How many cubic feet is the whirlpool fridge model ED5LHAXWS02?
The Whirlpool ED5LHAXWS02 side-by-side refrigerator is about 25.3 cubic feet total, with about 9.9 cubic feet in the freezer (and the remainder in the fresh food section). For the exact capacity listing used for your unit’s configuration, check the owner's manual.
Capacity breakdown (what the numbers mean)
Refrigerator capacity is typically listed as total interior volume, then split between compartments.
- Total capacity: ~25.3 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: ~9.9 cu. ft.
- Refrigerator (fresh food) capacity: total minus freezer (varies slightly by configuration)
- Capacity is measured as interior space, not usable shelf space
- Bins, ice storage, and filter housings can reduce usable room
Quick reference table
| Spec | Typical value for ED5LHAXWS02 | Why you care |
|---|---|---|
| Total capacity | ~25.3 cu. ft. | Helps compare to other side-by-side models |
| Freezer capacity | ~9.9 cu. ft. | Impacts ice storage and frozen food space |
| Fresh food capacity | Remainder of total | Impacts weekly grocery storage |
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator class for storage needs, and it also helps set expectations for airflow space. A packed freezer or refrigerator can restrict circulation and cause temperature swings.
Related maintenance tip
If you are troubleshooting slow water flow or ice production on this model, a clogged filter is a common cause. The correct replacement filter shown for this model is the refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common issues with ED5LHAXWS02?
The most common issues we see with the Whirlpool ED5LHAXWS02 side-by-side refrigerator involve cooling performance, ice maker and water dispenser problems, frost buildup from defrost failures, and door sealing or closing issues. Many of these symptoms trace back to airflow, water supply, or a single failed component.
Common problems and what they usually point to
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, failed evaporator fan, or a control issue
- Ice maker not making ice: restricted water supply, frozen fill tube, or a valve problem
- Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: clogged filter, air in the line, or a valve issue
- Frost buildup or freezer icing over: defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer problems
- Doors not sealing or not closing smoothly: gasket gaps, hinge alignment, or worn closer parts
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm temperatures: freezer near 0°F, fresh food near 37°F.
- Make sure vents inside both compartments are not blocked by food.
- If water flow is weak, replace the filter and purge air from the dispenser.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; it should run when the compressor is running.
- Inspect door seals for gaps, tears, or areas that do not grip a paper strip.
Parts commonly involved (examples for this model)
| Symptom | Likely system | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Slow water, bad taste, no dispense | Filtration | Refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 |
| No water to ice maker/dispenser | Water supply | Refrigerator water inlet valve W10408179 |
| Heavy frost, warm fridge | Defrost system | Refrigerator defrost heater WP2323198 or refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 |
| Door not closing well | Door hardware | Refrigerator door closer cam WPW10329686 |
Why it matters
Cooling, defrost, and water-delivery problems can cascade. For example, a clogged water filter can strain the water inlet valve, and a defrost failure can block airflow and make both sides warm.
Helpful model-specific guidance
Use the ED5LHAXWS02 owner's manual for the correct temperature settings, control locations, and model-specific troubleshooting steps.
Last updated: March 2026
Where is the defrost timer located on a whirlpool side by side?
On the Whirlpool ED5LHAXWS02 side-by-side refrigerator, the defrost timer is typically mounted in the control housing area at the top of the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, behind the temperature control panel. You usually access it by removing the control cover and then the timer mounting screws.
Where to look first (common locations)
Check these spots in order; most side-by-side Whirlpool designs place the timer in one of them:
- Inside the refrigerator section, at the top, behind the temperature control console
- Behind a small cover plate in the control housing (you may see a small access hole for a flat-blade screwdriver)
- In the machine compartment near the compressor (less common on many side-by-sides)
For the exact panel removal steps and any model-specific fastener locations, use the owner's manual.
Quick access steps (safe, typical process)
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove items that block the control console area.
- Remove the control cover (usually held by screws and/or locking tabs).
- Locate the timer and remove the mounting screws.
- Pull the timer forward and disconnect the wire harness.
What you should see
| What you notice | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Small box with a dial/advance slot | Mechanical defrost timer style |
| Multiple wires in a plug connector | Timer connects by harness, not individual terminals |
| Frost buildup issues plus timer present | Timer can be a likely suspect, but not the only one |
Why it matters
Knowing the timer location helps you diagnose defrost problems faster. A failed timer can leave the evaporator frosted over, which restricts airflow and causes warm refrigerator temps even when the freezer still seems cold.
Related parts that can cause similar symptoms
If you find heavy frost on the evaporator cover, these defrost-system parts are also common checks:
- Defrost heater
- Defrost thermostat (bi-metal)
- Electronic control (on some versions)
If you determine the timer is faulty, the correct replacement for this model is the refrigerator defrost timer WPW10366605.
Last updated: February 2026





