper Humidity

Conh

Power Failure / Freezer Failure

Risk of Child Entrapment

If leaving the freezer door/lid open while on vacation, make certain
that children cannot get into the freezer and become entrapped.

DO NOT open freezer door/lid unnecessarily if freezer is off for
several hours,

Vacation and Moving Tips

Short Vacations:

• Leave the freezer operating during periods of non-use of less
than three (3) weeks.

Long Vacations:
If the freezer will not be used for several months:

• Remove all food and unplug the power cord.

• Clean and dry the interior thoroughly.

• Leave the freezer door/lid open slightly, blocking it open if
necessary, to prevent odor and mold growth.

Moving:
When moving the freezer, follow these guidelines to prevent
damage:

• Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet.

• Remove foods, then defrost, and clean the freezer.

• Secure all loose items such as base panel, baskets, and
shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

• In the moving vehicle, secure freezer in an upright position to
prevent movement. Also, protect outside of freezer with a blanket

or similar item.

IFAPOWER FAILUREOCCURS:
Frozen foods will stay frozen for at least 24 hours if the freezer is

kept closed. If the power failure continues, pack seven or eight
pounds of dry ice into the freezer every 24 hours. Look inthe Yellow

Pages under "Dry Ice', "Dairies", or "Ice Cream Manufacturers" for
local dry ice suppliers. Always wear gloves and use caution when
handling dry ice.

Ifthe freezer has stopped operating, see the "Freezer does not run"
section in the Avoid Service Checklist section of this use and care

guide. If you cannot solve the problem, call an authorized service
personnel immediately.

If the freezer remains off for several hours, follow the directions
above forthe use of dry ice during a power failure. If necessary, take
the food to a local locker plant until the freezer is ready to operate.
Look in the Yellow Pages under "Frozen Food Locker Plants".

6

AVOID SERVICE

Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you time and expense. This list includes
common occurrences that are not the result of defective workmanship or materials in this

CHECKLIST appliance.

PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION

FREEZER DOES NOT RUN,

Freezer does not run. * Freezer is plugged into a circuit that * Use another circuit. If you are unsure about the outlet

has a ground fault interrupt, have it checked by a certified technician.

• Temperature control is in the "OFF" * See Thermostat Setting.
position.

• Freezer may not be plugged in, or * Ensure plug is tightly pushed into outlet.
plug may be loose.

• House fuse blown or tripped circuit * Check/replace fuse with a 15 amp time delay fuse.
breaker, Reset circuit breaker.

• Power outage * Check house lights. Call local Electric Company.

Freezer runs too much or * Room or outside weather is hot. * It's normal for the freezer to work harder under these
too long. conditions,

• Freezer has recently been * It takes 24 hours for the freezer to cool down
disconnected for a period of time. completely.

• Large amount of warm or hot food * Warm food will cause freezer to run more until the
have been stored recently, desired temperature is reached.

• Door/lid is opened too frequently or * Warm air entering the freezer causes it to run more.
kept open too long, Open the door/lid less often.

• Freezer door/lid may be slightly * See "Door/lid Problems".
open.

• Temperature control is set too low, * Turn control knob to a warmer setting. Allow several

hours for the temperature to stabilize.

• Freezer gaskets are dirty, worn, * Clean or change gasket. Leaks in the door/lid seal wil

cracked or poorly fitted, cause freezer to run longer in order to maintain

desired temperature.

Interior freezer temperature * Temperature control is set too low. * Turn control knob to a warmer setting. Allow several
is too cold. hours for the temperature to stabilize.

Interior freezer temperature * Temperature control is set too * Turn control knob to a colder setting. Allow several
is too warm. warm. hours for the temperature to stabilize.

• Door/lid is opened too frequently or * Warm air entering the freezer causes it to run more.
kept open too long, Open the door/lid less often.

• Freezer door/lid may be slightly * See "Door/lid Problems".
open.

• Large amount of warm or hot food * Wait until the freezer has had a chance to reach its
have been stored recently, selected temperature.

• Freezer has recently been * Freezer requires 24 hours to cool down completely.
disconnected for a period of time.

Freezer external surface * The external freezer walls can be * This is normal while the compressor works to transfer
temperature is warm. as much as 30°F warmer than room heat from inside the freezer cabinet.

temperature.

SOUND AND NOISE

Louder sound levels * Modern freezers have increased * This is normal. When the surrounding noise level is
whenever freezer is on. storage capacity and more stable low, you might hear the compressor running while it

temperatures. They require high cools the interior.

efficiency compressors,

Louder sound levels when * Freezer operates at higher * This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as
compressor comes on. pressures during the start of the ON freezer continues to run.

cycle.

