This document is an instruction manual for the Montgomery Ward 5.0 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer, Item: 762903.
Function Description
The Montgomery Ward 5.0 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer is designed for household use to store frozen foods. It is a freestanding appliance intended to keep food items frozen at a controlled temperature. The freezer features a temperature control knob, power on indicator, and compressor on indicator for easy monitoring and adjustment. It is equipped with a 3-prong grounding plug for electrical safety. The manual emphasizes the importance of proper installation, usage, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the appliance.
Important Technical Specifications
- Power Rating: 120V, 60Hz, 1.1A
- Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet
- Cord Length: 60 inches
- Dimensions: 22 inches (W) x 32 inches (H) x 29 inches (L)
- Model: FRF451
- Operating Temperature: Not designed to operate in temperatures below 55° Fahrenheit.
- Grounding: Equipped with a 3-prong grounding plug for safety.
Usage Features
- Installation:
- Place the freezer on an even, stable, dry, heat-resistant surface, strong enough to support it when fully loaded.
- Ensure at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides for maximum efficiency.
- Allow enough room above the freezer for the lid to open completely.
- Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources (radiators, baseboard heaters, cooking appliances).
- If the freezer has been placed horizontally or tilted, wait 24 hours before plugging it in to prevent compressor damage.
- Do not tilt more than a 45-degree angle when moving.
- This freezer should not be recessed or built-in an enclosed cabinet; it is designed for freestanding installation only.
- Initial Setup:
- Remove all packaging materials and labels before first use.
- Wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
- Turn the temperature control dial to "ON" and run for at least 2 hours.
- Then, set the dial to "4" and check after 24 hours to ensure the desired coldness ("1" being warmest, "7" being coldest).
- Operation:
- The freezer may make normal gurgling sounds or slight vibrations due to refrigerant circulation.
- The thermostat control will click when it cycles on and off.
- The Power On Indicator (red) and Compressor On Indicator (green) provide visual feedback on the freezer's status.
- The temperature control knob allows users to adjust the internal temperature.
- Safety Precautions:
- Close supervision is necessary when using near children.
- Do not allow children to climb or stand on the freezer.
- Keep fingers out of clearances between the freezer lid and cabinet.
- Do not use near flammable materials.
- Do not place paper, plastic, or other non-food items inside.
- Do not place the appliance or its cord on or near a heated surface or in a heated oven.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Turn OFF and UNPLUG when not in use. Turning the dial to "O" stops cooling but does not shut off power.
- Do not use with a damaged cord or plug, or if the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged.
- Risk of child entrapment: Remove doors or lids before disposing of an old freezer.
- Do not refreeze foods that have completely thawed, as this can reduce eating quality and pose a health risk if off-odor or off-color is present.
Maintenance Features
- Defrosting and Draining:
- Defrost the freezer whenever frost becomes ¼ inch thick for efficient operation.
- Recommended method is natural melting.
- NEVER use sharp or metallic instruments to remove frost, as this can damage cooling coils and void the warranty.
- DO NOT use boiling water, as it can damage the unit.
- Remove frozen food and place it in a cooler.
- Turn off and unplug the unit.
- Defrosting usually takes a few hours; keeping the door open can speed up the process.
- Place a container beneath the exterior drain plug, then open both interior and exterior drain plugs to allow water to flow out. Monitor the container to prevent overflow.
- After draining, close both drain plugs.
- Wipe the interior with a soft cloth.
- Plug in, reset temperature control, and return food to the freezer.
- Cleaning:
- Always unplug the freezer before cleaning to avoid electrical shock.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with warm water.
- Use a sponge or soft cloth dampened with the solution to wipe down the interior.
- Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine bleach, solvents, or metal scouring pads, as these can damage or discolor the interior.
- Clean door gaskets every three months to ensure a proper seal. Apply petroleum jelly lightly on the hinge side of gaskets to keep them pliable.
- Do not immerse any electrical appliance, its cord, or its plug into water.
- Power Interruptions:
- Unplug the freezer during a power outage.
- Plug the unit back in when power is restored.
- If the outage is prolonged, inspect and discard spoiled or thawed food.
- Vacation Care:
- For long vacations or absences, empty the freezer and unplug the unit.
- Clean the door gaskets.
- Prop the door open to allow air circulation inside.
Troubleshooting
The manual provides guidance for common issues:
- Freezer Does Not Operate: Check if plugged in, power at the outlet, and wait 30-40 minutes for the compressor cycle to complete.
- Food Temperature Appears Too Warm: Address frequent door openings, allow time for recently added warm food to cool, check gaskets for proper seal, and adjust temperature control to a colder setting.
- Too Much Frost Build-Up: Ensure temperature control is not set to "ON" for an extended period.
- Food Temperature Is Too Cold: Adjust temperature control to a warmer setting and allow several hours for adjustment.
- Compressor Runs Too Frequently: This may be normal in high temperature/humid conditions, or due to frequent door openings, improper gasket seal, or blockages in the freezer compartment.
- Freezer Has an Odor: Indicates interior needs cleaning or improperly wrapped/sealed foods are causing odors.
Warranty and Customer Service
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty covering defects in material and workmanship from the provable date of purchase. Montgomery Ward will repair or replace defective parts at no charge, provided the product is returned freight prepaid with proof of purchase. The warranty does not cover improper installation, misuse, abuse, neglect, or servicing by unauthorized stations.
- Customer Service: Available 8:00 am to Midnight CST, Monday through Friday.
- Contact Information: Wards.com, 1-888-557-3848.
- Return Policy: Unused items in original packaging can be returned within 60 days for a full refund of the purchase price (excluding shipping and handling). Returns should be sent to Montgomery Ward, Inc., Attn: Customer Returns, 2000 Harrison Suite 100, Clinton, IA 52732-6676. Include order number and reason for return, and insure the item.