Kenmore 116.38812890 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

Vacuum Cleaner

Model 116.38512

116.38613

116.38812

116.38912

116.39512

116.39612

116.39712

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.

www.sears.com

Part No. COIZAMA3_UO{D-437_827 Printed in tlSA.

Before Using Your New Vacuum ....... 2

Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Warranty , ,o 2

Important Safety Instructions ......... 3

Parts and Features .................... 4

Assembly Instructions ............... 5-6

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 ............ 10

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

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.

Performance Features ............. 1t .12

Vacuum Cleaner Care ................. 13

Vacuum Storage .......................... 13

Cleaning Exterior and Attachments ..... 13

Dust Bag Changing ................... 14

Fitter Changing ................... I5

Belt Changing and Agitator Cleaning ° 16-18

Clog Removal ..................... 19

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

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

Agitator Assembly ............. 21

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

Requesting Assistance Or Service . 23

Use the space be!ow 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..

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

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-

al injury. Always turn cleaner off before unplug-

ging. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To

unptug, 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.

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 withwet 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 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 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, 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_r),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-

SAVE THESE NSTRUCTIONS

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 and/or property damage_

i i i i ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, , ...........................

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

Dust Bag 20-50690 20-50690C

, ,,, ,

Headlight Bulb 20-5240 20-40600

On/Off

Switch

Belt 20-5275 2040096

Exhaust Filter 20-86881 .............20-86881C

Motor Safety Filter 20-86884 20-86884C

Quick Release

Sensor

I (Some Models)

Performance

Indicator

(Some Models)

Powe

Lower

Cord Hooks

Carry

Crevice Tool --_

Telescoping

Dusting

Brush

Combination

Brush

Handle

Release Pedal

ll li Swivel Hose

Stretch Hose

Motor

Protector

Floor Selector

Nozzle

Cover

Latch

Base

Headlight (Underneath)

Spare Belt (Underneath Nozzle Cover,

Behind Height Adjust Assembly)

EXTENSION HOSE KITS

SOME MODELS

Extension Hose

._SOME MODELS

_T_ Adaptor

Model/Serial Numbers

toor BrUShan d

Agitator (Underneath)

WARNING

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°

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- tionbelow_

Slide the handle into the opening at the top of the vacuum°

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.

Usinga

screwdriver, tightenthe

screw.

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 agitator.

Lock#

Power

CAUTION

Do not overtighten. Overtightening could strip the

screw holes.

Do not operate the cleaner without

the 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

1. Turn the

] F _Qulck Release

"_ Upper Cord

quick release

upper cord hook to

either side and down to

release the power cord..

Wrap the power cord around the upper and lower cord hooks and lock the power

cord plug onto the power cord.

Uppe_Cord

Hook

Power

Cord

Lower

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 plugo If it still does not fit, contact a qualified technician to install the proper outlet. Do not change

the plug in any way. 4, Plug the polarized power cord into a

I20 Volt outlet located near the floor.

2. 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.

3. Check to see if the cleaner has bag installed. See DUST 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 coun- ters. Damage from cord 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

illustratedo

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 long pile. LOW: short to medium pile,

EX LOW: very low pile_

SOME MODELS

Bare floor setting: Slide the carpet/bare floor selector alI the way back and down

toward the bottom of the nozzle until it

locks into place° In this position the brush assembly 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.

In this position the brush assembly will

turn. When carpets are being cleaned the

selector should be in this position.

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,

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

position. Failure to do so can cause the belt to rub on the selector shaft and may result in the belt becoming hot and creat-

ing a burning rubber smell.

Carpet/Bare Floor Selector

Attention: Refer to your carpet manufac-

turers cleaning recommendations. Some

more delicate carpets may require that

they be vacuumed with the agitator turned

off, to prevent carpet damage.

To Bare Floor

Position

To Carpet

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

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.

Release

Pedal

Tool,.._

Telescoping

Dusting

Hose

Combination

Collar

Identify each of the attachments 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 selector can move quickly to that setting

due to tension created by the belto

Remove the lower end of the stretch hose from the cleaner by grasping the hose collar, 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 bag quickly. See the TROUBLESHOOTING 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,

,l,,,H,,,i ,

Theattached hoseswivelsto

makecleaning Swivel-.

easier in every direction.

Remove the hose from the

hose clip by pulling straight

out.

To achieve maximum reach with the attachments, add

the crevice tool to the end Hose. of the wand by inserting

and twisting slightly suction

Control

Telescoping

Wand,

TELESCOPING WAND WITH SUCTION CONTROL SLIDE

SOME MODELS

Crevice

Tool

Remove the

Telescoping

Wand

Remove the crevice tool from its storage position in the wan& 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 Slide

telescoping wand from

its storage position,

Suction

Crevice Tool

When using the dusting brush or

the combination brush, they may

be attached directly to the

wand or placed on the end of

the crevice tool.,

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 lever is located on the telescoping wand, close to

the hose.

