Kenmore 116.39912990 Owner's Manual
Vacuum Cleaner
Owner's Manual
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
safety and operating
instructions before first
use of this product.
Sears, Roebuckand Co.,HoffmanEstates,IL 60179 U.S.A.
www,sears.com
PART NO, CO1ZAVGOOUOO-8174924 Printed in U,S_A,
Before Using Your New Vacuum ......... 2
Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Warranty .o. 2
Important Safety Instructions ....... 3
Upright Vacuum Cleaner Parts and
Features ..................... 4
Assembly Instructions ............... 5.6
Operating Instructions .............. 6
Releasing the Handle ................. 7
ON/OFF Switch ....................... 7
Pite Height Selection and Setting ......... 7
Agitator OnlOff Selector ................ 8
Attachments ...................... 8q 0
Attachment Use Chart ................ 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 the care and operation, call your nearest Sears store. You will
need the complete model and serial numbers when requesting information. 'four vacuum's
model and serial numbers are located on the Model and Serial Number Platen
Vacuuming Tips .................. 11
PerformancelSafety Features ........ 12-13
Vacuum Cleaner Care ................ 14
Vacuum Storage .................... 14
Cleaning Exterior and Attachments ..... 14
Dust Bag Changing ................ 15
Filter Changing ................... 16
Light Bulb Changing .................. 17
Agitator Cleaning ................. 17
Clog Removal ....................... 18
Troubleshooting .................... ! 9
Requesting Assistance Or Service ,_, 2o
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.
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
When used for private household purposes, if within one year from the date of purchase, this
vacuum cleaner fails due to a defect inmaterial or workmanship, RETURN rTTO THE
NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears
will repair it free of charge.
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
G
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
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 CentedDepartment.
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 cteaner 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 alt
parts of body away from openings and
moving parts.
Do not use cleaner without dust bag
and/or filters in ptaceo
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, etco Keep
on floor,.
You are responsible for making sure that
your vacuum cleaner is not used by any-
one unable to operate it properly.
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 carefu!ly 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.
Itis importanttoknowyourvacuumcleaner'spartsandfeaturestoassureitsproperandsafe
use,Reviewthesebeforeusingyourcleaner,,
item Part No. Part No.
In U.S. In Canada
Dust Bag ................2"0'-50690 20-50690C ......
Headlight Bulb 20-5240 20-40600
Exhaust Filter 20-86881 20-86881C
Motor Safety Filter 20-86884
Bag Cover
Bag
Exhaust
Quick Release
Upper
Lower
Cord Hooks
Carry
Crevice
Tool
Wand
Ready.to.Use
! Swivel Hose
Filter Cover
Release --
Exhaust Filter
(inside)
Height
Adjustment
Lever
Headlight
Switch
(Some
Models)
Performance
Indicator
(Some
Models)
Agitator
On/Off
Selector
Release
Pedal
"Nozzle
Base
Agitator Overload
Reset Button
Dusting
Brush
Combination
Brush
Handle
Release
Pedal
Model!Serial
Numbers
Stretch Hose
Motor
Protector
Agitator
(Underneath)
EXTENSION HOSE KITS
SOME MODELS
Extension Hose
tlIlff(flftlfillftflfil
_l :OME MODELS
C_" Adaptor
oor Brush and
o )))
4
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Do not plu 9 into the electrical sup-
ply until the assembly is complete.
Failure to do so could result in elec-
trical shock or injury°
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Before assembling your vacuum cleaner, be
sure you have all the parts as shown in
PARTS AND FEATURES,
Screw
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
Remove the screw located just below the
top edge of the back of the vacuum,
tnsert the screw so it passes through the
handle into the vacuurn_
Begin to tighten the screw with your fingers.
It may be necessary to adjust the handle
slightly_,
5
Usinga
screwdriver,
tighten the
screw°
CAUTION
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,.
Wrap the power cord around the upper and
lower cord hooks and lock the power cord
plug onto the power cord°
Power
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
Quick Release
_ " _ Upper Cord
quick release
upper cord
hook to either
side and
down to
release the
power cord.
Quick
Upper Cord
Hook
Power
Cord
Lower
Cord
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 outlet, Do not change the ptug 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 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 polarized plug,
one blade is wider than the
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.
IIII "11111 IIIII ,i i I IIIJll _IL
6
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,
Note: The agitator will not rotate if the vacu-
um cleaner is in the upright position
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.
Note: This switch operates the suction
motor only. For the agitator to rotate, the
agitator On/Off selector must be in the ON
position and the handle must be released
from the upright position.
\
Handle
Release
Pedal
To select a pile height setting:
Turn off cleaner_ Select a pile height setting
by tilting the cleaner back until front wheels
are lifted slightly off the floor.
Slide the adjustment lever to the correct set-
ting.
There are four (4) pile height settings on the
vacuum, Use the LOW setting for most car-
pets and bare floor cleaning (with agitator
OFF), and the HIGH setting for very long
pile carpets like shag carpet, scatter rugs,
etc. Use the other settings as needed for
carpet heights in-between.
Height i
Adjustment I
Lever I
CAUTION
Do not allow vacuum cleaner to
remain in one spot for any length of
time when the agitator is turning.
Damage to carpet may occur.
,i,,,1111,,,i,111,, I i,i iN i LI_,L ,,
OFF Position: Step on the back half of the
peda! to turn off the agitator for use on bare
floors,
In the OFF position, the agitator does not
rotate. This setting should be used for
cleaning hardwood and tile floors.
