Whirlpool LA948OXW User manual

Use&
Care Guide
Temperature selector
Extra rinse
Load size switch
selector Cycle control Model and serial
TWOSPEEDAUTOMATICWASHERS
SUPERCAPACITY
LA948OXWlA958OxW
LARGECAPACITY
lA92ooxw

Contents
Page
Important Safety
Instructions. ................ 3
Operating Instructions
Starting your washer ........ 4-5
What happens in each cycle 5-9
Other Operating Instructions
Rinse and spin ............. 10
Extra rinse option ........... 10
Drain and spin .............. 10
Soak cycle ................. 11
Pre-wash cycle ............. 11
MAGIC CLEAN@ lint filter .... 11
Liquid bleach dispenser ...... 12
Liquid fabric softener
dispenser ................ 12
If You Need Service Or
Assistance. ................. 13
Whirlpool Automatic Washer
Warranty .................... 16
01990 Whirlpool Corporation
Thank you for buying a Whirlpool
appliance. Please complete and mail
the Owner Registration Card provided
with this product. Then complete the
form below. Have this information ready
if you need service or call with a
question.
l Copy model and serial numbers
from plate (under lid near hinge) and
the purchase date from the sales slip.
l Keep this book, the Laundry Guide
and the sales slip together in a
handy place.
Model Number
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Service Company Phone Number
If your washer has a Consumer Buy
Guide label, remove it. It will be easier
to remove before the washer is used.
To remove any remaining glue:
l Rub briskly with thumb to make a ball,
then remove.
or
l Soak area with liquid hand dishwash-
ing detergent before removing glue as
described above.
Do not use sharp instruments,
rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids or
abrasive cleaners. These can damage
the finish. See “Important Safety
Instructions” on page 3.

ImportantSafetyInstructions
injury to persons when using your washer, fol-
low basic precautions, including the following:
l Read all instructions before give off vapors that can create a
using the washer. FIRE HAZARD or EXPLOSION.
l NEVER wash items cleaned,
l If hot water has not been used
washed, soaked in or spotted with recently (usually 2 weeks or
wax, paint, gasoline, or flammable longer), hydrogen gases may build
fluids in the washer. The fumes up in the water heater and the hot
can create a FIRE HAZARD or water pipes. HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSION. ALWAYS hand EXPLOSIVE. To prevent injury or
launder and air dry fabrics contain- damage, before using your washer,
ing these materials. turn on all hot water faucets and
l NEVER allow children to operate, allow water to run for several
play with, or crawl inside the minutes. This will allow gases to
washer. Close supervision of escape. DO NOT smoke or use
children is necessary when the any open flame near the faucet
washer is used near children. while it is open.
l When discarding an old washer,
l You are responsible for mak-
ALWAYS remove the lid to prevent ing sure that your washer:
accidental entrapment. -is installed, repaired, and has
l NEVER put your hands into the parts replaced by a qualified
washer until all motion stops. If the person.
lid is opened while the basket is -is properly installed and leveled
spinning, the basket will automati- on a floor that can support the
tally stop in a few seconds. weight.’
l DO NOT tamper with controls. -is connected to the correct 3-
* NEVER use or store flammable prong outlet, electric supply,
fluids (dry-cleaning solvents, water supply and drain.*
kerosene) in or near your washer, - is properly grounded.’
DO NOT add flammable fluids to the - is properly maintained.*
wash water. These substances - is protected from the weather
and kept where the temperature
will not fall below freezing.
‘See the Installation Instructions.
-SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -
m . ... . . I _ . _ __
mmonalsatetyinstructionsand yourresponsibilities
l ALWAYS store detergent, laundry
aids and other materials in a cool, dry
l ALWAYS unplug the power supply
place where children can’t reach them cord before attemptrng to service
the washer.
- in a locked cabinet if possible.
l DO NOT machine wash glass fiber
l ALWAYS read and follow instructions
on packages of detergent and laundry
aids - especially warnings and
precautions.
l 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.
l You are responsible for making
sure that your washer:
-is used only for jobs normally ex-
pected of home automatic washers.
-is not run by children or anyone
unable to operate it properly. 3

