MAYTAG MZC31T15D Chest Freezer User Guide

: June 6, 2024
: Maytag

User Guide
Chest Freezer

THANK YOU for purchasing this high-quality product. Register your freezer at www.maytag.com. In Canada, register your freezer at www.maytag.ca.
For future reference, please make a note of your product model and serial numbers. These numbers can be found inside your freezer.
Model Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”
These words mean:
DANGER
WARNING
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
W11320183A
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING :
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury to persons when using the appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following:

Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
Do not remove the ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Disconnect power before servicing.
Replace all parts and panels before operating.
Remove doors from your old appliance.
Use non-flammable cleaner.
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, well away from the appliance.
Use two or more people to move and install the appliance.
Connect to a potable water supply only.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.
Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol can with a flammable propellant in this appliance.
This appliance is intended to be used in household and similar applications such as
– Staff kitchen areas in shops, offices, and another working environment;
– Farmhouses and by clients in hotels, motels, and other residential type environments;
– Bed and breakfast type environments;
– Catering and similar non-retail applications.

PLEASE KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD REFRIGERATOR
WARNING
Suffocation Hazard
Remove doors or lid from your old freezer or
refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in death or brain damage.
IMPORTANT: Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned freezers or refrigerators are still dangerous even if they will sit for “just a few days.” BEFORE YOU THROW AWAY YOUR OLD FREEZER OR REFRIGERATOR REMOVE THE DOORS OR LID.
Important information to know about the disposal of refrigerants:
Dispose of the freezer in accordance with Federal and Local regulations. Refrigerants must be evacuated by a licensed, EPA-certified refrigerant technician in accordance with established procedures.
INSTALLING YOUR FREEZER

Unpacking

WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install the freezer.
Failure to do so can result in back or another injury.

Remove Packaging Materials

Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning on the freezer. Rub a small amount of liquid dish soap over the adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm water and dry.
Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids, or abrasive cleaners to remove tape or glue. These products can damage the surface of your freezer. For more information, see the front cover for safety instructions.

When Moving Your Freezer:

Your freezer is heavy. When moving the freezer for cleaning or service, be sure to cover the door with cardboard or hardboard to avoid door damage. Always pull the freezer
straight out when moving it. Do not wiggle or “walk” the freezer when trying to move it, as door damage could occur.
Clean Before Using
After you remove all of the packaging materials, clean the inside of your freezer before using it. See the cleaning instructions in “Caring for Your Freezer.”

Location Requirements

WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from the freezer.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.
Ventilation and Clearance

Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from the freezer.
Do not cover the freezer with items such as blankets, sheets, tablecloths, etc. This reduces air circulation.
Allow at least a 3″ (7.5 cm) clearance on both sides of the freezer and 2″ (5 cm) between the back of the freezer and the wall. Leave room above the freezer to open the lid.

Temperature
Your freezer operates most efficiently when located in an area where the temperature is normally between 32°F (0°C) and 110°F (43°C). Place your freezer in a location where the temperature will fall between the low and high recommended temperature. Upon Moving to Final Location
■ Level the freezer from side to side and front to back so that the lid will seal properly. Use shims to level the freezer if necessary. NOTE: It should not be necessary to remove the lid during installation. If, for any reason, the hinges need adjustment, contact a designated service company.

Electrical Requirements

WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove the ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.
Before you move your freezer into its final location, it is important to make sure you have the proper electrical connection.
Recommended grounding method
A 115 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 15 or 20 A fused, grounded electrical supply is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only your freezer be provided. Use an outlet that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension cord.
NOTE: Before performing any type of installation, cleaning, or removing a light bulb, turn the temperature control to 0 (align circle on the knob with the desired number), as shown, to turn off cooling, and then disconnect the freezer from the electrical source.

Defrost Drain Cover

Remove defrost drain cover from the literature package.
Push drain cover into drain hole as illustrated.

OPERATING YOUR FREEZER

Using the Control

Turn the freezer temperature control to 4 (align circle on the knob with the desired number), as shown below. This setting is designed to maintain the temperature at or near 0°F (-17.8°C) under normal operating conditions. Allow the freezer to cool 6 to 8 hours before filling with frozen food.

