Maytag MQU1554AEW Owner’s Manual
MAYFAG
Owner's Manual
Upright Freezers
Questions about your features?
Please contact us with your model and serial number:
Maytag Services sM
Attn: CAIR _'_Center
RO. 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 safe 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 du propri6taire ............................................................... 17
WCW Part No. 1-82180
Part No. 12631109
Form A!11/03
Manual del Usuario ..................................................................... 33
@2003Maytag Appliances Sales Co.
Please readthis Owner's Manualthoroughly.This manual provides proper maintenance
information.
:}RECALLINGSERVI(E...
Complete registration card and promptly return. If registration card is missing, see
contact information on the front cover ofyour manual.
When contacting Maytag, please providethe 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 featuresthat are available in the prod-
uct line. Ifyour freezer does not have all
the optionsthat are shown, it is not a mis-
take. The informationprovided applies to
all ofthe modelsin the product line.
2
Warning and Important Safety
Instructions appearing in this manual are
not meantto cover all possibleconditions
and situations that may occur. Common
sense, caution, and care must be
exercisedwhen installing, maintaining, or
operating thisfreezer.
Always contact your dealer, distributor,
service agent, or manufacturer about
problems or conditions you do not under-
stand.
RECOGNIZE SAFETY
SYMBOLS, WORDS,
LABELS
THESEINSTRU(TIONS
3
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 anddry thoroughly.
CHOOSE FREEZER
LOCATION"
,
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.
,
Allow at least 3" (7.5 cm) betweentop
of freezer and the ceiling.
,
Allow at least 1" (2.5 cm) between
back offreezer and the wall.
6. Allow 3" (7.5 cm) on each side of the
freezer for ease of installation.
,
If the freezer is to be against a wall,
you might want to leave extra space
on the hinge side so the door can be
opened wider.
,
This freezer is designed to operate at
a household temperature of 32° to
110° F (0°to 43° C).
INSTALL FREEZER:
Raise Lower
1. Locatethe 2front levellinglegsamong
the packing materials.
2. Screw these legs into the front holes
on the bottom of the freezer.The back
of the freezer rests on 2 fixed sup-
ports.
3. Adjust the 2 front legsso that the front
ofthe freezer isslightly higherthan the
back. When adjusted properly, the
door will swing shut from 10"open.
4
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.
The freezer control turns the
system on.
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 2to 3 pounds of
unfrozen food per cubic foot of freezer
space.
3. 24 hours after adding food, adjust
control as desired.
cooling
Adjusting the control:
,
Set household thermometer snugly
between frozen packages or place
thermometer in a glass of vegetable
oil, placed infreezer (vegetable oil will
not freeze).
•Thermometer should be designedfor
use withfreezer.
•Thermometer should read tempera-
tures ranging from -5° to 50° F
(-21° to 10° C).
2. Wait 5 to 8 hours.
3. Check temperature.
•Temperatureshouldread0° F(-18° C)
or slightly below.
4. If temperature is not in range, adjust
control only one number at a time.
NOTE: When the freezer is first started,
the compressor will run constantly until
thecabinet iscooled. This maytakeup 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
design andmainfunction isto removethe
heat from packages and air space inside
thefreezer. This heat is transferred to the
room air,so the outsideofthefreezer may
feel warm.
•Turn the controlto a higher number if
a colder temperatureis desired.
•Turnthe controlto a lowernumberifa
less cold temperatureis desired.
5. Wait an additional 24 hours and
recheck temperature.
5
(SELECT MODELS)
Select models have automatic defrost.
This allows the freezer to run more effi-
ciently and quietly, minimizes odors, and
takes the hassle out of keeping a freezer
clean.
FASTFREEZE
(SELECT MODELS)
Fast Freezeis aconven-
ient feature that enables
quickerfreezing of large amounts of food.
During Fast Freeze,the freezer runscon-
tinuously,to drivethe freezertemperature
down to its coldest level.
To use Fast Freeze,simply turn the con-
trol knobto the Igloo symbol. Then place
unfrozen foods in the freezer cavity,
spreading them out as much as possible.
Return freezer to its normal setting after
24 to 48 hours.
