Kenmore Automatic Washers Operating instructions

Owner's Manual and
Installation instructions
®
Three-Speed with Options
and Speeds Switch
AUTOMATIC WASHERS
\
\\
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all safety
and operating instructions
before first use of this product,
Your washer may look different
from the washer shown.
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Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Sears Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada MSB 2B8
www.sears.com
3953631 PRINTED IN U.S.A. 4/99

BEFORE USING YOUR NEW WASHER
KENMORE AUTOMATIC WASHER WARRANTY
WASHER SAFETY
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
LAUNDRY TIPS
CARING FOR YOUR WASHER
TROUBLESHOOTING
SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
2
3
4
6
21
32
34
35
39
Please read this manual. It will help you
install and operate your new Kenmore
washer in the safest and most
economical way.
For more information about the care
and operation of Kenmore appliances
call your nearest Sears store. You will
need the complete model and serial
numbers when requesting information.
Your washer's model and serial
numbers are located on the Model and
Serial Number Plate.
........i
ModelandSerial
NumberPlate
Use the space below to record the
model number and serial number of
your new Kenmore Washer.
Model No.
Serial No.
Date of Purchase
Keep this book and your Sears
Salescheck (receipt) in a safe
place for future reference.

Limited Lifetime Warranty on
White Porcelain Basket
For the lifetime of the washer from the
date of purchase, Sears will replace the
white porcelain wash basket if it chips
or rusts due to defective material or
workmanship. You will be charged for
labor.
Limited 10-Year Warranty on
Plastic Tub*
For the second through tenth year from
the date of purchase, Sears will replace
the plastic tub if it is defective in
material or workmanship. You will be
charged for labor.
Limited 5-Year Warranty on
Gearcase Parts*
For the second through fifth year from
the date of purchase, Sears will replace
any gearcase parts that are defective in
material or workmanship. You will be
charged for labor.
Full 1-Year Warranty on
"Spreckle" Porcelain Basket
For one year from the date of
purchase, when this washer is installed
and operated according to the
instructionsthat come with it, Sears will
replace the "spreckle" (speckled
surface) porcelain wash basket if it
chips or rusts due to defective material
or workmanship.
Full 1-Year Warranty on
Mechanical and Electrical parts
For one year from the date of pur-
chase, if this washer is installed and
operated according to the instructions
that come with it, Sears will repair or
replace any of its mechanical or
electrical parts if they are defective in
material or workmanship,
Warranty Restriction
If this washer is operated for any pur-
pose other than private family use, all
warranty coverage is restricted to 90
days from the date of purchase.
Warranty Service
Warranty service is available by
contacting your nearest Sears Service
Center in the United States or Canada.
This warranty applies only while this
washer is used in the United States or
Canada.
This warranty gives you specific legal i:_
rights and you may also have other
rights that vary from state to state or
province to province.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept
817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL
60179
Sears Canada Inc., Toronto,
Ontario, Canada MSB 2B8
*In Canada a different warranty may apply.
In the U.S. or Canada, for Sears warranty
information or to contact a Sears Service
Center, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME sM
(1-800-469-4663).

Your safety and the safety of others is very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on
your appliance. Always read and obey aJl safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to
hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety
messages wilt be preceded by the safety alert symbol and
the word "DANGER" or "WARNING." These words mean:
You will be killed or seriously
injured if you don't follow
instructions.
You can be killed or seriously
injured if you don't follow
instructions.
All safety messages will identify the hazard, tell you how to reduce the
chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not
followed.

