Owner' s Man_
Vacuum Cleaner
Model 116.31079
116.38079
116.39079
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
safety and operating
instructionsbefore first
use of this product°
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.sears.com
Part Noo CO1ZAUC20UO_-4371388_ Printed in USoA.
Before Using Your New Vacuum ....... 2
Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Warranty ... 2
Important Safety Instructions ............ 3
Parts and Features ................... 4
Assembly Instructions ............. 5-6
Operating Instructions ................ 7
Releasing the Handle ................... 7
ON/OFF Switch ...................... 7
Attachments ......................... 8
Attachment Use Chart .................... 8
Vacuuming Tips ......................... 9
Vacuum Cleaner Care .................. 9
Vacuum Storage ......................... 9
Cleaning Exterior and Attachments ..... 10
Dust Bag Changing ................ t0-11
Motor Safety Filter Cleaning .............. 11
Belt Chang{ng, Brush Changing,
and Brush Cleaning .............. t2-14
Clog Removal ............................ 15
Motor Protector .......................... 15
Troubleshooting ..................... 16
Requesting Assistance Or Service .... 17
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 the care and operation, call your nearest Sears store. You will
need the complete model and serial numbers when requesting information_ Your vacuum'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 Kenmore
vacuum,,
Model No.
Serial No.
Date of Purchase
Keep this book and your sales check (receipt) in a safe place for future reference.
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.
For warranty service, return this vacuum cleaner to the nearest Sears Service Center in
the United States.
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 to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/617 WA, Hoffman Estates, 1L 60179
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 pre-
cautions 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.
Disconnect electrical supply before any
servicing or cleaning° Failure to do so
could result in electrical shock or person TM
at 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 outdoors, or
dropped into water, return it to a Sears
Service Center/Department.
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°
Do not 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_
Do not handle plug or cleaner with wet
hands.
Do not put any objects into openings, one unable to operate it properly.
Do not use with any opening blocked;
keep free of dust, lint, hair and anything
that may reduce air flowo
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all
parts of body away from openings and
moving parts.
Do not use cleaner without dust bag
and/or filters in place.
Always change the dust bag after vacu-
uming carpet cleaners or freshener, pow-
ders 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
cleaner.
Do not use the cleaner to pick up sharp
hard objects, small toys, pins, paper
clips, etc. They may damage the cleaner
or dust bag
Do not pick up anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches,
or hot ashes.
Do not use 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.
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 any-
SN]E rHESE NSTRUCTIONS
Proper assembly and safe use of your vacuum cleaner are your responsibitities_ 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, electri-
cal shock, burns and personal injury. CAUTION statements alert you to such dangers
as personal injury andlor property damage,
Itis important to know your vacuum cleaner 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
Dust Bag 20-50686 20-50680
_Belt ................20o-5275...... 20-40096
Dusting
Brush
Belt
Holder
Switch
(Dust Bag Inside)
,Motor Safety
Filter (Inside
Dust Cover)
Handle Release
Step For
Lower
Cord
Handle
Clean.Out
Port
Motor
Serial
Number
Warning
Lal
Cover
Release
Tool
Short
Hose
Furniture
Guard
ATTACHMENTS
Wand
.....i/
t
Crevice Tool
4
Beforeassemblingvacuum,checkthe
PACKINGLISTonthecoverofthe separate
RepairPartsList.Usethislistto verifythat
youhavereceivedallthecomponentsof
yournewKenmorevacuum.
• wA.NNG
Handle
Screw
Electrical Shock Hazard
Do not plug into the electrical sup-
ply until the assembly is complete.
Failure to do so could result in elec-
trical shock or injury.
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Cord
Hooks q
Back Of
Vacuum Cleaner
Remove the handle screw located just
below the top edge of the back of the vacu-
umo See illustration above,
Position the handle so the cord hooks are
toward the back of the cteaner_
Insert the ---Screw Hole
handle into _ In Handle
the open- \\_i-__Screw Hole
top of the
vacuum°
ing at the \ill)lL In Vacuum
Align the handle screw in the hole in the
handle and the handle screw hole in the
back of the vacuum,
Back of
Vacuum
Screw
and Hole
Insert the handle screw so it passes
through the back of the vacuum into the
handle.
