Whirlpool GS5SHAXNL00 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

On the Whirlpool GS5SHAXNL00 side-by-side refrigerator, the main temperature controls are inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, and the ice and water dispenser controls (light, lock, ice type) are on the dispenser area on the freezer door. See the GS5SHAXNL00 use & care manual for your exact control style.

Where to look on model GS5SHAXNL00

Most owners will find controls in these spots:

• Refrigerator temperature control: inside the refrigerator section (fresh food side)
• Freezer temperature control: inside the refrigerator section (fresh food side)
• Ice maker ON/OFF switch: top right area inside the freezer compartment
• Dispenser controls (if equipped): on the freezer door dispenser area (light, lock, cubed/crushed)

What the controls do (quick guide)

The GS5SHAXNL00 uses separate controls for each compartment.

Control	What it changes	Where you’ll usually find it
Refrigerator control	Fresh food temperature	Inside refrigerator section
Freezer control	Freezer temperature	Inside refrigerator section
Dispenser light/lock/ice type	Dispenser functions	Freezer door dispenser area

Tips for adjusting temperatures correctly

We recommend these best practices for GS5SHAXNL00:

• Start at the factory “mid-setting” for both controls.
• Wait 24 hours after an adjustment before changing again.
• If the refrigerator is warm, move the refrigerator control one setting colder.
• If ice is soft or production is low, move the freezer control one setting colder.
• Avoid setting both controls to the coldest position; it won’t cool faster and can cause freezing in the fresh food section.

Why it matters

Using the correct control location and making small, timed adjustments helps the GS5SHAXNL00 maintain stable temperatures, protect food quality, and support normal ice maker and dispenser performance.

Last updated: January 2026

For Whirlpool GS5SHAXNL00, the exact freezer-only cubic feet isn’t called out in the model-specific information we have here, but the unit’s total capacity is commonly listed as about 25.5 cu ft. In side-by-side designs of this size, the freezer is often roughly 8 to 10 cu ft. See the GS5SHAXNL00 use & care manual for capacity and configuration details.

What you can expect for a 25.5 cu ft side-by-side

Most side-by-side refrigerators split space between fresh food and freezer more evenly than top-freezer models, but the freezer side is usually smaller than the refrigerator side.

• Freezer space is often about 30% to 40% of total capacity
• In-door ice systems can reduce usable shelf room
• Door bins add storage but can limit clearance for wide items
• Shelf and basket layout affects “real-world” capacity

Typical capacity breakdown (general guidance)

Total capacity (cu ft)	Common freezer range (cu ft)	Common fresh food range (cu ft)
22 to 26	7.5 to 10	14 to 18.5
26 to 31	9 to 12	17 to 22

What reduces usable freezer space the most

• Ice maker and ice bin hardware (especially in-door systems)
• Thick shelf frames or extra dividers
• Air tower and vent locations that block bulky items
• Frost buildup from a door not sealing fully

Why it matters

Knowing the typical freezer share helps you plan for bulky items (pizza boxes, turkeys) and decide whether features like an ice maker trade convenience for storage.

Last updated: January 2026

On the Whirlpool GS5SHAXNL00 side-by-side refrigerator, the use & care information describes a “base grille water filtration system,” which typically means the water filter is accessed at the bottom front of the refrigerator behind the toe grille. Exact placement can vary by configuration, so confirm by checking for a filter cap or cartridge behind the lower grille.

How to confirm the filter location on GS5SHAXNL00

Use these quick checks to verify you are looking in the right spot:

• Look along the bottom front edge for a removable toe grille (base grille)
• Remove the grille and look for a round filter cap or a twist-out cartridge
• If you see a cap, it may transfer to the new filter after removal
• If you do not see a filter behind the grille, check inside the fresh food compartment for a filter housing
• Match what you see to the filtration section in the GS5SHAXNL00 use & care manual

Basic access and replacement steps (most base-grille styles)

Once you locate the cartridge, replacement is usually straightforward:

• Dispense water for a few seconds to relieve pressure
• Place a towel under the filter area for drips
• Turn the filter counterclockwise to remove (or follow the arrow/lock markings)
• Install the new filter and turn clockwise until it seats and seals
• Flush the system by dispensing water for several minutes

What the manual indicates (and what it does not)

The GS5SHAXNL00 manual text references a “Base Grille Water Filtration System” and explains using the dispenser without a filter by moving the cap to the base grille. It does not explicitly call out the exact exterior access point in the extracted text we have.

What you find	What it suggests	Next step
Filter cap or cartridge behind toe grille	Base-grille filter access	Replace and flush system
No filter behind toe grille	Different filter placement on your unit	Check inside refrigerator compartment
Cracked or leaking housing	Housing may be damaged	Inspect/replace refrigerator water filter housing WP2186443

Why it matters

Finding the correct filter location helps you avoid forcing the wrong cover, prevents leaks at the housing, and restores normal water flow to the dispenser and ice maker after a filter change.

Last updated: January 2026