Kenmore 116.23104C Use & Care Manual

Use & Care Guide
Guide d' ufillsafion et d_entrefen

English / Fran_ais

Model/ModUle: ||6.23|04C

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Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, M5B 2B8

www.sears.ca

Before Using Your New

Vacuum Cleaner ........................... 2

Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Warranty ....... 3-4

Important Safety Instructions ................ 5

Parts and Features ....................... 6-7

Assembly Instructions ..................... 8-9

Handi-Mate Jr. ® Storage ..................... 9

Operating Instructions ..................... 10

How to Start ............................ 10

Vacuuming Tips .......................... 11

Attachments .......................... 12-13

Attachment Use Table ..................... 13

Suggested Pile Height Settings .............. 13

Performance Features ................... 14-15

How Your Vacuum Cleaner Works ........... 16

Canister Cure ............................. 16

Bag Changing ........................... 16

Cleaning Exterior and Attachments .......... 16

Motor Safety Filter Changing ............... 17

Exhaust Filter Changing ................... 17

Power-Mate ® Care ........................ 18

Belt Changing and Agitator Cleaning ...... 18-19

Light Bulb Changing ...................... 20

Agitator Servicing ........................ 21

Troubleshooting ........................... 22

Requesting Assistance

Or Service ........................ Back Cover

Please read this guide. It will help you assemble and operate your new I<enmore vacuum cleaner in the
safest and most effective way.

For more information about vacuum cleaner care and operation, call your nearest Sears store. You will
need the complete model and serial numbers when requesting information. Your vacuum cleaner's model

and serial numbers are located on the Model and Serial Number Plate.

Use the space below to record the model number and serial number of your new I<enmore vacuum
cleaner.

Model No.

Serial No.

Date of Purchase

Keep this book and your sales check (receipt} in a safe place for future reference.

-2-

Kenmare Vacuum Cleaner Limited Warranty

General: All models of I<enmore Vacuum Cleaners, with the exception of central vacuum systems,

which shall be subject to different warranty provisions, are warranted to be free from defects in
materials or workmanship for a specific time period as set-out below (the "Warranty Period").
Warranties extend to the original purchaser of a I<enmore Vacuum Cleaner only and are non-
transferable. Purchases made through an online auction or through any website other than
www.sears.ca are excluded. The relevant Warranty Period commences on the original date of
purchase. Within this period, Sears Canada, Inc. will, at its sole option, repair or replace any
products or components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at
no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shah be responsible for

any transportation

Exclusions: This warranty does not cover failures due to normal wear, abuse, misuse, neglect,
improper maintenance or failure to follow maintenance guidelines and/or instructions, failure to
operate the product in accordance with the owner's manual or any additional instructions or
information provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent communications with the original
purchaser, accident or unauthorized alterations or repairs made or attempted by others. Also
excluded from warranty coverage are the following:

1. "Wear Items", which are parts that will need replacement under normal usage, including but
not limited to: riflers, beffs, light bulbs and bags and brush roll assemblies and brush strips

2. Service-related telephone calls or technician visits relating to a user's requirements for
instructions involving the correct product installation, operation or regular maintenance to the
product i.e. cleaning riflers, brush roll assembly, hose obstructions and the like

3. Maintenance, adiustments, and cleaning inquiries or service calls

4. Damage or failure when installation, operation and maintenance instructions provided are not

followed

5. Damage or failure resuffing from accident, abuse, misuse, negligence or use for other than an
intended purpose

6. Damage or failure caused by the use of detergents, cleaners, chemicals or utensils other than

those recommended in any instructions, service bulletins or otherwise by Sears

7. Damage or failure resulting from unauthorized modifications made to this product.

Any product missing the model and/or serial number identification label will be disqualified from
coverage under this warranty.cost.

Repairs conducted within the Warranty Period will be warranted until the end of the

original Warranty Period.

Disclaimers: THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN (OTHER THAN AS STATED

HEREIN), AND WHETHER EXPRESS,IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A

PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM ONE JURISDICTION TO ANOTHER.

a3a

IN NO EVENT SHALL SEARS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO

USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. THE EXCLUSIONS IN THIS
PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT APPLY IN JURISDICATIONS WHERE APPLICABLE LAW DOES NOT
ALLOW FOR THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IN SUCH

JURISDICTIONS, THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT APPLY,BUT THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF
THIS DOCUMENT SHALL REMAIN VALID.

