Whirlpool LA553OXS User manual

AUTOMATIC
WASHER
Large Capacity
Model
LA553oxs
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Microwave Ovens. Trash Compactors, Room Air Conditioners. Oehumldifiers. Automatic Washers. Clothes Dryers. Freezers, Refrigerator-F

Contents
PARTS AND FEATURES . . . - 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS. . . . . . . 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.. . . 4
Starting Your Washer . 4
What Happens in Each Cycle 6
OTHER OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS. . .
12
For a Rinse and Spin . . . . . 12
Page
For a Drain and Spin 12
For a Soak . . . . . 12
Liquid Bleach Dispenser . 13
MAGIC CLEAN@Lint Filter . . 13
CARING FOR YOUR WASHER 14
Winterizing.. . . 15
IF YOU NEED SERVICE OR
ASSISTANCE
16
WASHER WARRANTY 20
01987 Whirlpool Corporation
Parts and features
LOAD LAUNDRY CYCLE
SIZE INFORMATION CONTROL
SEl.B$TOR
TEMPERATURE
SELECTOR
MODEL AND SERIAL
NUMBER PLATE
MAGIC CLEAN@
LINT FILTER
(not shown)
Remove the Consumer
Buy Guide label. It will be
easier to remove before the
washer is used.
You should wipe out the
basket with a damp cloth
before using to remove dust
from storing or shipping.
Copy your Model and Serial Numbers here
When you need service or call with a
question, have this information ready:
1. Complete Model and Serial Numbers
Model Number
(from plate under the lid near the
hinge). serio, Number
2. Purchase date from sales slip.
Copy this information in these spaces. PurchaseDcte
Keep this book, your”Laundry Guide” and
sales slip in the Laundry Information
Center.
Service Company
Phone Number
Please complete and mall the Owner Registration Card turnlshed with
this product.
2

Addtfional Safety Inshucfions and Your Responsibilities
ALWAYS store detergent, laundry aids
ALWAYS unplug the power supply
and other materials in a cool, dry cord before attempting to service the
place where children can’t reach washer.
them- in a locked cabinet if possible.
-____-__-
DO NOT machine wash glass fiber
.
ALWAYS read and follow instructions
on packages of detergent and laun-
dry aids - especially warnings and
precauttons.
HAZARDOUS FUMES can be formed if
chlorine bleach is used in the same
wash as ammonia or acids such as
vinegar or rust remover.
materials. Small particles can stick to
fabrics washed in following loads
and cause skin irritation.
You are personally responslble for
maklng sure thatyour washer:
l is used only for jobs normally ex-
pected of home automatic washers.
l is not run by children or anyone un-
able to operate it properly.
3

Operating instructions
Starting Your Washer
Be sure to measure and add detergent, then place
a sorted load in the washer before starting it.
1 . Select a LOAD SIZE
2
Select
. WATERTEMPERATURES
l Turn the knob to point at a setting
that describes the size of load you
want to wash.
l Setthe knob anywhere on or be-
tween EXSMALL[a few small items)
and LARGE(a full load).
l Select wash and rinse water
temperatures.
l This drawing shows a warm wash
(top temperature) and cold rinse
(bottom temperature) selection.
Recommended wash temperatures
can be found in vour “Laundry Guide:’
NOTE: Use the LARGE water
level for best permanent press
results.
LOAD SIZESAND WATERLEVELS
For best cleaning results, the
load must be able to move freely
in the water. Too big a load or too
little water can cause wear or
tearing of load items. 0
CAUTION:
DO NOT
OVERLOAD WASHER.
‘Approximate
fill with load. (17.3gal./655 L)*
(14.7gal./557 L)*
(12.1gal./458 L)*
(9.5 gal./360 L)’

3. Start the washer
A. Push in the Control Knob and turn
it to the right. It must be pushed in
and turned only clockwise.
C. Start the washer by pulling out
the Control Knob. The washer will
till to the level you set with wash
water of the selected temper-
ature. After tilling, the washer will
agltate for the selected number
of minutes.
B. Stop on a number in the cycle
you want. The numbers are min-
utes of wash time. The drawing
shows 10minutes of agitation in
the REGULARNORMAL Cycle.
D. Tostop the washer at any time,
push in the Control Knob. To
restart the washer, pull out the
Control Knob.