OperatingInstructions
The drawings in this book may vary slightly from your washer model. They are
designed to show the different features of all the models covered by this book.
NOTE: Your model may not include all the features shown.
Startingyourwasher
Be sure to measure and add detergent, then place a sorted load in the washer before
starting it.
1. Select a load size
l Position the Load Size Selector at the
setting that describes the size of load
you want to wash.
l The selector can be set anywhere on
or between EX SMALL (a few small
items) and EX LARGE (a full load).
l To change the water level after the
washer has started to fill, slide the
selector to RESET, then to the desired
water level.
NOTE: For best washing results, items
should move freely in the washer. Do
not overload the washer or choose a
water level that is too low for your wash
load.
For best results with permanent
press clothes, use the EX LARGE water
level.
Reduce wash time when using EX
SMALL or SMALL water level settings.
Loads with only a few small items need
less wash time for best results.
2. Touch a temperature selection
l Match the water temperature to the
type of fabric and soils being washed.
l The top temperature is the wash
selection and the bottom temperature
is the rinse selection.
l An indicator shows which temperature
has been selected.
NOTE: Use warm wash water with the
PERMANENT PRESS or KNITS
GENTLE Cycles.
For heavily soiled permanent press
or knit clothes, pre-soak before washing
in warm water.
ALWAYS use cold rinse water for
permanent press fabrics.

3. Select cycle and wash time
Start the washer
l Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise.
l Stop when the indicator on the knob’s
outer ring points to the number in the
wash cycle you want. The numbers
are minutes of wash time.
l Start the washer by pulling out the
Cycle Control Knob. The washer will
fill to the selected water level with the
selected wash water temperature.
After filling, the washer will agitate for
the selected number of minutes.
l To stop the washer at any time,
push in the Cycle Control Knob. To
restart the washer, pull out the
Cycle Control Knob.
Whathappensineachcycle
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 agitation and timing starts.
After agitation starts, the knob turns
clockwise until it points to OFF and the
cycle ends.
The washer will pause briefly
throughout each cycle. These pauses
are normal. They allow for the reversing
of the motor, normal washer operation
and the cool-down portion of the
PERMANENT PRESS Cycle.
NOTE: You may hear the sound of
water spraying during the spin parts of
some cycles. In some cycles, water is
sprayed on the spinning load to help
with the rinsing.
Gentle Wash System
For better fabric care in the REGULAR
and PERMANENT PRESS Cycles, the
agitation speed is reduced during the
last few minutes of wash agitation time.
5

Operating Instructions
Continued
Regular/Heavy Cycle
A cycle for sturdily constructed fabrics
that are heavily soiled.
Regular/Normal Cycle
A cycle for regular loads of fabrics that
are moderately soiled.
to Selected Level
High Speed, Spray Rinses
The washer will proceed to Extra
Rinse, if selected. See page 10.
lo Selected Level
6 Minutes Low Speed
The washer will proceed to Extra
Rinse, if selected. See page 10.
6

Permanent Press/Normal Cycle
A cycle designed for moderately soiled
permanent press and some synthetic
fabrics. The cool-down rinse helps keep
wrinkles from setting into these items.
Permanent Press/Light Cycle
A cycle designed for lightly soiled per-
manent press and some synthetic fab-
rics. The cool-down rinse helps keep
wrinkles from setting into these items.
lo Selected Level
6 Minutes High Speed
to Selected Level
2 Minutes High Speed
REFILL COOL-DOWN
Low Speed, Spray Rinse

Operating Instructions
Continued
Knits Gentle/Normal Cycle
A cycle that gently washes and spins
moderately soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
Knits Gentle/Light Cycle
A cycle that gently washes and spins
lightly soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
to Selected Level
Low Speed, Spray Rinse
to Selected Level
2 Minutes Low Speed
2 Minutes No Agitation
Alndicates that machine is pausing for a brief soak period.