NOTE:

When the freezer is first started, the compressor will run constantly until the cabinet is cooled. It may take 6 to 8 hours (or longer), depending on room temperature and the number of times the freezer lid is opened.
After the cabinet is cooled, the compressor will turn on and off as needed to keep the freezer at the proper temperature.
The outside of your freezer may feel warm. This is normal. The freezer’s design and main function is to remove heat from the contents and air inside the freezer. The heat is transferred to the room air, making the outside of the freezer feel warm.

Adjusting the Control

Turn control to a higher number for colder temperatures. “7” is the coldest setting.
Turn control to a lower number for less cold temperatures. “0” is off or defrost mode.

Indicator Light (on some models)

The indicator light assures you that your freezer is running. If the indicator light is not glowing, immediately check for:

Power interruption.
An unplugged power cord.
An open circuit breaker or a blown fuse.
A burned-out indicator light. If the light is burned out, contact the service for a replacement.

Temperature Alarm (on some models)

The temperature alarm is located below the temperature control and sounds an audible buzzing alarm if the freezer temperature reaches 10°F (-12°C) or more above the normal for your selected temperature setting. The alarm is controlled by a 3-position switch.

0 Turns off alarm. Keeps the alarm from sounding when the freezer is warm, such as during start-up or after defrosting.
✔ Tests the alarm, regardless of temperature.
1 Turns on alarm. The proper setting for normal freezer use. To change the temperature alarm setting, press the switch on the right for Test, left for On or center for Off.

Key Eject Lock (on some models)

To lock or unlock the freezer, you must hold the key in the lock while turning. The lock is spring-loaded, so the key cannot be left in the lock.

If the key is lost, contact your dealer for a replacement. Always give the model and serial number of your freezer when requesting a replacement key.

Sliding Basket

Store small packages in the upper baskets to avoid losing them in the bottom of the freezer. Baskets can then be moved from side to side or be removed when loading or unloading the food below it. To remove basket, lift it straight up and out. To replace basket, lower basket back into place.

**Defrosting and Cleaning Your Freezer

**

WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Use non-flammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.
Defrost and clean your freezer when frost has built up to about 1/4″ (0.6 cm) thickness, and thoroughly defrost and clean your freezer at least once a year. In high humidity areas, a freezer may need more frequent defrosting and cleaning.
Do not use abrasive cleaners on your freezer. Do not use cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches, or cleaners containing petroleum on plastic parts. Damage can occur.
NOTE: The drain cap must be removed before defrosting the freezer and replaced securely afterward.

Unplug freezer or disconnect power.
Remove all frozen food. Wrap frozen food in several layers of newspaper and cover it with a blanket. Food will stay frozen for several hours. You may also store frozen food in a cooler, additional refrigerator-freezer, or in a cool area.
Remove the drain cover by pulling it straight out. Then insert the hose adapter (provided) into the drain outlet. Remove the plastic cap from inside the bottom of the freezer. Place a pan under the drain, or attach a hose to the threaded end of the hose adapter and direct the water into a separate drain.
NOTE: Check the drain pan frequently to avoid water overflow. Have a second pan handy for easier emptying.
Place pans of hot water in the freezer with lid open to speed melting. Directing air from an electric fan into the freezer will also help. Do not place fan or any electrical device in the freezer.
Use a plastic scraper to remove frost.
NOTE: Do not use an ice pick, knife, or another sharp-pointed tool to defrost the freezer. Damage can occur.
Wipe water from the walls with a towel or sponge.
Wash the inside walls with a solution of mild detergent in warm water or 2 tbs (26 mg) baking soda to 1 qt (0.95 L) warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners.
Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.
Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water to clean outside of the freezer, door liner, and gasket.
Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Wax painted metal surfaces on the outside of the freezer to avoid rust.
NOTE: Do not use wax on plastic parts. Wax may damage them.
Remove the hose adapter and replace the drain cover and the plastic cap in the bottom of the freezer.
Replace all frozen food.
If your freezer is equipped with a temperature alarm, turn off alarm for 24 hours after defrosting.
Plugin a freezer or reconnect power. See “Using the Control.”

