Kenmore 11638412790 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
Vacuum Cleaner
Model 116.38412
CAUTION:
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.
Part No, CO1ZAPYOOU00-4370481 Printed in U.S,A.
Before UsingYour New Vacuum ..... 2
Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Warranty _, 2
Important Safety Instructions ........ 3
Parts and Features ................. 4
Assembly instructions .............. 5
Operating instructions ............... 6
Pile Height Selection and Setting ........ 7
Carpet/Bare Floor Selector ............. 7
Releasing the Handle ................. 8
On/Off Switch ........................ 8
Attachments ..................... 8-10
Attachment Use Chart ............... I0
Vacuuming Tips .................... 11
Performance Features ............. 11-12
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,
Vacuum Cleaner Care ................ 12
Vacuum Storage .................... 12
Cleaning Exterior and Attachments ....... 12
Bag Changing ..................... 13
Motor Safety Filter Changing ........ 14-15
Exhaust Filter Cleaning .............. t5
Belt Changing and Brush Cleaning ...16-18
Clog Removal ....................... 19
Ltght Bulb Changing ................. 20
Brush Servicing .................... 21
Agitator Assembly .................. 2t
Troubleshooting .................... 22
Requesting Assistance Or Service ., ,23
Use the space below to record the model number and sedal 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/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
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 surface&
Disconnect electrical supply before any
servicing or cleaning Failure to do so
could result in electrical shock or person-
al injury
Always turn cleaner off before unplug-
ging.
Do not unplug by pulling on cor& 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 corner& 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.
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 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 bursL 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, 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 tiquids (gasoIine, 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-
one 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, electri-
cal shock, burns and personal injury_ CAUTION statements alert you to such dangers
as personal injury andlor property damage°
3
It is important to know your vacuum cleaner parts and features to assure its proper and
safe user Review these before using your cleaner.
Item
Part No,
In U.S.
Dust _ag
Headlight Bulb
Belt 20-5275
20-50688
20-5240
Motor Safety Filter 20-86886
Quick Release
Cord Hook ÷
Power Cord
Lower
Part No.
In Canada
20-50680
20-40600
2O-40096
20-86886C
Height Adjustment
Lever
On/Off Switch
Handle Mounted
(Some Models)
On/Off Switch
Body Mounted
(Some Models)
Release
Performance
Indicator
(Some Models)
Bag Cove_
Bag Cover -- -,-
Exhaust Panel
Handt _.
Cart}
Crevice
Telescoping
Wand
Clean.Out
Port Cover
Dusting
Brush
Upholstery
Tool
Handle
Release
Pedal
Model/Serial
Numbers
Headfight
Ready-to-Use
1 I Swivel Hose
Stretch Hose
1ttoo,
Agitator
Belt
Carpet/Bare
Floor Selector
(Some Models)
Base
Plate
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°
• WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Do not plug Into the electrical sup-
ply until the assembly is complete.
Failure to do so could result in
electrical shock or injury.
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Before assembling your vacuum cleaner
be sure you have all the parts shown.
Cord
Hooks
Carry Handle
Screw
Remove the screw located just below the
carry handle on the back side of the
vacuum,
Position the handle so the cord hooks are
toward the back of the cleaner.
Insert the handle Into the opening at the
top of the vacuum.
Align the screw
hole in the handle
with the screw hole
in the vacuum°
\
Hole
Opening
for Handle
Screw
Hole
Back of
Vacuum
Cleaner
Insert the screw so
it passes through
the back of the
vacuum into the
handle.
Ill
Begin to tighten Handle
the screw with your Screw
fingers. It may be Hole
necessary to
adjust the handle
slightly.
__ Carry Handle
/
Using a
screw-
driver,
tighten
the
screw.
CORD ASSEMBLY
Make sure the quick release upper 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
upper cord hook
\
as shown. This
helps keep the
power cord out
from under the
vacuum cleaner
agitator,
Cord
Do not overtighten.
Overtightening could strip the
screw holes,
Do not operate the cleaner without
the screw in place.
