Kenmore Kenmore Electronic Three-Speed Automatic... Original instructions

Owner's Manual and
Installation Instructions
E L I T E TM
Three-Speed
Automatic Washers
with TRIPLE SMART TM Dispenser
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all safety
and operating instructions
before first use of this product.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U,S.A. www.sears.com
Sears Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada MSB 2B8 www,sears,ca
8312692 PRINTED IN U.S.A. 10/99

BEFORE USING YOUR NEW WASHER _ _ 2
KENMORE ELITE TM WASHER WARRANTY 3
WASHER SAFETY ..... 4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ..... 6
OPERATING YOUR WASHER ..... 21
LAUNDRY TIPS ........... 34
CARING FOR YOUR WASHER _ _ _ 36
TROUBLESHOOTING ........ 37
SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT 41
Please read this manual. It will help
you install and operate your new
Kenmore ELITE TM washer in the most
economical way.
For more information about the care
and operation of Kenmore ELITE TM
appliances call your nearest Sears store.
You will need the complete model and
serial numbers when requesting informa-
tion. Your washer's model and serial num-
bers are located on the Model and Serial
Number Plate.
Use the space below to record the model
number and serial number of your new
Kenmore ELITE TM washer.
Model No.
Serial No.
Date of Purchase
Modeland Serial
Number Plate
Keep this book and your Sears
Sales check (receipt) in a safe
place for future reference,

LimitedLifetimeWarrantyon
WhitePorcelainBasket
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, After the first year, 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. After the first
year, 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. After the first
year, you will be charged for labor.
Full 1-Year Warranty on
Mechanical and Electrical parts
For one year from the date of pur-
chase, when this washer is installed
and operated according to the instruc-
tions 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 puF
pose other than private family use, air
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
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 M5B 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 in the U.S., call 1-890-4-MY-HOME '
(1-800-469-4663) or in Canada, call
1-877-533-6937.

Your safety and the safety of others is very important.
We have provided many importantsafety messages in this manual and on
your appliance. Always read and obey all 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 will 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 nat been used for 2
weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. Ifthe hot water system
has not been used for such a period,
before using awashing machine, turn
on all hat water faucets and let the
water flow from each far 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 nat reach into the washer if the
tub or agitator is moving.
• Do nat install or store this washer
where it will be exposed to the
weather.
• Do nat tamper with controls,
• Do nat 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 the "INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS" section 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 Area/
Closet Installation Instructions (p. 11)
Standpipe Drain System (p, 13)
3gin
(gg
Laundry Tub Drain System (p, 12)
Floor Drain System (p. 13)

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

D. CONNECT INLET HOSES TO WASHER (pg. 16-17)
Tools Needed:
fd'
Pliers that open to lg_ in {3.95 cm)
Flashlight (optional
depending on
installation)
Parts Supplied:
2 water inlet hoses
4 flat water inlet hose washers
E. CONNECT INLET HOSES TO WATER FAUCETS (pg. 17)
Tools Needed: Parts Supplied:
Pliers that open to 1_6 in (3.95 cm)
Bucket
(optional Flashlight(optional
depending on depending on
installation) installation)
2 water inlet hoses

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

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
individual branch circuit.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death, fire, or
electrical shock.
This washer is equipped with apower
supply cord having a 3-prong grounding
plug. To minimize possible shock hazard,
you must plug the power supply cord into
amating 3-prong grounding-type wall
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
3prong
grounding plug
Grounding \ II //
ng
Power supply
cord
•For a grounded, cord-
connected washer:
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This washer must be grounded. In the
event of malfunction or breakdown,
grounding will reduce the risk of electri-
cal shock by providing a path of least
resistance for electric current. This
washer is equipped with a cord having
an equipment-grounding conductor and
agrounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that
is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and
ordinances.
WARNING: 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 out-
let, 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 equipment grounding
conductor must be run with the circuit
conductors and connected to the equip-
ment-grounding terminal or lead on the
appliance.
10

