Kenmore Elite 12531150610 Owner’s Manual
Model/Modelo:
116.31150
Vacuum Cleaner Help Line:
1-877-531-7321
8:00am-5:00pm EST, M-F
(U.S.A. and Canada)
Use & Care Guide
Manual de Uso y Cuidado
®
Kenmore Elite®
Vacuum Cleaner
Aspiradora
Sears Brands Management Corporation
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
www.kenmore.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Before Using Your New Vacuum Cleaner .................................................................................. 2
Packing List ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Kenmore Elite Vacuum Cleaner Warranty ................................................................................. 3
Important Safety Instructions........................................................................................................ 4
Parts and Features........................................................................................................................... 5
Assembly Instructions................................................................................................................. 6-7
Operating Instructions............................................................................................................... 8-12
Performance/Safety Features ................................................................................................ 13-14
Vacuum Cleaner Care ............................................................................................................ 14-20
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 21-22
Notes ........................................................................................................................................ 23-24
Requesting Assistance Or Service...................................................................................... Back page
BEFORE USING YOUR NEW VACUUM CLEANER
PACKING LIST
Your KENMORE ELITE VACUUM CLEANER is packaged with the following parts and
components assembled separately in the carton:
1 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
1 Handle
1 Crevice Tool
1 Combination Brush
1 Pet HandiMate
TM
1 Telescoping Wand
1 Use & Care Guide
Please read this guide. It will help you assemble and operate your new Kenmore vacuum
cleaner in the safest and most effective way.
For more information about vacuum cleaner care and operation, call the Vacuum Cleaner
Help Line at 1-877-531-7321. You will need the complete model and serial numbers when
requesting information. Your vacuum cleaner’s model and serial numbers are located on the
Model and Serial Number Plate.
Use the space below to record the model number and serial number of your new Kenmore
vacuum cleaner.
Model No.____________________________________________
Serial No. ____________________________________________
Date of Purchase ______________________________________
Keep this book and your sales check (receipt) in a safe place for future reference.
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KENMORE VACUUM CLEANER WARRANTY
KENMORE ELITE LIMITED WARRANTY
FOR ONE YEAR from the date of sale this product is warranted against defects in
material or workmanship when it is assembled, operated and maintained according to
all supplied instructions.
WITH PROOF OF SALE, a defective appliance will be replaced free of charge.
For warranty coverage details to obtain free replacement, visit the web page:
www.kenmore.com/warranty.
This warranty does not cover filters or belts, which are expendable parts that can wear
out from normal use within the warranty period.
This warranty is void if this product is ever used for other than private household
purposes.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUC
TIONS
Read all instructions in this guide before assembling or using your vacuum cleaner.
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 precautions including the following:
WARNING:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Proper assembly and safe use of your vacuum cleaner are your responsibilities. Your
vacuum cleaner is intended for Household use. Read this Use & Care Guide carefully for
important use and safety information. This guide contains safety statements under
warning and caution symbols.
Use your vacuum cleaner only as
described in this guide. Use only with
Sears recommended attachments.
Disconnect electrical supply before
servicing or cleaning out the agitator area.
Failure to do so could result in the agitator
unexpectedly starting, causing personal
injury from moving parts.
Do not leave vacuum cleaner when
plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not
in use and before performing maintenance.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock - Do
not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or
near children.
Do not use with a damaged cord or plug.
If vacuum cleaner is not working as it
should, has been dropped, damaged, left
outdoors, or dropped in water, return it to
a Sears Service Center.
Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a
handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord
around sharp edges or corners. Do not run
vacuum cleaner over cord. Keep cord
away from heated surfaces.
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
Do not handle plug or vacuum 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.
Turn off all controls before unplugging.
Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
Do not put on chairs, tables, etc. Keep on
floor.
Do not use vacuum cleaner to pick up
flammable or combustible liquids
(gasoline, cleaning fluid, perfumes, etc.), or
use in areas where they may be present.
The fumes from these substances can
create a fire hazard or explosion.
Do not pick up anything that is burning or
smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or
hot ashes.
Do not use vacuum cleaner without dust
bag and/or filters in place.
Always replace the dust bag after
vacuuming carpet cleaners or freshener,
powders, and fine dust. These products
clog the filters, reduce airflow and can
cause damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Failure to replace the dust bag could cause
permanent damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Do not use the vacuum cleaner to pick up
sharp hard objects, small toys, pins, paper
clips, etc. They may damage the vacuum
cleaner or dust bag.