HOW TO START
1. Turn the
quick
release cord
hook to
either side
and down to
release the
power cord,
Quick
Release
Hook
Wrap the
power cord
around the
upper and
lower cord
Cord --
Power
Lower Cord
hooks and
lock the
power cord
plug onto
the power
cord.
ized 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, contact a qualified technician
to install the proper outleL Do not change
the plug in any way.
4. Plug the polarized power cord into a
120 Volt outlet located near the floor.
2. Release the power cord plug from the
power cord and pull the cord off the upper
cord hook. Check to be sure the power
cord is still locked into the lock in the
upper cord hook.
3, Check to see if the cleaner has bag
installed, See BAG CHANGING_
NOTE: To reduce the risk of electric
shock, this vacuum cleaner has a polar-
Personal Injury and Product Damage
Hazard
• DO NOT plug in if switch is in the ON
position, Personal injury or damage
could result.
, DO NOT use outlets above counters,
Damage to items in surrounding area
could occur,
Toselect a pile height setting:
Turn off cleaner. Select a pile height set-
ting by tilting the cleaner back until front
wheels are lifted slightly off the floor as
illustrated_
Slide the adjustment lever to the correct
setting_
SUGGESTED PILE HEIGHT SETTINGS
You may need to raise the height to make
some jobs easier, such as scatter rugs
and longer pile carpets. Suggested set-
tings are:
HIGH: shag carpet, long pile, plush, scat-
ter rugs.
MED: medium to tong pile.
LOW: short to medium pile_
EX LOW: very low pile.
.............................
WARNING
Personal Injury Hazard
DO NOT place hands or feet
underneath the unit when chang-
Ing from the bare floor to the car-
pet pile height setting. The agitator
begins to revolve rapidly when the
vacuum is turned on and Is in the
carpet setting,
SOME MODELS
Bare floor settlng: Rotate the
carpet/bare floor selector al! the way back
and down toward the bottom of the nozzle
untilit locks into place.
In this position the agitator does not
revolve. This setting should be used for
cleaning hardwood and tile floors and
when any attachments (tools) are
used.
Carpet setting: Slide the selector all the
way forward and up to the carpet
position,
tn this position the agitator will turn.
When carpets are being cleaned the
selector should be in this position,
Note: For longer belt life, turn vacuum off
before moving selector, otherwise make
sure the selector is pushed fully and
quickly as possible to the desired posi-
tion. 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
Carpet/Bare
Floor Selector
To Carpet
Position
Position
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
Release Pedal
HANDLE MOUNTED
SOME MODELS
To start the vacuum
cleaner, slide the
On!Off switch from
the OFF position to
the ON position. To
stop the vacuum cleaner,
slide the On/Off switch to
the OFF position.
Crevice
Tool....
Telescoping
Dusting Stretch
Upholstery Hose
Hose
Collar
BODY MOUNTED
SOME MODELS
To start the vacuum cleaner, put the
On/Off switch on the top of the body in
the ON position. To stop the cleaner, put
theswitchOn/Offin _-_ i'
F---'-'On!Off I
position.
the OFF
Pewer-_. 7 I _ Handle
When returning the bare floor selector to
the carpet setting, use caution as the
selector can move quickly to that setting
due to tension created by the belt.
Remove the lower end of the stretch hose
from the cleaner by grasping the hose
collar, twisting and pulling straight out.
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 bag quickly. See the
TROUBLESHOOTING section.
Identify each of the attachments shown
above.
TO USE ATTACHMENTS:
Place the 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.
WARNING
Electrical Shock And Personal
Injury Hazard
Disconnect electrical supply before
servicing or cleaning the unit.
Failure to do so could result in
electrical shock or personal Injury
from cleaner suddenly starting.
The attached
hose end swivels
to make cleaning
easier in every
direction_
Swivel
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 Iocko
To achieve maximum reach the attach-
ments, add the crevice of the
wand by inserting and ttly.