Sears retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the product or offer a full refund of the
purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE

REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.

Customer Responsibilities: In additional to complying with all suggested maintenance guidelines
and instructions, customers' obligations shall include but shall not be limited to: operating the
product in accordance with the owner's manual or any additional instructions or information
provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent communications to the purchaser from time to
time, exhibit reasonable care in the use, operation, maintenance, genera[ upkeep and storage of
the product. Failure to comply with these requirements will void any applicable warranty.

Procedures: Warranty service is available by calling 1-800-469-4663.

List of Applicable Warranty Periods: The following list contains the applicable Warranty Period
for your Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner:

1. For one year from date of purchase, the cost of parts and labour for this product will be

covered, free of charge if defective in material or workmanship.

2. If this appliance isever used for other than private family/residential purposes, this warranty

only applies for 30 days from the date of purchase.

Service Type: Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners are serviced on a "carry-in" basis, whereby customer
brings the unit to a Sears Retail or Product Repair Centre location. These include: Kenmore
canister, upright, and shampooer vacuums.

Proof of Purchase!Documentation: Warranty coverage is conditioned upon the original purchaser
furnishing Sears Canada or its authorized third party service provider if applicable, with the
original sales receipt or other adequate written proof of the original purchase date and
identification of the product. In the event that the original purchaser is unable to provide a copy
of the original sales receipt, Sears Canada Inc. reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion
what other written proof of the original purchase date and identification of the product is
acceptable.

-4-

Read aH instructions in this manuaS before assembling or using your vacuum cleaner.

WARNING

Your safety is important to us. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury

to persons or damage when using your vacuum cleaner, follow basic safety

Use your vacuum cleaner only as described in
this manual. Use only with Sears recommended

attachments.

Disconnect electrical supply before servicing or
cleaning out brush area. Failure to do so could
result in electrical shock or brush suddenly

starting.
Do not leave vacuum cleaner when plugged in.

Unplug from outlet when not in use and before
servicing.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock - Do not
use outdoors or on wet surfaces.

Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or near

children.

Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If
vacuum cleaner is not working as it should, has

been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or
dropped into water, return it to a Sears Service

Center.

Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a
handle, close door on cord, or pull cord around

sharp edges or corners. Do not run vacuum
cleaner over cord. Keep cord away from

heated surfaces.
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug,

grasp the plug, not the cord.
Do not handle plug or vacuum cleaner with wet

hands.

Do not put any objects into openings.

Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free
of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce

airflow.

Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts
of body away from openings and moving parts.

Turn off all controls before unplugging.

Use extra care when cleaning on stairs. Do not
put on chairs, tables, etc. Keep on floor.

Do not use vacuum cleaner to pick up
flammable or combustible liquids (gasoline,
cleaning fluids, perfumes, etc.), or use in areas
where they may be present. The fumes from

these substances can create a fire hazard or

explosion.

Do not pick up anything that is burning or
smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot

ashes.
DO not use vacuum cleaner without dust bag

and/or filters in place.
Amwoys change the dust bag after vacuuming

carpet cleaners or freshener, powders and fine
dust. These products clog the bag, reduce
airflow and can cause the bag to burst. Failure
to change bag could cause permanent damage

to the vacuum cleaner.
Do not use the vacuum cleaner to pick up sharp

hard objects, small toys, pins, paper clips, etc.
They may damage the vacuum cleaner or dust
bag.

Do not operate vacuum cleaner without the
exhaust filter or exhaust filter door in place (If

applicable).
The hose contains electrical wires. Do not use

when damaged, cut, or punctured. Replace if
cut or worn. Do not pick up sharp objects.

Always turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner
before connecting or disconnecting either hose,
Hondi-Mate Jr.® (if applicable), or nozzle.

Hold plug when rewinding onto cord reel. Do
not allow plug to whip when rewinding.

You are responsible for making sure that your
vacuum cleaner is not used by anyone unable to

operate it properly.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Proper assembly and safe use of your vacuum cleaner are your responsibilities. Your vacuum
cleaner is intended for Household use. Read this Owner's Manual carefully for important use
and safety information. This guide contains safety statements under warning and caution

symbols.

-5-

It is important to know
view these before using

Item

Headlight Bulb
Belt

Power-Mate ®

our vacuum cleaner's parts and features to ensure its proper and safe use. Re-

four vacuum cleaner.

