Owner'sManual
ManualDelPropietario
VacuumCleaner
Aspiradora
Model, Modelo
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
safety and operating
instructions before first
use of this product.
116.34725
116.34726
CUIDADO:
Lea y sigue todas ias
instrucciones de operaci6n
y seguridad antes del uso de
este producto.
Sears,RoebuckandCo., HoffrnanEstates,IL60179 U.S.A.
www.sears.com
Impreso en M6xico
Part No. C01ZCEN1_U_-8192789 Printed inMexico
Before UsingYour New Vacuum ........ 2
KenmoreVacuum Cleaner Warranty .... 2
ImportantSafety Instructions ........... 3
Parts and Features ................... 4
Assembly Instructions ............... 5-6
Operating Instructions ................. 6
Pile HeightSelection and Setting ........ 7
Carpet/Bare Floor Selector ............ 7
Releasing the Handle ................. 8
ON/OFF Switch ..................... 8
Attachments ..................... 8-10
Attachment Use Chart ............... 11
Vacuuming Tips .................... 11
PerformanceFeatures ............. 12-13
Please read this guide. It will help you assemble and operate your new Kenmore vacuum 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 vacu-
um's model and serial numbers are located on the Model and Serial Number Plate.
Vacuum Cleaner Care ............... 14
vacuum Storage ................... 14
Cleaning Exterior and Attachments ..... 14
Dust BinCleaning ................ 15-16
Secondary FilterCleaning ....... . .... 16
Filter Changing/Cleaning ............. 17
Belt Changingand AgitatorCleaning .. 18-20
Clog Removal ..................... 21
LightBulbChanging ................. 22
Agitator Servicing ................... 23
AgitatorAssembly .................. 23
Troubleshooting ..................... 24
Requesting Assistance
Or Service ................... BackPage
Use the space below to record the model number and serial number of your new Kenmore
vacuum.
Model No.
Serial No.
Date of Purchase
Keep this book and your sales check (receipt) in a safe place for future reference.
........ v
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON KENMORE VACUUM CLEANER
This warranty is for one year from the date of purchase, and includes only private household
vacuum cleaner use. During the warranty year, when this vacuum cleaner is operated and
maintained according to the owner's manual instructions, Sears will repair any defects in
material or workmanship free of charge.
This warranty excludes vacuum bags, belts, light bulbs, and filters, which are expendable parts
and become worn during normal use.
Forwarrantyservice, returnthis vacuum cleaner to the nearest Seam Service Center inthe
UnitedStates.
This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state 1o state.
Seam, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2
Your safety is importantto us. To reduce the riskof fire, electricalshock,injuryto
personsor damage when usingyour vacuum cleaner, follow basic safety precau-
tlons including the following:
Read this manual before assembling or
using your vacuum cleaner.
Use your cleaner only as described in
this manual. Use only with Sears recom-
mended attachments.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock -
Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
Disconnectelectrical supplybefore any
servicing or cleaning. Failure to do so
could result in electrical shock or per-
sonal injury.
Always turn cleaner off before unplug-
ging.
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
Do not use with damaged cord or plug.
If cleaner is not working as it should,
has been dropped, damaged, left out-
doors, 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 cleaner over cord. Keep cord
away from heated surfaces.
DOnot leave cleaner when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.
Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or
near children.
DOnot handle plug or 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 air flow.
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and
all parts of body away from openings
and moving parts.
Do not use cleaner withoutdust bin
and/or filters in place.
Always clean the dust bin after vacuum-
ing carpet cleaners or freshener, pow-
ders and fine dust. These products clog
the filters, reduce airflow and can cause
damage to the cleaner. Failure to clean
the dust bin could cause permanent
damage to the cleaner.
Do not use the cleaner to pick up sharp
hard objects, small toys, pins, paper
clips, etc. They may damage the clean-
er or dust bin.
DOnot pick up anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes, match-
es, or hot ashes.
Do not use cleaner to pick up flammable
or combustible liquids (gasoline, clean-
ing fluids, perfumes, etc.), or use in
areas where they may be present. The
fumes from these substances can cre-
ate a fire hazard or explosion.
Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
Do not put on chairs, tables, etc. Keep
on floor.
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
cleaner is intended only 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. Please pay special attention to these boxes and follow
any instructions given. WARNING statements alert you to such dangers as fire, elec-
trical shock, burns and personal injury. CAUTION statements alert you to such dan-
gers as personal injury and/or property damage.