Changing the Light Bulb (on some models)

NOTE: Not all appliance bulbs will fit your freezer. Be sure to replace the bulb with one of the same size, shape, and wattage.
To Replace Interior Light:

Unplug the freezer or disconnect power.
Reach behind the light lens to remove the bulb.
Replace bulb with a 15 W maximum appliance bulb.
NOTE: Do not use an LED or colored light bulb as a replacement.
Plugin freezer or reconnect power..

Power Interruptions

If the power will be out for 24 hours or less, keep the door closed to help food stay cold and frozen.
If the power will be out for more than 24 hours, do one of the following:
■ Remove all frozen food and store it in a frozen food locker.
■ If a food locker is not available, consume or can perishable food at once.
REMEMBER: A full freezer stays cold longer than a partially filled one. A freezer full of meat stays cold longer than a freezer full of baked goods. If you see that food contains ice crystals, it may be refrozen, although the quality and flavor may be affected. If the condition of the food is poor, dispose of it.

Moving Care

When you are moving your freezer to a new home, follow these steps to prepare it for the move.

Remove all frozen food.
Unplug the freezer.
Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.
Clean the freezer thoroughly.
Tape the freezer shut and tape the electrical cord to the cabinet.
When you get to your new home, refer to the “Installing Your Freezer” and “Operating Your Freezer” sections for information on installation and setting the controls.

TROUBLESHOOTING

First try the solutions suggested here. If you need further assistance or more recommendations that may help you avoid a service call, refer to the warranty page in this manual or visit www.maytag.com/producthelp. In Canada, visit www.maytag.ca. Contact us by mail with any questions or concerns at the address below:

In the U.S.A.|

In Canada:

---|---
Maytag Brand Home Appliances| Maytag Brand Home Appliances
Customer eXperience Center| Customer eXperience Centre
553 Benson Road| 200 – 6750 Century Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692| Mississauga, Ontario L5N 0B7

Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

Freezer Operation

WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.

WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Use non-flammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

PROBLEM	RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS
Freezer Will Not Operate	Check that it is plugged into a grounded 3

prong outlet.
Check that the temperature control is turned on.
Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
NOTE: If problems continue, contact an electrician.
Lights Do Not Work| Check that it is plugged into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Check that the light bulb is tight in the socket and is not burned out.
Motor seems to run too much| Check that lid closes properly.
Defrost and clean the freezer to remove excessive frost.
Adding a large amount of food warms the freezer causing the freezer to run longer to cool back down. If this is the situation, wait approximately 6 to 8 hours to allow the freezer to reach the correct temperature.
Get all items out at one time, keep food organized and close door as soon as possible.
Check that the lid gasket is sealed all the way around. If not, contact a qualified person or technician.
Check that space around freezer meets air circulation requirements. See “Location Requirements.”
NOTE: If none of the above, your new freezer will run longer than your old one due to its high-efficiency motor.
Temperature is too warm| Get all items out at one time, keep food organized and close door as soon as possible.
Adding a large amount of food warms the freezer causing the freezer to run longer to cool back down. Check that the temperature control is set correctly for surrounding conditions.
The Lid Will Not Close Completely or Is Difficult To
Open| Check that there are no food packages blocking the door.
On some models, check that the shelves and basket are in the correct position.
Check that gaskets are clean. See “Caring for Your Freezer.”
Check that the freezer is stable. See “Location Requirements.”
Freezer Makes Loud Buzzing/ Clicking Sound| If the freezer has recently been plugged in or turned on following a defrost or product move, or if there has been an extended power failure, turn off the temperature alarm for the next 24 hours.
Adding a large amount of food warms the freezer. It can take several hours for the freezer to return to normal temperature. Turn the temperature alarm off for the next 24 hours.

