Kenmore Elite 25329082990, 25329082991, 25329082992, 25329082993 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Guide

E L I T E

Freezer

CAUTION:

Before using_his freezer, read this manual and follow all its Safety Rules

and Operating Instructions,

Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, tL 60179

Visit our Sears webstte: www.,sears,com

Printed intheUSA

Safety

Instaiiation operation

Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Espahol

Franqais

216679900 (9906)

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 Features ........................................7-8

Care and Cleaning ......................................8

Power Failure / Freezer Failure ...............8

Troubleshooting Guide ...............................9-10

Sears Service ..............................................11

Sears Canada Customers ..................... 11

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This Owner's Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model Use your freezer only as instructed in this guide. These instructions are not meant to cover every possible condition and situation that may occur.Common

sense and caution must be practiced when installing, operating, and maintaining any appliance°'

Record Your Model and Serial Numbers Record the model and serial numbers in the space provided

below. The serial plate is located on the upper left wall inside the freezer_

Model Number:

253.

970.

Serial Number:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS FREEZER.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Do not store oruse gasoline, or other 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, plastic bags, and any exterior wrapping material immediatelyafter 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 or furniture.

= An empbT,discarded ice box, refrigerator, or freezer is a

very dangerous attraction to children.

Remove the door(s) of any appliance that is net in use,

even if it is being discarded,

Proper Disposal ofYour

Refrigerator/Freezer

Risk of childentrapment° Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past..Junked or

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

sit for "just a few days,." If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions

below to help prevent accidents_ BEFORE YOUTHROW AWAYYOUR

OLD REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER:

Purchase Date:

MedeI and Serial

Number Plate

• Remove doors.

- Leave shelves in place so ;,:_i;.

children may :":::_; not easily ,,:,:.

climb inside.

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 cord of the appliance is equipped with a three-prong grounding plugfor your protection against

shock hazards. It must be plugged directly intoa prop- erly grounded three- prong receptacle, protected with a

t5 amp time detay fuse or circuit breaker. The recep-

tacle must be installedinaccordance with localcodes and ordinances Consult a qualified electrician. Recep-

tacles protected by Ground Fault Circuit interrupters

(GFtC) are NOT RECOMMENDED. Do not [_sean

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 high or 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, or bend the cord in any manner.

OTHER PRECAUTIONS

- Never unplug the freezer by pulling on the cord

Always grip the plug firmly, and pulI 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.

Grounding type walt receptacle

Do not, underany circumstances,

cut, remove,

FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON FREEZER

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

provided inthis Owner's Guide, Sears will repair this freezer, free of charge, if defective in material or workmanshiF

FULL FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY ON SEALED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

For five years from the date of purchase, when this freezer is operated 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 materia! or

workmanship,. The above freezer warranty applies only to freezers which

are usedfor storage offood for private household purposes,

FOOD LOSS COVERAGE LIMITATION If promptly reported to your nearest Sears store or Service

Center, Sears will reimburse you up to a total of $100,00 for the value of food, as verified by Sears, lost while stored

inthe freezer when used for private household purposes

as a result of:

Defects that occurduring the first year following the date of purchase,

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

defects that occurduring the second through fifth year after purchase. If freezer is used for other than private

househotd purposes, Sears will not be responsible for any food !oss_Food losses resulting from other than the

above stated defects, such as natural spoilage, power interruption, inadequatepower, manual disconnect of

power supply, fire damage, water damage, theft, etc. are beyond our contrel and are not covered by Sears°

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential 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 available by contacting the NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT in the United

States. See the back page of this manual.

Power supply

cord with 3-prong grour_ding plug

Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Dept. 817WA Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

CA ADA ===LI

I_ I T E

Freezers

Sears Canada inco,warrants every new Kenmore Elite freezer to be free from defects in material or workmanship. What Sears will do, free of charge, in case of defect:

iiiiiill/

The Compressor

The Sealed System

(consistingof refrigerant,

evaporator,andcondenser)

AII other parts or

adjustments

The following items,since they are not manufacturing defects, are not included in the warranty, but are the responsibility of the customer:

1) Damage to finish after delivery.

