Maytag MSC21C6MFZ - 36 INCH WIDE COUNTER DEPTH SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIGERATOR

USER INSTRUCTIONS REFRIGERATOR

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unpack the Refrigerator

Remove packaging materials. 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 refrigerator. For more information, see “Refrigerator Safety.”

Door Removal, Leveling, and Alignment

Gather the required tools and parts and read all instructions before starting installation. Save these instructions for future reference.

IMPORTANT: The graphics on this page are for models with the ice storage bin on the door. On models with the ice storage bin inside the freezer, the wiring and water dispenser tubing configurations are simpler than what is shown in these graphics. Please read all instructions on the next few pages for more information.

NOTE: Before moving your product into your home, measure the doorway of your home to see whether you need to remove the refrigerator and freezer doors. If door removal is necessary, see the instructions below.

IMPORTANT: Before you begin, turn the refrigerator control off or turn cooling off. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power. Remove food, the ice storage bin (on some models), and any adjustable door or utility bins from doors.

TOOLS NEEDED:

Bubble level, Phillips screwdriver, ³⁄₁₆" hex key, ¹⁄₄" hex-head socket wrench, ¹⁄₄" and ⁵⁄₁₆" open-ended wrenches or adjustable wrench, internal star drive, or ³⁄₈" hex-head socket wrench

Remove the Doors

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Open both doors to 90°. Remove the base grille by removing the two screws, then pulling out on the outside corners. See Graphic 1.

NOTE: The doors must only be opened to 90°. If they are opened all the way, the base grille will not come off.

3. Disconnect the water tubing, located behind the base grille on the freezer door side. The dispenser tubing runs through the door hinge and must be disconnected in order to remove the door. NOTE: On models with the ice storage bin on the door, there are two water tubing connections, as shown. On models with the ice storage bin inside the freezer, there is only one water tubing connection.

■ Style 1: Press the colored outer ring against the face of fitting and pull the water tubing free. See Graphic 2A.

NOTE: Keep the water tubing connector attached to the tube that runs underneath the freezer. The door cannot be removed if the connector is still attached to the tube that runs through the door hinge.

■ Style 2: Firmly pull on the clasp to release the tube, then pull the water tubing free. See Graphic 2B.

NOTE: Keep the clasp attached to the tube that runs underneath the freezer

4. Disconnect the wiring, located behind the base grille on the freezer door side. See Graphic 3.

On models with the ice storage bin on the door:

NOTE: There are two wiring bundles that run underneath the freezer - a large bundle with a large grommet and two white plugs at the end and a small bundle with a small grommet and one yellow plug at the end.

• Remove the P-clamp using a ¹⁄₄" hex-head socket wrench. Remove the small wiring bundle from the P-clamp.
• Remove the wiring clip using a ¹⁄₄" hex-head socket wrench.
• Pull the electrical housing out from under the refrigerator. Disconnect the wiring plugs from the housing.
• Gently pull the large wiring bundle (with two white plugs) through the routing plate.

On models with the ice storage bin inside the freezer:

NOTE: The wiring configuration is simpler than what is shown in Graphic 3. There is only one wiring bundle with one wiring plug and there is not a routing plate.

• Remove the wiring clip using a ¹⁄₄" hex-head socket wrench.
• Pull the electrical housing out from under the refrigerator. Disconnect the wiring plug from the housing.

5. Close both doors and keep them closed until you are ready to lift them free from the cabinet.

6. Use a ³⁄₁₆" hex key to remove the top left hinge screws as shown. See Graphic 4.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove either screw A.

7. Lift freezer door straight up off bottom hinge. See Graphic 5. The water tubing and wiring remain attached to the freezer door and pull through the bottom left hinge.

NOTE: This may require two people - one to lift the door and another to feed the water tubing and wiring through the hinge.

On models with the ice storage bin on the door:

• Be sure the hole in the hinge is clear of obstructions, then gently pull one water tube through the hinge. (Avoid kinking the tube.) Next, gently pull the other water tube through the hinge, again avoiding kinks. Finally, gently pull the wiring bundle (including the grommet and wiring plugs) through the hinge.

On models with the ice storage bin inside the freezer:

• Be sure the hole in the hinge is clear of obstructions, then gently pull the water tube through the hinge. (Avoid kinking the tube.) Next, gently pull the wiring bundle (including the grommet and wiring plug) through the hinge.