iMPORTANT SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons
when using your washer, follow basic precautions, including the following:
•Read all instructions before using
the washer.
• Do not wash articles that have been
previously cleaned in, washed in,
soaked in, or spotted with gasoline,
dry-cleaning solvents, other flammable
or explosive substances as they give
off vapors that could ignite or explode.
• Do not add gasoline, dry-cleaning
solvents, or other flammable or
explosive substances to the wash
water. These substances give off
vapors that could ignite or explode.
• Under certain conditions, hydrogen
gas may be produced in a hot water
system that has not been used for 2
weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS tS
EXPLOSIVE. Ifthe hot water system
has not been used for such a period,
before using a washing machine, turn
on all hot water faucets and let the
water flow from each for several
minutes. This will release any accumu-
lated hydrogen gas. As the gas is
flammable, do not smoke or use an
open flame during this time.
, Do not allow children to play on or
in the washer. Close supervision of
children is necessary when the
washer is used near children.
, Before the washer is removed from
service or discarded, remove the lid.
, Do not reach into the washer if the
tub or agitator is moving.
, Do not install or store this washer
where it will be exposed to the
weather.
, Do not tamper with controls.
, Do not repair or replace any part of
the washer or attempt any servicing
unless specifically recommended in
the Owner's Manual or in published
user-repair instructions that you
understand and have the skills to
carry out.
, See Installation Instructions for
grounding requirements.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
For a complete list of tools and parts
needed, see pages 7-9.
A. SELECT LOCATION
FOR YOUR WASHER (pgs. 11-13)
Recessed Areal
Closet installation Instructions (p. 11) Laundry Tub Drain System (p. 12)
Standpipe Drain System (p. 13)
39 in
(99 cm)
39 in
(99 cm)
Floor Drain System (p. 13)

B.REMOVESHPPING STRAP (p. 14)
Tools Needed:
Scissors Flashlight (optional
depending on installation)
C. CONNECT DRAIN HOSE (pgs. 15-16)
Tools Needed: Parts Needed:
Pliers that open
to 1 9/16in (3.95 cm)
Flashlight (optional
depending on installation)
1 yellow, single-wire 1 silver, double-
hose clamp (top of wire hose clamp
drain hose) (bottom of drain
hose)

D. CONNECT INLET HOSES TO WASHER (pgs. 16-17)
.....::4D
Tools Needed: Parts Needed:
Pliers that open
to 19/16in (3.95_
Flashlight (optional
depending on installation)
2 water inlet hoses
4 fiat water inlet hose washers
E. CONNECT INLET HOSES TO WATER FAUCETS (p. 17)
Tools Needed: Parts Needed:
Su
Pliers that open to 19/16inches (3.95 cm)
Bucket
(optional
depending on
installation)
Flashlight (optional
depending on installation)
2 water inlet hoses

F. SECURE DRAIN HOSE (p. 18)
Tools Needed: Parts Needed:
Flashlight (optional
depending on installation) Shipping strap with fastener
G. LEVEL WASHER (p. 19)
Tools Needed: Parts Needed:
9/16in (1.43 cm)
open-end wrench
Flashlight (optional
depending on installation) Wood block
2 front leveling legs with nuts

Selecting the proper location for your
washer wiINimprove its performance
and minimize concerns like washer
walk or noise.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
120-Volt, 60-Hz., AC-only, 15- or
20-ampere fused electrical supply is
required. (Time-delay fuse or circuit
breaker is recommended.) Connect
to an individual branch circuit.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into agrounded 3 prong
outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
FaiNureto folNow these instructions
can result in death, fire, or
electrical shock.
This washer is equipped with a power
supply cord having a 3-prong grounding
plug. To minimize possible shock hazard,
you must plug the power supply cord into
a mating 3-prong grounding-type walt
receptacle, grounded in accordance with
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-
latest edition and all local codes and
ordinances.
3 prong
grounding-type
wall receptacle
3 prong
grounding plug
,%
%
_nding
prong
iPower supply
LJ cord
\Ul //
®
10
*For a grounded, cord-
connected washer:
GROUNDING iNSTRUCTiONS
This washer must be grounded. In the
event of malfunction or breakdown,
grounding wilt reduce the risk of
electrical shock by providing a path of
least resistance for electric current. This
washer is equipped with a cord having
an equipment-grounding conductor and
a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that
is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and
ordinances.
WARN ING: Improper connection
of the equipment grounding conductor
can result in a risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualified electrician or
serviceman if you are in doubt as to
whether the appliance is properly
grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with
the appliance - if it will not fit the
outlet, have a proper outlet installed by
a qualified electrician.
*For a permanently connected
washer:
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This washer must be connected to a
grounded metal, permanent wiring
system, or an equipmentgrounding
conductor must be run with the circuit
conductors and connected to the
equipment-grounding terminal or lead
on the appliance.

