How can I tell how many cubic feet my Whirlpool refrigerator is?
For your Whirlpool ED5THAXMS00 side-by-side refrigerator, the most reliable way to confirm cubic-foot capacity is to look it up by model number in the product specifications section of the ED5THAXMS00 owner's manual. If you only need an estimate, you can measure the usable interior space and convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
Fast ways to find capacity
- Check the model and serial label inside the fresh food compartment; confirm the model is ED5THAXMS00.
- Look for the capacity/specifications section in the ED5THAXMS00 owner's manual.
- Estimate capacity by measuring interior space (best for a quick comparison).
- If you are shopping for replacement parts by model, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
How to estimate cubic feet (quick math)
- Measure the usable interior:
- Width (inches)
- Height (inches)
- Depth (inches)
- Multiply:
width × height × depth = cubic inches - Divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
What to measure (so the estimate is realistic)
- Measure shelf-to-shelf usable space, not the door bins.
- Subtract obvious non-storage areas (air channels, light housings, ice maker enclosure).
- Measure the refrigerator and freezer sections separately, then add them.
Typical capacity range (for context)
Most Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators are roughly in this range; your exact number depends on cabinet size and internal features.
| Refrigerator style | Typical total capacity range |
|---|---|
| Side-by-side | About 20 to 28 cu. ft. |
| French door | About 22 to 30+ cu. ft. |
| Top freezer | About 14 to 22 cu. ft. |
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right fit and function when you are comparing models, planning kitchen space, or choosing parts and accessories that depend on interior layout (shelves, bins, and ice storage).
Last updated: February 2026
Can I replace fridge parts myself?
Yes. On the Whirlpool ED5THAXMS00 side-by-side refrigerator, many common parts and adjustments are DIY-friendly (shelves, bins, light bulbs, some door hardware). For anything involving electrical power, water lines, or sealed-system cooling, we recommend careful step-by-step work using the owner's manual.
Good DIY replacements vs. “call for service” repairs
Many repairs are straightforward if you can safely unplug the refrigerator, use basic hand tools, and follow the correct disassembly order.
- Usually DIY-friendly: shelves, drawers, trim pieces, light shields, door cams
- DIY with extra care: ice maker and water system parts (shut off water first)
- Typically not DIY: sealed-system work (compressor/evaporator refrigerant repairs)
Quick examples for this model
| Task | What you do | Common risk to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Replace dispenser bulb | Unplug, swap correct wattage bulb | Wrong bulb type or wattage |
| Replace ice maker | Disconnect power, remove mounting, reconnect harness | Water leaks, pinched wiring |
| Remove doors to move fridge | Unplug, protect dispenser tubing, support doors | Damaging tubing at hinge |
Safety and prep checklist (use this every time)
- Unplug the refrigerator (or disconnect power at the breaker) before opening panels or removing doors.
- Turn OFF the main water supply before servicing the ice maker or water dispenser circuit.
- Protect the dispenser water tubing when removing the freezer door; it routes through the bottom hinge.
- Keep doors supported during hinge work; do not rely on door magnets to hold them.
- Take photos of wire routing and screw locations before disassembly.
Parts we commonly see customers replace on ED5THAXMS00
If your issue is ice production or dispensing, these model-matched parts are common starting points:
- Refrigerator ice maker 2198597 (no ice, small cubes, intermittent harvest)
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 (no water to ice maker or dispenser, slow fill)
- Refrigerator water filter housing WP2186443 (leaks at filter head or poor sealing)
For broader DIY guidance on whether a repair is a good fit, use can i fix my own fridge. If you are ordering parts beyond the list shown for this model, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Why it matters
DIY replacement can restore cooling, ice production, and door sealing quickly, but mistakes around power, hinges, and water tubing can create leaks or damage wiring. Following the correct sequence from the manual helps you avoid repeat repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find the model number on a Whirlpool side by side refrigerator?
On your Whirlpool ED5THAXMS00 side-by-side refrigerator, the model and serial number label is located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. We recommend writing the complete model and serial number down before ordering parts or scheduling service.
