Maytag MQC1557AEW Owner’s Manual
NIN TAG
Owner's Manual
Chest Freezers
Questions about your features?
Please contact us with your model and serial number:
Maytag Services sM
Attn: CAIR ''_Center
EO. Box 39
403 West 4th Street North
Newton. Iowa 50208-0039
Ph# 1-800-688-9900 in U.S.A.
1-800-688-2002 au Canada
Internet: http://www.maytag.com
Keep instructions for future reference.
Keep this manual and your sales receipt together in a sate place
in case warranty service is required.
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................... 2
Important Safety Information ........................................................ 3
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
WCWPart No. 1-35971-001
Part No.12631108
Form A/11/03
Manual del Usuario ..................................................................... 33
(.',32003Maytag Appliances Sales Co,
Please read this Owner's Manualthoroughly.This manual providespropermaintenance
information.
}REG[IH£ fRVI(f°o°
Complete registration card and promptly return. If registration card is missing, see
contact information onthe front cover of your manual.
When contacting Maytag, 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
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 that are available in the prod-
uct line. If your freezer does not have all
the options thatareshown, it is not a mis-
take. The information provided applies to
all of the models in the product line.
RECOGNIZE SAFETY
SYMBOLS, WORDS,
LABELS
To reduce risk of injury or death,
follow basic precautions, including
Warning and Important Safety
Instructions appearing in this manual are
not meant to 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.
To reduce risk of fire, electric shock, serious injury or death when using your freezer, follow these basic precautions,
including the following:
1. Read all instructionsbefore using the freezer.
2. Observe all local codes and ordinances.
3. Be sure to follow grounding instructions.
4. Check with a qualified electrician if you are not sure this
appliance is properly grounded.
5. DO NOT ground to a gas line.
6. DO NOT ground to a cold-water pipe.
7. Freezer is designed to operate on a 115 Volt. 15 amp.,
60 cycle line. There should be a separate, groundedcircuit 17. Always read and follow manufacturer's storage and ideal
serving this appliance only. environment instructions for items being stored in freezer.
8. DO NOT modify plug on power cord. If plug does not fit
electrical outlet, have proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician
9. DO NOT use a two-prong adapter,extensioncord or power
strip.
10. DO NOT remove warning tag from power cord.
11. DO NOT tamper with freezer controls.
12. DO NOT service or replace any part of freezer unless
specifically recommendedin Owner's Manual or published
user-repairinstructions.DONOTattemptservice ifinstructions _
are notunderstoodor ifthey are beyondpersonalskilllevel. ==. This freezer should not be recessed or built-in an enclosed
13. Always disconnect freezer from electrical supply before 23. Children should not climb, hang or standon any part of the
attempting any service. Disconnect power cord by grasping freezer.
the plug. not the cord.
DANGER ' Immediatehazards which
WILL result in severe personal injury
or death.
WARNING ,Hazards or unsafe prac-
tices which COULD result in severe
personal injury or death.
CAUTION- Hazards or unsafe prac:
tices which COULD result in minor
personal injury.
14. Install freezer according to Installation Instructions. All
connections for water, electrical powerand grounding must
comply with local codes and be made by licensed
personnel when required.
15. Keep your freezer in good condition. Bumping or dropping
freezercan damagefreezer or cause freezer to malfuqction
or leak. If damage occurs, have freezer checked by quali-
fied service technician.
16. Replaceworn powercords and/or loose plugs.
18. Do not use any electrical device or any sharp instrument
when defrosting your freezer.
19. Do not operate the freezer in the presence of explosive
fumes.
20. Do notstoreflammablesubstancesnear or inthis appliance.
21. After your freezer is inoperation, do not touch the cold sur-
faces in thefreezer compartment, particularly when hands
are damp or wet. Skin mayadhere to these extremely cold
surfaces.
cabinet. It is designed for freestanding installation only.
