Maytag MQU1654BEW - 15.9 cu. Ft. Upright Freezer User manual

1MAYFAG
®
OW er's Manual
Upright Freezers
Questions about your features?
Please contact us with your model and serial number:
Maytag Services sM
Attn: CAIR °°Center
P.O. 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 wammty service is required.
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 du propri6taire ............................................................... 17
Manual del Usuario ..................................................................... 33
WCWPart No. 1-82180-001Rev.00
Part No. 12631112
Form A/12/05
©2005 Maytag Appliances Sales Co.

Please read this Owner's Manualthoroughly.This manual provides proper maintenance
information.
Complete registration card and promptly return. If registration card is missing, see
contact information on the 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
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Dealer Name
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone
(lING ££KLo
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 thatare shown, it is not amis-
take. The information providedapplies to
all of the models in the product line.
2

IMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION
YOU BKNOW
OUT I IRUCT S
Warning and Important Safety
instructionsappearinginthis manualare
not meantto coverall possibleconditions
and situations that may occur.Common
sense, caution, and care must be
exercisedwhen installing,maintaining,or
operatingthis freezer.
Always contact your dealer, distributor,
service agent, or manufacturer about
problemsor conditionsyoudo notunder-
stand.
RECOGNIZE SAFETY
SYMBOLS, WORDS,
LABELS
DANGER _imrned{aie Iiazards Wh_h
WILL result in severe personal injury
Or death.
WARNING-Hazardsor Unsafeprac-
tices whichCOULD result in severe
To reducedSk of !nju_ or death,
fo!!ow basic precautions,including
the fo!l_ng:
IMPORTANT!Chi}d entrapmentand
suffocationara not pmb!ems of the
past. Junkedor abandonedfreezers
are stilldangerous-` evenif theysit
out for "justa_ days." if you are
getting rid of your o!d freezer, please
fotlow the instructionsbelow to help
......... •Takeoff thedoorsl
CAUTION-,Hazards or unsafe prac-
tices which COULD result in minor " LeaVetlie shelves in
personalinjury. S0i
maynot easilydmb
inside,
To reducerisk of fire etectric shock serious injery or death when using yourfreezer,follow these basic precautions,
includingthefollowing:
1. Readall insbuctionsbeforeusingthefreezer. 14. Install freezer accordingto Installationfastruetions All
2_Observeall _ocal_es andordinances, connectionsforwater,electricacowerandgroundingmust
3 Be suretofollow groundinginstructions, comply with local codes and be made by licensed
4. Checkwith aqualifiedelectricianif you are not sure this personnelwnonrequired.
applianceisproperlygrounded. 15. Keepyourfreezer in goodcondition.Bumpingor dropping
5. DO NOTgroundto agas ine
6. DO NOTgroundto acold-waterpipe.
7'. Freezeris deskjnedto operateon a 115 Volt. 15 amp.,
60 cycleline.Thereshoud be aseparate,groundedcircuit
servingths applanceonly
8. DO NOT modify plug on ;_owercord. If _lug does not fit
electrical outlet have properoutlet installedbya aua fled
electrician.
9. DONOT usea"lwo-prongadapter,extensioncordor power
freezercandamagefreezerorcausefraezertomalfunctior
or leak. Ifdamageoccurs,havefreezercheckedbyquali-
fiedservicetechnician.
16. Replacewornpowercords andtorlooseplugs.
17. Alwaysread and folinw manufacturer'sstorageand idea
environmentinstructionsfor itemsbeingstoredin freezer.
18. Do notuse anyelectricaldeviceor anysnerpinstrument
whendefrostingyourfreezer
19. Do not operate the freezer in the presenceof explosive
fumes,
10. DO NOTremovewarnng tagfrom powercorn
11. DO NOTtamper with freezercontrols.
12. DO NOT service or replace any part of freezer unless
spedfically _ommended in Owner's Manualor published
user-_epalrinstructions.DONOTattemptserviceifinstructions
arenotundetstcodoriftf_,yarebeyondpersonalskilllevel.
13.Always disconnectfreezer from electrical supply before
attemptinganyservtceDsconnectpowercord bygrasping
the plug notthe cord.
20, Donotstoreflammablesubstancesnearor in thisappliance,
21, Afteryourfreezer isinoperation,donottouchthecoldsur-
facesinthe freezercompartment,particutadywhenhands
aredamporweL Skinmayadheretotheseextremelycold
surfaces.
22. Thisfreezershouldnot berecessedor built-inanenclosed
caomet. It isdesignedforfreestandinginstallationonly.
23. Childrenshouldnot climb,hangor stand on anypartofthe
freezer.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS 3