Suctlor,
Control
Slide
Telescoping
Wand
Remove the
telescoping
wand from
its storage
position°
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,
[-_,_Wand -[_._,_ Control
\ Un_ock_."y Upper
Wand
Wand,
f_e u¢lC_
Tool
The dusting brush and the upholstery tooI
When using attachments, be careful
not to overextend the stretch hose
when reaching, Trying to reach
beyond the hose stretch capability
could cause the cleaner to tip over,
may be attached directly to the wand or
placed on the
crevice too!
for additional
reach.
TO OPERATE SUCTION CONTROL
SLIDE
TELESCOPING WAND
When using attachments for cleaning
draperies, sma!l rugs with low pile and other
delicate items, twist the suction control slide
to the open position. This slide is located on
the telescoping wand, close to the hose
This will reduce suction for ease of
cleaning.
NOTE - Return the suction control slide to
the closed position for normal cleaning,
Suction
Control
Slide
TO STORE ATTACHMENTS:
Remove dusting brush or upholstery tool.
Snap into appropriate storage location.
Remove crevice tool from the wand by
twisting. Lay aside.
Remove the extension wand from the
hose. Twist the wand to the left and pull
from the hose end.
!B CAUTiON
DO NOT pull the vacuum cleaner
around the room by the hose.
Property damage could result.
TO USE EXTENSION HOSE:
SOME MODELS
The stretch hose attached to the vacuum
cleaner has two "J" shaped slots inthe
end where attachments fit.
Unit Hose _ Extension Hose
Unlock the wand by turning the wand
locking ring to the UNLOCK position.
Slide the lower wand into the upper wand.
Turn the wand locking ring to the LOCK
position.
Place the crevice tool down into the com-
pressed wand° Snap into the appropriate
storage location.
Be sure the unit is turned off. Reinsert the
hose fully into the opening on the lower
body from which it was removed. Press
firmly to assure connection.
! wARNING
Personal Injury Hazard
DO NOT place hands or feet under-
neath the unit when Inserting the
hose, The agitator begins to
revolve rapidly when the vacuum is
turned on.
iiiiii ii i iiiiiiiiii i i
The extension hose has two tabs on the
end that can be pushed into the slots and
twisted to attach the two hoses together.
Attachments and the telescoping wand
can be attached to the other end of the
extension hose for additional reach.
if your model did not come with an
extension hose, you can purchase one at
any SEARS retail store with part number
20-52571. In Canada 20-40975.
!
• CAUTION
When using the regular hose or
with the extension hose attached,
the cleaner should be on a solid
surface on the same level or below
the level of the user's feet. DO NOT
use the hoses when the cleaner is
above the level of the user's feet.
CLEANING AREA
Between
ATTACHMENT Furniture* Cushions* Drapes* Stairs Walls
DUSTING BRUSH
CREVICE TOOL
FABRIC BRUSH
*Always clean attachmentsbefore using on fabrics,
X X X
X X X
X X X
10
Carpet edges.
Guide either side or the front of the noz-.
zle along a baseboard. The full length
brushes help remove dirt at carpet edges.
Stairs.
Put handle in full upright position. Use the
crevice too! or fabric brush°
Personal Injury Hazard
Use care If vacuum cleaner is
placed on stairs. If it falls, person-
al Injury or property damage could
result.
For best cleaning
results, keep the
airflow passage
clear.
Occasionally,
check each of
the areas indi-
cated for clogs_
Unplug the cleaner
from the outlet before
checking.
When using the regular hose or
with the extension hose attached,
the cleaner should be on a solid
surface, such as the floor, on the
same level or below the level of the
user's feet. Do NOT use the hoses
when the cleaner is above the level
of the user's feet.
! ' i i i
WARNING
Electrical Shock And Personal
Injury Hazard
Disconnect electrical supply before
servicing or cleaning the unit.
Failure to do so could result in
electrical shock or personal Injury
from cleaner suddenly starting.
MOTOR PROTECTION
SYSTEM
This vacuum has a motor 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_
To correct problem:
See the TROUBLE-
SHOOTING
chart.
