Danby DCF038A2WDB3 3.8 cu. ft. Chest Freezer Owner’s Manual

: June 4, 2024
: Danby

Table of Contents

DCF038A2WDB3 3.8 cu. ft. Chest Freezer
Important Safety Information
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CARE & MAINTENANCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TROUBLESHOOTING
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

OWNER’S MANUAL
MODEL
DCF038A2WDB
DCF038A2WDB-3
DCF038A3WDB

DCF038A2WDB3 3.8 cu. ft. Chest Freezer

Welcome to the Danby family.
We are proud of our quality products and we believe in dependable service. We suggest that you read this owner’s manual before plugging in your new appliance as it contains
important operation information, safety information, troubleshooting, and maintenance tips to ensure the reliability and longevity of your appliance.
You are entitled to warranty coverage as described in the owner’s manual provided with your new appliance.

Please write down your appliance information below. You must keep the original proof of purchase receipt to validate and receive warranty services.
Register your product online and receive a FREE 2 MONTH WARRANTY EXTENSION after ﬁ lling out a product survey, at www.danby.com/support/product-registration/

Model Number: ____
Serial Number: ____
Date of Purchase: __
Need Help?

Read your Owner’s Manual for installation help, troubleshooting, and maintenance assistance.
Visit www.Danby.com to access self-service tools, FAQs, and much more by searching your model number in the search bar.
For the Quickest Customer Service, please ﬁ ll out the web form at www.danby.com/support. Your submission will go directly to an expert on your particular appliance.
Our average response times are between 20 minutes and 2 hours, during EST business hours.
Call 1-800-263-2629 – please note that during peak hours, hold times can exceed one hour.

Important Safety Information

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
DANGER: Risk of ﬁ re or explosion. The flammable refrigerant was used. Do not puncture refrigerant tubing.

Do not use mechanical devices to defrost the refrigerator
Ensure that servicing is done by factory-authorized service personnel, to minimize product damage or safety issues.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similar quality ed person in order to avoid hazards.
Consult the repair manual or owner’s guide before attempting to service this product. All safety precautions must be followed.
Dispose of them properly in accordance with federal or local regulations.
Follow handling instructions carefully.
Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a ﬂ flammable propellant in this appliance.

WARNING: Keep ventilation openings, in the appliance enclosure or in the built-in structure, clear of obstruction.
WARNING: Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
WARNING: Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.
WARNING: Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.
CAUTION: Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
DANGER: Risk of child entrapment. Before throwing away an old appliance:

Remove the door or lid.
Leave shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

DANGER: Do not add a lock to the door or lid. This can cause child entrapment and harm.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) whose physical, sensory or mental capabilities may be different or reduced, or who lack experience or knowledge unless such persons receive supervision or training to operate the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
This appliance is intended to be used in household and similar applications such as

Staff kitchen areas in shops, ofﬁ ces, and other working environments;
Farm houses and by clients in hotels, motels and other residential type environments;
Bed and breakfast type environments;
Catering and similar non-retail applications.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This appliance must be grounded. Grounding reduces the risk of electrical shock by providing an escape wire for the electrical current.
This appliance has a cord that has a grounding wire with a 3-prong plug. The power cord must be plugged into an outlet that is properly grounded. If the outlet is a 2-prong wall outlet, it must be replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet. The serial rating plate indicates the voltage and frequency the appliance is designed for.
WARNING – Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electric shock. Consult a qualiﬁ ed electrician or service agent if the grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if doubt exists as to whether the appliance is properly grounded.
Do not connect your appliance to extension cords or together with another appliance in the same wall outlet. Do not splice the power cord. Do not under any circumstances cut or remove the third ground prong from the power cord. Do not use extension cords or ungrounded (two prongs) adapters.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

LOCATION

Two people should be used when moving the appliance.
Remove interior and exterior packaging prior to installation. Wipe the outside of the appliance with a soft, dry cloth and the inside with a lukewarm wet cloth.
Place the appliance on a ﬂ oor that is strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.
Do not place the appliance in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, such as a stove or heater, as this can increase electrical consumption. Extreme cold ambient temperatures may also cause the appliance to perform improperly.
Do not use the appliance near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a sink.
This appliance is intended for indoor household and garage use only. Freezers are tested to perform in temperatures ranging from 0°F to 110°F (-17°C to 43°C). It is not designed for outside installation, including anywhere that is not temperature controlled such as porches, vehicles, etc.
Before connecting the appliance to a power source, let it stand upright for approximately 6 hours. This will reduce the possibility of a malfunction in the cooling system from handling during transportation.
This appliance is 63.4 cm (25 inches) wide by 84 cm (33.1 inches) high by 56.4 cm (22.2 inches) deep.
Allow 12.7 cm (5 inches) of space between the back and sides of the appliance and all adjacent walls.
This appliance is intended for free-standing installation only and is not intended to be built into a cabinet or counter. Building in this appliance can cause it to malfunction.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

FEATURES

Thermostat Dial
Defrost Drain
Leveling Legs
Rust Resistant Interior (not pictured)

IMPORTANT NOTE
The freezer lid may be difﬁ cult to open immediately after closing it. This is normal and is due to the pressure difference between the cold interior of the freezer and the warm air that has just entered the freezer when the lid was opened. The pressure will equalize within a few minutes.
If the lid is especially difﬁ cult to open, wait 5 minutes to allow the pressure to equalize and then try again.
TEMPERATURE SELECTION
The temperature of the appliance can be adjusted by turning the thermostat dial on the front of the appliance.