Note: The light will remain on when vacu-
uming with the agitator in the OFF Position,
provided the vacuum is not fully upright.
ON Position; Step on the front half of the
pedal to turn on the agitator for use on car-
petlng.
In the ON position, the agitator wilt turn.
When carpets are being cleaned the selec-
tor should be in this position..
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.
WARNING
Personal Injury Hazard
DO NOT place hands or feet under-
neath the unit when changing the
Agitator On/Off Selector to the On
position, The agitator begins to
revolve rapidly,
Crevice
Tool
Telescoping
Dusting
Combination
Brush
- Stretch
Hose
Hose
Collar
Identify each of the attachments shown
above.
TO USE ATTACHMENTS:
Remove the lower end of the stretch hose
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 agitator wilt not rotate if the hose
has been removed from the nozzle.
NOTE: The motor protector may open when
using attachments or when cleaning new
carpet, due to reduced airflow by the attach-
ments themse}ves or by new carpet fuzz fill-
ing the bag quickly. See the
TROUBLESHOOTING section.
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.
8
The attached
hose swivels to
make cleaning
easier in every
direction.
Remove the
hose from the
hose clip by
pu_ling straight
out
Hose
Clip
TELESCOPING WAND WITH
SUCTION CONTROL SLIDE
SOME MODELS
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 achieve maximum
reach with the attach-
ments, add the crevice
tool to the end of the
wand by inserting Hose-
and twisting slightly,
Suction
Control
Tetescopm_
Wand
t1!1lit\ ,o.oo
Remove the
telescoping
<_ Telescoping
Wand
Remove the crevice tool from its storage
position in the wand, Turn the locking dng 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 Sfide
When using the dusting brush or the combi-
nation brush, they may be attached directly
to the wand or placed on the end of the
crevice tool.
wand from
its storage
position.
Suction
Upper
Wand
Crevice _Raised
Tool
TO OPERATESUCTION
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
This wilt
reduce
suction for
ease of
cleaning,
NOTE: Return suction control slide to the
closed position for normal cleaning.
Control
Slide
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.
Dusting Brush Wand
(Some Models)
Combination _
Brush (Some
Models)
9
TO STORE ATTACHMENTS:
Remove dusting brush or combination
brush. Snap into appropriate storage loca-
tion_
Remove crevice tooI 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°
Lower
\\\Unlock
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,
Place the crevice tool down into the com-
pressed wand, Snap into the appropriate
storage location,
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 connecL
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 telescopic wand and
then to the vacuum hose or extension hose,
Wand _"
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
The agitator may begin rotating
when the hose is inserted. Ensure
that the agitator is clear of all
hands, feet, objects, etc.
CAUTION
l cAuTuoN ........
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.
10
CLEANING AREA
ATTACHMENT
DUSTING BRUSH
CREVICE TOOL
Furniture*
X
X
COMBINAT'ONBRusH x
*Always clean attachments before using on fabrics
Carpet edges.
Guide either side or
the front of the noz-
zle along a base-
board. The pivoting
brushes help
Pivoting
Brushes
Stairs,
Put handle in full upright position, Agitator
stops rotating, Use the crevice tool or fabric
brush, Set the On/Off switch to ON and
move the Agitator On/Off selector to the
OFF position.
remove dirt at car-
pet edges.
Between
Cushions* Drapes*
X
X
X
For best cleaning
results, keep the
airflow passage
clear.
Occasionally,
check each of the
areas indicated
for clogs,,
Unplug the clean-
er from the outtet before
checking.
Stairs
X
x
Walls
X
WARNING
Personal Injury Hazard
Use care if vacuum cleaner is
placed on stairs. If it falls, personal
injury or property damage could
result.
, ,, , L
11
MOTOR PROTECTION SYSTEM
Motor Protector
This vacuum has a motor protector by-pass
valve which automatically opens to provide
cooling air to the suction 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 wilt notice a change of sound
as air rushes through the valve opening.
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.
Thermal Protector
This vacuum has a thermal protector which
automatically trips to protect the vacuum
from overheating. If a clog prevents the
normal flow of air to the motor, the thermal
protector turns the motor off automatically to
allow the motor to cool in order to prevent
possible damage to the vacuum° During this
time the headlight remains on.
To correct problem; If this occurs, turn the
vacuum off and unplug the power cord from
the outlet to allow the vacuum to cool and
the thermal protector to reset. Check for
and remove clogs, if necessary. Also
check and replace any clogged filters,
Wait approximately thirty (30) minutes
and plug the vacuum in and turn back on
to see tf the motor protector has reset.
The motor protector wilt not reset if the
vacuum Is not turned off even if the
vacuum has cooled down.
Motor
Protector
AGITATO R OVERLOAD
PROTECTOR
The agitator has
built-in protection
against motor
damage should the
agitator jam. If the
agitator slows down
or stops, the agitator
overload protector
shuts off the agitator.
The suction motor
will continue to run,
Agitator Overload
Reset Button
To correct problem: Turn off and unplug
vacuum, remove obstruction, then press
reset button,
To reset: Push in the agitator overload
protector button.
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-
SHOOT! NG
chart,
NOTE: The
light may also
come on when
using
attachments,
due to
reduced
airflow
through the
attachment,
"Performance
indicator
12
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