It is important to know your vacuum cleaner's parts and features to assure its proper and safe
use. Review these before using your cleaner.
Item Part No. Part No.
In U.S. In Canada
Exhaust Filter 20-86889 20-86889C
Headlight Bulb 20-5240 20-40600
Switch
Belt 20-5275 20-40096
• Dirt Sensor
(Some Models)
Quick Release
Lower
Cord Hooks Level
Carry
Crevice
Tool
Telescoping
Dusting
Combination
Brush
IIII
Handle
Release
Height
Ready-to-Use
Swivel Hose
Stretch Hose
MoOr
Protec_r
Dust Bin
Release
Dust
Headflght
Performance
Indicator
(Some Mode/s)
Exhaust Filter
(Inside)
Floor Selector
Cover
Latch
Base
Belt
(Underneath)
EXTENSION HOSE KITS
SOME MODELS
Extension Hose
[lUlUlltUlllIIllllllIlll,flfllfllllflflfflllll
Model/Sedal
Numbers
_FI _._SOME MODELS
(_ Adaptor
oor BrUShan d
Agitator
(Underneath)
4
WARNING I
EloctdcalShock Hazard
Do not plug into the electricalsupply
untilthe assembly is complete. Failure
to do so could resultineloctdcalshock
or injury.
Before assembling vacuum, check the
PACKING LIST on the cover of the separate
Repair Parts List. Use this list to verify that
you have received all the components of
your new Kenmore vacuum.
Remove the tape located below the dust
cover/filter cover on the motor case.
Tape
Position the handle as shown in the illustra-
tion below.
Slide the handle into the opening at the top
of the vacuum.
Handle
Screw
Hole
Attach
stretch
hose end to
nozzle as
shown.
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Remove the screw located just below the
top edge of the back of the vacuum.
Insert the screw so it passes through the
handle into the vacuum.
Begin to tighten the screw with your fingers.
It may be necessary to adjust the handle
slightly.
5
Usinga
screw
driver
tighten
the
screw.
Do not overtlghten
Overtighteningcould stripthe screw
holes
Lock the cord into
place by forcing it
into the locking
notch on the body of
the quick release
upper cord hook as
shown. This helps
keep the power cord
out from under the
\
vacuum cleaner agi-
tator.
Wrap the power cord around the upper and
lower cord hooks and lock the power cord
plug onto the power cord.
Notch
Power
Do notoperate the cleaner withoutthe
screw in place
CORD ASSEMBLY
Make sure the quick release upper cord
hook is in the upright position. Remove the
wire tie from the power cord.
HOW TO START
Quick Release
per Cord
k
Turn the quick
release upper
cord hook to
either side
and down to
release the
power cord.
Quick Release
Upper Cord
Hook
Power
Cord
Lower
Cord
II
This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the
outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified technician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any
way.
Plug the polarized power cord into a 120
Volt outlet located near the floor.
Release the power cord plug from the
power cord and pull the cord off the quick
release upper cord hook. Check to be sure
the power cord is still locked into the lock in
the quick release upper cord hook.
Note: To reduce the risk of electric shock,
this vacuum cleaner has a polarized plug,
one blade is wider than the other.
Personal Injuryand ProductDamage
Hazard
• DO NOT plug In if switchIs Inthe ON
position PersonalInjuryor damage
could result
• DO NOT use outletsabove counters
Damage from cord to itemsIn surround-
ing area could occur
6
To select a pile height setting:
Turn off cleaner. Select a ptle height setting
by tdtmg the cleaner back unt=l front wheels
are lifted slightly off the floor as illustrated
Slide the adjustment lever to the correct
setting.
SUGGESTED PILE HEIGHT SE'I-I'INGS
You may need to raise the height to make
some jobs easier, such as scatter rugs and
longer pile carpets. Suggested settings are:
HIGH: shag carpet, long pile, plush, scatter
rugs.
MED: medium to long pile.
LOW: short to medium pile
EX LOW: very low p_le
WARNING
Personal InjuryHazard
DO NOT place hands or feet under-
neath the unit when changingfrom
the bare floorto the carpet pile
height setting.The agitatorbeginsto
revolverapidlywhen the vacuum is
turnedon and is in the carpet set-
Ung.
Bare floor setting: Slide the carpet/bare floor
selector all the way back and down toward
the bottom of the nozzle unt=l it locks into
place.