11
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Po o..a.oo
SOME MODELS Indt_ror
When the unit is running with normal air flow, the lines on the
performance indicator are white. Red lines appear in the
performance indicator whenever the airflow becomes
blocked, if that occurs, check the disposable dust bag, /
motor safety filter and other possible clog locations ..
shown in CLOG REMOVAL. (
NOTE' Red lines may appear when using attachments, %
due to reduced air flow through the attachment. \
To correct problem: See the TROUBLESHOOTING chart.
Always follow all safety precautions when
cleaning and servicing the vacuum
cleaner.
WARNING
Electrical Shock And Personal
Injury Hazard
Disconnect electrical supply before
servicing or cleaning the unit.
Failure to do so could result in
electrical shock or personal injury
from cleaner suddenly starting.
Gather the cord and wrap it loosely
around the upper and lower cord hooks.
Store the cleaner
in a dry, indoor
area, on the floor
with the handle
locked in the
upright
position,
Unplug cord from wall oulJet.DO NOT drip
water on cleaner.
Clean exteriorusing a clean,softcloth that has
been dipped ina solulion of mildliquid deter-
gent and water, thenwrung dry.Wipe dry after
cleaning.
To reduce static electricityand dust build-up,
wipe outer surface of cleaner and attachments.
Wash attachments in warm soapywater, rinse
and airdry. Do not clean In dishwasher.
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.
DONOT USE ATTACHMENTSIFTHEY AREWET.
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.
12
TO REMOVE BAG:
WARNING
Press the
release button
located on the
top of the bag
cover°
Grasp the dust
bag collar and
pull gently, care-
fully removing the
dust bag_
Throw
away the
used dust
bag.
Do not
reuse.
Release
Button
Bag
Cover
CAUTION
Pull the bag
cover forward.
Remove and
lay aside.
Check the dust
tube and the
Bag Holder
motor safety
filter.
If either is
blocked, check
the TROUBLE-
SHOOTING
chart°
TO REPLACE BAG'
Fold the safety
seal tab on the
new dust bag
away from the
opening that
fits on the dust
tube.
NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for
Bag #,
Unfold the new dust bag.
jl
Be sure bottom of dust bag is completely
within bag cavity prior to replacing the
bag cover.
the bag Cover
Position g 1
cover so Body
its posi- Positioning
tioning tab slot
fits into Bag Cover
the body PositioningTab
positioning
tab slot,
Dust Bag
Seal Tab
Insert the dust bag
onto the dust tube
completely by
holding the bag
collar, Snap the
dust bag collar
into position.
Ba ---L'_.
NEVER REUSE A DUST BAG. Very
fine materials, such as carpet
freshener, face powder, fine dust,
plaster, soot, etc. can clog the bag
and cause It to burst before it is
full, Change bag more often when
vacuuming these materials.
13
Bag --T'_F_
Close the bag
cover,
You will hear a
distinct snap
when cover is
securely closed.
Check motor safety filter frequently and
change when dirty_
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 and/or
electrical shock.
Always unplug power cord from
electrical outlet before performing
any service on vacuum.
J Ii'll JIlljlIII IHI
TO REMOVE BAG:
MOTOR SAFETY FILTER
ELECTROSTATIC
This white and grey filter must be
replaced when dirty. It should be replaced
regularly depending on use conditions.
The filter cannot be washed as it will
lose Its dust trapping ability,
NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for
motor safety filter #.
Press the release Release
button located on Button
the top of the bag
cover.
Pull the bag
cover forward.
Remove and lay
aside.
Grasp the dust
bag collar and
pull gently, care-
fully removing
the dust bag.
If the motor safety filter located at the
base of the bag cavity is dirty, remove it
by pulling forward out from under the ribso
Replace the filter,white side up, by slld-
ing it back into place under the ribs in the
bag cavity.
TO REPLACE BAG:
Dust Bag
Seal Tab
Fold the
safety sea!
tab on the
new bag
away from the
opening that
fits on the dirt
tube.
CAUTION
NEVER REUSE A DUST BAG.Vary
fine materials, such as carpet
freshenars, face powder, fine dust,
plaster, soot, etc. can clog the bag
and cause it to burst before it is
full. Change bag more often when
vacuuming these materials.
i iiii,11111
14
Loading...