Kenmore 25323725100, 25323724100, 25323714101, 25323429100, 25323424102 Owner’s Manual

®

Freezer

Use & Care Guide

Congelador

Gufa para su uso y cuidado

Cong_lateur

Guide d'utilisation et d'entretien

r

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2B8 www.sears.com

216902400 (0212)

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Record Serial/Model Numbers ............ 2

Safety .................................................. 2-3

Warranty .............................................. 3

Canada - Limited Warranty ................. 4

First Steps ........................................... 5-6

Energy Saving Tips ............................. 6

Setting the Temperature Control ......... 6

Freezer Optional Features .................. 7-8

Care and Cleaning .............................. 9-10

Power Failure / Freezer Failure ........... 10

Troubleshooting Guide ......................... 11-12

Sears Service ...................................... 13

Sears Canada Customers ................... 13

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This Owner's Guideprovides specific operatinginstructions
for your model. Useyourfreezer onlyas instructedinthis

guide.These instructionsare notmeanttocover every
possibleconditionand situationthat mayoccur.Common

sense and cautionmustbe practicedwhen installing,
operating,andmaintainingany appliance.

Record Your Model and Serial Numbers
Record the model and serial numbers inthespaceprovided

below.The serialplatesare locatedeither ontheupperleft
wall insidethe freezer (uprightmodels),orthe leftexterior
wall (chestmodels).

Model Number: 253.

or 970.

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS
FREEZER.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Do not store or use gasoline, orother flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Read

product labels for flammability and other warnings.

CHILD SAFETY

Destroy carton,plasticbags, and any exterior wrapping
material immediately after the freezer is unpacked.

Children should never use these items to play. Cartons
covered with rugs, bedspreads, plastic sheets or stretch

wrap may become airtight chambers, and can quickly
cause suffocation.

Remove all staples from the carton. Staples can cause
severe cuts, and destroy finishes if they come in contact

with other appliances orfurniture.
An empty, discarded icebox, refrigerator, or freezer is a

very dangerous attraction to children.

Remove and discard any spacers used to secure the
shelves during shipping. Small objects are a choke

hazard to children.

Remove the door(s) of any appliance that is not in use,
even if it is being discarded.

Proper Disposal of Your

Refrigerator/Freezer

Riskof childentrapment.

Child entrapmentand suffocationare
not problems of the past. Junked or

abandoned refrigerators or freezers
are still dangerous -- even if they will

sit for "just a few days." If you are
getting ridof your old refrigerator or

freezer, please follow the instructions
below to help preventaccidents.

BEFORE YOU THROWAWAY YOUR
OLD REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER:

!

Model and Serial

Number Rate

• Remove ---
doors.

• Leave shelves

inplace so
childrenmay
not easily

climbinside.

2

ELECTRICAL INFORMATION

These guidelines must be followed to ensure that
safety mechanisms in the design of this freezer will

operate properly.

• Refer to the serial plate for correct electrical rating.

The power cordof the appliance is equipped with a
three-pronggrounding plug for your protection against

shock hazards. It must be plugged directly into a

properly grounded three-preng receptacle, protected with

a 15amp time delay fuse or circuit breaker. The

receptacle must be installed in accordance with lOcal

codes and ordinances. Consult a qualified electrician.

Receptacles protected by Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupters (GFIC) are NOT RECOMMENDED. Donot

use an extension cord or adapter plug.

• Ifvoltage varies by 10% or more, freezer performance
may be affected. Operating freezer with insufficient

power can damage the motor. Such damage is not
covered under the warranty. If you suspect your house

hold voltage is highor low, consult your power company
for testing.

• To prevent the freezer from being turned off
accidentically, do not plug unit into an outlet controlled
by a wall switch or pull cord.

• Do not pinch, knot, orbend the cord in any manner.

OTHERPRECAUTIONS

FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON FREEZER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this freezer
is operated and maintained according to the instructions

providedin this Owner's Guide, Searswill repairthis freezer,

free of charge, if defective in materialor workmanship.

FULL FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY ON SEALED
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

For fiveyears from the date ofpurchase, when this freezer
isoperated and maintained according to the instructions

provided in this Owner's Guide, Sears will repair the sealed
system (consisting of refrigerant,connecting tube, and

compressor), free of charge, if defective in material or
workmanship.