A. SELECT LOCATION
FOR YOUR WASHER =
RECESSED AREAl
CLOSET iNSTALLATiON iNSTRUCTiONS
This washer may be installed in a recessed areaor closet.
oo
ECCCCC;3
J_14 inmax.
(35,6 cm) .. cm2)
minimum
ventilation
area
24 in2
(155 cm 2) _
minimum
ventilation
area
*0in --_41,<p- 27in _tl_ *0in _l.. I_ 25½in--i-. I..4
cocm)", (88.6cm)-"It'- cocm)-'l1'n,r'_'{&.8_TI .,nm'-
C2.5 cm) (10.2 cm)
FrontView SideView
(Door Not Shown) (Door Shown)
3in
cm)
3in
[_._.cm)
FrontView
(DoorWithVent)
*Additional clearance for wall, door and floor moldings may be required.
Toreduce tl_etransfer of washer sounds, aclearance of 1 in (2.5 cm) off the sides of the washer issuggested.
*The installation spacing is in inches
(centimeters) and is the minimum
allowable.
*Allow additional space if other
appliances are to be installed in
the area.
. c,osetdoo snsta,,e0the
minimum air openings in top and
bottom are required. Louvered doors
with equivalent air openings in top and
bottom are acceptable.
11

LAUNDRY TUB DRAIN SYSTEM
Check location where washer witt be
installed. This washer can be installed
using one of three systems:
Laundry tub drain system (below)
Standpipe drain system (p. 13)
Floor drain system (p. 13)
Do not store or operate washer at or
below 32°F (0°C) (some water may
remain in washer). See page 34 for
winterizing information.
Proper installation is your responsibility.
Make sure you have everything neces-
sary for correct installation including the
following points:
Grounded receptacle: Must
be within 4 ft (1.2 m) of where
the power cord is attached to
the back of the washer.
f
J
f
Hot and cold water faucets:
Must provide water pressure
between 5-100 psi and be
within 4 ft (1.2 m) of the hot
and cold water fill valves
attached to the back of the
washer. Laundry tub drain system:
Needs a minimum 20 gal
(76 L) laundry tub.
,S
J
_ j
Support: Floor must be sturdy
enough to support a total weight
of 315 Ibs (143 kg) (includes
washer, water, and load weight).
9
Level floor: Maximum
allowable slope under entire
washer- 1 in (2.5 cm).
Top of tub must be at
least 39 in (99 cm)
above floor and no
higher than 96 in
(2.4 m) from bottom
of washer.
12

ALTERNATE LOCATIONS =
STANDPIPE AND FLOOR DRAIN SYSTEMS
Siphon break: Must be purchased
separately. See chart below.
39 in
(99 cm)
f
J
Standpipe drain system: Needs a 2-in
(5 cm) minimum diameter standpipe with
minimum carry-away capacity of 17 gal (64 L)
per minute. Top of standpipe must be at least
39 in (99 cm) above floor and no higher than
96 in (2.4 m) from bottom of washer.
ji!
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j_
Floor drain system: Requires a siphon
break, see chart below. A minimum
carry-away capacity of 17 gal (64 L) per
minute is required.
If you have: You will need to buy:
Laundry tub or standpipe Sump pump system
taller than 96 in (2.4 m) (if not already available)
1 in (2.5 cm) diameter 2 in (5 cm) diameter to 1 in (2.5 cm) diameter
standpipe standpipe adapter, Part No. 3363920
Overhead sewer Standard 20 gal (76 L), 39 in (99 cm) tall drain
tub or utility sink and sump pump (available
from local plumbing suppliers)
Floor drain Siphon break, Part No. 285320;
additional drain hose, Part No. 3357090;
and Connector Kit, Part No. 285442
Parts listedare available from your local Sears store or Sears Service Center. in theUnited
States, call 1-800-366-PART(1-800-366-7278).in Canada,call 1-800-469-4663.
13

