Whirlpool GD5RHAXTS01 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

On many Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators like model GD5RHAXTS01, the defrost timer (if your version uses one) is typically mounted in the control housing area at the top of the fresh food compartment, or behind the front toe grille near the bottom. Use the wiring diagram and component location info in the GD5RHAXTS01 owner's manual to pinpoint the exact spot for your unit.

Quick ways to find it on GD5RHAXTS01

We recommend checking these common locations in this order:

• Fresh food control console: inside the refrigerator section, near the temperature controls
• Behind the toe grille: along the bottom front of the cabinet
• Rear service area: near the compressor compartment (less common for a timer)
• Control box cover: sometimes a small cover plate hides the timer and mounting screws

What it looks like and how it’s mounted

A mechanical defrost timer is usually a small box with a dial or a slotted shaft you can turn with a flat-blade screwdriver. It’s commonly secured to a bracket or plate with two screws and has a multi-wire plug.

What you see	What it usually means
Small square/rectangular module with a turnable shaft	Mechanical defrost timer style
No timer module, but a control board is present	Adaptive defrost control (electronic) instead of a timer
Timer mounted to a metal plate with 2 screws	Typical serviceable timer mounting

Safe access checklist

Before removing panels or reaching into the control area:

• Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the breaker
• Empty items near the control housing for working room
• Use a flashlight to trace the harness to the timer/control
• Take a photo of wire positions before disconnecting anything
• Reinstall covers and the toe grille before restoring power

Why it matters

Finding the correct defrost control matters because a timer-style system and an electronic adaptive defrost system troubleshoot differently. If you replace the wrong component, you can still end up with frost buildup, warm temperatures, or poor airflow.

Last updated: February 2026

We recommend keeping your Whirlpool GD5RHAXTS01 side-by-side refrigerator upright during transport. Laying a refrigerator on its side can let compressor oil move into the sealed cooling lines, which can lead to poor cooling or a hard start when you plug it back in.

Best way to move a GD5RHAXTS01 refrigerator

Follow the handling guidance in your GD5RHAXTS01 owner's manual and use these practices to reduce damage risk:

• Keep the refrigerator upright whenever possible.
• Remove food and secure loose items (bins, shelves, ice bin) so they do not shift.
• Protect floors; the refrigerator is heavy.
• Pull the refrigerator straight out; do not wiggle or “walk” it to avoid floor damage.
• Use an appliance dolly and straps; keep doors taped or strapped shut.

If it was laid on its side anyway

If the refrigerator was transported on its side, we use this safe restart approach:

• Stand it upright in its final location.
• Wait before plugging it in so oil can drain back to the compressor.
• After power-up, allow full cool-down time before loading food.

Typical wait times (rule of thumb)

How long it was on its side	Upright wait time before plugging in
Brief tip or short move	4 to 8 hours
Longer transport or unknown	12 to 24 hours

Why it matters

The compressor relies on oil staying where it belongs. When a refrigerator is laid down, oil can migrate; starting the unit too soon can reduce cooling performance and stress the sealed system.

Related care tips while moving

• Keep flammables (like gasoline) away from the refrigerator.
• Maintain clearance for ventilation once installed (side and top spacing, plus extra room for the water line if equipped).

Last updated: February 2026

To reset cooling on your Whirlpool GD5RHAXTS01, turn the temperature control(s) to OFF, unplug the refrigerator from power, then reconnect power and set the controls back to your normal settings. After a reset, allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to fully stabilize (especially after a new installation or major adjustment). See the GD5RHAXTS01 owner's manual.

Reset steps (safe, model-appropriate)

• Turn the Refrigerator and Freezer control(s) to OFF.
• Unplug the power cord from the grounded outlet.
• Wait 3 to 5 minutes.
• Plug the refrigerator back in.
• Set the Refrigerator and Freezer controls to the desired setting.
• Wait 24 hours before judging cooling performance or making another adjustment.

What to check if it still is not cooling

These items commonly prevent cooling even after a reset:

• Controls left OFF: the unit will not cool if the Refrigerator Control is set to OFF.
• No power at the outlet: test the outlet with a lamp.
• Tripped breaker or blown fuse: reset/replace as needed.
• Doors not sealing: warm air leaks can keep temps high and make the compressor run longer.
• Airflow blocked: avoid packing food tightly against interior vents.

Quick guide: reset vs. fix

Symptom	Reset helps?	What usually fixes it
Controls accidentally set to OFF	Yes	Turn controls ON and set temps normally
Brief control glitch after power flicker	Yes	Power cycle reset (steps above)
No lights, no fan, no compressor sound	Sometimes	Restore power, breaker/fuse, outlet check
Still warm after 24 hours	No	Airflow/door seal checks; deeper cooling diagnosis

Why it matters

A reset clears minor control issues and ensures the controls are not left in the OFF position. Waiting the full 24 hours prevents over-adjusting; turning controls colder than recommended does not cool faster, it only changes the final target temperature.

Last updated: February 2026

The Whirlpool GD5RHAXTS01 is a full-size side-by-side refrigerator. Most Whirlpool side-by-side models in this class measure about 35 to 36 inches wide, 69 to 71 inches tall, and 33 to 35 inches deep (depth varies most depending on handles and door swing). Exact dimensions are listed in the GD5RHAXTS01 owner's manual.

Typical size you can plan around

When you are measuring a cabinet opening or planning delivery, these are the dimensions that usually matter most:

• Width: 35 to 36 inches
• Height: 69 to 71 inches (to the top of the hinge cover on many models)
• Depth: 33 to 35 inches (often deeper with handles)
• Door swing clearance: plan extra space so doors can open fully and bins can slide out

How to measure your refrigerator correctly

Use a tape measure and record each number in inches.

• Measure width at the widest point (often the doors)
• Measure height from floor to the highest point (hinge/cover)
• Measure depth from the back to the front of the handles
• Measure depth with doors open if the unit sits near a wall or island

Clearance checklist (what installers look for)

Clearance affects airflow, door operation, and whether you can remove shelves and drawers.

What you are checking	What to allow	Why it matters
Side clearance	1/8 to 1/2 inch each side	Prevents rubbing and helps doors align
Top clearance	1/2 to 1 inch	Helps with ventilation and leveling
Back clearance	1 inch (typical)	Protects water line and improves airflow

Why it matters

A side-by-side refrigerator like the GD5RHAXTS01 can fit through many doorways, but depth and door swing are the usual surprises. Measuring for handle depth and hinge height helps prevent delivery issues and ensures the doors open far enough to access bins and the ice container.

Last updated: February 2026