In th_s pos_hon the brush assembly does not
revolve. This setting should be used for
cleaning hardwood and hie floors and when
any attachments (tools) are used
Carpet setting: Slide the selector all the way
forward and up to the carpet
position.
In this position the brush assembly will turn.
When carpets are being cleaned the selec-
tor should be in this position.
Attention: Refer to your carpet manufactur-
ers cleaning recommendations. Some more
delicate carpets may require that they be
vacuumed with the agitator turned off, to
prevent carpet damage.
!
r. . CAUTION
Do not allow vacuum cleaner to remain
in one spot for any length of time when
the agitator is tuming. Damage to car-
pet may occur.
Note: For longer belt life, turn vacuum off
before moving selector. Failure to do so can
cause the belt to rub on the selector shaft
and may result in the belt becoming hot and
creating a burning rubber smell.
Carpe_are
Floor Selector
To Carpet
Position
To Bare Floor
Position
7
Release the handle by pressing down on
the handle release pedal with your foot and
pulling back and down on the handle with
your hand.
HANDLE MOUNTED
Tostart the vacuum cleaner, slide the
On/Off switchfrom the OFF positionto the
ON position.To stop the vacuumcleaner,
slide the On/Off switchto the OFF position,
Release
Pedal
Crevice Remove the lower end of the stretch hose
Telescopln!
Dusting
Combination
Stretch
Hose
Identify each ofthe a_achments shown
above.
TO USE ATTACHMENTS
Place the carpet/bare floor selector in the
bare floor setting by rotating the selector
back and down to the bare floor setting.
See CARPET/BARE FLOOR SELECTOR
section.
When returning the bare floor selector to
the carpet setting, use caution as the selec-
tor can move quickly to that setting due to
tension created by the belt.
from the cleaner by grasping the hose col-
lar, twisting and pulling straight out. The
attachments can now be added to the hose.
Note: The motor protector may open
when using attachments or when cleaning
new carpet, due to reduced airflow by the
attachments themselves or by new carpet
fuzz filling the dust bin quickly. See the
TROUBLESHOOTING section.
ElectricaJShock And Personal Injury
Hazard
Disconnectelectricalsupplybefore
servicingor cleaning the unit. Failure
to do so could resultinelectricalshook
or personalInjuryfrom cleaner sud-
denlystarting.
The attached
hose swivels to
make cleaning
easier in every
direction. Swivel
Remove the
hose from the
hose clip by
pulling
straight out.
TELESCOPING WAND WITH
SUCTION CONTROL SLIDE
SOME MODELS
Remove the
Crevice telescoping
Tool
Telescoping position.
Wand
wand from
its storage
To achieve maximum reach
with the attachments, Hose
add the crevice tool to
the end of the Suction
wand by inserting Control
and twisting
Telescoping
Wand
Tool
The dusting
brush or the
combination
brush may be
attached
directly to the
wand or
placed on the
end of the crevice tool.
r
Remove the crevice tool from its storage
position in the wand. Turn the locking ring to
the UNLOCK position.
Extend the wand to its full length. Turn the
locking ring to the LOCK position. Attach the
extension wand onto the open end of the
hose.
Lower_ Suction
Wand __h_ Control Slide
( Wend
\ oe.ing.ingI--
_Unlock _/-_ Upper
Wand
Align the tabs on the extension wand with
the "J" slots in the hose. Push the wand into
the hose and twist to the right to lock.
TO OPERATE SUCTION
CONTROL SLIDE
Telescoping Wand
When using attachments for cleaning
draperies, small rugs with low pile and other
delicate items, twist the suction control slide
to the open position. This will reduce suction
for ease of cleaning. Suction
Control
The slide is Slide
located on the
telescoping wand,
close to the hose.
Note: Return suction controlslide to the
closed position for normal cleaning.
When usingattachments, be carefulnot
to overextendthe stretch hose when
reaching.Trying to roach beyond the
hose stretchcapability could cause the
cleanerto tip over. Make sure the car-
bet/bare floorselectoris In the bare floor
position. Damage to the floor surface
may occur ffthe carpet settingIs used.
9
TO STORE A'I-FACHMENTS
Remove dusting brush or combination
brush. Snap into appropriate storage loca-
tion.
Remove crevice tool from the wand by twist-
ing. Lay aside.
Remove the extension wand from the hose.
Twist the wand to the left and pull it away
from the hose end.
Lower
Unlock
\
Lock
Upper
Wand
Unlock the wand by turning the wand lock-
ing ring to the UNLOCK position.