Part No. Part No.

In U.S. In Canada

20-5248 20-40601

20-5218 20-40118

Cord

Holder ....

Upper
Wand

Wand
Swivel --

Cord Holder

Flange

Wand Quick
Release Pedal

(Not Shown)

_-- Plug Holder

J Handle Quick

Release

--Upper Wand

Power Cord

Belt

Pile
Height Pedal

Handle

Po wer-Ma te ®
Model/Serial Number

(On Bottom) --

Pile Height Indicator

Protector/Belt
Reset Button

e Cleaner

(Not Shown)

-6-

HOSE

3- Way On/Off Switch

Off/Floor/Carpet

Handle

ATTACHMENTS

Crevice
Tool

Handi-Mate Jr.®

,@

i

_ Dusting

Combination _ I_l_ Brush

Brush _ a

-'_'--- abric

Brush

Hose Swivel

CANISTER

Item Part No. Part No.

In U.S. In Canada

Dust Bag 20-50558 20-50403
Exhaust Filter 20-86889 20-40324

Motor Safety Filter 20-86883 20-40321

Tool Storage Cover

(Attachment Stora_

Canister

Cord

Rewind
Button

Handi-Mate Jr. ®
Storage cover

Exhaust Filter Cover

Cord

Hood
Release

Bag

Dust Bag

Motor Safety Filter
(Behind Dust Bag)

-7-

Please pay special attention to these hazard alert boxes, and follow any instructions given. WARNING
statements alert you to such dangers as fire, electric shock, burns and personal injury. CAUTION state-
ments alert you to such dangers as personal injury and//or property damage.

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard
DO NOT plug intoelectrical supply until as-

sembly iscomplete. Failure to do so could re-
sult in electrical shockor injury.

Before assembling vacuum cleaner, be sure you
have all parts shown in PARTSAND FEATURES.

WAN DS

Slide wands together
until wand button

snaps into place. Turn
wand button to the

slotted area of the
wand swivel.

The swivel allows you

to turn the handle to
the left side to reach

farther under low furni-
ture.

Power=Male ®

1. Insert wands into Power-Mate ® untie the wand
button snaps into place.

Area

2. Connect Power-
Mate ® plug and cord

as shown. DO NOT
force. Raised area of

plug mustbe toward
hand.

3. Secure cord into
the cord holder on
the wand swivel.

To remove: Step on wand quick release pedal,
then pull up on wands.

=8=

Handle

Lock

Button

m
m

-- Wand

Button

-- Wand

i Swivel

-- Lower

Wand

_ Wand

_J Button

Wand Quick

lease Pedal

CANISTER

1.Open the canister hood.

2. Check to see that the dust bag is properly in-
stalled. See BAG CHANGING for instructions.

3. Check to see that the motor safety filter is
properly installed. See MOTOR SAFETY FILTER

CHANGING for instructions.

HOOD AND TOOL STORAGE

COVER

It is normal for the canister hood and tool stor-
age cover to come off when opened further than

needed. Line up the hinge slots, insert the hinges
into the slots, and close the hood and toot stor-
age cover to reinstall.

_CAUTION

Never open canister hood with the tool storage
cover open. This will help to prevent damage
from occurring to the canister hood and/or tool

storage cover.

This canister isequipped with an on-board stor-

HOSE

|. Line up the hose
latch tab and notch

in canister hood and
insert hose into can-

ister until it snaps in
place.

To remove: Lift hose
latch tab upward

and pull up on hose.

Lock
Button

Handle

Quick

/ __

Notch

2. Insert handle
into wand until
lock button

snaps in place.
Be sure hose is

not twisted.
To remove: Press

handle quick re-

in lease button

and pull up on
handle.

To store: Disconnect hose from wands and
canister to prevent stress on hose during storage.

Store hose in a loosely coiled position so the
hose covering isnot stressed.

age area for a Handi-Mate Jr. ® attachment.

To install:

Open the Handi-Mate Jr.® storage cover. Insert
the Handi-Mate Jr.®, press down into place, and
close the lid securely.

To Remove:
Open the storage cover. Remove Handi-Mate

Jr.® from the storage area and useas needed

(see ATTACHMENTS and ATTACHMENT USE
TABLE).