Unplug before connecting
Pet
HandiMateTM.
Yo u are responsible for making sure that
your vacuum cleaner is not used by anyone
unable to operate it properly.
WARNING:
This product contains a chemical know to
the state of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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PARTS AND FEATURES
It is important to know your vacuum cleaner’s parts and features to assure its proper and safe use.
Review these before using your vacuum cleaner.
Use only AAFA approved replacement dust bags and exhaust filters to
maintain AAFA certification.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Scan to reorder bags or go
to kenmore.com/reorderO
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Part Part No.
Exhaust Filter* 20-53296
Dust Bag (2-pack)* 20-53293
Dust Bag (6-pack)* 20-53294
To order a replacement part call 1-844-553-6667
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Before assembling the vacuum cleaner,
check the PACKING LIST. (Page 2) Use this
list to verify that you have received all the
components of your new Kenmore Elite
vacuum cleaner.
Please pay special attention to these hazard alert boxes, and follow any instructions given. WARNING statements alert you to such hazards as fire, electric
shock, burns and personal injury. CAUTION statements alert you to such hazards
as personal injury and/or property damage.
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
DO NOT plug into the electrical supply
until the assembly is complete. Failure
to do so could result in electrical shock
or injury.
CAUTION
Do not overtighten.
Overtightening could strip the screw
holes.
Do not operate the vacuum cleaner
without the screw in place.
1. Remove the
hose from the
hose holder.
2. Remove handle
screw from
vacuum cleaner.
3. Position
the handle
assembly as
shown in the
illustration.
Hose
Hose
Holder
Handle
Screw
5. Insert handle screw.
Using a Phillips
screwdriver, tighten
handle screw.
6. Route hose in the
hose holders as
shown.
7. Place the hose
onto the hose
holder and press
firmly into place.
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HANDLE
1. Place the telescoping wand and crevice
tool into attachement holder.
ATTACHMENTS
POWER CORD
Kenm
ore
Crevice
Tool
Telescoping
Wand
Attachment
Holder
2. Insert the combination brush into the
holder on the back of the vacuum cleaner
as shown.
Combination
Brush
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.
NOTE: The hose must be in place before
wrapping the power cord.
3. Place Pet Handi
Mate
TM
into the
storage area.
4. Rotate the Pet
Handi Mate back
until it snaps into
place.
1. Make sure that
cord hook is in
upright position as
shown.
2. Wrap power
cord loosely
around cord hook
and carrying
handle.
3. Lock power
cord plug onto the
power cord.
Cord
Hook
Carrying
Handle
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CAUTION
Moving parts! To reduce the risk of personal injury, DO
NOT touch the agitator when vacuum cleaner is on.
Contacting the agitator while it is rotating can cut,
bruise or cause other injuries. Always turn off and
unplug from electrical outlet before servicing.
Use caution when operating near children.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Turn the quick
release upper
cord hook to
either side and
down to release
the power cord.
2. Detach the power cord plug from the
power cord and pull the cord off the
quick release upper cord hook.
3. Be sure the power
cord is locked into the
locking notch below
the upper cord hook.
This will help manage
the cord when
operating unit
4. Plug the polarized power cord into a
120 Volt outlet located near the floor.
5. To restore cord, after use turn upper
cord hook to the up position, then wrap
cord loosely around quick release cord
upper hook and carrying handle.
Cord
Hook
Locking
Notch
Power
Cord
POWER CORD
WARNING
• To reduce the risk of electric shock,
this vacuum cleaner has a polarized
plug (one blade is wider than the
other).
• The 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 plug in any way.
WARNING
Personal Injury and Product Damage
Hazard
• When any abnormality/failure occurs,
stop using the product immediately
and disconnect the power plug.
DO NOT use outlets above counters.
Damage from cord to items in
surrounding area could occur.
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.
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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.
Use low position for cleaning under
furniture. Press the pedal and lower
handle towards the floor to change
from normal use position to low
position.
HANDLE RELEASE
OFF/FLOOR/CARPET SWITCH
Note: The agitator does not rotate when the
vacuum cleaner is in the upright position.
OFF - turns both
suction and agitator
motors off.
FLOOR - turns on
the suction motor
only. In this position
the agitator does
not revolve. Use
this setting for
cleaning hardwood, tile floors and delicate
carpets and when any attachments (tools)
are used.