Soak Cycle
(all models)
or
Pre-wash Cycle
(model LA958OXW)
Brief periods of agitation and soak time
help remove heavy soils and certain
stains that need extra pretreatment.
Use recommended amount of
detergent or presoak additive. The
SOAK Cycle should always be followed
by a wash cycle.
Super Wash Cycle
Use for washing heavily soiled loads
that require maximum soil removal.
Double the amount of detergent
recommended when using the
SUPER WASH Cycle.
to Selected Level
2 Minutes High Speed
8 Minutes No Agitation
WASHER STOPS Select Wash Cycle
NOTE: The pre-wash setting starts the
washer at the second wash period.
Special care is needed when soaking
or pre-washing laundry. See the Laun-
dry Guide for proper use of this cycle.
to Selected Level
After the partial drain, the washer
automatically refills and goes into the
REGULAR/HEAVY Cycle. Be sure to
use enough detergent for the double
wash.

OtherOperatingInstructions
(model LA959OXW)
Rinseandspin
When using extra detergent for heavily
soiled clothes, or washing special-care
items, you may want an extra rinse and
spin.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
2. Turn clockwise until indicator points
to one of the dots on the dial, as
illustrated.
3. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will fill to selected level, agi-
tate 2-4 minutes depending on the
cycle selected, drain and spin.
Extrarinseoption
(model tA958OXW)
You can automatically add an extra
rinse and spin to the REGULAR Cycle,
using the extra rinse option.
l Touch the Extra Rinse ON pad before
the REGULAR Cycle starts. The
washer will automatically go to an
extra rinse and spin after the
REGULAR Cycle is completed.
l If no extra rinse and spin is wanted in
the REGULAR Cycle, touch the Extra
Rinse OFF pad. Make sure the OFF
indicator is showing. If extra rinse is
not selected, the Cycle Control Knob
will stop at the orange line before
EXTRA RINSE OPTION when the
REGULAR Cycle is completed.
For an extra rinse in other cycles, see
“Rinse and spin!
Drainandspin
A drain and spin may help shorten dry-
ing times for some heavy fabrics or
special-care items by removing excess
water.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
2. Turn clockwise until indicator points
to any bar just before an OFF area
on the dial, as illustrated.
3. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will drain and spin.
10

SoakCycle
For best results, use warm water for
soaking stained laundry. Hot water can
set stains.
1. Use recommended amount of
detergent or pre-soak product.
2. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
3. Turn clockwise until indicator points
to the number in the SOAK Cycle.
4. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will start.
5. When the cycle is over, add
detergent for the next selected wash
cycle. The SOAK Cycle should al-
ways be followed by a wash cycle.
NOTE: See the Laundry Guide for
additional care information.
Pre-washCycle
(model LA958OXW)
For best results, use warm water for
pre-washing stained laundry. Hot water
can set stains.
1. Use recommended amount of
pre-soak product or detergent.
2. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
3. Turn clockwise until indicator points
to the number next to PRE-WASH.
4. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will start.
5. When the cycle is over, add
detergent for the next selected wash
cycle. The PRE-WASH Cycle should
always be followed by a wash cycle.
NOTE: See the Laundry Guide for
additional pre-washing information.
MAGICCLEAN”lintfilter
The lint filter at the bottom of the
washer basket cleans itself. During agi-
tation, wash and rinse water pass over
the filter, separating lint from water.
The collected particles of lint are then
continuously spun away from the filter
and washed out of the system at the
end of the wash cycle.
If your washer drains into a tub,
remove any lint collected in the tub
or strainer.
11
MAGIC CLEAN
lint filter interior

Other Operating Instructions
Continued
Liquidbleachdispenser
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.
1. Load the washer first.
2. Pour measured bleach carefully into
dispenser. Do not let bleach splash,
drip or run down into washer basket.
Undiluted bleach will damage any
fabric it touches.
3. Start the washer. Bleach will be
diluted automatically during the
wash part of the cycle.
Liquidfabricsoftener
dispenser
(models LA948OXW, LA958OXW)
1. Add detergent and load to
the basket.
2. Add liquid fabric softener to
dispenser using amount recom-
mended on the bottle.
3. Avoid dripping or spilling any fabric
softener on the load.
4. Dilute fabric softener with hot water.
Add enough hot water to fill
dispenser up to the opening.
5. Start the washer. Diluted fabric soft-
ener will be added to the load during
the deep rinse portion of the cycle.
NOTE: Do not stop the washer during
this time. If you do, the fabric softener
will mix with the remaining soapy wash
water. This will cause stains. Do not put
detergent in the liquid fabric softener
dispenser.
6. If the dispenser needs cleaning,
flush with hot water.
NOTE: Do not wash clothes with
dispenser removed.
12

