Installation guide
Error Codes
How big is the Whirlpool model ED5PHEXMQ00?
For the most accurate size of your Whirlpool ED5PHEXMQ00 side-by-side refrigerator, use the dimensions and required clearances listed in the installation guide. Side-by-side models in this class are typically about 36 inches wide and about 69 to 71 inches tall; depth varies most depending on handles and door swing.
What to check in the installation guide
Use the guide’s spec section to confirm the exact numbers for your kitchen opening and ventilation.
- Overall width (cabinet width)
- Overall height (to top of hinge cover)
- Depth without handles and with handles (if listed)
- Door swing and drawer pull-out clearance
- Minimum airflow clearance behind and above the cabinet
How we recommend measuring for fit
Measure both the refrigerator footprint and the cabinet opening so you avoid surprises on delivery day.
- Measure opening width at the front and back (walls can be out of square)
- Measure opening height at multiple points (floor can slope)
- Measure depth to the nearest obstruction (countertop edge, island, trim)
- Plan extra space for handles, water line, and door swing
| Measurement you need | Where it matters most | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Between cabinets | Forgetting trim or uneven walls |
| Height | Under soffit/upper cabinets | Not accounting for hinge cover |
| Depth | Walkway and counter overhang | Ignoring handle depth |
| Door swing | Drawer and bin access | Door hits wall before fully opening |
Why it matters
Depth and door swing are the top reasons a refrigerator that “fits on paper” does not function well day to day. Confirming ED5PHEXMQ00 specs also helps you plan water line routing for the dispenser and ice maker.
If you are also planning water hookup or troubleshooting low water flow, the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 is a common water-supply component for this model; you can order parts from the list for ED5PHEXMQ00 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the capacity of the Whirlpool model ED5PHEXMQ00?
The Whirlpool ED5PHEXMQ00 side-by-side refrigerator has a total capacity of 25.2 cu. ft. Use this number to confirm fit for your kitchen needs and to compare storage space when replacing bins, shelves, or door components.
How to use the capacity number
- Meal planning and storage: 25.2 cu. ft. supports larger grocery loads and bulk storage.
- Organization choices: helps you decide how many crisper, meat pan, and door-bin zones you can realistically dedicate to produce, deli items, and beverages.
- Replacement parts fit: capacity is a quick reference, but part fit is always model-specific, so match parts to ED5PHEXMQ00.
- Ice and water expectations: larger units often run longer door openings; good door sealing and airflow matter for steady ice production.
Quick reference table
| Spec | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total capacity | 25.2 cu. ft. | Overall refrigerator + freezer volume |
| Model | ED5PHEXMQ00 | Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator |
Why it matters
Capacity is the headline spec, but day-to-day performance depends on airflow, temperature control, and door sealing. If you are troubleshooting warm temps, frost buildup, or weak ice production, we recommend checking setup and service details in the installation guide.
Related parts customers commonly replace
If storage or ice performance is the reason you are checking capacity, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator ice bin WPW10670845 (cracked bin, poor ice dispensing)
- Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by Whirlpool 4317943 (no ice, intermittent ice)
- Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 (temperature control issues)
For additional parts and diagrams for ED5PHEXMQ00, you can also search by model 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 complaint (warm fridge, soft ice, or thawing freezer), usually caused by restricted airflow or heat not being removed efficiently. On the Whirlpool ED5PHEXMQ00 side-by-side refrigerator, we see this most often from dirty condenser coils, a failing fan, or a defrost system issue.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the temperature settings: 37°F for fresh food and 0°F for freezer.
- Make sure vents inside both compartments are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean the condenser coils and the condenser fan area (unplug the refrigerator first).
- Listen for the evaporator fan running when the freezer door switch is pressed.
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (points to a defrost problem).
- Look for water under crispers or on the floor (often a drain or water supply issue).
Common symptoms and the parts that often fix them
| Symptom | Most common cause | Parts on this model that may help |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer cold | Poor airflow from freezer to fridge | Evaporator fan blade, thermostat |
| Frost buildup on freezer back wall | Defrost system not clearing ice | Defrost bi-metal, defrost heater, defrost timer |
| No ice or slow ice production | Water supply or ice maker issue | Inlet valve, ice maker assembly |
| Water leaking or dispenser issues | Water line or valve problem | Inlet valve, water tube, water filter housing |
Why it matters
Cooling problems usually get worse over time: the compressor runs longer, temperatures swing, and food spoils faster. Catching airflow, defrost, or water-supply issues early helps protect the compressor and keeps ice and water working reliably.
Model-specific parts we commonly see involved
If troubleshooting points to one of these areas, these are common replacements for ED5PHEXMQ00:
- Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 (temperature control issues)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 and refrigerator heater WP2323198 (frost buildup)
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 (no ice, no water, slow fill)
- Ice maker assembly 4317943 (ice maker not cycling or not producing)
Helpful DIY guidance
- Use the installation guide for safety steps like shutting off the water supply and moving the refrigerator for access.
- For broader parts searching by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where are the controls on a whirlpool side by side refrigerator?
On the Whirlpool ED5PHEXMQ00 side-by-side refrigerator, the temperature controls are typically located inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment near the top, often in the ceiling area or on the upper side wall. Use the control panel to adjust refrigerator and freezer temperatures and confirm indicator lights are on.
Where to look first (ED5PHEXMQ00)
Check these common control locations on side-by-side Whirlpool models:
- Inside the refrigerator section at the top front (ceiling console)
- Inside the refrigerator section on the upper side wall
- Inside the freezer section near the top (less common, but possible)
- Behind a small plastic housing with indicator lights and temperature markings
For the exact control location and the correct temperature setting procedure for your unit, use the installation guide.
Quick checks if the lights are on but cooling seems off
If you see lights on the control housing but temperatures are not stable, these checks help narrow it down:
- Make sure vents inside both compartments are not blocked by food packages
- Set controls to a mid-range setting and wait 24 hours before making another change
- Confirm the doors close fully and the gaskets seal all the way around
- Listen for the evaporator fan running when the doors are closed
- Clean dust from the condenser area to improve airflow
If you suspect a control-related cooling issue, a failed temperature control can be involved; the ED5PHEXMQ00 uses a cold control style thermostat on many configurations (see refrigerator thermostat WP2198202).
What the controls usually do
| Control/feature | What it affects | What you should expect |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator temperature control | Fresh food temperature and overall run time | Changes are gradual; allow about 24 hours |
| Freezer temperature control (or airflow control) | Freezer temperature and air sent to refrigerator | Too cold can freeze items; too warm can soften ice |
| Indicator lights | Status of settings or features | Lights on do not always confirm proper cooling |
Why it matters
Finding the correct control location helps you avoid over-adjusting settings, which can cause temperature swings, soft ice, or frozen produce. Correct settings also reduce strain on key components like the evaporator fan and compressor.
You can order model-specific replacement parts for Whirlpool ED5PHEXMQ00 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
