Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Can you remove a bottom freezer drawer?
Yes. On the Whirlpool GX5SHDXTS01 bottom-mount refrigerator, we remove the bottom freezer drawer front by opening the drawer fully, loosening the four glide screws a few turns, then lifting the drawer front up and off the screws. Use the steps in the owner's manual.
How to remove the freezer drawer front (GX5SHDXTS01)
- Unplug the refrigerator (or disconnect power).
- Open the freezer drawer to full extension.
- Locate the four screws that attach the drawer glides (rails) to the drawer front.
- Loosen each screw 3 to 4 turns (leave the screws in the drawer front).
- Lift the drawer front upward and pull it off the screws.
Quick checklist before you start
- Empty the freezer basket(s) so the drawer moves freely.
- Use a helper; two people may be required for safe handling.
- Use the correct driver so you do not strip screw heads.
- Keep screws in the drawer front so they do not get lost.
- Support the drawer front as you lift it off the screws.
How to reinstall the drawer front
- Slide the drawer glides out.
- Hang the top of the drawer front on the upper screws (into the bracket slots).
- Pull the drawer brackets toward you to seat the lower screws.
- Tighten all four screws completely.
Common issues and what they usually mean
| What you notice | Most common cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Drawer front will not lift off | Screws not loosened enough | Back screws out 3 to 4 turns (do not remove) |
| Drawer feels crooked after reinstall | Drawer front not seated in bracket slots | Rehang the top screws into the slots, then seat the bottom |
| Drawer is hard to pull open | Cabinet not level, brake foot not set | Level the refrigerator and set the brake foot per the manual |
Why it matters
Removing the drawer front the correct way prevents bent glides, stripped screws, and door alignment problems that can cause warm temperatures or frost buildup.
Last updated: February 2026
How to put bottom grill on whirlpool refrigerator?
To put the bottom grille (base grille) back on your Whirlpool GX5SHDXTS01 bottom-mount refrigerator, align it with the openings at the base and press it straight in until it snaps into place. This grille also needs to come off for leveling and roller adjustments shown in the owner's manual.
Steps to reinstall the base grille
- Make sure the refrigerator is stable and not rolling forward.
- Line up the grille with the front base area (in front of the rollers and brake foot).
- Push the grille toward the cabinet evenly from both ends.
- Press along the length of the grille until you feel it snap in.
- Confirm it sits flush and does not bow outward.
If the grille will not snap in
Common causes are misalignment or the cabinet not being level.
- Pull the grille back off and re-seat it, starting with one end, then the other.
- Check for items (crumbs, pet hair) blocking the grille tabs or slots.
- Verify the refrigerator is not leaning too far forward.
- If you recently adjusted rollers or the brake foot, recheck the grille fit afterward.
Quick check: when you remove and replace the grille
The manual calls out base grille removal as the first step when adjusting rollers and the brake foot. If the doors do not close easily, you may need to tilt the cabinet slightly to the rear, then reinstall the grille.
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Grille pops back out | Tabs not fully engaged | Re-align and press firmly at both ends |
| Grille sits crooked | One side not seated | Remove and reinstall, end-to-end |
| Doors do not close easily after reinstall | Cabinet tilt changed | Follow leveling steps in the owner's manual |
Why it matters
A properly installed base grille helps protect components at the bottom of the refrigerator (rollers, brake foot area) and makes future maintenance easier because it can be removed and reinstalled without damaging the mounting tabs.
Last updated: February 2026
What is a bottom mount fridge freezer?
A bottom-mount fridge freezer is a refrigerator design where the fresh-food compartment is on top (at eye level) and the freezer is located below, typically as a pull-out drawer or lower door. On Whirlpool model GX5SHDXTS01, this layout makes everyday refrigerated items easier to reach.
How a bottom-mount refrigerator is laid out
Most bottom-mount refrigerators, including GX5SHDXTS01, are organized like this:
- Upper section: fresh-food compartment (main refrigerator)
- Lower section: freezer compartment (drawer or door)
- Door styles vary: some models use a single refrigerator door; others use French doors
- Freezer access: usually a pull-out basket system for frozen foods
Why people choose a bottom-mount design
Bottom-mount refrigerators are popular because they prioritize the items most households use most often.
Benefits vs. tradeoffs
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Easier (eye level) | Requires bending more often |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer/door | Upper door |
| Organization | Often better freezer baskets | Often simpler shelves |
Why it matters for repairs and parts
The bottom-mount layout affects which components you may service and where they are located, such as the freezer drawer hardware, door hinges, and interior lighting. For example, the manual for this style covers door removal and reinstallation steps and notes to support doors during hinge work.
Helpful tip
If you are working on doors, hinges, or light covers, follow the safety and step-by-step instructions in the GX5SHDXTS01 owner's manual to avoid damaging the door gasket or wiring connections.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is there ice on the bottom of my freezer side by side?
Ice building up on the freezer floor is almost always caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain; defrost water can’t flow to the drain pan, so it refreezes at the bottom. On your Whirlpool GX5SHDXTS01, clearing the drain and melting any ice in the drain trough typically fixes it.
What to check first (fast, no parts)
- Unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the breaker.
- Remove food and the freezer basket/drawer so you can access the bottom area.
- Melt the ice on the freezer floor with a hair dryer on low or by placing towels and letting it thaw.
- Locate the drain opening in the freezer’s rear floor or back panel area and clear any visible debris.
- Flush the drain with hot water; a common method is 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 cups hot water.
Step-by-step: clear a clogged defrost drain
- Defrost the drain area: Warm the drain trough and the drain hole until water starts to flow.
- Flush the drain: Use a turkey baster or squeeze bottle to push hot water through the drain.
- Confirm it’s open: You should hear water dripping into the drain pan underneath.
- Reassemble and monitor: Restore power and check for new ice over the next 24 to 48 hours.
When a part is likely involved
If the drain keeps freezing back up, the defrost system may not be clearing frost well enough, which can lead to repeated drain icing.
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part for GX5SHDXTS01 |
|---|---|---|
| Ice returns every few days | Defrost system not heating | Refrigerator defrost heater WP67002493 |
| Heavy frost on freezer back panel | Defrost control/defrost circuit | Refrigerator electronic control board WPW10503278 |
| Frost pattern plus warm temps | Defrost termination issue | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10165425 |
Why it matters
A blocked drain can cause recurring ice sheets, water leaks, and door sealing problems. Fixing the drain early helps protect the evaporator area, keeps airflow normal, and prevents temperature swings.
Helpful reference
For safe disassembly and reassembly steps (including freezer drawer removal on bottom-mount styles), follow the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
