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
2
n
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 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, , ...........................
3
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)
4
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
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 ,
8
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_
L_
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*
X
Between
Cushions*
10
CLEANING AREA
Drapes*
X
X
X
Stairs Walls
X
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.
11
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
12
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.
13
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.
14 ....
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