What Happens in Each Cycle*
Each cycle has different agitation and spin speeds designed for different
kinds of fabrics. Numbers on the dial in each cycle are the minutes of WASH
agitation time.
When the Cycle Control Knob is set to a number and pulled out, the washer fills
before aaitation and timina starts. After aaitation starts, the knob turns clock-wise
until it poynts to OFFand thecycle ends. -
REGULAR HEAVY Cycle
rSH 1 1 WASH
Minutes
1’ p&y ’ @IT
A cycle for sturdily con-
structed fabrics that are
heavily soiled.
REGULAR NORMAL Cycle
A cycle for regular loads
of fabrics that are moder-
ately soiled.
PERMANENT PRESSNORMAL Cycle
A cycle deslgned for mod-
erately solled permanent
press and some synthetic
fabrics. The cool-down
rinse helps keep wrinkles
from setilng into these
Items.
WASH
6
Minutes
Low
Speed
WASH
4
Minutes
Low
Speed
REFILL
q
COOL
DOWN
6

NOTE:You may hear the sound of water spraying during the spin parts of some
cycles. In some cycles, cold water is sprayed on the spinning load to help with
the rinsing.
Gentle Wash System
For better fabric care in the REGULARand PERMANENTPRESScycles, the
agitation speed is reduced during the last few minutes of wash time.
WASH
rl
NOTE:Always use cold rinse water
Lqw
for permanent press fabrics.
Speed

WASH
2
1 Minutes
u
Hlgh
Speed
A cycle designed for
lightly soiled permanent
press and some synthetic
fabrics. The cool-down
rinse helps keep wrinkles
from setting into these items.
KNITS/GENTLE NORMAL Cycle
KNITS GENTLE rln
A cycle that gently
washes and spins moder-
ately soiled delicate items
and washable knits.
KNITS/GENTLE LIGHT Cycle
b H- -
KNITS GENTLE
..* ld OFF I
A cycle that gently
washes and spins lightly
soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
Ilcates the machlne Is
luslng for a brief soak
alod.
A lndlcates the machlne Is
pauslng for a brief soak
perlod.
8

rl
WASH NOTE:Always use cold rinse water
10-w for permanent press fabrics.
Speed

SOAK Cycle
Brief periods of agitation
and soak time help remove
heavy soils and certain
stains that need extra
pretreatment. Use recom-
mended amount of
detergent or pre-soa k
additive. The SOAK Cycle
should always be fol-
lowed by a Wash Cycle.
Usefor washing heavily
soiled loads that require
maximum soil removal.
Double fhe amount of
detergent recommended
when uslng fhe SUPER
WASH Cycle.
FILL
Se&ted
Level
10

Special care is needed when soaklng or pre-washing laundry
See your “Laundry Guide” for proper use of fhls cycle.

Other operating instructions
For a rinse and spin
You may need an extra rinse and
spin for heavily soiled loads which
need more detergent. (Extra detergent
can require an extra rinse.)
1. Push Control Knob in.
2. Turn clockwise to any o on the dial.
See above drawlng.
3. Pull Control Knob out. The washer
will fill to selected level; agitate 2
minutes; drain and spin.
For a drain and spin
Your washer can be set to drain and
spin out water.
1. Push Control Knob in.
2. Turn clockwise to the bar just before
the OFFarea in any cycle. See
above drawing.
3. Pull Control Knob out. The washer
will drain and spin.
For agltaflon and spln speeds In each cycle, see pages 6-11.
Forasoak
For best results, use warm water
for soaking or prewashing stained
laundry Hot water can set stalns.
1. Use recommended amount of
detergent or pre-soak product.
2. Push Control Knob in.
3. Turn clockwise to paint to the
number in the SOAK Cycle.
4. Pull Control Knob out. The
washer will start.
5. When the cycle Isover, add
detergent for the next selected
wash cycle. The SOAK Cycle
should always be followed by
a Wash Cycle.
Important: See addltlonal care
Informatlon In your “Laundry
Guide!’
‘To start soak with agitation, the Control Knob
must point to a number in the SOAKCycle.
12

Liquid bleach dispenser
Always measure bleach. Do not
guess. Never use more than 1 cup
(250 ml) for a full load. Use less with
lower water level settings. Follow
directions on bottle for safe use. Use
a cup with a pouring spout to avoid
spilling.
3.
Load the washer first.
Pour measured bleach carefully
into dispenser. DO NOT let bleach
splash, drip or run down into the
washer basket. Undllufed bleach
will damage any fabric It touches.
Start the washer. Bleach will be
diluted automatically during the
wash part of the cycle. ’
For more lnformafton on bleaching, see your “Laundry Guide!’
MAGIC CLEAN@lint filter
The lint filter in your washer cleans itself. Collected lint is
drained away with the wash and rinse water.
Ifyour washer drains into a tub, remove any lint collected
in the drain or strainer,