Where to look (quick checklist)
- Open the refrigerator (not freezer) door
- Look along the inside side walls of the fresh food compartment
- Check near the crisper area and the lower side wall first
- Use a flashlight; the label can be small or lightly printed
- Copy the full model number and serial number exactly as shown
What the label is used for
You will use the complete model and serial number to:
- Match the correct Whirlpool parts and diagrams for ED5THAXMS00
- Confirm compatibility for items like an ice maker or inlet valve
- Reference the correct troubleshooting and maintenance steps
- Keep accurate records for your household appliance file
Common label locations (what to expect)
| Refrigerator style | Most common model/serial label location |
|---|---|
| Side-by-side (like ED5THAXMS00) | Inside wall of the refrigerator compartment |
| Top-freezer | Inside refrigerator compartment wall or ceiling area |
| Bottom-freezer | Inside refrigerator compartment wall, often near crispers |
Why it matters
Whirlpool often uses similar-looking parts across multiple refrigerator series. Using the exact model number from the label helps us point you to the right diagrams and the right replacement parts the first time.
Helpful resources
- Use the owner's manual to see the manufacturer’s guidance on recording your model and serial number.
- If you are ordering parts beyond the list shown for ED5THAXMS00, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Whirlpool refrigerator?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problem is a cooling issue caused by restricted airflow or a defrost system problem (frost buildup on the evaporator). On Whirlpool model ED5THAXMS00, the fastest first checks are door sealing, condenser cleanliness, and whether the freezer back wall is frosting over; then confirm defrost and fan operation using the ED5THAXMS00 owner's manual.
Quick symptoms and what they usually point to
- Freezer cold, fridge warm: airflow problem (blocked vents, frost buildup, evaporator fan issue)
- Both sections warm: condenser coils dirty, compressor not running properly, or control issue
- Heavy frost on freezer back panel: defrost system problem (heater, defrost thermostat, timer/control)
- Ice maker or dispenser acting up: water supply, filter restriction, or inlet valve issue
- Doors not closing smoothly: hinge/cam wear causing poor sealing and temperature swings
What to check first (in order)
- Set temperatures correctly and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize.
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or areas that do not grip paper when closed.
- Clean condenser coils and confirm the condenser fan (if equipped) runs when the compressor runs.
- Look for frost patterns: remove items and check for a snow-like frost blanket on the freezer rear wall.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: it should run when the compressor is running and the door switch is closed.
Common parts involved on ED5THAXMS00
If your symptoms match, these model-compatible parts are commonly replaced:
| Symptom | Likely system | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Frost buildup, warm fridge | Defrost system | Refrigerator heater WP2323198, refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 |
| No ice or slow ice | Water supply/ice maker | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179, refrigerator ice maker 2198597 |
| Temperature swings | Temperature control | Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 |
Why it matters
Cooling and defrost problems usually get worse over time; catching them early helps prevent food spoilage, reduces compressor run time, and avoids ice buildup that blocks airflow.
Ordering the right replacement part
We recommend matching parts by the full model number ED5THAXMS00 and comparing your symptom to the parts list for this refrigerator. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are ordering multiple items.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most commonly replaced parts in a refrigerator?
In a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator like model ED5THAXMS00, the most commonly replaced parts are in the cooling airflow, defrost system, and ice and water circuits. These are the first components to wear with normal use and the first to check when temperatures drift or dispensing stops.
Commonly replaced parts (what they do)
- Defrost parts: prevent frost buildup on the evaporator
- Airflow parts: move cold air from the freezer to the fresh food section
- Water and ice parts: supply water to the dispenser and ice maker
- Temperature control parts: regulate compressor and fan run time
- Door closing parts: help doors seal and close smoothly
Examples of ED5THAXMS00 parts to check by symptom
| Symptom | What to check first | Example part for ED5THAXMS00 |
|---|---|---|
| No ice or slow ice production | Ice maker, water inlet valve | Refrigerator ice maker 2198597, refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 |
| Frost buildup, warm refrigerator section | Defrost heater, defrost bi-metal, defrost timer | Refrigerator heater WP2323198, refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581, refrigerator defrost timer WPW10366605 |
| Temperature swings | Thermostat or control | Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 |
| Weak water flow or leaks | Water tube, filter housing | Refrigerator water tube 8201597, refrigerator water filter housing WP2186443 |
Quick checks before you order parts
- Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Look for heavy frost on the freezer back panel (defrost issue).
- Confirm the household shutoff valve is fully open.
- Inspect door seals for gaps and check for smooth closing.
Why it matters
Targeting the right “common failure” area first saves time and avoids replacing good parts. For model-specific operating and care guidance, use the ED5THAXMS00 owner's manual. If you are ready to buy, order from the parts list for ED5THAXMS00 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