Handi-Mate Jr. ®

Handi-Mate Jr. ®
Storage Cover

-9-

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

4_tb CAUTION

Moving parts! To reduce the risk of personal injury, DO NOT
touch the agitator when vacuum cSeaner is on. Contacting the
agitator wMSe it is rotating can cut, bruise or cause other
injuries. ASways turn off and unpJug from electricaJ outlet
before servicing.
Use caution when operating near chiMren.

HOW TO START

WARNING

Personal Injury and ProductDamage Hazard

DO NOT plug in if switch is in ON

osition. Personal injury or property

damage could result.
The cord moves rapidly when

rewinding. Keep children away
and provide a clear path when
rewinding the cord to prevent
personal injury.

DO NOT use outlets above counters.

_amage from cordto itemsin

surroundingarea could occur.

Cord
Rewind

]. Pullcord out of
canister to desired

length. The cord
will not rewind

until the cord
rewind button is

pushed.

NOTE: To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
vacuum cleaner has a polarized plug; one blade
is wider than the other. This plug will fit in a po-
larized outlet only one way. If the plug does not
fit fully in the outlet, reversethe plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to in-
stall the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in

any way.

2. Plug the polarized power cord into a 120 Volt

outlet located near the floor.

To rewind: Turn off
and unplug the vac-

uum cleaner. Hold the
plug while rewinding

to prevent damage or
injury from the moving

cord. Pushcord rewind

button.

Pile Pile Height
Height Indicator

Pedal_

Release
Pedal

3. Lower wand from upright position by pressing
on the handle release pedal.

CAUTION

DO NOT leave the Power-Mate ® running in
one spotin the upright positionfor any length
of time. Damage to carpet may occur.

- 10 -

4. Select a pile height setting by pressing the
small pedal on the rear of the Power-Mate ®. The
pile height setting shows on the indicator. See

SUGGESTED PiLEHEIGHT SETTINGS.

Attention: Refer to your carpet manufacturers
cleaning recommendations. Some more delicate
carpets may require that they be vacuumed with
the Power-Mate ® agitator turned off to prevent

carpet damage.

A

i\ -- i

OFF

_-" o_F 5. Select a switch

FLooR

_ARPET position on the han-

dle.

FLOOR - turns on the canister motor only.
CARPET- turns on both the canister and the

Power-Mate ®motors.
NOTE - When this switch is in the FLOOR posi-

tion, the headlight DOES NOT function since
no electricity flows to the Power-Mate ®.

VACUUMING TiPS

Suggested sweeping pattern.
For best cleaning action, the Power-Mate ® should

be pushed straight away from you and pulled
straight back. At the end of each pull stroke, the

direction of the Power-Mate ® should be changed
to point intothe next section to be cleaned. This

pattern should be continued across the carpet
with slow, gliding motions.

NOTE: Fast, jerky
strokes do not

provide complete
cleaning.

The hose swivel allows
the hose to turn without

moving the canister.
This ishelpful for clean-
ing in small areas.
Check hose for twisting
before pulling canister.

Suction
Control

Carpeted stairs
need to be
vacuumed

regularly. For best
cleaning results,
fully close the

suction control.

CAUTION

Product Damage Hazard
Use care if the Power-Mate ® and wand is left
in the upright position as it may tip over easily.

Property damage can occur if tipped.

i WA..,.G

Personal Injury and Product Damage Hazard

DO NOT run over power cord with Power-

Mate®. Personal injury or product damage

could result.

DO NOT pull plug from wall by

the power cord. If there isdamage to the

cord or plug, personal injury or property
damage could result.

-11 -

WARNING

Personal Injury Hazard
Use care if canister isplaced an stairs. If may

fall, causing personal injury ar property
damage.

_CAUTION

Product Damage Hazard

Do not pull on the hose to move the canister
from one stair fa the next. When finished

cleaning in one area use the handle grip on the
canister to move the vacuum cmeanerto a new

mocationfor further cleaning.

The stair grip located
on the caster will aid in

preventing the canister
from slipping when
used on stairs (see

PERFORMANCE
FEATURES).

NOTE: Be sure the canister isresting securely on
the stairs and the caster isin a locked position

before using.

Far best cleaning results,keep the airflow
passage open. Check each assembly area in

HOW YOUR VACUUM CLEANERWORKS
occasionally for clogs. Unplug from outlet

before checking.

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENTS ON HANDLE

NOTE: If the
Power=Mate ®is

attached, turn
vacuum cleaner

off before remov-
ing handle from

wands.