IMPORTANT: Rest the door on its side on a soft, clean surface, such as a towel, blanket or piece of cardboard. This will help avoid damaging the door, water tubing, and wiring.

8. Use a ³⁄₁₆" hex key to remove the top right hinge screws as shown. See Graphic 6.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove either screw A.

9. Lift the refrigerator door straight up off bottom hinge.

IMPORTANT: Rest the door on its side on a soft, clean surface, such as a towel, blanket, or piece of cardboard. This will help avoid damaging the door.

10. It may not be necessary to remove the bottom hinges to move the refrigerator through a doorway. Both bottom hinges have similar construction.

■ If necessary, use an internal star drive or a ³⁄₈" hex-head socket wrench to remove the bottom hinges. See Graphic 7.

IMPORTANT: The leveler brackets are mounted behind the hinges. If you remove the hinges, make sure that the leveler brackets are replaced when reinstalling the hinges.

Leveling and Door Closing

Your refrigerator has two adjustable front feet — one on the right and one on the left. In most cases, the refrigerator should be steady when both feet are touching the floor. If your refrigerator seems unsteady or if you want the doors to close more easily, adjust the refrigerator’s tilt using the instructions below:

1. Move the refrigerator into its final location. If necessary, open both doors to 90° and remove the base grille. See Graphic 1.

2. The two leveling feet are located on the brackets on each side of the product. See Graphic 8.

NOTE: Having someone push against the top of the refrigerator takes some weight off the leveling feet. This makes it easier to make adjustments.

3. Use a ¹⁄₄" open-ended or adjustable wrench to adjust the leveling feet. Turn the leveling foot to the left to raise that side of the product or turn it to the right to lower that side of the product.

NOTE: Both leveling feet should be snug against the floor and the rollers should not touch the floor. This keeps the refrigerator from rolling forward when opening the doors.

4. Open both doors again and check that they close as easily as you like. If not, tilt the refrigerator slightly more to the rear by turning the leveling feet to the left. It may take several more turns and you should turn both leveling feet the same amount.

5. Use a bubble level to check the leveling of the refrigerator.

NOTE: Whenever you need to move the refrigerator, turn the leveling feet to the right until they are no longer touching the ground. This will allow the refrigerator to roll more easily

Handle Installation and Removal

PARTS INCLUDED: Door handles (2), ¹⁄₈" hex key, spare setscrew(s)

To Install the Handles:

NOTE: The handle mounting setscrews are preinstalled in the handle

1. Remove the handles, which are packed inside the refrigerator.

NOTE: To avoid scratching the finish, place the handles on a towel or other soft surface.

2. Open the freezer door. On the refrigerator door, place the handle on the shoulder screws with the setscrews facing the freezer.

3. Firmly push the handle toward the door until the handle base is flush against the door.

4. While holding the handle, insert the short end of the hex key into the upper hole and slightly rotate the hex key until it is engaged in the setscrew.

5. Using a clockwise motion, tighten the setscrew until it begins to contact the shoulder screw.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to begin fastening the lower setscrew.

7. Once both setscrews have been partially tightened as outlined in the previous steps, fully tighten both the upper and lower setscrews.

IMPORTANT: When the screws feel tight, tighten them an additional quarter-turn. The handle is not properly installed without this extra tightening.

8. Open the refrigerator door and close the freezer door. Repeat steps 2 through 7 to install the other handle onto the freezer door with the setscrews facing the refrigerator.

9. Save the hex key and all instructions.

To Remove the Handles:

1. While holding the handle, insert the short end of the hex key into the lower setscrew hole and slightly rotate the hex key until it is engaged in the setscrew.

2. Using a counterclockwise motion, loosen the setscrew a quarter-turn at a time.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the upper setscrew. Gently pull the handle away from the door.

4. If necessary, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the shoulder screws from the door.

Location Requirements

IMPORTANT: This refrigerator is designed for indoor household use only.

To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for ¹⁄₂" (1.27 cm) of space on each side and at the top. Allow for 1" (2.54 cm) of space behind the refrigerator. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra space at the back for the water line connections. When installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave a 2" (5.08 cm) minimum space on each side (depending on your model) to allow the doors to swing open.