WARRANTY

MAYTAG ® REFRIGERATION
LIMITED WARRANTY| ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE. PROOF OF PURCHASE IS REQUIRED
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE.
Please have the following information available when you call the
Customer eXperience Center:
■ Name, address and telephone number
■ Model number and serial number
■ A clear, detailed description of the problem
■ Proof of purchase including dealer or retailer name and address
---|---

IF YOU NEED SERVICE:

Before contacting us to arrange service, please determine whether your product requires repair. Some questions can be addressed without
service. Please take a few minutes to review the Troubleshooting or Problem Solver section of the Use and Care Guide or visit
https://www.maytag.com/producthelp.
All warranty service is provided exclusively by our authorized Maytag Service Providers. In the U.S. and Canada, direct all requests for warranty
service to: Maytag Customer eXperience Center
In the U.S.A., call 1-800-688-9900. In Canada, call 1-800-807-6777.
If outside the 50 United States or Canada, contact your authorized Maytag dealer to determine whether another warranty applies.

TEN YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

WHAT IS COVERED
FIRST-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (PARTS AND LABOR)
For one year from the date of purchase, when this major the appliance is installed, operated and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product,
Maytag brand of Whirlpool Corporation or Whirlpool Canada, LP (hereafter “Maytag”) will pay for factory specified replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship that existed when this major appliance was purchased, or at its sole discretion replace the product. In the event of product replacement, your appliance will be warranted for the remaining term of the original unit’s warranty period.
SECOND THROUGH TENTH YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (COMPRESSOR ONLY – LABOR NOT INCLUDED)
In the second through tenth years from the date of original purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated, and maintained according to instructions attached to or
furnished with the product, Maytag will pay for a factory spec-ed replacement compressor to correct non-cosmetic defects in materials or workmanship in this part that prevent the function of the refrigerator and that existed when this major appliance was purchased. This limited 10-year warranty is for the compressor only and does not include labor. YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Service must be provided by a Maytag designated service company. This limited warranty is valid only in the United States or Canada and applies only when the major appliance is used in the country in which it was purchased. This limited warranty is effective from the date of the original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date is required to obtain service under this limited warranty.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

Commercial, non-residential or multiple-family use, or use inconsistent with a published user, operator or installation instructions.
In-home Instruction on how to use your product.
Service to correct improper product maintenance or installation, installation not in accordance with electrical or plumbing codes or correction of household electrical or plumbing (i.e. house wiring, fuses or water inlet hoses).
Consumable parts (i.e. light bulbs, batteries, air or water filters, preservation solutions, etc.).
Defects or damage caused by the use of non-genuine Maytag parts or accessories.
Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, re, goods, acts of God or use with products not approved by Maytag.
Repairs to parts or systems to correct product damage or defects caused by unauthorized service, alteration, or Modi cation of the appliance.
Cosmetic damage includes scratches, dents, chips, and other damage to appliance finishes unless such damage results from defects in materials and workmanship and is reported to Maytag within 30 days.
Discoloration, rust or oxidation of surfaces resulting from caustic or corrosive environments including but not limited to high salt concentrations, high moisture or humidity or exposure to chemicals.
Food or medicine loss due to product failure.
Pick-up or delivery. This product is intended for in-home repair.
Travel or transportation expenses for service in remote locations where an authorized Maytag servicer is not available.
Removal or reinstallation of inaccessible appliances or built-in fixtures (i.e. trim, decorative panels, flooring, cabinetry, islands, countertops, drywall, etc.) that interfere with servicing, removal or replacement of the product.
Service or parts for appliances with original model/serial numbers removed, altered or not easily determined.
The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances shall be borne by the customer.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO TEN YEARS OR THE SHORTEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. Some states and provinces do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so this limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.
DISCLAIMER OF REPRESENTATIONS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY
Maytag makes no representations about the quality, durability, or need for service or repair of this major appliance other than the representations contained in this warranty. If you want a longer or more comprehensive warranty than the limited warranty that comes with this major appliance, you should ask Maytag or your retailer about buying an extended warranty.
LIMITATION OF REMEDIES; EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. MAYTAG
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

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/™ ©2019 Maytag. All rights reserved. Used under license in Canada.
W11320192A – SP
Printed in U.S.A.