Popping or cracking sound * Metal parts undergo expansion and * This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as
when compressor comes contraction, as in hot water pipes, freezer continues to run.

on,

7

PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION

SOUND AND NOISE (Cont.)

Bubbling or gurgling soun * Refrigerant (used to cool freezer) * This is normal.

is circulating throughout the

Vibrating or rattling noise. * Freezer is not level, it rocks on * Level the freezer by putting wood or metal shims

the floor when it is moved under part of the freezer.

• Flooris uneven or weak. * Ensure floorcan adequatelysupport freezer. Level
the freezer byputting wood or metal shims under

part of the freeze r.

• Freezer is touching the wall. * Re-level freezer or move freezer slightly.

WATER / MOISTURE / FROS T INSIDE FREEZER

Moisture forms on inside * Weather is hot and humid, which * This is normal.
freezer walls, increases internal rate of frost

build-up.

• Door is slightlyopen. * Adjust leveling legs.

• Dooris keptopentoolong oris * Openthe doorless otten.

opened too frequently.

WATER / MOISTURE / FROST OUTSIDE FREEZER

Moisture forms on * Door is slightlyopen. * Adjust leveling legs.
outside freezer walls.

ODOR IN FREEZER

Odors in freezer. * Interior needs to be cleaned. * Clean interior with sponge, warm water, and

baking soda.

• Foods with strong odors are in * Cover the food tightly.

the freezer.

LIGHT BULB IS NOT ON

Light bulb is noton * The fluorescent lamp or light * See"Fluorescent Lamp"or"lnteriorLight"on

bulb is burned out. Features Section.

• No electric current is reaching * See "Freezer Does Not Run".

the appliance.

8

Your appliance is covered by a one year limited warranty, For one year from your original date of

purchase, Electrolux will pay all costs for repairing or replacing any parts of this appliance that prove to
be defective in materials or workmanship when such appliance is installed, used and maintained in

accordance with the provided instructions.

Exclusions

This warranty does not cover the following:

1. Products with original serial numbers that have been removed, altered or cannot be readily determined.

2. Product that has been transferred from its original owner to another party or removed outside the USA or
Canada.

3. Rust on the interior or exterior of the unit.

4. Products purchased "as-is" are not covered by this warranty.

5. Food loss due to any refrigerator or freezer failures.

6. Products used in a commercial setting.

7. Service calls which do not involve malfunction or defects in materials or workmanship, or for appliances
not in ordinary household use or used other than in accordance with the provided instructions.

8. Service calls to correct the installation of your appliance or to instruct you how to use your appliance.

9. Expenses for making the appliance accessible for servicing, such as removal of trim, cupboards, shelves,
etc.,which are not a part of the appliance when it is shipped from the factory.

10. Service calls to repair or replace appliance light bulbs, air filters, water filters, other consumables, or
knobs, handles, or other cosmetic parts.

11. Surcharges including, but not limited to, any after hour, weekend, or holiday service calls, tolls, ferry trip

charges, or mileage expense for service calls to remote areas, including the state of Alaska.

12. Damages to the finish of appliance or home incurred during installation, including but not limited to floors,

cabinets, walls, etc.

I3. Damages caused by: services performed by unauthorized service companies; use of parts other than

genuine Electrolux parts or parts obtained from persons other than authorized service companies; or
external causes such as abuse, misuse, inadequate power supply, accidents, fires, or acts of God.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF REMEDIES

CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT

REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED HEREIN. CLAIMS BASED ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED TO ONE YEAR OR THE SHORTEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW, BUT NOT LESS THAN ONE YEAR.

ELECTROLUX SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SUCH AS
PROPERTY DAMAGE AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF THIS WRITTEN

LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY. SOME STATES AND PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE
EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LIMITATIONS ON THE

DURATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO

YOU. THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER

RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

If You Need
Service

This warranty only applies in the USA and Canada. In the USA, your appliance iswarranted by Electrolux Major Appliances

North America, a division of Electrolux Home Products, Inc. In Canada, your appliance is warranted by Electrolux Canada

Corp. Electrolux authorizes no person to change or add to any obligations under this warranty. Obligations for service and
parts under this warranty must be performed by Electrolux or an authorized service company. Product features or
specifications as described or illustrated are subject to change without notice.

USA

1,800,944.9044
Electrolux Major Appliances

North America
RQ. Box 212378

Augusta, GA 30907

Keep your receipt, delivery slip, or some other appropriate payment record to establish the warranty period
should service be required. If service is performed, it is in your best interest to obtain and keep all receipts.
Service under this warranty must be obtained by contacting Electrolux at the addresses or phone

numbers below.

Canada

1.800,668,4606

[] Electrolux

Electrolux Canada Corp.

5855 Terry Fox Way

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

L5V 3E4

9