NOTES:

• This refrigerator is intended for use in a location where the temperature ranges from a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to a maximum of 110°F (43°C). The preferred room temperature range for optimum performance, which reduces electricity usage and provides superior cooling, is between 60°F (15°C) and 90°F (32°C). It is recommended that you do not install the refrigerator near a heat source, such as an oven or radiator.
• Normal minimum cabinet cutout width required for product installation is 36" (91.44 cm). However, if the product is placed against an extended wall and the ability to remove the crisper pans is desired, an additional 18" (45.72 cm) of cabinet width is required, so a total cabinet opening width of 54" (137.16 cm) is recommended.

Electrical Requirements

Before you move your refrigerator into its final location, it is important to make sure you have the proper electrical connection

Recommended Grounding Method

A 115-volt, 60 Hz, AC-only, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical supply is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only your refrigerator 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 cooling off or turn the control (Thermostat, Refrigerator, or Freezer control depending on the model) to OFF, and then disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical source. When you are finished, reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical source and turn cooling on or reset the control (Thermostat, Refrigerator, or Freezer control depending on the model) to the desired setting. See “Using the Controls” in the User Instructions, User Guide, or Use & Care Guide.

REFRIGERATOR USE

Using the Controls

The refrigerator and freezer controls are located on the dispenser panel.

IMPORTANT: The display screen on the dispenser control panel will turn off automatically and enter “sleep” mode when the control buttons and dispenser pad have not been used for 2 minutes or more. While in “sleep” mode, the first press of a control button will only reactivate the display screen without changing any settings.

• Touch any control button on the dispenser panel to activate the display screen. The home screen will appear as shown.

Adjusting the Controls

For your convenience, your refrigerator and freezer controls are preset at the factory. When you first install your refrigerator, make sure that the controls are still set to the “mid-settings.” The factory recommended set points are 37°F (3°C) for the refrigerator and 0°F (-18°C) for the freezer.

IMPORTANT:

• Wait 24 hours before you put food into the refrigerator. If you add food before the refrigerator has cooled completely, your food may spoil.

NOTE: Adjusting the set points to a colder-thanrecommended setting will not cool the compartments any faster.

• If the temperature is too warm or too cold in the refrigerator or freezer, first check the air vents to be sure they are not blocked before adjusting the controls.
• The preset settings should be correct for normal household usage. The controls are set correctly when milk or juice is as cold as you like and when ice cream is firm.
• Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments. Recheck the temperatures before other adjustments are made.

To view and adjust the set points, press and hold the Temp button for 3 seconds. When Adjust mode is activated, adjusting information will appear on the display screen.

NOTE: To view Celsius temperatures, press the Options button when Adjust mode is activated. To return the display setting to Fahrenheit, press OPTIONS again.

• When Adjust mode is activated, the display screen shows the refrigerator set point and “Fridge” appears.
• Press the Dispense Type arrows to raise or lower the set point.
• When you have finished viewing (and adjusting if desired) the refrigerator set point, press TEMP to change the display to show the freezer set point. When the zone has been changed, “Freezer” appears on the display screen.
• Press the Dispense Type arrows to raise or lower the set point.
• When you have finished viewing (and adjusting if desired) both the refrigerator and freezer set points, press LIGHT to save the settings.

NOTE: To exit without saving changes, allow about 60 seconds of inactivity and Adjust mode will turn off automatically.

When adjusting temperature set points, use the following chart as a guide.

The set point range for the refrigerator is 33°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C). The set point range for the freezer is -5°F to 5°F (-21°C to -15°C).

Convertible Drawer Temperature Control (on some models)

The control can be adjusted to properly chill meats or vegetables. The air inside the pan is cooled to avoid “spot” freezing and can be set to keep meats at the National Livestock and Meat Board recommended storage temperatures of 28° to 32°F (-2° to 0°C).

To store meat:

Set the control to one of the three Meat settings to store meat at its optimal storage temperature.

To store vegetables:

Set the control to VEG to store vegetables at their optimal storage temperatures.

NOTE: If food starts to freeze, move the control to the right (less cold) toward the VEG setting. Remember to wait 24 hours between adjustments.

Water and Ice Dispensers

Flush the Water System

Air in the water dispensing system can cause the water dispenser to drip. After connecting the refrigerator to a water source or replacing the water filter, flush the water system. Flushing the water dispensing system forces air from the water line and filter and prepares the water filter for use.

NOTE: As air is cleared from the system, water may spurt out of the dispenser.