Begin to tighten the screw with your fingers..
It may be necessary to adjust the handle
slightly.
5
Donot overtighteno
Overtighteningcouldstrip the screw
holes.
Donot operatethe cleanerwithout
thescrew in place.
Using a
screwdriver,
tighten the
screw.
ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY
After the handle has been assembled to the
body and the power cord has been wrapped
around the cord hooks, the attachments can
be assembled.
1, The hose can then be routed in front of
the handle and over the hose support.
2, The hose can then be placed over the
end of the short hose, twisting as you push
down.
3. The dusting brush can be placed on the
wand and placed in the holder in front of the
hose with the brush portion up.
4. The crevice tool can be slipped down
into the holder beside the wand.
Hose
CORD ASSEMBLY
Make sure the quick release cord hook is in
the upright position. Remove the wire tie
from the power cord_
Lock the cord into
place by forcing it
into the locking
notch on the body
of the quick
release cord hook
as shown° This
helps keep the
power cord out
from under the
vacuum cleaner
agitator.
Upper
Power
Lower
Cord
Notch
Power
Wrap the
power cord
around the
upper and
lower cord
hooks.
Dus ring
Brush
Hose
Support
Hose
HOW TO START
1 ou,o
Release
Hook
2, Release the power cord plug from the
power cord and pull the cord off the quick
release cord hook. Check to be sure the
power cord is still locked into the locking
notch in the quick release cord hook
3. Check to see if the cleaner has bag
installed. See DUST BAG CHANGING.
1. Turn the
quick release
cord hook to
either side and
down to
release the
power cord+
WARNING
Personal Injury and Product Damage
Hazard
• DO NOT plug in if switch is in the
ON position. Personal injury or dam-
age could result.
• DO NOT use outlets above coun-
ters. Damage to items in surrounding
area could occur.
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 polarized outlet only one way+ If
the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, con-
tact a qualified technician to install the prop-
er outleL Do not change the plug in any
way+
4, Plug the polarized power cord into a 120
Volt outlet located near the floor,
To release the handle, place your foot on
the foot step for handle release and pull
back on the handle until it releases from its
upright position° Raising the handle up will
catch the handle support spring and hold
the handle in the upright position.
With your left hand reach down and push
the On/Off switch to the right. The cleaner
will now start To shut the cleaner off, reach
down and push the switch to the left.
Foot Step For
Handle Release
E_ wARNiNG
Personal Injury Hazard
DO NOT place hands or feet under-
neath the unit when inserting the
hose. When using the attachments,
the agitator begins rotating. Do not
allow the cleaner to remain in just
one place for a period of time, as
the agitator may damage the floor
surface. Avoid placing the cleaner
on furniture, the fringed area of
rugs, deep pile carpeting, or carpet-
ed stairs. The ideal position for the
cleaner when using attachments is
for the unit to be on a level area
with the handle in the FULL
UPRIGHT position.
If more reach is needed, the wand can be
attached to the hose and the attachments
can be added to the wand
! 0N I
When using attachments, be careful
not to overextend the hose length
when reaching. Trying to reach
beyond the hose reach could cause
the cleaner to tip over.
If the dusting brush is being used and more
distance is needed, the crevice tool can be
added to the wand, then the dusting brush
can be added to the crevice tool
TO USE ATTACHMENTS:
Place the cleaner on a flat surface.
The hose can be pulled off the short hose
by grasping the cuff and twisting while
pulling up.
The attachments can be added to the hose
if the item to be cleaned is not far from the
cleaner_
C,ovi!eTool l
Dusting Brush Wand
TO STORE ATTACHMENTS
Return the hose to its position on the short
hose and the attachments to their holders.
•_ CAUTION .....