(SELECT MODELS)
Some freezer modelsfeature 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 unfrozen food isadded at
one time. Alarm is controlled by a three
position switch.
0 1
• O= OFFprevents alarmfrom sounding
when freezer is warm, such as during
initial start-up or defrosting.
)ORLO(K
(SELECT MODELS)
Touse the door lock:
1. Insert key into lock approximately ¼"
(6 mm).
2. Turn key clockwiseto lockfreezer and
counterclockwise to unlock.
Once locked or unlocked, the lock will
pushthe keyout, preventingthe key from
being kept in the lock.
TERIORLmGHT
(SELECT MODELS)
The interior lightworks to light the freez-
er in poor or dimly lit conditions.The light
is designed and tested to provide illumi-
nation while minimizing heat generated if
the door is accidentally left ajar. To
replace the interior light, see the Hints
and Care section.
• ,/= 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.
The power light normally will be "ON." Its
purpose is to warn you when there is a
power absence. If for any reason the
powerto the freezer is interrupted (blown
fuse, loose plug, etc.) the indicator light
will be"OFF."
6
TOCLEANYOURFREEZER
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
DO
> Use 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1quart warm
soapy water.
> Rinsesurfaces with clean warm waterand dry immediately to
avoid waterspots.
Use warm, soapy water and asoft, clean clothor sponge.
Rinse surfaces with clean warm water and dry immediately to
avoid waterspots.
Allow items to adjust to roomtemperature.
Dilute mild detergent with water and use asoft clean cloth or
sponge for cleaning.
Use a plastic bristle brush to get intocrevices.
Rinse surfaces with clean warm water.
t
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.
Remove allfrozen food and pack it in dry
ice. Unplug the freezer and clean itthor-
oughly. Tape the door shut andtape elec-
trical cord to the cabinet.
1. Move all food to another freezer.
2. Disconnect power to the freezer.
3. Wash all interior surfaces including
door,floor andwalls.
4. Clean corners, crevices and grooves
thoroughly.
5. Wash all accessories and shelves by
hand.
6. Dry thoroughlywith soft clean cloth.
7. Reconnect power to freezer and
allow it to cool back down.
8. Return food to freezer. Verify allfood
is wrappedtightly or in sealed contain-
ers to preventfurther odor problems.
9. After 24 hours, check freezer to verify
odor was eliminated.
4. Place plain charcoal briquettes in
freezer on newspaper.
5. Close the freezer door and let stand
24 to 48 hours.
,
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.
When you get to your new home, referto
pages 4 and 5 for informationon installa-
tion and setting controls.
SAVINGiDEAS
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.
Manualdefrostfreezersneedto be
defrostedwhenfrosthasaccumulatedto
approximately¼"(6mm)ofthickness.
Completedefrostingandcleaningshould
bedoneatleastonceayear.Inhigh
humidityareas,morefrequentdefrosting
andcleaningmaybenecessary.The
uppersectionofthefreezerwillgenerally
havemorefrostaccumulationthanthe
lower.Frostshouldnotbe scrapedor
pulledoutofthefreezer,asdamagemay
result.
AutomaticDefrostFreezers(select
models)donotrequiredefrosting.
MANUAL DEFROST
FREEZERS
(SELECT MODELS)
1. Transfer food to another freezer or a
well insulated cooler.
,
Disconnect power to freezer.
3.
Remove the toe grille (select models)
by pulling it forward.
,
Reach underneath thefreezer and pull
out the defrost drain tube. Place the
tube in a shallow pan or in a nearby
floor drain.
,
Remove defrost drain plug (select
models) from the bottom front of the
freezer liner so the defrost water will
flow intothe draintube.
• Empty pan as often as necessary
during the defrost.
NOTE: Some models do not have a
drain plug and water collecting from the
defrost will haveto be removed manually.
1. Disconnect freezer.
2. Pinch tabs on light cover and pull
straightdown.
3. Remove light bulb.
4. Replace bulb.
6. To speed defrosting, pans of hot water
may be placed on shelves in the
freezer.
• Do not bend, scrape or try to
moveshelves. Shelvesare part of
the sealed cooling system and
can be damaged.
,
Once defrosted, clean the freezer
according to guidelines in Hints and
Care.