1. Presshandle
quick release but-

ton and pull up on
handle.

Release--_

Upper

Wand J

Handle

Quick

NOTE:
To assemble dust-

ing brush insert the
fabric brush into

the dusting brush
nozzle and press

into place.

'2. Slide attachments firmly
on handle as needed. See

ATTACHMENT USE TABLE.

Dusting

Brush

Fabric
Brush

CAUTION

DO NOT attach or remove handle ar wands
while vacuum cleaner isON. This could cause
sparking and damage the electrical contacts.

_ o remove, press

latch and lift

out.

Latch

ATTACHMENTS ON WANDS

,Toremove

wandsfrom

Power=Mate ®,
lock wands in <;"

straight-up

position.

= 12 =

ATTACHMENTS ON WANDS Cont.

2. Press wand quick re-

Wand lease pedal with foot

Quick and pull the wands
Release straight up and out of

Power-Mate ®•

The Power-Mate ® plug
and cord do not have to

be removed to use at-
tachments on the wands.

3. Put attach-
ments on wands
as needed. See
ATTACHMENT
USETABLE.

ATTACHMENT USE TABLE

ATTACHMENT

Combination

brush

Crevice tool

Floor brush

Power-Mate ®

Handi-Mate Jr.®

Power-Mate Jr.®_,_

Dusting _

brush

Fabric

brush

CLEANING AREA

Between Bare

Furniture_ Cushions_ Drapes _ Stairs Floors

Carpeted

Floors/Rugs

Walls

1. Always clean attachments before using on fabrics.

2. 3-position switch should be in FLOOR position.

3. Some models; Handi-Mate Jr.® and Power-Mate Jr.® attachment instructionsare inctuded with the
products.

4. Power-Mate Jr.® can be used only on hose handle.

NOTE: When separating wands, depress lock button completely before pulling wands apart. If wand
lock button is difficult to depress, push the two wands more tightly together to line up the lock button
with the hole. Depress bck button and then pull wands apart.

SUGGESTED PiLE HEIGHT SETTINGS

For best deep down cleaning, use the XLO set-
ting. However, you may need to raise the height
to make some jobs easier, such as scatter rugs
and some deep pile carpets, and to prevent the
vacuum cleaner from shutting off. Suggested set-

tings are:

HI - Shag, deep pile, or scatter rugs.
MED - Medium to deep pile.

LO - Low to medium pile.
XLO - Most carpets and bare floors.

a 13 a

PERFORMANCE FEATURES

OVERLOAD PROTECTOR SUCTION CONTROL

The Power=Mate®
has built=in

protection against
motor and belt

damage should the

agitator jam. If the
agitator slows down
or stops, the

Overload Protector/

Belt Reset Button

overload protector shuts off the Power-Mate ®.
The canister motor will continue to run.

To correct problem: Turn off and unplug
vacuum cleaner, remove obstruction, then
press BELT RESET button. A ball point pen may
be required.

If the problem persists, have the vacuum
cleaner serviced by a Sears or other qualified

service agent.

WARNING

Personal Injury Hazard
Always turn off and unplug the vacuum

cleaner before cleaning the agitator area as
agitator may suddenly restart. Failure to do so
can resultin personal injury.

EDGE CLEANER

Active brush edge
cleaners are on both
sides of the Power-

Mate ®. Guide either side
of the Power-Mate ®

along base-boards or
next to furniture to help

remove dirt trapped at
carpet edges.

The suction
control allows

you to change
the vacuum

suction for
different fabrics Suction Suction

and carpet
weights. Opening the control decreases suction
for draperies and lightweight rugs, while closing
the control increasessuction for upholsteries and
carpets.

THERMAL PROTECTOR

This vacuum cleaner has a thermal protector
which automatically trips to protect the vacuum

cleaner from overheating. If a clog prevents
the normal flow of air to the motor, the

thermal protector turns the motor off
automatically. This allows the motor to cool in
order to prevent possible damage to the

vacuum cleaner.

To correct problem: Turn the vacuum cleaner
off and unplug the power cord from the outlet

to allow the vacuum cleaner to cool and the
thermal protector to reset. Check for and

remove clogs, if necessary. Also check and
replace any clogged filters. Wait

approximately thirty (30) minutes and plug the
vacuum cleaner in and turn back on to see if

the motor protector has reset.

=14=