Attachments used in dirty areas,
such as under a refrigerator, should
not be used on other surfaces until
they are washed. They could leave
marks,
CLEANING AREA
ATTACHMENT Furniture*
ou ,NOO.us, x
CREVICE TOOL _;_ X
The motor protector may open when using attachments or whencleaning new carpet due to reduced air flow by the
attachments themselves or by new carpet fuzz filting the bag quickly
*Always ctean atlachments before using on fabrics
Between
Cushions*
X
Drapes* Stairs
..............t .............................
x x
X
Wails
x
! WARNING ..............
Personal Injury Hazard
Use care if vacuum cleaner is
placed on stairs. If it falls, personal
injury or property damage could
result.
Always follow all safety precautions when
cleaning and servicing the vacuum
cleaner.
Carpet edges.
Guide either side or the front of the nozzle
along a baseboard. The full length brushes
help remove trapped dirt at carpet edges.
• WARNING
Electrical Shock And Personal Injury
Hazard
Disconnect electrical supply before
servicing or cleaning the unit.
Failure to do so could result in elec-
trical shock or personal injury from
cleaner suddenly starting.
Gather the power cord and wrap it loosely
around the upper and lower cord hooks.
Store the cleaner in a
indoor area, on
the floor with the han-
dle locked in the
Quick
Release
Cord
Power
Lower
Cord
upright position.
E WARNiNG .......
Electrical Shock And Personal Injury
Hazard
Wrapping the cord too tightly puts
stress on the cord and can cause
cord damage, A damaged cord is an
electrical shock hazard and could
cause personal injury or damage.
9
Unplug cord from wall outlet° DO NOT drip
water on cleaner.
DO NOT USE ATTACHMENTS IFTHEY ARE
WET,
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,
To reduce static electricity and dust build-
up, wipe outer surface of cleaner and
attachments,
Wash attachments in warm soapy water,
rinse and air dry,. Do not clean in dish-
washer.
REMOVE DUST BAG:
WARNING
Iways unplug power cord from
outlet before performing
service on vacuum.
ii i i _!, i,,,
• CAUTION
Attachments used in dirty areas,
such as under a refrigerator,
should not be used on other
surfaces until they are washed.
They could leave marks.
Grasp the dust
bag collar and
pull gently, care-
fully removing
the dust bag.
Throw away the
used dust bag°
DO NOT reuse.
Lay cover
aside.
Squeeze the
dust cover
release and pull
forward on the
top of the dust
cover to remove
the cover.
-Dust Bag
Cover
NEVER REUSE A DUST BAG. Very
fine materials, such as carpet fresh-
ener, face powder, fine dust, plaster,
soot, etc. can clog the bag and
cause it
Change
_reit is full.
when vacu-
uming tl
Check the
tube and t_
motor safe!
filter_
If either is
blocked, cl
the TROU.
BLESHOC
ING chart,
Tube
Safety
Filter
10
TO REPLACE BAG:
Fold the safety
seal tab on the
new dust bag
away from the
opening that
fits on the dirt
tube°
NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for
Dust Bag #.
Unfold the new dust bag.
Insert the dust
bag onto the dirt
tube completely
"_...... by holding the
dust bag collar
and pushing it
onto the dirt tube
Position
the dust
bag cover
so its posi-
tioning tab
fits into
the body
positioning
slot.
_ _ Dust Bag
a ! r-'osidoning
/ _ cover
/
Close the
dust bag
cover,
You will hear
a distinct
snap when
cover is
securely
closed.
Check the motor filter frequently and clean
when dirty,
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Do not operate the cleaner without
the motor safety filter° Be sure the
filter is dry and properly installed to
prevent motor failure andlor electri-
cal shock.
Remove the dust bag as outlined in the
DUST BAG CHANGING section.
tf the filter, located in the bottom of the dust
cover cavity, is dirty, remove it by pulling for-
ward out from under the ribs.
Wash the foam filter in warm soapy water,
rinse and dry thoroughly by squeezing the
filter in your hand and letting it air dry-
DO NOT wash in the dishwasher.
DO NOT install damp.
Repiace the foam filter by sliding it back into
place under the ribs in the dust cover cavity
Replace the dust bag as outlined in the
DUST BAG CHANGING section.
11