A. SELECT LOCATION
FOR YOUR WASHER
Selecting the proper location for your
washer will improve its performance
and minimize concerns like washer
walk or noise,
RECESSED AREA/
CLOSET INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
This washermay be installed in a recessedarea or closet.
0 0 14in
I
*0in _ll_- 27in _l_4r-- *0in _t n_(--25_ n-_14 n_-
(0cm) "II _(68.6cm)_ II _(0cm)t t (64.8cm)
(2,5 cm) (10.2 cm)
FrontView SideView
(DoorNOtShown) (DoorShown)
48 ir__
(3t0 cm _) -
minimum
ventilation
area
24 in _
(155 cm _) _
minimum
ventilation
area
3in
(7.6 cm)
#
3 in
(7.6 cm)
FrontView
(DoorWithVent)
* Additional clearance for wall, door and lIoor moldings may be reqaired.
T_ _ t_ t_le_ <_l_ _stx_ _ds, a_ea_a_e QI1 in (2._ cml on the sides ol the washer is su_Igested.
• 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.
•If closet door is installed, the
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 will 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 36 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.
Hot and cold water faucets:
Must provide water pressure
between 20-100 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 gaI
..... (76 L) laundry tub.
?
2
Support: Floor must be sturdy
enough to support a total weight of
315 Ibs (143 kg) (including washer,
water, and load weight).
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)
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.
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 m) diameter standpipe 2 in (5 cm) diameter to 1 in (2.5 cm)
diameter 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. 335709C
and Connector Kit, Part No. 285442
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 1-877-533-6937.
13

B. REMOVE SHIPPING STRAP
W_0jiiFm_" :I_l =[31t"
Removing the shipping strap is
necessary for smooth operation.
If the shipping strap is not removed,
the washer will make excessive noise.
STEP 2. Pull 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
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 should 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.
Electricalplug
Shippingstrap
STEP 3. Cut the shipping strap about
16 in (40 cm) from plug end. Look for
the words "CUT HERE." Discard end
with the cotter pins. Slide remainder
of shipping strap from the electrical
plug, You will use this to secure the
drain hose.
PULL
Pin
14

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
V4in (6 mm) from the end.
)TWIST
AND
PUSH
d, Place clamp over area marked
"CLAME" Release clamp.
4in
16turn)
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.
{6¼mnm)_ Drain H°se _ Z_
¼in
(6 ram)
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 1-877-533-6937.
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.
_ _j_,,HookedEnd
"'
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 agap for air.
• Do not lay excess drain hose in bottom
of laundry tub.
D. CONNECTINLETHOSES
TO WASHER
Proper connection of your inlet
hoses will allow hot and cold water
to enter your washer properly. We
recommend connecting both the hot
and cold water inlet hoses for opti-
mal performance of your washer. If
you only connect one water hose,
you must cap off the remaining water
inlet port.
NOTE: Replace inlet hoses after five
years of use 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.
0
Coupling Washer
16

pliers. Screw on coupling by hand, Make
an additional two4hirds turn with pliers to
tighten coupling, DO NOT OVER-
TIGHTEN; this could damage the valves.
STEP 2. Attach the hose with the red E. CONNECT INLET HOSES
coupling to the hot water (bottom) inlet TO WATER FAUCETS
valve. Attaching the red coupling first
makes it easier to tighten connection with 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.
Water
Inlet
Valve
ColdWater
InletVelve_
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.
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 fill hoses:
reach of water fill hoses 6 ft (1.8 m), Part No. 76314
10 ft (3.0 m), Part No. 350008
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 1-877-533-6937.
17

F. SECURE DRAIN 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.
1
STEP 2. Locate the remaining piece
of shipping strap (not the end with the
cotter pins) from STEP 3 of "REMOVE
SHIPPING STRAR" 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
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. If washer was
placed against a wall, 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.
STEP 3. Screw leg into washer base by
hand until nut reaches washer base.
Repeat for other leg.
STEP 5. Move washer to its final
location.
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
location and level, use a 9h0in
(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 a few minutes to complete
this checklist. It will help assure you
that you have a proper installation
and increase your satisfaction with
your Kenmore ELITE TM 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.
f Remove the blue protective film on the
console and any tape remaining on
washer.
[ Take a few minutes and read the
"OPERATING YOUR WASHER" sec-
tion to fully understand your new
washer. Then, start the washer and al-
low it to complete the ULTRA CLEAN
cycle.
2O