The above freezer warranty applies only to freezers which
are used forstorage of foodfor private householdpurposes.

FOOD LOSS COVERAGE LIMITATION
If promptly reported to your nearestSears store orService

Center, Sears willreimburse youupto a total of $100.00
for the value offood, as verifiedby Seam, lostwhilestored

inthe freezer when usedfor private householdpurposes

as a result of:

• Never unplug the freezer by pulling on the cord.
Always grip the plug firmly, and pull straight out from

the receptacle.

NOTE: Turning the temperature control to OFF turns off the
compressor, but does not disconnect the power to the light

bulb or other electrical components.

Avoid fire hazard or

electric shock. Do not use an extension
cord or an adapter plug. Do not remove

any prong from the power cord.

Groundingtype
wall receptacle

Power supply

cord with 3-prong

grounding plug

1. Defects that occur during the first year following the date
of purchase.

2. Failure of the sealed refrigeration system (including
refrigerant, connecting tubing, and compressor), due to

defects that occur during the second through fifth year
after purchase. Iffreezer is used for other than pdvate
household purposes, Sears will not be responsible for
any food loss. Food losses resulting from other than the

above stated defects, such as natural spoilage, power
interruption, inadequate power, manual disconnect of
power supply, fire damage,water damage, theft, etc.,

are beyond our control and are not covered by Sears.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of

incidental orconsequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This war-

ranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have
other rights which vary from state to state.

Warranty service is availableby contactingthe NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT inthe United

States. See the back page of this manual.

Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Dept. 817WA

Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

!

3

CANADA- LIMITED WARRANTY

®

Freezers

Sears Canada Inc., warrants every new Kenmorefreezer to be free fromdefects inmaterial or workmanship.What Sears

will do, free of charge, incase of defect:

The Compressor

The Sealed System

(consisting of refrigerant,

evaporator, and condenser)

Allother parts or

adjustments

The following items, sincethey are not manufacturingdefects,are not includedinthewarranty,but are the responsibilityof
the customer:

1) Damage to finish after delivery.

2) Improper power supply, low voltage, or any defects in the house wiring system or appliance notconnected
to electdc outlet.

3) Replacement of light bulbs.

4) Damage caused by moving the product from its original installation.

5) Service required as a result of alteration, abuse, fire, floods, or acts of God.

6) Providing adequate air circulation to the refrigerating system.

7) Proper use and care of product as listedinthe customer's manual; proper setting of the controls.

TEN (10) YEARS

FIVE (5) YEARS

ONE (1) YEAR

Normal Responsibility of the Customer

TEN (10) YEARS

FIVE (5) YEARS

ONE (1) YEAR

FIVE (5) YEARS

FIVE (5) YEARS

ONE (1) YEAR

!

Ifany service is requiredunderthiswarranty,simplycall 1-800-4-MY-HOMEsm(1-800-469-4663).

Thiswarrantyis inadditiontoany statutorywarranty.The abovewarrantycoversKenmoreFreezers soldandoperatedin

Canada onlyand shall notapplyifthefreezer is usedfor otherthan domesticpurposes.

Sears Maintenance Agreement

Maintain the value of your Kenmore freezer with a Sears Maintenance Agreement.

SEARS CANADAINC. • Toronto, Canada ° M5B 2B8

PRINTEDINU.S.A.

4

This Owner's Guide provides specific operating instructions
for your model. Use the freezer only as instructed in this
Owner's Guide. Before starting the freezer, follow these

important first steps.
INSTALLATION

• Choose a place that is near a grounded electrical outlet.
Do Not use an extension cord or an adapter plug.

• Forthe most efficient operation, the freezer should be
located where surrounding temperatures will not exceed

110°F(43°C). Temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and below will
NOT affect freezer operation. Additional compressor

heaters are not recommended.

• AIIowepacearoundtheunitforgoodaircirculation.
Leave a 3 inch (75 ram) space on all sides of the freezer

for adequate circulation.

3" (7errs)

"_-. ) Cra_ir_ Soews

Unpactdng and Leveling - Upnght Models

To Level Chest Models:

Ifneeded, add metal orwood shimsbetweenfootpadsand

floor.

CLEANING

(75 ram)

InstallaUoa

NOTE: The exterior wallsof the freezer may become quite

warm as the compressorworkstotransferheatfrom the

inside.Temperaturesas muchas 30° Fwarmerthanroom

temperature can be expected. Forthis reason itis particu-

larlyimportantinhotterclimatestoallowenough space for

air circulationaroundyourfreezer.