CARPET - turns on both the suction and the
agitator motors. Not recommended for
hardwood floors, tile and delicate carpets.
CAUTION
Refer to your carpet manufacturers
cleaning recommendations. Some more
delicate carpets may require that they
be vacuumed with the agitator turned
off, to prevent carpet damage.
OFF/FLOOR/
CARPET Switch
Selector
Window
WARNING
Personal Injury Hazard
Use care if vacuum cleaner is placed on
stairs. If it falls, personal injury or property damage could result.
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Select a pile height setting by turning the
height adjust selector located on the
nozzle.
PILE HEIGHT SELECTION AND SETTINGS
Height Adjust
Selector
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.
Attention: Refer to your carpet
manufacturers cleaning
recommendations. Some more delicate
carpets may require that they be
vacuumed with the agitator turned off to
prevent carpet damage.
Suggested settings are:
HI – Shag, deep pile, or scatter rugs.
MED HI – Medium to deep pile.
“|” – Medium pile.
MED LO – Low to medium pile.
LO – Most carpets, bare floors combined
with FLOOR power switch setting,
delicate carpets that require agitator to
be turned off.
SUGGESTED PILE HEIGHT SETTINGS
There are five (5) pile height settings on
the vacuum cleaner. For best deep down
cleaning, use the LO setting. However, you
may need to raise the height to make
some jobs easier, such as scatter rugs and
some deep pile carpets, and to prevent
the vacuum cleaner from shutting off.
DIRT SENSOR
The electronic dirt sensor is a feature
which will detect particles as they pass
through the vacuum cleaner.
The dirt sensor indicator is located on the
nozzle of the vacuum cleaner.
• When little or no dirt is present the
dirt sensor is off.
• With medium or heavy concentration
the dirt sensor is on.
OPERATION
As you vacuum, the indicator light will
come on and stay on as long as the
sensor detects a high concentration of
particles passing through the vacuum
cleaner. To clean dirt sensor optics see
page 15.
Dirt
Sensor
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CHECK BAG INDICATOR
When the vacuum cleaner is running with
normal air flow, the light on the CHECK
BAG indicator is off.
NOTE: It is normal for the CHECK BAG
indicator to come on when using certain
attachments, due to reduced airflow
through attachment. No maintenance is
required.
The light comes on when:
• Bag is full. See CHANGING DUST BAG
(Page 16)
• The airflow is blocked. Check motor
safety filter and other possible clog
locations shown in REMOVING CLOGS.
(Pages 19-20)
• When using some attachments.
K
enm
ore
CHECK BAG
Indicator
ATTACHMENTS
CAUTION
DO NOT use the hose when the vacuum
cleaner is in the use position.
Always return the vacuum cleaner to the
upright position before using the hose
and attachments.
1. Place the
vacuum cleaner in
the upright lock
position.
2. Remove the
hose from the
hose holder.
Hose
Hose
Holder
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
vacuum cleaner to tip over.
3. Use attachments as needed. See
ATTACHMENT USE TABLE. (page 12)
FOR ADDITIONAL REACH:
Place the telescoping wand onto the hose.
The crevice tool, combination brush, and Pet
Handi Mate can be attached to the
telecoping wand as needed.
CAUTION
DO NOT pull the vacuum cleaner
around the room by the hose. Property
damage or personal injury could result.
* Always clean attachments before using on fabrics.
**Use the combination brush without the brush for greater suction on furniture cushions or stairs.
Use combination brush with brush for cleaning loose surfaces such as drapes.
✔ = Applicable
ATTACHMENT USE TABLE
ATTACHMENT
CREVICE TOOL
COMBINATION BRUSH **
PET HANDIMATE
TM
Between
Furniture* Cushions* Drapes* Stairs Floors
Carpet Bare
✔
CLEANING AREA
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
TELESCOPING WAND
The wand length is adjustable and requires
no assembly. To adjust, simply press button
on the wand handle and slide the upper
wand to the desired length, release button
and move inner wand in or out until it locks.
COMBINATION BRUSH
The combination brush can be attached
directly to the wand.
Use the combination brush without the
brush for greater suction on furniture
cushions or stairs.
Use combination brush with brush for
cleaning loose surfaces such as drapes.
PET HANDIMATE
Attach hose or wand
end to Pet HandiMate
and press firmly.
Pet HandiMate pivots
for more convenient
cleaning.