Slide the lower wand into the upper wand.
Turn the wand locking ring to the LOCK
position.
Locking
Ring
EXTENSION HOSE
SOME MODELS
Some models include an extra hose which
connects to the stretch hose on the vacuum
for a longer cleaning reach.
Unit Hose _ Extension Hose
Insert the two tabs on the end of the
extension hose into the two "J" shaped slots
on the unit hose and twist to connect.
All attachments and the telescoping wand
can be attached to the open end of the
hose.
FLOOR BRUSHAND WAND
SOME MODELS
Some models have an extra brush and wand
for cleaning bare floors. Twist one end of the
adaptor into the floor brush and the other
end into the straight wand. Connect the
straight wand to the telescopic wand and
then to the vacuum hose or extension hose.
Place the crevice too,[ down into the com-
pressed wand. Snap ir_to the appropriate
storage location.
Reinsert the hose fully into the opening on
the nozzle base from which it was removed.
Press firmly to assure connection.
CAUTION
CAUTION
When usingthe regular hose or with
the extension hose attached, the
cleanershould be on a solidsurface
on the same level or belowthe level of
the user'sfeet. DO NOT use the hoses
when the cleaner Is above the level of
the user'sfeet.
10
CLEANING AREA
Between
A'i-I-ACHMENT Fumiture* Cushions* Drapes* Stairs Walls
DUSTING BRUSH _ X X X
CREVICE TOOL _ X X X
COMBINATION BRUSH _ X X X
Handi-Mate Jr." _ X X
"Alwayscleanattachmentsbeforeusingon fabrics.
Carpet edges
Guide either side or the front of the nozzle
along a baseboard. The full width agitator
brushes help remove dirt at carpet edges.
Stair8
Put handle in full upright position. Place the
carpet/bare floor selector in the bare floor
position. Use the crevice tool or fabric
brush. Set the On/Off switch to ON.
PersonalInjuryHazard
Use care if vacuum cleaner is placed
on stairs. If It falls, personal InJuwor
propertydamage could result.
For best clean-
ing results, keep
the airflow pas-
sage clear.
Occasionally,
check each of
the areas indi-
cated for clogs.
Unplug the
cleaner from the
outlet before
checking.
11
MOTOR PROTECTION
SYSTEM
ThermalProtector
This vacuum has a thermal protector which
automaticallytripsto protectthe vacuum
from overheating. If a clog preventsthe
normalflowof air tothe motor, the thermal
protectorturnsthe motoroffautomaticallyto
allowthe motor tocool in order to prevent
possibledamage to the vacuum. During this
timethe headlightremains on.
To correctproblem:If this occurs, turn the
vacuumoff and unplugthe power cordfrom
the outletto allow the vacuum to cool and
the thermalprotectorto reset. Check for
and removeclogs,if necessary. Also check
and clean/replaceany cloggedfilters. Wait
approximatelythirty(30) minutesand plug
the vacuum in and tum back onto see ifthe
motorprotectorhas reset. The motor
protectorwill notreset ifthe vacuum is not
turnedoff even if the vacuum has cooled
dowR,
Motor Protector L
This vacuum has a Rotor protector by-
pass valve which automatically opens to
provide cooling air to the motor when a
clog prevents the normal
flow of air to the motor. If
the by-pass valve opens
to prevent motor
overheating and possible
damage to the vacuum,
you will notice a change
of sound as air rushes
through the valve
opening.
Motor
Protector
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
SOME MODELS
When the unit is running with normal air
flow, the light on the performance indicator
is off. The light comes on whenever the
airflow becomes blocked. If that occurs,
check the dust bin, clean/replace clogged
filters, and check other possible clog
locations shown in CLOG REMOVAL.
To correct
the TROUBLE-
problem: See
SHOOTING
chart.
NOTE: The Indicator
light may also come on wtlen using
attachments, due to reduced airflow
through the attachment.
NOTE: In some cases, the performance
indicator light may not come on if the
motor protector has opened.
Note: Do not block motor protector.
To correct problem: See the TROUBLE-
SHOOTING chart.
Note: The motor protector may open when
using attachments or when cleaning new
carpet, due to reduced airflow by the
attachments themselves or by new carpet
fuzz filling the dust bin quickly. See the
TROUBLESHOOTING section.
12
DIRT SENSOR
SOME MODELS
The electronic dirt sensor is a feature which
will detect particles as they pass through the
vacuum cleaner.