IMPORTANT: Child entrapment and
suffocation are not prob!ems of the
pasL Junked or abandonedfreezers
are still dangerous even ifthey sit
out for i'just a few days., If you are
getting rid of your old freezer, Please
follow the instructionsbelow to he!p
Preventaccidents.
Before you throw away your old
freezer:
>Take off the do0rs. __
> Leave the shelves ...... _
in place s0chld, '_r \
ren may not easily ...................
climb inside.
/
III;I I1111111111
}
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 freezer.
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.
2. DO NOT store flammables such as
gasoline near the freezer.
3. Check the strength of the floor. It
should hold the weight of a fully
loaded freezer.
4. Allow at least 3" (7.5 cm) on all sides
to allow for proper air circulation
around the freezer.
5. If the freezer is to be against a wall,
leaveextra space onthe hinge side so
the lid can be opened wider.
6. If the location selected foryour 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).
7. The freezer must be level for proper
operation.
8. DO NOT install the freezer on a
carpeted floor.
9. This freezer is designed to operate
at a household temperature of 40° to
90° F (4° to 32° C).
NOTE:Ifthefreezerislaidonitsside
duringshippingor transport,placethe
freezeruprightandwait12hoursbefore
pluggingitin. Thispreventsdamageto
thefreezer.
<11
Thetemperaturecontrolknob 44
islocatedontheoutsideof
thefreezercabineton the 7
lowerrightside.Toadjust 4
the temperaturecontrol,3f_b'_.\5
placea flat-bladedscrew-2_ ._
driver or coin into slot and " / 6
turn to the desired setting. 1 --0-_ 7
The freezer temperature control uses a
range of settings from 0 to 7.When set at
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 cabinet is cooled. This may take up to
6-8 hours or longer, depending on room
temperature and the number of times the
freezer is opened.
The outside of your freezer may feel
warm. This is normal. The freezer's
designand mainfunction is to removethe
heat from packagesand air space inside
the freezer. This heat istransferredto 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 designed for
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.
• Turn the control to a higher number if
a coldertemperatureis desired.
• Turnthe controlto a lowernumber if a
less coldtemperatureisdesired.
5. Wait an additional 24 hours and
recheck temperature.
5
(SELECT MODELS)
Some freezer models
feature one or two sliding
baskets.
Baskets can be used to organize the
freezer by containing 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.
(SELECT MODELS)
Touse the door lock:
1. Insert key into lock approximately 1/4"
(6 mm).
2. Turnkey clockwiseto lock freezer and
counterclockwise to unlock.
Once locked or unlocked, the lock will
push the key out, preventingthe key from
being kept in the lock.
(SELECT MODELS)
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.
POWERHGHT
(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.
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 addedat
one time. Alarm is controlled by a three
position switch.
To prevent chlid entrapment keep key
out of reach of children and away from
freezer.
(SELECT MODELS)
The power light normally willbe"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 presence of the light does not
indicate proper food temperatures, or
proper operation of the refrigeration
system.
0 1
• 0 = OFFprevents alarm from sounding
when freezer is warm, such as during
initial start-up or defrosting.
• ,/= TESTsounds alarm regardless of
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.
6
)WTO YOgR
To avoid electricai shock which can
cause severepersonal injury or death,
disconnect power to freeze[ before
cleaning. After cleaning, reconnect
power.
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
To avoid personal injury orproperty damagel observe the following:
Read and followmanufacturers directions for all cleaning products.
• DO NOT place shelves or accessories in dishwasher. Cracking or warping of
accessories rnayresu!t,
DO
Use 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart warm
soapy water.
Rinse surfaces with clean warm water and dry immediately to
avoid water spots.
Use warm, soapy water and a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
Rinse surfaces with clean warm water and dry immediately to
avoid water spots.
Allow items to adjust to room temperature.
Dilute mild detergentwith 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.
t
Toavoid electrical ShOckwhich can
cause severe personal injury o[
death, disconnect power to freezer
before cleaning.