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.
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) between top
of freezer and the ceiling.
5. Allow at least 1" (2.5 cm) between
back of freezer and the wall.
6. Allow 3" (7.5 cm) on each side of the
freezer for ease of installation.
7. 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.
8. This freezer is designed to operate at
a household temperature of 55° to
110° F (12.8° to 43° C).
INSTALL FREEZER:
Raise Lower
1. Adjust the 2 front legsso that thefront
ofthe freezer is slightly 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 cooling
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 2 to 3 pounds of
unfrozen food per cubic foot offreezer
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 iscooled. 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
thefreezer. This heat istransferredto the
roomair,so theoutside of thefreezer may
feelwarm.
Adjusting the control:
,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.
• Temperatureshouldread 0° 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 highernumber if
a coldertemperatureis desired.
• Turnthe controlto a lowernumberif a
less coldtemperatureisdesired.
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.
(SELECT MODELS)
Fast Freeze is a convenient feature that
enables quicker freezing of large
amounts of food. During Fast Freeze,the
freezer runs continuously, to drive the
freezer temperature down to its coldest
level.
Touse Fast Freeze,simply turn the con-
trol knob to 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 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 unfrozen food isadded at
one time. Alarm is controlled by a three
position switch.
•0=OFF preventsalarm from sounding
when freezer is warm, such as during
initialstart-up or defrosting.
• _ = TEST sounds 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 1after
defrosting.
(SELECT MODELS)
Touse the door lock:
1. Insert key into lock approximately _/,"
(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.
TERIORliGHT
(SELECT MODELS)
The interior light works 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.
POWERLIGHT
(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 "OFR"
6

TO([ ARYOUR
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 1 quart warm
soapy water.
• Rinse surfaces with clean warm water and dry immediately to
avoidwater spots.
• Use warm, soapy water and a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
• Rinse surfaces with clean warm water and dry immediately to
avoidwater 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.
!

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, Reconnecl 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 preventfurther odor problems.
9. After 24 hours, check freezer to verify
odor was eliminated.
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.
g, Placing a cotton swab soaked with
vanilla extract or an open box of
baking soda in the freezer may help
prevent odors from returning.
YIIill ll!llG:
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.
IIIYli!IIl IIIii
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.
t

IG
Manual defrost freezers need to be
defrosted when frost has accumulated to
approximately _/_" (6 mm) of thickness.
Complete defrosting and cleaning should
be done at least once a year. In high
humidity areas, more frequent defrosting
and cleaning may be necessary. The
upper section of thefreezer will generally
have more frost accumulation than the
lower. Frost should not be scraped or
pulled out of the freezer,as damage may
result.
Automatic Defrost Freezers (select
models) do not require defrosting.
MANUAL DEFROST
FREEZERS
(SELECT MODELS)
1. Transferfood to another freezer or a
well insulated cooler.
2. Disconnect power to freezer.
3. Remove the toe grille (select models)
bypushingdownand pullingitforward.
,Reach underneath thefreezer and pull
out the defrost drain tube. Place the
tube in a shallow pan or in a nearby
floor drain.
5, Remove defrost drain plug (select
models) from the bottom front of the
freezer liner so the defrost water will
flow into the drain tube.
• Empty pan as often as necessary
during the defrost.
NOTE: Some models do not have a
drain plug and water collecting from the
defrostwill haveto be removed manually.
6. Tospeed defrosting, pans of hot water
may be placed on shelves in the
freezer.
7,
•Do not bend, scrape or try to
move shelves. Shelves are part of
the sealed cooling system and
can be damaged.
Once defrosted, clean the freezer
according to guidelines in Hints and
Care.
8. 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.
(SELECT MODELS)
1. Disconnect freezer.
2. Remove light bulb.
3. Replace bulb.
NOTE: Replace bulb with same wattage
appliance bulb.
(SELECT MODELS)
1. Disconnect freezer.
2. Pinch tabs on light cover and pull
straightdown.
3. Remove light bulb.
4. Replace bulb.
5. Replace protective cover.
6. Reconnect power supply.
NOTE: Replace bulb with same wattage
appliance bulb. 9

Freezer burn occurswhen 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 thefood.
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.
II II IACTI
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 exceptions being eggs still in the
shell and cans offoods.
•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 isair permeablewhich 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 be frozen. Lay
packagesout in a 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.
•As a general guideline, food 2" thick
should freeze completely in about
2 hours.
IIIOIll
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 in coldwater (If bag
leaks, food will become contaminated
by bacteria). Check water frequently to
verify it stays cold. Changewater 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.
]1