The thinner, lighter blue portion of the dial is the warmer setting.
The thicker, darker portion of the blue dial is the colder setting.
The temperature range of the appliance is approximate -12°C (10.4°F) to -24°C (-11.2°F).
The temperature inside the appliance can vary based on ambient room temperature, the frequency at which the lid is opened, and the amount of fresh food that has recently been added to the unit.
To stop the cooling function, turn the control knob to the “0” position.
Do not overload the appliance as this can affect performance.
Do not freeze large quantities of fresh food at the same time.

LEVELING INSTRUCTIONS
There are two adjustable legs on the bottom of the appliance that can be turned up or down to ensure that the appliance is level. It is important that the appliance is level to minimize noise and vibration. To level the appliance:

Move the appliance to its ﬁ nal location.
Turn the leveling leg counter-clockwise as far as it will go, until the top of the foot is touching the bottom of the chassis.
Slowly turn the leveling leg clockwise until the appliance is level.

DEFROSTING
This appliance should be defrosted approximately twice a year or when a 6 mm (1/4 inch) layer of frost has formed.
Turn the appliance control knob to the “OFF” position and unplug the power cord. Remove all contents and leave the lid open. Follow the instructions below:

The interior defrost drain is located on the inside ﬂ oor of the cabinet. Remove the cover from the defrost drain. Defrosted water will ﬂ ow into the hole and out through the exterior defrost drain cap. See Figure 1.
The exterior defrosts drain cap is located on the front of the cabinet. Gently pull out the exterior drain cap approximately 20 – 25 mm until the water hole is visible. See Figure 2.
Twist the exterior drain cap so that the arrow points downward. See Figure 3.
Place a bucket or pan under the drain cap to catch defrosted water. Check the appliance regularly during defrosting to ensure that the water is not overﬂ owing.
When all water has been drained, twist the drain cap until the arrow is pointing upwards and then push inward until it is ﬂ use with the cabinet. See Figure 4.
Replace the cover in the interior defrost drain.
After defrosting is complete, set the temperature control to the maximum for 2 to 3 hours before returning to the desired temperature setting.

IMPORTANT
Never use electrical appliances during defrosting. Do not use pointed or sharp objects to remove frost as this can damage the refrigerant lines. If these lines are accidentally pierced it will render the freezer inoperable and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

CLEANING
Ensure the appliance is unplugged before cleaning.

To clean the inside of the appliance, use a soft cloth and a solution of a tablespoon of baking soda to one quart of water or a mild detergent solution.
Clean the outside with a soft, damp cloth and some mild detergent.
It is important to keep the area where the lid seals against the cabinet clean to ensure a tight seal. Clean this area with a soapy cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and let dry.

Note: Do not use cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol on the appliance. Ammonia or alcohol can damage the appearance of the appliance. Never use any commercial or abrasive cleaners or sharp objects on any part of the appliance.
POWER FAILURE
Most power failures are corrected within a few hours and should not affect the temperature of your appliance if you minimize the number of times the lid is opened. If the power is going to be off for a longer period of time, take the proper steps to protect your content.
Note: Wait for 3 to 5 minutes before attempting to restart the refrigerator if the operation has been interrupted.
ENERGY SAVING TIP
The appliance should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat-producing appliances, and out of direct sunlight. Do not overload the unit or block any ventilation openings.
VACATION

Short vacations: Leave the appliance operating during vacations of less than three weeks.
Long vacations: If the appliance will not be used for several months, remove all items and turn off the appliance. Defrost, clean and dry the interior thoroughly. To prevent odor and mold growth, leave the lid open slightly, blocking it open if necessary.

MOVING

Remove all items.
Tape the lid shut.
Be sure the appliance stays secure in an upright position during transportation. Also, protect the outside of the appliance with a blanket or similar item.
If the appliance is placed on its back or side during transportation, upon reaching the destination, allow it to remain in its operating position for 6 hours to avoid damage to internal components.