LEVELING

The freezer must have all bottom corners resting firmly on

a solid floor. The floor must be strong enough to support a
fully loaded freezer. NOTE: It is Very Important foryour

freezer to be level inorder tofunction properly. If the
freezer isnot leveled during installation, the door may be
misaligned and not close or seal properly, causing cooling,
frost, or moisture problems.

To Level Upright Models:
After discarding cratingscrews and woodbase, usea

carpenter'slevelto levelthefreezerfromfront-to-back.
Adjust the plasticleveling feet infront,½ bubblehigher,so

thatthedoorcloses easily when lefthalfwayopen.

• Wash any removable parts, the freezer interior, and

exterior with mild detergent and warm water. Wipe dry.

Do not use harsh cleaners on these surfaces.

Do notuse razor blades or othersharpinstruments,
which can scratch the appliance surface when removing

adhesive labels.Any glue left from the tape can be
removed with a mixture of warm water and mild deter-

gent, or touch the residue with the sticky side of tape
alreadyremoved.Donotremove theserialplate.

!

I_=1_ To allow door to
close and seal properly, DO NOT let

food packages extend past the front
of shel,,_s.

Shelf Front

5

DOOR REMOVAL (UPRIGHTMODELS)

/fdoormUStbe removed:

1. Gently layfreezer on its back,on a rug or blanket.

2, Removetwo base screwsand basepanel. Remove

wire fromclips on bottom of cabinet. (Figure 1)

3. Unplug connector byholding the cabinet connector in
place, and pulling door connector out.(Figure 1)

4. Remove bottom hinge screws. (Figure 1)

5. Remove plastic top hinge cover.

6. Remove screws from top hinge.

7. Remove top hingefrom cabinet.

8. Remove door and bottom hinge from cabinet.

9. To replace door, reverse the above order and securely
tighten all screws to prevent hinge slippage.

Base

Bottom

• The freezer should be located inthe coolest area of the
room, away from heat producing appliances or heating

ducts, and out of direct sunlight.

• Let hotfoods cool to room temperature before placing in

the freezer. Overloadingthefreezer forces thecompres-
sor to run longer.Foodsthatfreeze too slowlymay lose
quality or spoil.

• Be sureto wrap foodsproperly,and wipecontainers dry

before placing them inthefreezer. This cuts downon

frost build-up inside the freezer.

• Freezer shelves shouldnot be linedwithaluminumfoil,

wax paper,or papertoweling.Linersinterferewithcold
air circulation,makingthe freezer less efficient.

• Organize and label food to reduce door openings and

extended searches. Remove as many items as needed
at one time, and close the door as soon as possible.

Figure 1

I

_tConnector

COOL DOWN PERIOD

COOldown completely.The freezer will runcontinuously

for the first severalhours. Foods that are already frozen

may be placed in the freezer afterthe first few hours of

• For safe foodstorage, allow 4 hoursfor the freezer to n

operation. Unfrozenfoods shouldNOT be loaded into
the freezer until the freezer has operated for 4 hours.

When loading the freezer, freeze only 3 pounds of
fresh food per cubic foot of freezer space at one time.

Distribute packages to be frozen evenlythroughout the

freezer. It is not necessary to turn the control knob to a
colder setting while freezing food.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The temperaturecontrolis locatedinside the freezer on

uprightmodels,and onthe leftoutsidewallon chest
models.The temperatureisfactory presetto provide

satisfactoryfood storagetemperatures.However,the

temperature control is adjustableto provide a rangeof
temperatures for your personal satisfaction. Ifa colder

temperature is desired, turn the temperature control knob
toward COLDEST and allow several hours for temperatures

to stabilize between adjustments.

6

Alarm Function Table

NOTE: Your freezer may have some, or all ofthe

features listed below. Become familiar with these
features, and their use and care.

SECURITY LOCK WITH POP-OUT KEY

This security lock fastens the door snugly, ensuring stored
food issecure. To lock or unlock the freezer, push the key

into the lock and turn. The key pops out of the lock after it
has been turned.

