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.
Sears Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2B8
8526120 PRINTEDIN U.S.A. 1/01
www, sears.com
www, sears,ca
BEFORE USING YOUR NEWWASHER _ __ 2
KENMORE ELITE TM WASHER WARRANTY 3
WASHER SAFETY ............ 4
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING YOUR WASH ER
LAUNDRY TIPS ........... 27
CARING FOR YOUR WASHER 29
TROUBLESHOOTING ........ 30
SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT 34
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.
6
10
14
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.
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. 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 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
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. for Sears warranty information or
to contact a Sears Service Center, call
1-80O-4-MY-HQME ® (1-890-469-4663).
in Canada, call 1-877-533-6937.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages inthis manual and
on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to
potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol
and either the word "DANGER" or "WARNING."
These words mean:
You can be killed or seriously
injured if you don't immediateb L
follow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously
injured if you don't follow
instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, 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 ina hot water
system that has not been used for 2
weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. If the 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
• 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
door or Iid.
• Do not reach into the washer if the
drum, tub or agitator is moving.
• Do not install or store this washer
where it will beexposed 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 the "Installation instructions"
section for grounding requirements.
Tools and Parts
Assemble the necessary tools and
supplies before beginning the washer
installation. The parts supplied are in the
washer basket.
Tools needed for connecting the drain
hose and water inlet hoses:
• Pliers that open to 1?'6in. (3.95 cm)
• Flashlight (optional)
Parts supplied:
4 5
1. Drain hose
2. Silver, double-wire hose clamp
(for the bottom of the drain hose)
3. Yellow, single-wire hose clamp
(for the top of the drain hose)
4. Water inlet hoses (2)
5. Flat water inlet hose washers (4)
Tools needed for securing the drain
hose and leveling the washer:
• Open end wrench ?'6in. (1.43 cm)
• Level
• Wood block
• Ruler or measuring tape
Parts supplied:
1 2
1. Shipping strap with fastener
Z Front leveling feet with nuts (2)
Alternate PartsYou May Need
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.
If you have: You will need to buy:
Laundry tub or Sump pump system (if
standpipe not already available)
taller than 96
in. (2.4 m)
1 in. (2.5 cm) 2 in. (5 cm) diameter to 1
diameter in.(2.5 cm) diameter
standpipe standpipe adapter, Part
No. 3363920
Overhead Standard 20 gal (76 L)
sewer 39 in. (99 cm) tall drain
tub or utility sink, sump
pump and connectors
(available from local
plumbing suppliers)
Floor drain Siphon break, Part
Number 285320; addi*
tional drain hose, Part
Number 3357090 and
connector kit, Part
Number 285442
Water faucets 2 longer water fill hoses:
beyond reach 6 ft (1.8 m) Part Number
of fill hoses 76314, 10 ft (3.0 m) Part
Number 350008
Drain hose too Drain hose, Part No.
short 388423 and hose kit,
Part No. 285442
Drain hose Hose kit, Part No.
that is too long 285442
Lint clogged Drain protector, Part No.
drain 367031
Location Requirements
Selecting the proper location for your
washer improves performance and mini-
mizes noise and possible washer "walk,"
Your washer can be installed in a base-
ment, laundry room, closet, or recessed
area. (See "Drain System.")
Proper installation is your responsibility.
You will need:
• A water heater set to deliver 120T
(49_C) water to the washer.
• A grounded electrical outlet located with-
in 4 ft (1.2 m) of where the power cord is
attached to the back of the washer. (See
"Electrical Requirements.")
• Hot and cold water faucets located with-
in 4 ft (1.2 m) of the hot and cold water
fill valves, and water pressure of 5-100
psi (34.5-689.6 kPa). Washers with triple
dispensers require 20-100 psi (138.0-
689.6 kPa) for best performance.
• A level floor with a maximum slope of
1 in. (2.5 cm) under entire washer.
Installing the washer on carpeting is not
recommended.
• A sturdy floor to support the washer
weight (washer, water and load) of 315
Ibs (143 kgs).
Do not store or operate your washer in
temperatures at or below 32°F (0°C).
Some water can remain in the washer and
can cause damage in low temperatures.
See "Washer Care" for winterizing infor-
mation.
Recessed area or closet installation
The dimensions shown are for the rec-
ommended spacing allowed, except the
closet door ventilation openings, The
dimensions shown for the closet door
ventilation openings are the minimum
required.
m
1 2
-- _r 3.
24,,2
3
1.Front view
2. Side view
3. Closet door with vents
• Additional spacing should be consid-
ered for ease of installation and ser-
vicing.
• Additional clearances may be required
for wall, door and floor moldings.
• Additional spacing of 1 in. (2.5 cm) on
all sides of the washer is recommend-
ed to reduce noise transfer.
• If a closet door is installed, the mini-
mum air openings in the top and bot-
tom of the door are required. Louvered
doors with air openings in the top and
bottom are acceptable.
• Companion appliance spacing should
also be considered.
Drain System
The washer can be installed using the
standpipe drain system (floor or wall), the
laundry tub drain system, or the floor
drain system. Select the drain hose instal-
lation method you need. (See "Alternate
Parts You May Need.")