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 withsoft clean cloth.
7. Reconnect power to freezer and
allow it to cool back down,
8. Return food to freezer. Verifyall 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.
9,
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 all frozen food and pack it in dry
ice. Unplug the freezer and clean it thor-
oughly. Tapethe door shut and tapeelec-
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.
1i!IIIIIli;
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.
• Keepfreezer full.
• Keep door gaskets clean and pliable.
Replace gaskets if worn.
9. After 24 hours, check freezer to verify
odor was eliminated.
> Toavoidelectricalshockwhchcan
causeseverepersonalinjuryor
death,disconnectpowertofreezer
beforedefrosting.
> Waterdamagedueto improper
defrostingordrainagemaycause
mold/mildewgrowth.
MANUAL DEFROST
FREEZERS
1. Transfer food to another freezer or a
well insulated cooler.
2.
Disconnect power to freezer.
3.
Some models have
drain plugs to aid in
defrosting. Pull
gently to remove
the plugs.
• Interior drain
plug is in lower left corner.
Plug
To avoid electrical shock which can
cause severepersonal injury or death,
disconnect power to freezer before
replacing light bulb. After replacing
light bulb, connect power.
Toavoidpropertydarnageldonotuse
sharporpointedinstrumentstoscrape
frostfromshelvesorinteriorsurfaces.
Manualdefrostfreezersneedto be
defrostedwhenfrosthasaccumulatedto
approximatelyY4"(6 mm)ofthickness.
Completedefrostingandcleaningshould
bedoneatleastoncea year.Inhigh
humidityareas,morefrequentdefrosting
andcleaningmaybenecessary.The
uppersectionofthefreezerwillgenerally
havemorefrostaccumulationthanthe
lower.Frostshouldnotbescrapedor
pulledoutofthefreezer,asdamagemay
result.
• Exterior drain plug is on the lower
front left corner.
4. Place a shallow panbeneath 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 (select
models) if used.
Replace drain plug.
• Drain plug must be
properly installed for
efficient operation.
8. Restore power to the freezer.
Hose
Adapter
To avoid personal injury or property
damage, observe the following:
>Aow ghtbubtocoo
>Wear gloves when replacing light
bulb.
1. Disconnect power to freezer.
2. Remove light bulb.
3. Replace bulb with 15-watt appliance
bulb.
4. Reconnect power supply.
9
IO;llI IOOI;
Freezer burn occurs when air reaches the
surfaceof thefood.The cold, dry air in the
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,
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 changesto the color near
the bones resulting in 'bone darkening'.
These changes are only visual changes
and do not indicate poor quality orunsafe
food.
Maytag provides this information as a
guide to aid in food preservation. Forspe-
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 beingeggs 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 over time.
It is safe to freeze meat or poultry
directly in supermarket wrapping. This
wrapping is air permeable which allows
freezer burn, so the meat should be
used within oneto two months.
• Freeze foods as quickly as possible.
This prevents large ice crystals from
forming which decreases food quality.
• Neverstack packages to be frozen. Lay
packages out in a single layer and 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 grow while the food is thawing.
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 in coldwater (Ifbag
leaks, food will become contaminated
by bacteria). Check water frequently to
verify it stays cold. Change water every
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.
Properpackaginghelpspreventfreezer
burn,andhelpslimitodortransferinthe
freezer.
Forshorttermstorage,freezemeator
poultrydirectlyinsupermarketwrapping.
Thismeatshouldbeusedwithin1to2
months.
Forlongtermstorage,followthesewrap-
pingguidelines:
• Overwrapstorewrappedpackages
withairtightheavydutyfoil,plastic
wrap,freezerpaperorfreezerbags.
• Freezeunopenedvacuumwrapped
packagesastheyare.
• Makesurelidsaresealedtightlywhen
usingairtightfreezercontainers.