1. Using a sturdy container, depress and hold the water dispenser pad for 5 seconds, then release it for 5 seconds.
2. Repeat Step 1 until water begins to flow.
3. Once water begins to flow, continue depressing and releasing the dispenser pad (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) until a total of 3 gal (12 L) has been dispensed.

Additional flushing may be required in some households.

The Water Dispenser

IMPORTANT:

• Dispense at least 1 qt (1 L) of water every week to maintain a fresh supply.
• If the flow of water from the dispenser decreases, it could be caused by low water pressure.
  • With the water filter removed, dispense 1 cup (237 mL) of water. If 1 cup of water is dispensed in 8 seconds or less, the water pressure to the refrigerator meets the minimum requirement.
  • If it takes longer than 8 seconds to dispense 1 cup of water, the water pressure to the refrigerator is lower than recommended. See “Water Supply Requirements” or the “Problem Solver” section for suggestions.

To Dispense Water:

1. Press the Dispense Type arrows on the dispenser control panel, until “Water” is selected.

2. To dispense water, press a sturdy glass against the dispenser pad or press the Water button. Hold the glass close to the water dispenser spout to ensure that the water dispenses into the glass.

3. To stop dispensing, remove the glass from the dispenser pad or release the Water button.

REFRIGERATOR CARE

Cleaning

Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost automatically. However, clean both sections about once a month to avoid buildup

To Clean Your Refrigerator:

NOTE: Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches, or cleansers containing petroleum products on plastic parts, interior and door liners or gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh cleaning tools. Stainless steel models has coating, Do Not Use regular stainless steel cleaning products. Do Not Use stainless steel Cleaner or Polish and use only mild soap, water, and soft microfiber cloth to avoid damage to the stainless steel protective coating. Paper towels scratch and may dull the clear coat of the painted door. To avoid possible damage, use only clean cloths to polish and wipe the door.

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior surfaces thoroughly. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water.

3. Wash stainless steel and painted metal exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water.

4. There is no need for routine condenser cleaning in normal home operating environments. If the environment is particularly greasy or dusty, or there is significant pet traffic in the home, the condenser should be cleaned every 2 to 3 months to ensure maximum efficiency.

If you need to clean the condenser:

• Remove the base grille. See the “Door Removal” instructions, either in the User Instructions or the Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual or in the separate instruction sheet provided with your refrigerator.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean the grille, the open areas behind the grille, and the front surface area of the condenser.
• Replace the base grille when finished.

5. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Vacation and Moving Care

Vacations

If You Choose to Leave Refrigerator On While You Are Away:

1. Use up any perishables and freeze other items.

2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker and is connected to the household water supply, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Property damage can occur if the water supply is not turned off.

3. If you have an automatic ice maker, turn off the ice maker. NOTE: Depending on your model, raise the wire shut-off arm to Off (up) position or press the switch to OFF.

4. Empty the ice bin.

If You Choose to Turn Refrigerator Off Before You Leave:

1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.

2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:

• Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.
• When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shutoff arm to the Off (up) position or move the switch to OFF.

3. Depending on the model, turn the Refrigerator Control to OFF or turn cooling off. See “Using the Controls” in the User Instructions, User Guide or Use & Care Guide.

4. Clean, wipe, and dry thoroughly.

5. Tape rubber or wood blocks to the tops of both doors to prop them open far enough for air to get in. This stops odor and mold from building up

Moving

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

1. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:

• Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.
• Disconnect the water line from the back of the refrigerator.
• When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shut-off arm to the Off (up) position or move the switch to OFF.

2. Remove all food from the refrigerator and pack all frozen food in dry ice.

3. Empty the ice bin.

4. Depending on the model, turn the Refrigerator Control to OFF or turn cooling off. See “Using the Controls” in the User Instructions, User Guide, or Use & Care Guide.

5. Unplug refrigerator.

6. Clean, wipe, and dry thoroughly.

7. Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.

8. Depending on the model, raise the front of the refrigerator so it rolls more easily OR screw in the leveling legs so they don’t scrape the floor. See “Adjust the Doors” or “Door Removal, Leveling, and Alignment.”

9. Tape the doors closed and tape the power cord to the back of the refrigerator.

When you get to your new home, put everything back and refer to the Installation Instructions for preparation instructions. Also, if your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, remember to reconnect the water supply to the refrigerator.

PROBLEM SOLVER

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