1 2
Standpipe drain system - wall or floor
(view 1 & 2)
The standpipe drain requires a minimum
diameter standpipe of 2 in. (5 cm). The
minimum carry-away capacity can be no
less than 17 gal (64 L) per minute. A 2 in.
(5 cm) diameter to 1 in. (2.5 cm) diameter
standpipe adapter kit is available. (See
"Alternate Parts You May Need.")
The top of the standpipe must be at least
39 in. (99 cm) high and no higher than 96
in. (2.4 m) from the bottom of the washer.
Floor drain system (view 2)
The floor drain system requires a siphon
break that may be purchased separately.
(See "Alternate PartsYeu May Need,")
The siphon break must be a minimum of
28 in. (71 cm) from the bottom of the
washer. Additional hoses might be
needed.
Electrical Requirements
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.
Laundry tub drain system (view 1)
The laundry tub needs a minimum 20 gal
(76 L) capacity. The top of the laundry tub
must be at least 39 in. (99 cm) above the
floor and no higher than 96 in. (2.4 m) from
the bottom of the washer.
• A 120-volt, 60-Hz., AC-only, 15- or 20-
ampere, fused electrical supply is
required. Time-delay fuse or circuit
breaker is recommended, It is recom-
mended that a separate circuit serving
only this appliance be provided,
• This washer is equipped with a power
supply cord having a 3 prong ground
plug.
• Tominimizepossibleshockhazard,the
cordmustbepluggedintoamating,3
prong,ground-typeoutlet,groundedin
accordancewithlocalcodesandordF
nances.Ifamatingoutletisnotavail-
able,itisthepersonalresponsibilityand
obligationofthecustomertohavethe
properlygroundedoutletinstalledbya
qualifiedelectrician,
• Ifcodespermitanda separate ground
wire is used, it is recommended that a
qualified electrician determine that the
ground path is adequate.
• Do not ground to a gas pipe.
• Check with a qualified electrician if you
are not sure the washer is properly
grounded.
• Do not have a fuse in the neutral or
ground circuit.
1.3 prong grounding plug
2. 3 prong grounding-type outlet
3. Ground prong
4. Power supply cord
GROUNDING
INSTRUCTIONS
For a grounded, cord-connected
washer:
This washer must be grounded, In the
event of a malfunction or breakdown,
grounding will 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.
WARNING: Improper connection of
the equipment-grounding conductor can
result in a risk of electric shock. Check
with a qualified electrician or service-
man ifyou 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:
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
equipment-grounding terminal or lead
on the appliance.
Before You Start
• To prevent floor damage, set the
washer onto cardboard before moving
across floor.
• Move the washer to within approximate-
ly 3 feet (90 cm) of the final
location.
Remove Shipping Strap
Removing the shipping strap is necessary
for smooth operation. If the shipping strap
is not removed, the washer will make
excessive noise.
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.
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 power
cord. You will use the remainder of
the shipping strap later to secure the
drain hose.
Connect Drain Hose
Proper connection of the drain hose will
protect your floors from damage due to
water leakage, 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,
1. Check the drain hose to see if it is
the proper length.
2.
Wettheinsideofthestraightend
thed_inhose withtap water. DO
NOT USE ANY OTHER LUBRI-
CAN_
3.
Squeeze ears of silver, double-wire
clamp with pliers to open, Place
clamp over the straight end of the
drain hose _ in. (6 mm) from the end.
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 selfqeveling feet.
10
_ !/4"
___ Z_ (6mm)
4. Open clamp. Twist hose back and
forth while pushing down onto drain
connector at the bottom of the wash-
er. Continue until hose contacts the
ribbed stop on the cabinet.
Y
5. Place clamp over area marked
"CLAMP." Release clamp.
1/4"
rnm)
For standpipe or laundry tub drain
systems:
1. Open yellow, single-wire clamp with
pliers and slide over hooked end of
drain hose to secure the rubber and
corrugated sections together.
1.Hooked end
2. Drain hose
2. Put hooked end of drain hose into
laundry tub or standpipe. Rotate hook
to eliminate kinks.
To prevent drain water from going
back into the washer:
• Do not straighten hooked end of drain
hose, Do not force excess drain hose
into standpipe. Hose should be
secure, but loose enough to provide a
gap of air.
• Do not lay excess drain hose in bottom
of laundry tub.
• For floor drain installation, see kit num-
ber required under "Alternate Parts You
May Need."
Connect the Inlet Hoses
1.
Insert new flat washers (supplied) into
each end of the inlet hoses. Firmly
seat the washers in the couplings.
1 2
1. Coupling
2. Washer
Connect the inlet hoses to the water
faucets
Make sure the washer basket is empty.
2. Attach the hose with the red coupling
to the hot water faucet, Screw on cou-
pling by hand until seated on the
washer.
3. Attach the hose with the blue coupling
to the cold water faucet, Screw on
coupling by hand until seated on the
washer.
4. Using pliers, tighten the couplings with
an additional two4hirds turn.
NOTE: Do not overtighten, Damage
to the valves can result.
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