Maytag Upright Freezer User Guide

Thank you for purchasing this high-quality Maytag product. Register your freezer at www.maytag.com or www.maytag.ca. For future reference, please note your product model and serial numbers, which can be found inside your freezer.

Safety

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. Always read and obey all safety messages. The safety alert symbol indicates potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. Safety messages will be preceded by the word "DANGER" or "WARNING," indicating the severity of the hazard.

All safety messages will tell you the potential hazard, how to reduce the chance of injury, and what can happen if instructions are not followed.

Important Safety Instructions

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, follow basic precautions:

Proper Disposal of Your Old Freezer or 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: Junked or abandoned freezers or refrigerators are still dangerous. If you are getting rid of your old appliance, please follow these instructions to help prevent accidents:

Important information to know about 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.

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 other injury.

  • Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning on the freezer. Use a small amount of liquid dish soap and warm water to remove adhesive, then dry. Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.
  • When moving the freezer, cover the floor with cardboard or hardboard to avoid floor damage. Always pull the freezer straight out. Do not wiggle or "walk" the freezer.
  • Clean the inside of your freezer before using it. Refer to the "Caring For Your Freezer" section for cleaning instructions.

Important information to know about glass shelves and covers: Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold, as they may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact. Tempered glass is designed to shatter into small pieces, which is normal. Use both hands when removing heavy glass shelves and covers.

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.

  • Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from the freezer.
  • Do not cover the freezer with items such as blankets or tablecloths, as this reduces air circulation.
  • Allow at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of air space at the top and on both sides of the freezer, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the back of the freezer and the wall. If the freezer is next to a fixed wall, allow extra space on the hinge side for the door to open wider.
  • Your freezer operates most efficiently when located in an area where the temperature will not fall below 40°F (5°C).

Upon Moving to Final Location

NOTE: Allow for a 3" (7.5 cm) clearance at the top and sides and a 1" (2.5 cm) clearance between the back and wall.

Diagram showing recommended clearances: 3" (7.5 cm) on top and sides, 1" (2.5 cm) at the back.

Electrical Requirements

WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard

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

  • Ensure you have the proper electrical connection before moving the freezer to its final location.
  • A 115 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 15 or 20 A fused, grounded electrical supply is required. A separate circuit serving only your freezer is recommended. Use an outlet that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension cord.
  • NOTE: Before any installation, cleaning, or light bulb replacement, press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds to turn off cooling, then disconnect the freezer from the electrical source.

Freezer Door

Tools Needed: 5/16" hex-head socket wrench, 3/8" hex-head socket wrench, flat 2" putty knife.

IMPORTANT: Graphics referenced in instructions are for a right-hand swing door. If you only want to remove/replace the door, see "Remove Door and Hinges" and "Replace Door and Hinges." Before starting, press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds to turn off cooling, and remove food and adjustable door/utility bins.

WARNING: Excessive Weight Hazard

Use two or more people to lift the freezer door. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

Remove Door and Hinges

WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard

Disconnect power before removing doors. Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.

  1. Unplug freezer or disconnect power.
  2. Keep the freezer door closed until you are ready to lift it free from the cabinet. Provide additional support for the door while moving hinges. Do not depend on door magnets.
  3. Remove top hinge parts.
  4. Lift the freezer door free from the lower hinge and cabinet.
  5. Remove the four hex-head hinge screws and the bottom hinge assembly.

Reverse Door (optional on some models)

If you want to reverse your door, follow the "Reverse Door" instructions. Otherwise, see "Replace Door and Hinges."

Cabinet:

  1. Remove cabinet hinge hole plugs and move them to the opposite side.
  2. Remove the bottom hinge pin.
  3. Remove decals covering holes on the opposite side of the bottom hinge.
  4. Reinstall the bottom hinge pin in the alternate hole.
  5. Reinstall the hinge bracket with the four hex-head hinge screws.

Door

  1. Remove the hinge hole plug from the top of the door.
  2. Remove the door stop from the bottom of the door.
  3. Move the door stop to the opposite side, aligning the hole in the door stop bracket with the hole in the door for the bottom hinge pin.
  4. Using the screws removed in Step 2, fasten the door stop bracket to the bottom of the door.
  5. Tighten all screws. Set aside the door until the bottom hinge is in place.