POWER ON LIGHT

The yellow Power On indicatorlight indicates that the freezer is

properly connected to electrical power. The light glows even

when the temperature control isturned to OFF. If the light goes
out, refer to Freezer Does Not Run Section in the Trouble-

shooting Guide. If the freezer appears to be operating, the

lightelement may be burned out. Call an authorized servicer

for replacement.

TEMP ALARM (ELECTRONIC MODELS)
This feature is designed to provide a warning if the inside

temperatures reach an unsafe level. The Temp. Alarm Feature
operates on household electricity. It will not function if house-

hold electricity is interrupted. (Bstte_ backup models only: A
battery backup feature will take over the alarm system if the
household electricity is interrupted.)

Chest Models

Indicator Condition Function ReSponse

Yellow LED Steady on Non_al OperaUon Nc_e

Rashlng Low / No battery Replace wth new 9 volt batte_j

(Battery Models

Red LED Off No almTn ccndition JNon¢

Green LED Off Qmck fr¢_¢ OW No_e

Audible Off Normal Operation N_n

Ouly)

Hashm_ Interior tcmpcratuxe too Pressua8 and hold alarm

Flashing every 5 Power Icst to the unit _d When pow:r is restored, red

seconds intell or tern pcrature too LED flashes ua_l ,menor

(SIttery Medeb warm tempelature drops

Oily)

On Quick free=e ON N_e

One t:htrp eve_, 4 Interior temperature too MomeJLtardy pressing a]mm off

seconds warm button shuts oft _adible alarm

Two chi_s every TOs_p chinp press and hold alarm

10 seconds Low !No batter3' off button for 3 seconds¸ Replace

0Sauery Mode_ with new 9 volt bmt¢13'

Only)

Two short chLrps Power lost to the trait and Mom_tt afily pressing al_ off

eve_ 5 s_conds interior temperature too button shuts off audible al_uan

[Banery Medels wn

o_

warn off but_n tmol red

LED stops fleshm_

HIGH-TEMP ALARM SWITCH (SOME MODELS)

An audible alarm will sound if the freezer temperature reaches

unsafe levels. The alarm operates on householdelectricity.If

the power fails, the alarm will not perform.
An ON/OFF switch allows the high temperature alarm to be

deactivated if desired. NOTE: You must open the freezer door to
view the alarm switch. The freezer isshipped withthe switch in

the OFF position.After the freezer has run longenough to
lower the temperature, you may set the switchtothe ON

position.

• To activate the alarm, set the switchto the ON position.

• To deactivate the alarm, set the switchto the OFF position.

UprightModels _

When the freezer is initially plugged in, the redTemp. Alarm
Indicator Light blinks. The indicatorlightwill continue to blink

untilthe freezer has reached a safe freezing temperature. If a
malfunction causes an unsafe temperature inside the freezer,
the red light will blink and the buzzer will sound. To silence the

buzzer, press the ALARM OFF button. The Indicator Light will
continue to blink until a safe freezing temperature is again

reached, if the problem is not resolvedwithin 12 hours, the
buzzer will turn on again.

If the ALARM OFF button isnot pressed, the buzzer willturn
itselfoff automatically after 48 hours, butthe redTemp Alarm

Light will continue to blink.

High-Temp Alarm Switch

BLUE DEFROST BUTTON (SOME CREST MODELS)
IMPORTANT:It is time to defrostand clean the freezer when the

blue defrost button is completely covered withfrost.
QUICK FREEZE (SOME MODELS)

Toactivate the Quick Freeze feature, push the switchto the ON
position. The green light will appear, and the freezer will run

continuously(except when in Flash Defrost), drivingfreezer

temperature to the coldest possibletemperatures. The switch

automaticallyturns offafter 72 hours. Use this feature just prior

to adding large quantities of unfrozen foods (not to exceed 3

poundsper cubic foot of freezer space).

7

SLIDE-OUTBASKETORTRIVET(UPRIGHTMODELS)

A Slide-Out Basket (some models) orTrivet (some models),
located atthe bottom of the freezer, provides separate
storage space for items that are difficult to store on freezer

shelves. To remove the basket or trivet, pullout and lift up.

SlkJe-OutBasket

SECURITY LOCK WITH POP-OUT KEY

This security lock fastensthe door snugly, ensuring stored
food is secure. To lock or unlock the freezer, push the key
into the lock and turn. The key pops out of the lock after it

has been turned.