Combination
Brush
Brush
Holder
Brush
SUCTION CONTROL
The suction control allows you to change
vacuum cleaner suction for different fabric
and carpet weight.
• Opening control decreases suction for
draperies and lightweight rugs.
• Closing control increases suction for
upholstery and carpets.
For best cleaning results, fully close
the suction control.
Suction
Control
Decrease
Suction
Increase
Suction
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MOTOR PROTECTION SYSTEM
BY-PASS VALVE
Thermal Protector - Suction Motor
This vacuum cleaner has a thermal
protector which automatically trips to
protect the vacuum cleaner suction motor.
If a clog prevents the normal flow of air
to the motor, the thermal protector turns
the motor off automatically. This allows
the motor to cool in order to prevent
possible damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Thermal Protector - Agitator Motors
This vacuum cleaner has thermal
protectors which automatically trip to
protect the agitator motors. The thermal
protectors turn the motors off
automatically. This allows the motors to
cool in order to prevent possible damage
to the vacuum cleaner.
To reset thermal protectors: Turn the
vacuum cleaner off and unplug the power
cord from the outlet to allow the vacuum
cleaner to cool and the thermal
protectors to reset.
PERFORMANCE/SAFETY FEATURES
CAUTION
Always return the vacuum cleaner to the
upright position before using the hose
and attachments. Failure to do so may
result in overheating of the agitator
motors and can cause the thermal
protectors to trip.
Check for and remove clogs, and replace
bag if necessary. See REMOVING CLOGS
Section (Page 19-20). Also check and
replace any clogged filters. Wait
approximately 50 minutes before
restarting vacuum cleaner.
This vacuum cleaner has a By-Pass Valve
which prevents motor overheating and
damage. The valve opens to provide
cooling air when a clog prevents normal
air flow to the vacuum cleaner suction
motor. You will notice a change of sound
as air rushes through the valve opening.
To correct problem, install a new dust
bag. If using attachments, adjust suction
control to allow for greater air flow.
NOTE: The By-Pass Valve may open when
using attachments or when cleaning new
carpet due to reduced airflow caused by
the attachments themselves or by new
carpet lint filling the dust bag quickly.
NOTE: Do not block By-Pass Valve.
By-pass
Valve
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 motors. The vacuum
cleaner suction motor will continue to run.
To correct problem: Turn off and unplug
vacuum cleaner, remove obstruction, then
press OVERLOAD PROTECTOR RESET.
NOTE: Once the agitator motor shuts
down, clear jam from agitator and
wait a minimum of 20 seconds before
resetting overload protector.
If the problem persists, have the vacuum
cleaner serviced by a Sears or other
qualified technician.
OVERLOAD
PROTECTOR
RESET
OVERLOAD
PROTECTOR
RESET
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Always follow all safety precautions when performing maintenance to the vacuum cleaner.
VACUUM CLEANER CARE
WARNING
Electrical Shock And Personal Injury Hazard
Disconnect electrical supply before servicing or cleaning the vacuum cleaner. Failure to do
so could result in electrical shock or personal injury from vacuum cleaner suddenly
starting.
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.
CLEANING EXTERIOR AND ATTACHMENTS
1. Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner. DO
NOT drip water on vacuum cleaner.
2. To clean exterior, or to reduce static elec-
tricity and dust build-up, wipe outer surface
with a clean, soft cloth that has been
dipped in a solution of mild liquid detergent
and water, then wrung dry. Wipe dry after
cleaning.
Wash attachments in warm soapy water,
rinse and air dry. Do not clean in
dishwasher.
AGITATOR OVERLOAD PROTECTOR
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VACUUM CLEANER STORAGE
TO CLEAN DIRT SENSOR OPTICS
Replace hose and wand in storage position
if necessary (see Page 6 & 7).
Gather the cord and wrap it loosely around
the upper and lower cord hooks. Lock
power cord plug onto the power cord.
Store the vacuum cleaner in a dry, indoor
area, on the floor with the handle locked in
the upright position.
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.
Clean Out
Port
Dirt Sensor
Optics
The dirt sensor optics consist of two optic
cells located inside the clean out port.
Occasionally, it may become necessary
to clean the two optic cells to ensure
maximum performance.
It is recommended the optic cells be
cleaned:
• When the light stays on continuously.
• When dirt or dust adheres to the
optic cells.
• Whenever the dust bag is removed.
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.
Reinstall cover. Make sure it is completely
secured in place.
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