Suction

Control

Slide

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.

7-' _' _ • _ .........

This will reduce suction for ease of cleaning.

NOTE: Return suction control slide to the

closed position for normal cleaning..

CAUTION

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. Make sure the carpet/bare floor

selector is in the bare floor position,

Damage to the floor surface may occur if the carpet setting is used,

TO STORE ATTACHMENTS

Remove dusting brush or combination brush_ Snap into appropriate storage loca-

tion,

Remove crevice toot from the wand by twist-

ing, Lay aside.

Remove the extension wand from the hose,

Twist the wand to the left and pull from the

hose end,

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,

Place the crevice tool down into the com- pressed wand, Snap into the appropriate

storage location. Reinsert the hose fully into the opening on

the lower body from which it was removed, Press firmly to assure connection

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 BRUSH AND 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 terescopic wand and

then to the vacuum hose or extension hose,

Floor Brush ----_

Wand J Adaptor 0_

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.

ATTACHMENT

DUSTING BRUSH

CREVICETOOL _ X

COMBINATION BRUSH _I X

*Always cleanattachmentsbefore using onfabrics.

Furniture*

Between

Cushions*

CLEANING AREA

Drapes*

Stairs Walls

X X

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, Place the carpet/bare floor selector in the bare floor position. Use the crevice tool or fab-

ric brush. Set the On/Off switch to ON.

Personal Injury Hazard

Use care if vacuum cleaner is placed on stairs. If it falls, person- al injury or property damage could

result.

i1,1

For best clean- ing results, keep the air-

flow passage

clear. Occasionally,

check each of

the areas indi-

cated for clogs° Unplug the

cleaner from the outiet before checking.

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,

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 bag quickly See the

TROUBLESHOOTING section.

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 disposable dust bag, motor safety filter and other possible clog

locations shown in CLOG REMOVAL.

To correct

problem:

See the TROUBLE-

SHOOTING chart.

NOTE: The light may

also come on when using

attachments, due to

reduced airflow through the

attachment.

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 coven

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

cleanen

OPERATION

As you vacuum, the red indicator light will come on and stay on as long as 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 senson The switch can be set to Ht (+) or LO (-) sensitivityr

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.

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.

TO CLEAN DIRT SENSOR OPTICS

The dirt sensor optics consist of two optic cells located inside the bag holder. 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 bag is changed.

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 cover and

the dust bag,,

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.

Sensitivity

Switch

t I

Switch

I Cover

Optic

Holder

Alwaysfollowall safetyprecautionswhen cleaningand servicing the vacuum

cleaner.

Gather the cord and wrap it loosely around the upper and lower cord hooks..

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.

WARNING

Store the cleaner in a dry, indoor

area, on the floor with the handle

locked in the upright

position1

Unplug cord from wall outlet. DO NOT drip water on cleaner°

Clean exterior using a clean, soft cloth that has been dipped in a solution of mild liquid deter-

gent 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 dishwasher.

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.

E• CAUTION

Do not use attachments if they are wet. 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.

TO REMOVE DUST BAG

WARNING

iii nl ,innl, , i

Always unplug power cord from

electrical outlet before performing

any service on vacuum.

Pull out on the

bag cover release located

near the top of the bag cover.

Bag /_l l

Cover_

Pull the bag cover forward

and lift up Remove and

lay aside.

oovor-ll

Grasp the dust bag collar and pull gen-

tly, carefully remov- ing the dust bag.

'Throw away the used dust bag.

Do not reuse.

Bag

TO REPLACE DUST BAG

Unfold the new dust bag° oust

Fold the safety Bag

seal tab on the new dust bag

away from the opening that fits on the bag

holder. NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for

Bag number.

insert the dust bag onto the bag holder completely by holding the bag collar.

Place the dust bag collar into position.

Tuck the bag

behind each of

the four bag

retention corner

flaps shown here.

Be sure the bot-

tom and sides of the dust bag are

completely within bag cavity prior to

replacing the bag

cover_

BagHolder Check the bag

holder and the

- Bag Cavity motor safety ill- ter_ If either is

blocked, check

Safety TROUBLE_

Filter SHOOTING.

CAUTION

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.

Position the bag cover so its

positioning tabs fit into the body

positioning tab slots,

Close the bag cover_

You will hear a distinct snap

when cover is securely closed.

Check to see

that the dust bag is fully enclosed in the bag cover.

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