Replace Door and Hinges

NOTE: Graphic may be reversed if door swing is reversed.

  1. Replace bottom hinge parts and tighten screws. Replace the freezer door. Provide additional support for the door.
  2. Assemble top hinge parts. Do not tighten screws completely.

Final Steps

  1. Check all holes for plugs and screws. Reinstall the top hinge cover.
  2. Use provided decals to cover remaining holes on the opposite side of the bottom hinge.
  3. Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
  4. Reset the control. See "Using the Control."
  5. Return all removable door parts and food to the freezer.

Freezer Leveling and Door Closing

Style 1-Without Grille

  1. Locate the two front leveling legs taped among packing materials.
  2. Screw legs into the front holes on the bottom of the freezer. The back rests on two fixed supports.
  3. Adjust front legs to lift the cabinet off the floor.
  4. Place a leveling tool on top of the freezer (side-to-side, then front-to-back). Turn leg counterclockwise to raise a corner; clockwise to lower a corner.
  5. Repeat Step 4 until freezer is level.
  6. After the freezer is fully loaded, recheck with a level.

Style 2-With Grille

The freezer has two front adjustable legs. The back rests on two fixed rollers. The base grille covers adjustable brake feet and roller assemblies. Before adjusting, remove the base grille and move the freezer to its final location.

Tools Needed: 1/4" hex driver, Phillips screwdriver.

  1. Remove base grille screws. Grasp grille firmly and pull toward you. Open the freezer door to access the brake feet.
  2. To allow the freezer to roll more easily, raise the brake feet by turning them counterclockwise. The front rollers will touch the floor.
  3. Move the freezer to its final location.
  4. Lower the brake feet by turning them clockwise until the rollers are off the floor and both brake feet are snug against the floor. This prevents the freezer from rolling forward when opening the door.
  5. IMPORTANT: If adjusting brake feet, turn both the same amount to keep the freezer level.
  6. Ensure the door closes easily. If not, adjust the tilt.
  7. Ensure the freezer is steady. If it seems unsteady or rolls forward when the door is pulled open, adjust the brake feet.

To Steady the Freezer: Open the freezer door. Use a 1/4" hex driver to turn both brake feet clockwise the same amount until they are snug against the floor. Check again. If not satisfied, continue adjusting by half turns until the freezer does not roll forward when the door is opened.

To Adjust the Cabinet Tilt: Open the freezer door. Use a 1/4" hex driver to turn both brake feet clockwise the same amount. This raises the front of the freezer. It may take several turns to allow the door to close more easily. Push against the top of the freezer to take weight off the brake feet.

Diagram showing brake foot and front roller.

6. Replace the base grille by aligning the ends with the leveling assemblies and snapping it into place. Reinstall Phillips screws.

Operating Your Freezer

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

To ensure proper temperature, allow proper airflow. Cool air enters from the freezer wall, moves down, and recirculates through the vent near the bottom.

Do not block any vents with food packages, as this restricts airflow and can cause temperature and moisture problems.

IMPORTANT: To avoid odor transfer and drying out of food, wrap or cover foods tightly.

Using the Control

The temperature control is located at the top front of the freezer compartment.

Temperature Control: The control is preset at the factory. Check that it is set to the recommended setting.

Diagram showing Maytag control panel with settings from "Cold" to "Coldest" and "Recommended" setting indicated.

Recommended setting: "Colder"

IMPORTANT:

  • The recommended setting maintains 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.

Cooling On/Off

To turn cooling off, press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds. No control panel lights will illuminate, but the main freezer light will operate.

To turn cooling on, press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds. Control panel lights will illuminate.

Fast Freeze (on some models)

Use this feature before adding large amounts of unfrozen food (do not exceed 3 lbs per cu. ft.). To activate, press TEMP SETTING until all indicator lights are illuminated. The freezer remains in Fast Freeze for 24 hours after the extra-low temperature is reached, then returns to the previous setting. Fast Freeze can be manually turned off by selecting the desired temperature setting.