• Breakdownfoodsintosmallerportions
forfasterfreezing.
• Removeasmuchairaspossiblefrom
packagesbeforeplacinginthefreezer.
• Ifapackagehasaccidentallybeentorn
ordamagedwhileinthefreezer,the
foodisstillsafetoeat.Justoverwrapit
orrepackageit.
• It isnotnecessaryto rinsemeator
poultrybeforefreezing.
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 steaksor
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 food storage at
0° F (-18° C) or slightly below.
Foods can be cooked or reheateddirectly
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 USDAlabel onthe meat.
NOTE: Do not use a slow cooker for
preparing foods from the frozen state.
ThechartbelowisprovidedbytheUSDAandshouldbeusedasaguidelineonly.Whenindoubtaboutfoodsafety,itisalwaysbetter
tothrowquestionablefoodouL
Stillcontainsice crystamsand Thawed.
Food or Food Type feels as cold as if refrigerated Held above 40° Ffor over 2 hours
MEAT,POULTRY and SEAFOOD
Beef, veal, lamb, pork and ground meats Refreeze Discard
Poultry and ground poultry Refreeze Discard
Variety meats Refreeze Discard
(liver, kidney,heart, chitterlings)
Fish, shellfish, breadedseafood products Refreeze, however,there will be Discard
some texture and flavor loss.
"_AtRY
Milk Refreeze, may lose some texture. Discard
Eggs (out of she/) and egg products Refreeze Discard
Ice cream, frozenyogurt Discard Discard
Cheese (soft and semi-soft) Refreeze, may lose some texture. Discard
Hard cheeses Refreeze Refreeze
Shredded cheeses Refreeze Discard
Casseroles containing milk, cream, Refreeze Discard
eggs, soft cheeses
Cheesecake Refreeze Discard
FRUITS and VEGETABLES
Juices--fruit Refreeze Refreeze, discardif mold, yeasty smell
or sliminess develops
Juices--vegetables Refreeze Discard after held above
40° F (4° C) for 6 hours
Home, commercially packaged or Refreeze, will change in Discard after held above
blanched texture and flavor. 40° F (4° C) for 6 hours or if mold,
yeasty smell or sliminess develops
BREADS and PASTRIES
Breads, rolls, muffins, Refreeze Refreeze
cakes (without custard filings)
Cakes, pies, pastries with custard or Refreeze Discard
cheese filling
Pie crusts, commercial and homemade Refreeze, some quality loss Refreeze,qualty loss is considerable.
bread dough mayoccur.
"_THER
Casseroles--pasta or rice based Refreeze Discard
Flour, cornmeal, nuts Refreeze Refreeze
Breakfast items- Refreeze Refreeze
waffles, pancakes, bagels
Frozen meat, entr6e, specialty items Refreeze Discard
(pizza, sausage and biscuit,
meat pie, andconvenience feeds)
Youmaysavetimeandmoneybycheckingitemsbelowbeforecallingforservice.Listincludescommonconcernsthatarenot
theresultof defectiveworkmanshipor materials.If yourquestionis notexplainedbelow,contacttheCAIR®Centerat
1-800-688-9900intheU.S.A.,or1-800-688-2002inCanada.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES WHATTO DO
Appliance not working Power outage Make sure appliance is plugged in.
Circuit breaker has tripped Verify that circuit breaker is not tripped.
Fuse has blown Replace fuse, but do not change fuse capacity.
Freezer not cooling Temperaturecontrol Change control setting to 4 orabove.
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 POSSIBLECAUSES WHATTODO
Clicks Normal Temperaturecontrolclickswhenstartingorstopping
compressor,
Gurgmesandpops Normal Refrigerantflowthroughevaporatorcoil
(likeboilingwater)
Humorpulsingsound Normal Compressoroperation,
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 Verifythat drain plug is properly in place and sealed.
by freezer Replace drain plug if seal is poor.
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