B. REMOVE SHiPPiNG STRAP
Ft ej=-m1,_P"-t=,] a[_ I"["
Removing the shipping strap is
necessary for smooth operation.
If the shipping strap is not removed,
the washer will make excessive noise.
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to
move and install washer.
Failure to do so can result in
back or other injury.
To prevent floor damage, set washer
onto cardboard before moving across
floor. Move washer close to its final
location.
STEP 1. Do not cut yellow strap. Pull
yellow strap firmly, until completely
removed from washer. Depending on
your model, there will be either two or
three cotter pins on the end of the
shipping strap when it is pulled out of the
washer. The electrical plug is attached to
this shipping strap.
Electrical plug
STEP 2. Putt firmly to remove the end
of the shipping strap that remains
pinned to the back of the washer. This
will release the rear self-leveling legs.
Pin
STEP 3. Cut the shipping strap about
16 in (40 cm) from plug end. Look for
the words "CUT HERE." Discard end
with three cotter pins. Slide remainder
of shipping strap from the electrical
plug. You will use this to secure the
drain hose.
16 in
Shippingstrap
14
Pin

C. CONNECT DRAIN HOSE
Proper connection of the drain hose
will protect your floors from damage
due to water leakage.
STEP 1. To prevent the drain hose from
coming off or leaking, it must be installed
per the following instructions:
IMPORTANT." To ensure proper installa-
tion, this procedure must be followed
exactly.
a. Wet the inside of the straight end of the
drain hose with tap water. DO NOT
USE ANY OTHER LUBRICANT.
b. Squeeze ears of silver, double-wire
clamp with pliers to open. Place clamp
over the straight end of the drain hose
1/4in (6 mm) from the end.
/_'{6 mm)
c. Open clamp. Twist hose back and forth
while pushing down onto drain
connector at the bottom of the washer.
Continue until hose contacts the ribbed
stop on the cabinet.
/
d. Place clamp over area marked
"CLAMR" Release clamp.
¼in
(6 mm
/
¼ in
(6 mm)
If you have: You will need to buy:
Drain hose that is too short Drain hose, Part No. 388423 and
hose kit, Part No. 285442
Drain hose that is too long Hose kit, Part No. 285442
A problem with lint clogging your drain Drain protector, Part No. 367031
Parts listed are available from your local Sears store or Sears Service Center. In the United
States, call 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278). in Canada, call 1-800-469-4663.
15

For standpipe or laundry tub drain
systems:
STEP 2. Open yellow, single-wire clamp
with pliers and slide over hooked end
of drain hose to secure the rubber and
corrugated sections together.
DrainHose
STEP 3. Put hooked end of drain hose
into laundry tub or standpipe. Check
for proper length of drain hose. Rotate
hook to eliminate kinks.
To prevent drain water from going back
into the washer:
•Do not straighten hooked end of drain
hose and force excess drain hose into
standpipe. Hose should be secure but
loose enough to provide a gap for air.
•Do not lay excess drain hose in bottom
of laundry tub.
D. CONNECT iNLET HOSES
TO WASHER
Proper connection of your inlet
hoses will allow hot and cold water
to enter your washer properly. It also
helps prevent water damage due to
leaks.
NOTE: Replace inlet hoses after five
years duse to reduce the risk of hose
failure. Periodically inspect and replace
inlet hoses if bulges, kinks, cuts, wear,
or leaks are found. When replacing
your inlet hoses, mark the date of
replacement on the label with a
permanent marker.
STEP 1. Insert one new, flat washer
(from the parts bag) into each end of
the inlet hoses. Check that washers
are firmly seated in couplings.
COUPLING 0 WASHER
16