DISPOSAL
This appliance may not be treated as regular household waste, it should be taken to the appropriate waste collection point for the recycling of electrical components. For information on local waste collection points, contact your local waste removal agency or government ofﬁ ce.
The disposal of this appliance should be in accordance with federal and local regulations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the standard wattage and amps used?
This information can be found on the rating plate located on the back of the cabinet.
How much does it cost to run the freezer?
Please refer to the energy guide.
Can I use an extension cord?
No, an extension cord may not be used.
I am having trouble opening the door or lid; why?
The freezer door or lid may be difﬁ cult to open immediately after closing it. This is normal and is due to the pressure difference between the cold interior of the freezer and the warm air that has just entered the freezer when it was opened. The pressure will equalize within a few minutes.

TROUBLESHOOTING

No power

A fuse may be blown or the circuit breaker tripped
Plug not fully inserted into the wall outlet

Internal temperature not cold enough

The temperature setting is too warm
The door or lid is not shut properly or opened excessively
Recently added a large quantity of warm food to the cabinet
Close proximity to a heat source or direct sunlight
Ambient temperature or humidity is very high

Freezer runs continuously

The temperature setting is too cold
The door or lid is not shut properly or opened excessively
Recently added a large quantity of warm food to the cabinet
Close proximity to a heat source or direct sunlight
Ambient temperature or humidity is very high

The freezer makes a gurgling noise when operating

This noise is completely normal. The refrigerant inside the appliance will make a gurgling noise as it changes from a liquid to a gas and back again.

LIMITED “IN HOME” WARRANTY

This quality product is warranted to be free from manufacturer’s defects in material and workmanship, provided that the unit is used under the normal operating conditions intended by the manufacturer.
This warranty is available only to the person to whom the unit was originally sold by Danby Products Limited (Canada) or Danby Products Inc. (U.S.A.) (hereafter “Danby”) or by an authorized distributor of Danby, and is non- transferable.
TERMS OF WARRANTY
Plastic parts are warranted for thirty (30) days from the date of purchase, with no extensions provided.

First 5 years| During the first five (5) years, any functional parts of this product found to be defective will be repaired or replaced, at the warrantor’s option, at no charge to the original purchaser.
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To obtain service| Contact the dealer where the unit was purchased, or contact the nearest authorized Danby service depot, where service must be performed by a qualified service technician. If service is performed on the unit by anyone other than an authorized service depot, all obligations of Danby under this warranty shall be void.
Boundaries of in-home service| Boundaries of Danby reserves the right to limit the boundaries of “In Home Service” to the proximity of an authorized service in-home service depot. Any appliance requiring service outside the limited boundaries of “In Home Service”, will be the consumer’s responsibility to transport at their own expense to the original point of purchase or a service depot for repair. If the appliance is installed in a location that is 100 kilometers (62 miles) or more from the nearest service center, it must be delivered to the nearest authorized Danby Service Depot by the purchaser.
Transportation charges to and from the service location are not protected by this warranty and are the responsibility of the purchaser.

Nothing within this warranty shall imply that Danby will be responsible or liable for any spoilage or damage to food or other contents of this appliance, whether due to any defect of the appliance, or its use, whether proper or improper
EXCLUSIONS
Save as herein provided, by Danby, there are no other warranties, conditions, representations, or guarantees, express or implied, made or intended by Danby or its authorized distributors, and all other warranties, conditions, representations, or guarantees, including any warranties, conditions, representations or guarantees under any Sale of Goods Act or like legislation or statute is hereby expressly excluded. Save as herein provided, Danby shall not be responsible for any damages to persons or property, including the unit itself, howsoever caused or any consequential damages arising from the malfunction of the unit and by the purchase of the unit, the purchaser does hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Danby from any claim for damages to persons or property caused by the unit.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
No warranty or insurance herein contained or set out shall apply when damage or repair is caused by any of the following:

Power failure.
Damage in transit or when moving the appliance.
An improper power supply such as low voltage, defective house wiring, or inadequate fuses.
Accident, alteration, abuse, or misuse of the appliance such as inadequate air circulation in the room or abnormal operating conditions (ie. extremely high or low room temperature).
Use for commercial or industrial purposes (ie. If the appliance is not installed in a domestic residence).
Fire, water damage, theft, war, riot, hostility, acts of God such as hurricanes, floods, etc. 7) Service calls resulting in customer education.
Improper Installation (ie. Building-in of a free-standing appliance or using an appliance outdoors that is not approved for outdoor application, including but not limited to: patios, porches or anywhere that is not properly insulated or climate controlled).

Proof of purchase date will be required for warranty claims; retain bills of sale. In the event that warranty service is required, present the proof of purchase to our authorized service depot.
Warranty Service In Home

Danby Products Limited PO Box 1778, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 6Z9
Telephone:519-837-0920
FAX:519-837-0449
1-800-263-2629 09/20
Danby Products Inc. PO Box 669, Findlay, Ohio, U.S.A. 45840
Telephone:419-425-8627
FAX:419-425-8629