INTERIOR LIGHT

The light comes on automatically whenthe dooris opened.
Toreplace the light bulb, turn the temperature control to

OFF and unplug the electrical cord. Replace the old bulb
with a bulb of the same wattage.

TILT-OUT SHELF

This shelf is located inside on the freezer door and provides
additional storage space. To access an item, tilt top of

"basket" shelf down.

i ill
I iII

_l II

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I

SLIDE-ASIDE BASKET (SOME CHEST MODELS)

Thisbasket helpsorganizeodd-shaped items, Toreach other
packages in the freezer, slidethe basket aside, or liftout.

Slide-Aside Basket

FLASH DEFROST (SOMEMODELS)
NOTE:TheTempAlarmshouldbeturnedoffwhenfreezeris

beingdefrosted.The FlashDefrostfeaturewilldefrostthe

freezer in a fractionof the timeusuallyrequired. Todefrost,

removeall food, and followthese steps:

Pull out the FlashDefrost plunger. Leavedoor openwhile
defrosting.(Closingthe freezer lid/door will push in the

plunger,and the FlashDefrostwill be turnedoff.)
Pushthe Flash Defrostplungerin to restartfreezer after

defrosting.

• Turn on the TempAlarmafter freezer has reachedfreezing
temperatures.

XII

!

Tin-Out Shelf

DROP FRONT SHELF (UPRIGHTMODELS)

The Drop Front Shelf, located atthe bottom ofthe freezer,

provides a separate compartment for small irregular
shaped items or large, bulky items. Lift the shelffront up

and out to remove.

ADJUSTABLE INTERIOR SHELVES

(UPRIGHTMODELS)

Multi-position adjustable interiorshelves can be moved to

any position for larger orsmaller packages. The shipping
spacers that stabilize the shelves for shipping may be

removed and discarded.

Flash Defrost Plunger - Chest Models Flash Defrost Plunger - Upright Models

8

_Damp objects stick to

cold metal surfaces. Do not touch

interior metal surfaces with wet or

damp hands.

Some upright freezers are frost-free and defrost automati-
cally, but should be cleaned occasionally.

BETWEEN DEFROSTINGS

To avoid frequent defrosting, occasionally usea plastic

scraper to remove frost. Scrape with a pulling motion.
Never use a metal instrument to remove frost.

DEFROSTING
It is importantto defrost and clean the freezer when ¼to Y2

inch of frost has accumulated. Frost may tend to accumu-
late faster on the upper part of the freezer due to warm,

moist air entering the freezer when the door is opened.
Remove food and leave the door open when defrosting the

freezer.

• On upright models with a defrost drain (Figure 1),
remove the drain plugonthe insidefloor ofthe freezer
by pullingstraightout.Toaccessthe external draintube
on models witha basepanel, first remove the two
screwsfrom the base panel. Locatethe draintube near

the leftcenterunderthe freezer. Placea shallowpan
underthe draintube. Defrostwater willdrainout. Check

pan occasionallyso water does notoverflow.A1/2inch
garden hose adaptercan be usedto drainthe freezer

directlyintoa floor drain.If yourmodel is not equipped
withan adapter, one can be purchasedat mosthard-

ware stores.Replacethedrain plugwhen defrostingand
cleaningare completed.Ifthe drainis leftopen, warm air

may enter thefreezer.

• On chest models witha defrost drain, place a shallow

pan orthe Divider/DrainPan (some models)beneath the
drain outlet (Figure2). A 1/2inchgarden hoseadapter

can beused todrain the freezer directlyinto a floor drain
(Figure3). Pullout the drain pluginsidethefreezer, and
pulloffthe outsidedefrostdrainplug(Figure4).

Defrost /

Drain Rug

Figure 2

Hose

Figure 3

Defrostwaterwilldrain out.Check pan occasionallyso
waterdoes not overflow. Replacethe drainplugswhen

defrostingiscompleted.

On models without a defrost drain, placetowelsor
newspapersonthe freezer bottomtocatchthefrost. The

frostwillloosenandfall.Removetowelsand/ornewspapers.

Ifthe frost is soft, remove itby usinga plasticscraper.If

thefrost is glazed and hard,fill deep panswith hotwater

andplacethem on thefreezer bottom.Closethe freezer
door.Frostshouldsofteninabout15 minutes.Repeat

thisprocedureif necessary.

I

Figure1

Drain

Figure 4