Freezer Features

This manual covers various models. Your freezer may have some or all of these features.

Important information to know about glass shelves and covers: Do not clean cold glass shelves/covers with warm water, as they may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact. Tempered glass shatters into small pieces, which is normal. Use both hands when removing heavy glass shelves and covers.

Freezer Shelves

Store similar foods together and adjust shelves to fit different heights to reduce door opening time and save energy.

To Remove and Replace a Shelf: Lift straight up and pull the shelf out. Replace by lowering the shelf onto the side wall supports.

Storage Gate (on some models)

To Remove the Storage Gate: Lift the top of the gate out of the supports. To replace, lower the gate into the supports.

Caring for Your Freezer

Cleaning Your Freezer

Your frost-free freezer removes frost automatically. For complete cleaning, do this at least once a year.

  1. Press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds to turn off cooling.
  2. Unplug the freezer or disconnect power.
  3. Remove all frozen food. Wrap food in newspaper and cover with a blanket. You can also store food in a cooler or another freezer.
  4. Remove all removable interior parts, such as shelves and bins.
  5. Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior surfaces using a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners, flammable fluids, or cleaners containing petroleum products on plastic parts, interior liners, or gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh cleaning tools, as they can scratch or damage materials.
  6. To help remove odors, wash interior walls with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (2 tbsp to 1 qt water).
  7. Replace removable parts.
  8. Use the appropriate cleaning method for your exterior finish. For painted metal, use a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or those designed for stainless steel. Dry with a soft cloth.
  9. Remove the base grille by opening the freezer door and removing the two Phillips-head screws. Pull the grille toward you.
  10. Replace the base grille by aligning it with the leveling assemblies and snapping it into place. Reinstall the screws.
  11. Replace all frozen food.
  12. Plug in the freezer or reconnect power.
  13. Set the temperature control to the desired setting. See "Using the Control."

Changing the Light Bulb(s)

IMPORTANT: Your appliance's lighting system may include sealed LED modules, LED bulbs, or incandescent bulbs.

  • Sealed LED modules do not require replacement. If they do not illuminate, call for assistance or service.
  • If an LED bulb does not illuminate, replace it with a similar LED bulb following the procedure below:
  1. Unplug the appliance or disconnect power.
  2. Remove the light shield by removing the hardware holding it in place. Slide the shield toward the back of the compartment to release it from the light assembly.
  3. Replace the burned-out bulb with an LED bulb of the same size, shape, and wattage (Part Number W10805744, 3.6 W). NOTE: Some LED replacement bulbs are not recommended for wet/damp environments like refrigerator/freezer compartments. Read and follow all instructions on the LED packaging before installation.
  4. Replace the light shield by inserting tabs into the liner holes and sliding it toward the front until it locks. Do not force the shield beyond the locking point.
  5. Replace the hardware that holds the shield in place.
  6. Plug in the appliance or reconnect power.

If an incandescent bulb does not illuminate, replace it with a similar bulb using the same procedure. Use only incandescent bulbs of the same size, shape, and wattage (maximum 40 W) designed for household appliances.

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:

  • 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. Food with ice crystals may be refrozen, but quality and flavor may be affected. Dispose of food if it is in poor condition.

Moving Care

When moving your freezer to a new home, follow these steps:

  1. Remove all frozen food.
  2. Unplug the freezer.
  3. Wrap all removable parts securely and tape them together.
  4. Clean the freezer thoroughly.
  5. 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 installation and control setting information.

Troubleshooting

Try the solutions suggested here first. For further assistance, refer to the warranty page or visit www.maytag.com/product_help. In Canada, visit http://www.maytag.ca.

For questions or comments, write to:

In the U.S.A.: Maytag Brand Home Appliances, Customer Experience Center, 553 Benson Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692. Include your daytime phone number.

In Canada: Maytag Brand Home Appliances, Customer Experience Centre, 200-6750 Century Ave., Mississauga, Ontario L5N 0B7.

Freezer Operation

WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Do not remove the ground prong. Do not use an adapter or 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.

PROBLEMRECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS
Freezer Will Not OperateCheck if the freezer is in an automatic defrost cycle. Ensure it is plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Verify the temperature control is on. Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If problems persist, contact an electrician.
Lights Do Not WorkEnsure the freezer is plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Check that the light bulb is tight in the socket and not burned out.
Water in Defrost Drain PanIt is normal for water to drip into the defrost drain pan when the freezer is defrosting. When humidity is high, water in the defrost pan may take longer to evaporate.
Motor Seems to Run Too MuchCheck that the door closes properly. Defrost and clean the freezer to remove excessive frost. Adding a large amount of food warms the freezer, requiring it to run longer to cool down. Allow 6 to 8 hours for the freezer to reach the correct temperature. Remove all items at once, keep food organized, and close the door quickly. Check that the condenser coils are clean. Ensure the door gasket seals properly. If not, contact a qualified person or technician. Verify that the space around the freezer meets air circulation requirements (see "Location Requirements"). NOTE: Your new freezer may run longer than your old one due to its high-efficiency motor.
Temperature Is Too WarmVerify that air vents are clear (see "Ensuring Proper Air Circulation"). Remove all items at once, keep food organized, and close the door quickly. Adding a large amount of food warms the freezer, requiring it to run longer to cool down. Check that the temperature control is set correctly for surrounding conditions. If the freezer was recently plugged in, moved, or experienced a power failure, turn off the temperature alarm for 24 hours.
The Door Will Not Close Completely or Is Difficult To OpenIf the freezer was recently plugged in, moved, or experienced a power failure, turn off the temperature alarm for 24 hours. Adding a large amount of food warms the freezer; it may take several hours to return to normal temperature. Turn off the temperature alarm for 24 hours. Repeat the same for the subsequent statement.
Freezer Makes Loud Buzzing/Clicking SoundIf the freezer was recently plugged in, moved, or experienced a power failure, turn off the temperature alarm for 24 hours. Adding a large amount of food warms the freezer; it may take several hours to return to normal temperature. Turn off the temperature alarm for 24 hours. Repeat the same for the subsequent statement.

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:

  1. Before contacting us, determine if your product requires repair. Review the Troubleshooting or Problem Solver section of the Use and Care Guide or visit https://www.maytag.com/product_help.
  2. All warranty service is provided exclusively by authorized Maytag Service Providers. In the U.S. and Canada, direct all requests 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 U.S. or Canada, contact your authorized Maytag dealer.

WHAT IS COVERED

FIRST YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (PARTS AND LABOR): For one year from the date of purchase, Maytag will pay for factory-specified replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship.

SECOND THROUGH TENTH YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (COMPRESSOR ONLY - LABOR NOT INCLUDED): For the second through tenth years from the date of original purchase, Maytag will pay for a factory-specified replacement compressor to correct non-cosmetic defects in materials or workmanship in the compressor.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

  1. Commercial, non-residential, or multiple-family use, or use inconsistent with published user, operator, or installation instructions.
  2. In-home instruction on how to use the product.
  3. Service to correct improper product maintenance or installation, or correction of household electrical or plumbing issues.
  4. Consumable parts (e.g., light bulbs, batteries, air or water filters, preservation solutions, etc.).
  5. Defects or damage caused by the use of non-genuine Maytag parts or accessories.
  6. Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, fire, floods, acts of God, or use with unapproved products.
  7. Repairs to parts or systems to correct product damage or defects caused by unauthorized service, alteration, or modification.
  8. Cosmetic damage, including scratches, dents, chips, and other damage to appliance finishes, unless reported to Maytag within 30 days of purchase.
  9. Discoloration, rust, or oxidation of surfaces resulting from caustic or corrosive environments, high salt concentrations, high moisture, or exposure to chemicals.
  10. Food or medicine loss due to product failure.
  11. Pick-up or delivery. This product is intended for in-home repair.
  12. Travel or transportation expenses for service in remote locations.
  13. Removal or reinstallation of inaccessible appliances or built-in fixtures that interfere with servicing.
  14. Service or parts for appliances with original model/serial numbers removed or altered.

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 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, 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 those contained in this warranty. 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.

Models: MZF34X18FW Upright Freezer, MZF34X18FW, Upright Freezer, Freezer

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