,
Clean defrost drain using a bottle
brush. Flushthe drain with clear water
before replacing the drain tube and
drain plug.
• Drain plug must be properly
installed and tightly sealed for
efficient operation of the freezer.
9. Restore power to the freezer.
5. Replace protectivecover.
6. Reconnect power supply.
NOTE: Manual defrost freezers use a
15-watt appliance bulb. Automatic de-
frost freezers use a 40-watt appliance
bulb.
FREEZINGFA(5
Freezerburnoccurswhenairreachesthe
surfaceofthefood.Thecold,dryairinthe
freezercausesthefoodstufftodryoutin
spotsandlosequality.Whilefreezerburn
maynottastegood,itdoesnotmakethe
foodunsafe.Freezerburnedportions
shouldbecutawayeitherbeforeorafter
cookingthefood.
Colorchangescanoccurinfrozenfoods. •
Thiscancausegroundbeeftogofroma
bright,redtoadarker,dullerbrowndue
to lackof oxygen.Freezingnormally
doesn'tcausecolorchangesinpoultry,
butitwillcausechangestothecolornear
thebonesresultingin'bonedarkening'. •
Thesechangesareonlyvisualchanges
anddonotindicatepoorqualityorunsafe
food. •
Maytag provides this information as a
guide to aid infood 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 exceptionsbeing eggs still inthe
shell and cans of foods.
Frozen food kept at 0° F (-18° C) or
slightly belowwill 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 airpermeable whichallows
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 packages to be frozen. Lay
packages out ina single layerandthen
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 bedefrosted at
room temperature. This allows unsafe
bacteria to growwhilethe food 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 immerseit in cold water (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 usinga microwaveto defrostfood.
Microwave defrosting warms food and
can partially cook it, allowing bacteria
to grow as it defrosts. Food cannot be
refrozen until it is cooked.
10
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, follow these wrap-
ping guidelines:
• Overwrap store wrapped packages
with airtight heavy duty foil, plastic
wrap, freezer paper orfreezer bags.
• Freeze unopened vacuum wrapped
packages as they are.
• Make sure lids are sealed tightlywhen
using airtight freezer containers.
• Break downfoods into smaller portions
for faster freezing.
• Remove as much air as possible from
packages before placing in the freezer.
If a packagehas accidentallybeen torn
or damaged while in the freezer, the
food is still safeto eat.Just overwrap it
or repackage it.
• It is not necessary to rinse meat or
poultry beforefreezing.
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, uncookedroasts 9
Meat, uncookedsteaks or
chops 4 to 6
Meat, uncookedground 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 8to 12
*Provided by the USDA.
Chart is based on food storageat
0° F (-18°C) or slightly below.
FROZENFOOgS
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.Rememberto
read the USDA label on the meat.
NOTE: Do not use a slow cooker for
preparing foods from the frozen state.
ThechartbelowisprovidedbytheUSDAandshouldbeusedasaguidelineonly.Whenindoubtaboutfoodsafety,itisalwaysbet-
tertothrowquestionablefoodout.
Foodor FoodType
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)
Still contains ice 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
Refreeze
Refreeze, will change in
texture andflavor.
Refreeze
Refreeze
Refreeze, some quality loss
may occur.
Refreeze
Refreeze
Refreeze
Refreeze Discard
Thawed.
Heldabove 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 after held above
40° F (4° C) for 6 hours
Discard after held 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
]2
You may save time and money by checking items below before calling for service. List includes common concerns that are not
the resultof defective workmanship or materials.Ifyour question is not explained below,contact the CAIR<_Center at 1-800-688-9900
in the U.S.A., or 1-800-688-2002 in Canada.
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 maintainan even temperature.
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 hasproper 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 Care section.
Switch notopening Clean switch plunger to ensure properoperation.
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 inthe lock. This feature isto prevent
child entrapment.
OISE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE cAUSES WHATTO DO
clicks Normal Temperaturecontrol clicks when starting orstopping
compressor.
Gurgles and pops Normal Refrigerantflow through evaporator coil.
(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 Verifythat drain plug isproperly inplace and sealed.
by freezer Replace drain plug if seal is poor.
Defrost drain pan On automatic defrost models, confirm that the defrost
drain pan is properly positioned.
14
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