Caring for your washer
OFF .,
WHENNOT WASHING, keep both
water faucets turned off, this takes the
pressure off the water inlet valve and
hoses.
REMOVESHARP OBJECTS such as
pins, buckles, etc., from clothes before
washing. Close metal zippers,
AFTERWASHING, use a soft dry cloth to
wipe the outside and inside dry Leave
the lid up until the basket is dry. Wipe
up spills right away. Spills can dull or
damage the finish.
SHARP OR HEAVY OBJECTS should
never be put on or in the washer.
Check pocket for bolts, nuts, tools, etc.
SOME PRETREATMENTPRODUCTS can
damage washer and dryer dials, con-
soles and finishes. Do not use these
products on or near your washer or
dryer.
14

can cause a lot of damage. If your washer is
stored or moved during the cold weather...
Winterizing
Because some water stays in the washer, freezing
1. Shut off both water
faucets. Disconnect
and drain water
inlet hoses.
2. Put a quart of
automotive-type
antifreeze in the
basket.
To use the washer again...
1. Flush water pipes and hoses.
2. Connect hoses to the washer
3. Turn on the water faucets,
3. Set the washer for a
DRAIN and SPIN
(see page 12). Let it
run for about 30
seconds to mix the
antifreeze and
water.
4. Run the washer
through a com-
plete cycle with
one cup of deter-
gent to clean out
the antifreeze.
15

If you needserviceor assistance,
wesuggestyou follow thesefive steps:
assistance...
Performance problems often result
from little things you can find and fix
yourself wlthout tools of any kind.
If your washer does not fill:
l Is the power supply cord plugged
into a live circuit with the proper
voltage?
OHave you checked your home’s
main fuses or circuit breaker box?
l Are the water supply hoses kinked?
l Is the Cycle Control Knob set and
pulled out?
If your washer does not spln:
l Is the lid closed?
l Is the power supply cord plugged
into a live circuit with the proper
voltage?
l Have you checked you home’s
main fuses or circuit breaker box?
If your washer stops durfng a cycle:
l Remember, the washer pauses
briefly at different tlmes in each
cycle. These pauses are normal.
If your washer fills and dmlns
wlthout runnlng:
l Make sure that the Cycle Control
Knob is pointing to a number in the
cycle.
Make sure the dmln hose Is hlgher
than the water level In the washer.
H If I&f:
l The washer may seem to be drain-
ing during wash and rinse cycles.
l Water can siphon out. (See “lnstalla-
tion Instructionsl’)
l Are both water faucets open?
16

2. If you need
assistance?..
Call Whlrlpool COOL-LINE@ sew-
Ice assistance telephone number.
Dial free from anywhere In the U.S.:
l-800-253-1301
and talk with one of our trained Con-
sultants. The Consultant can instruct
you in how to obtain satisfactory
operation from your appliance or, if
service is necessary, recommend a
qualified service company in your
area.
3. If you need service?..
Whirlpool has a
nationwide network
of franchised TECH-
CARE@Service Com-
panies, TECH-CARE
service technicians
are tralned to fulfill me product
warranty and provide after-warranty
sewlce, anywhere in me United States.
To locate TECH-CAREservice in your
area, call our CCCL-LINE service assis-
tance telephone number (see Step 2) or
look in your telephone directory Yellow
Pages under:
4. If you have a
problem”...
Call our COOL-LINE service as-
sistance telephone number (see Step
2) and talk wlth oneof OurConsultants,
or if you prefer, write to:
Mr. Robert Stanley
Division Vice President
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 M-63
Benton Harbor, Ml 49022
5. If you need FSP@
replacement parts%.
FSP is a registered trademark of
Whirlpool Corporation for quality
parts. Look for this symbol of quality
whenever you need a replacement
part for your Whirlpool appliance. FSP
replacement parts will fit rlght and
work right, because they are made to
the same exacting specifications
used to build every new Whirlpool
appliance.
*If you must call or write, please pro-
vide: model number, serial number,
date of purchase, and a complete
description of the problem. This infor-
mation is needed in order to better
respond to your request for
assistance.

Notes
18

Notes
19

WHIRLPOOL@ AUTOMATIC W&HER
WARRANTY
LENGTH OF WARRAHTY WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR
FULL ONE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
FSP@replacement parts and repair labor to
correct defects In materials or workmanship.
Service must be provided by a franchised
TECH-CARE@service company.
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
FSPreplacement parts for any part of gear-
case assembly if defective in materials or
workmanship. The gearcase assembly is
shown below.
FSPreplacement of outer tub should it crack,
or fail to contain water, due to defective
LIMITED YEN-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase materials or workmanship.
WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR
A. Service calls to:
1. Correct the installation of the washer.
2. instruct you how to use the washer.
3. Replace house fuses or correct house wiring or plumbing.
B. Repairs when washer is used In other than normal, slngie-family
household use.
C. Pick up and delivery. This product is designed to be repaired in
the home.
D. Damage to washer caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts
of God or use of products not approved by Whirlpool.
E. Any labor costs during the limited warranties.
WHIRLPOOLCORPORATION SHALLNOT BELIABLEFORINCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIALDAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or IimitatiOn of
incidental or consequentlal damages so this limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you. Thiswarranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Outside the United States, a different warranty may apply. For details, please
contact your franchised Whirlpool dlstrlbutor or mliitary exchange.
GEARCASE ASSEMBLY
COVERED BYYOUR
WARRANTY
VLlpool
w
-.
Part No. 3349l21
01987 Whirlpool Corporatlon Printed In U.S.A.