The dirt sensor indicators and sensor
sensitivity switch are located on the front of
the switch cover.
A red light indicates dirt is being picked up
by the cleaner. A green light indicates most
of the dirt has been picked up by the
cleaner.
OPERATION
As you vacuum, the red indicatorlight will
come on and stay on as longas the sensor
detects a high concentration of particles
passing through the cleaner.
The green light indicates that most of the
cleaning is complete.
The sensor switch allows you to select the
sensitivity of the dirt sensor. The switch can
be set to HI (+) or LO (-) sensitivity.
ElectricalShock And Personal Injury
Hazard
Disconnecteloctdcai supply before
servicingor cleaningthe unit. Failure
to do so could result in eloctdcalshock
or personalInjuryfrom cleaner sud-
danlystarting.
TO CLEAN DIRT SENSOR OPTICS
The dirt sensor optics consist of two optic
cells located inside the dust bin port.
Occasionally, it may become necessary to
clean the two optic cells to assure
maximum performance. It is
recommended the optic cells be cleaned:
• When the red light stays on
continuously.
• When the green light stays on
continuously.
• When dirt or dust adheres to the
optic cells.
• Whenever the dust bin is cleaned.
a
Set the sensor switch to the HI (+) position
when:
• Cleaning bare floors.
• Cleaning carpet with low pile height.
Set the sensor switch to the LO (-) position
when:
• Cleaning heavily soiled areas.
• Cleaning carpet with deep pile.
• Cleaning new carpets.
Even with the sensor switch in the LO (-)
position, the dirt sensor will detect carpet
fuzz, especially on new carpet, which may
cause the red light to remain on longer than
expected.
I\ =_.'- _ . Sensor |
\ _ _/ / Sensitivity I
\--- j s ,o. I
To clean the sensor, wipe the optic cells with
a soft, dry cloth. Never use cleaners or
liquids as they can help speed the recoating
of the optic cells and make it necessary to
clean them much sooner than normal. The
dirt sensor area can be reached by
removing the dust bin.
Opec
13
Always follow all safety precautions when
cleaning and servicing the vacuum
cleaner.
Gather the cord and wrap it loosely around
the upper and lower cord hooks.
ElectdcalShock And Personal Injury
Hazard
Disconnectelectrical supply before
servicingor cleaningthe unit. Failure
to do so could resultinelectrical shock
or personalinjuryfrom cleaner sud-
denlystarting.
Store the cleaner
in a dry, indoor
area, on the floor
with the handle
locked in the
upright
position.
Unplug cord from wall outlet.
Clean exterior using a clean, soft cloth that
has been dipped in a solution of mild liquid
detergent and water, then wrung dry. Wipe
dry after cleaning. DO NOT drip water on
cleaner.
Wash attachments in warm soapy water,
rinse and air dry, Do not clean in dishwash-
er.
ElectdcalShock And Personal Injury
Hazard
Wrappingthe cord tootightlyputs
stresson the cord and can cause cord
damage. A damaged cord Is an electd-
cal shock hazard and couldcause per-
sonalinjuryordamage.
Do notuse attachmentsifthey wet.
Attachmentsused In dirtyareas, such
as under a refdgerator, shouldnot be
used onothersurfacesuntilthey are
washed. They couldleave marks.
14
Alwaysempty the dust bin when dirt level
reaches the =MAX FILL" line.
TO REMOVE DUST BIN
! WARNING
Always unplug power cord from electri-
cal outlet before performing any ser-
vice onvacuum.
• . DustBin .,A !_'_=_!%
Lift dust bm han- Release -I_,_,._
die located at the Handle ---._,____._
top of the dust _ _'1
bin. Dust I
Bin -_
Pul! the handle for-
ward and lift dust bin
up and out of the
vacuum cleaner.
TO EMPTY DUST BIN
Turn This Direction Closed
U
H
Open
(For Emptying)
Rotate dust bin lid assembly counterclock-
wise as indicated on the lid and lift off.
Remove any
clogs that DustBin
might be locat-
ed in the dust
bin port or the
secondary fil-
ter.
Secondary
Filter--
.;e4_
TO CLEAN FILTER
The filter may
be cleaned by
tapping it on a
firm surface or
by rinsing it
under a faucet•
Rinse with
water only, do
not use any
detergent or
soap. Allow the
filter to dry for
24 hours before
putting it back
into the vacuum.
Pour dust bin contents
into a trash container.
Cover
15