IfYouNeedSewiceOrAssistance
Wesuggestyoufollow
thesesteps:
1. Before calling for assistance...
Performance problems often result from
little things you can find and fix yourself
without 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?
l Are both water faucets open?
l Have 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 spin:
l Is the lid closed?
l Is the power supply cord plugged into
a live circuit with the proper voltage?
l Have you checked your home’s main
fuses or circuit breaker box?
If your washer stops during
a cycle:
l Remember, the washer pauses briefly
at different times in each cycle. These
pauses are normal.
If your washer fills and drains
without running:
l Make sure that the Cycle Control Knob
is pointing to a number in the cycle.
Make sure the drain hose is higher
than the water level in the washer.
If it isn’t:
l The washer may seem to be draining
during wash and rinse cycles.
l Water can siphon out.
(See Installation Instructions.)
2. If you need assistance:..
Call Whirlpool COOL-LINE@
service assistance telephone
number. Dial free from anywhere
in the U.S.:
l-800-253-1301
and talk with one of our trained consul-
tants. The consultant can instruct you in
how to obtain satisfactory operation
from your appliance or, if service is nec-
essary, recommend a qualified service
company in your area.
If you prefer, write to:
Mr. Donald Skinner
Director of Consumer Relations
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 M-63
Benton Harbor, Ml 49022
Please include a day-time phone
number in your correspondence.
3. If you need service?..
-79
Whirlpool has a
whi*l 01
= nationwide network
of authorized
sEnvrca WhirlpoolSH service
companies.
Whirlpool service technicians are trained
to fulfill the product warranty and provide
after-warranty service, anywhere in the
United States. To locate the authorized
Whirlpool service company in your area,
call our COOL-LINE@ service assistance
telephone number (see Step 2) or look in
your telephone directory Yellow Pages
under:

If You Need Service Or Assistance
Continued
4. If you need FSP6
replacement parts’...
FSP is a registered trademark of
Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts.
Look for this symbol of quality when-
ever you need a replacement part for
your Whirlpool appliance. FSP replace-
ment parts will fit right and work right,
because they are made to the same
exacting specifications used to build
every new Whirlpool appliance.
To locate FSP replacement parts
in your area, refer to Step 3 or call the
Whirlpool COOL-LINE service
assistance number in Step 2.
5. If you are not satisfied with
how the problem was solved*...
l Contact the Major Appliance
Consumer Action Panel (MACAP).
MACAP is a group of independent
consumer experts that voices con-
sumer views at the highest levels of
the major appliance industry.
l Contact MACAP only when the
dealer, authorized servicer or
Whirlpool have failed to resolve
your problem.
Major Appliance Consumer
Action Panel
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
l MACAP will in turn inform us of
your action.
*When requesting assistance, please
provide: 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.
Gearcase assembly
covered by your
warranty. See back
cover for more
information.
14

Notes

Whirlpool”AutomaticWasherWarranty
AWOOl
LENGTH OF WARRANTY i WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR
FULL ONE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
LIMITED TEN-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
FSP@ replacement parts and repair labor to
correct defects in materials (including top and lid
rust) or workmanship. Service must be provided
by an authorized WhirlpoolSM service company.
FSP replacement parts for any part of
gearcase assembly if defective in materials
or workmanship. The gearcase assembly
is shown in the “Service or Assistance” section
of this book.
FSP replacement parts for any top and lid rust.
FSP replacement of outer tub should it crack, or
fail to contain water, due to defective 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, single-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.
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages so this limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty 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 authorized Whirlpool distributor or military exchange.
If you need service, firs1see the ‘Service and Assistance” section of this book.
After checking ‘Service and Assistance,” additional help can be found by calling
our COOL-LINE@ service assistance telephone number, l-800-253-1301, from
anywhere in the U.S.
@Registered TrademarkSM Service Mark of Whirlpool Corporation
Part No. 3353501 Rev. A
01990 Whirlpool Corporation Printed in U.S.A.