STEP 2. Attach the hose with the red
coupling to the hot water (bottom) inlet
valve. Attaching the red coupling first
makes it easier to tighten connection with
pliers. Screw on coupling by hand. Make
an additional two-thirds turn with pliers to
tighten coupling. DO NOT OVER-
TIGHTEN; this could damage the valves.
Cold Water
inlet Valve
/
Inlet
Valve
STEP 3. Attach the hose with the blue
coupling to the cold water (top) inlet
valve. Screw on coupling by hand. Make
an additional two-thirds turn with pliers to
tighten coupling. DO NOT OVER-
TIGHTEN; this could damage valves.
E. CONNECT iNLET HOSES
TO WATER FAUCETS
STEP 1. Make sure washer basket is
empty. Run water through both faucets
into a bucket or laundry tub to get rid of
particles in the water lines that might
clog hoses. Determine which faucet is
hot and which is cold. Mark the hot
water faucet.
STEP 2. Attach the hose with the red
coupling to the hot water faucet. Screw
on coupling by hand. Make an additional
two-thirds turn with pliers to tighten
coupling. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN;
this could damage the coupling.
STEP 3. Attach the hose with the blue
coupling to the cold water faucet.
Screw on coupling by hand. Make an
additional two-thirds turn with pliers to
tighten coupling. DO NOT OVER-
TIGHTEN; this could damage the
coupling.
STEP 4. Turn on water faucets and
check for leaks. A small amount of water
may enter the washer. You will drain this
later.
If you have: You will need to buy:
Water faucets beyond the 2 longer water fltl hoses:
reach of water fitl hoses 6 ft (1.8 m), Part No. 76314
10 ft (3.0 m), Part No. 350008
Partslisted are availablefrom your local Sears store or Sears Service Cente£In the United
States, call 1-800-366-PART(1-800-366-7278).In Canada, call 1-800-469-4663.
17

F. SECURE DRA(N HOSE
Securing the drain hose properly will
protect your floors from damage due
to water leakage.
STEP 1. Move washer to its final
location.
If the water faucets and drain standpipe
are recessed, put hooked end of drain
hose in standpipe, Tightly wrap the
shipping strap around the drain hose
and water inlet hoses (not the handles
or stems), Push fastener into the
nearest hole in the shipping strap,
i
)
I
STEP 2. Locate the remaining piece
dshipping strap (not the end with the
three cotter pins) from STEP 4 d
"REMOVE SHIPPING STRAP." Use
it to wrap the drain hose together with
the laundry tub or standpipe. Push
fastener into the nearest hole in the
shipping strap.
Fastener
18

G. LEVEL WASHER STEP 5. Move washer to its final
location.
Leveling your washer properly pre-
vents excessive noise and vibration.
To install front legs:
STEP 1. Prop front of washer up about
4 in (10.2 cm). Use a wood block or
another object that will support the
weight of the washer. Ifwasher was
placed against a walt, move the washer
out slightly before tipping it up.
STEP 2. With one of the legs in hand,
screw lock nut onto leg 3/8in (9.5 mm)
from top of leg base. This is the
recommended initial setting.
in
(9"SA_mm__
STEP 3. Screw leg into washer base by
hand until nut reaches washer base.
Repeat for other leg.
STEP 6. Tilt washer forward until rear
of washer is at least 3 in (7.6 cm) off
floor. You may hear the self-adjusting
rear legs click into place. Lower washer
to floor. Check levelness of the washer
by placing a level on top of the washer,
first side-to-side; then front-to-back.
STEP 7. If washer is not level, prop
up the front of the washer and adjust
the legs up or down as necessary.
Lower washer and reset self-adjusting
rear legs (as in Step 6). Repeat Step 7
until the washer is level.
STEP 8. When washer is in its final
(1.43 mm) open-end wrench to turn
nuts on front legs tightly against washer
cabinet. If nuts are not tight against ........................
washer cabinet, the washer may vibrate.
STEP 4. Tilt washer backward until
front of washer is off the wood block.
Remove wood block. Gently lower
washer to floor.
19

REVIEW INSTALLATION
Take afew minutes to complete
this checklist. It will help assure you
that you have aproper installation
and increase your satisfaction with
your Kenmore washer.
[] Check electrical requirements.
Be sure you have correct electrical
supply and recommended grounding
method.
[] Check that you have:
•All the tools you started with.
• Removed all packaging materials.
• Removed shipping strap with
cotter pins.
•Installed all parts listed on
pages 7-9.
[] Check that:
•The washer is level.
•The nuts on the front legs are tight.
[] Check that the water faucets are
turned on.
FINAL STEPS
[] Plug power supply cord into
grounded outlet.
[] Remove the blue protective film on the
console and any tape remaining on
washer.
[] Take a few minutes and read the
Operating Instructions (pages 21-31)
to fully understand your new washer.
Then, start the washer and allow it
to complete the ULTRA CLEAN cycle.
2O