2) Improper power supply, low voltage, or any defects in the house wiring system or appliance not connected to electric outteL

3) Replacement of light bulbs.

4) Damage caused by moving the product from its original instaltationo

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 listed in the customer's manual; proper setting of the controls,.

TEN (10) YEARS

FIVE (5) YEARS

ONE (I)YEAR

Normal Responsibility of the Customer

TEN (t0) YEARS

FiVE (5) YEARS

ONE (1) YEAR

FWE (5) YEARS

FIVE (5) YEARS

ONE (1) YEAR

ifany service is required under this warranty, simply call 1-ST_E-FOYER s_(1-877-533-6937)

This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty. The above warranty covers Kenmore EliteFreezers sold and oper-

ated in Canada only and shall not apply if the freezer is used for other than domestic purposes.

Sears Maintenance Agreement

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

SEARS CANADA INC. • Toronto, Canada • M5B 2B8

PRINTEDIN U SA

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,

For the 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.

Allow space around the unit for good air circulation,

Leave a 3 inch (75 mm) space on all sides of the freezer

for adequate circulation,

3' {75ram) Air Sp,eCe

t' (25ram)

Installation

NOTE: The exterior wails of the freezer may become quite

warm as the compressor works to transfer heat from the inside. Temperatures as much as 30° Fwarmer than room

temperature can be expected, For this reason it is particu- larly important in hotter climates to allow enough space for

air circulation around your freezer.

LEVELING

Unpack{rigand Leveling

CLEANING

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 not use razor blades or other sharp instruments, 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.DO NOTREMOVETHE SERIAL PLATE.

_To allow door to close and sea}properly, DO NOT let

food packages extend past the front

o( shelves,

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 for your freezer to be level in order to function pr0pedy. If the

freezer is not leveled during installation, the door may be misatigned and not close or seal properly, causing cooling,

frost, or moisture problems. After discarding crating screws and wood base, use a

carpenter's level to level the freezer from front-to-backo Adjust the plastic leveling feet in front, Y2bubble higher, so

that the door closes easily when left halfway open.

Shelf Front

DOOR REMOVAL tfdoor must be removed to fit through narrow doorways;

I. Gently lay freezer on its back, on a throw rug or

blanket.

2. Remove the base panel by unscrewing two screws from front of base panel, Remove wire from clips,on

bottom of cabinet. (Figure 1)

3, Unplug connector by holding the cabinet connector in

place, and pulling door connector out. (Figure 1)

4, At the top of the cabinet, fift up plastic hinge cover, and

fold back. (Figure 2)

54 Use a Phi!lips_ screwdriver to loosen and retighten

the screws on the top hinge to insure a secure assembly, and prevent hinge slippage.

6. Remove the top hinge from cabinet, and {ift door off

lower hinge pin+

7. After door is removed, remove the two screws from the

bottom hinge.

8. To re _lacedoor, reverse above order.

Base

Panel + Base Panel Screws

i Bottom

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

ducts, and out of direct sunlight.

Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing in

the freezer_Overloading the freezer forces the compres-

sor to run longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality or spoil

Be sure to wrap foods properly, and wipe containers dry before placing them in the freezer. This cuts down on

frost build-up inside the freezer. Freezer shelves should not be lined with aluminum foi!, wax paper, or paper toweling Liners interfere with cold

air circulation, making the freezer less efficienL

Organize and label food to reduce door openings and extended searches. Remove as many items as needed

at one time, and dose the door as soon as possible.

Cabtnet Connector

Figure 1

Top

Htnge

Plastic

Hinge Cover

Upright FreezerDoor Adjustments

Figure 2

COOL DOWN PERIOD

For safe food storage, allow 4 hours for the freezer to cool down completely° The freezer will run continuously

for the first several hours. Foods that are already frozen may be placed in the freezer after the first few hours of

operation. Unfrozen foods should NOT be loaded into the freezer until the freezer has operated for 4 hours.

When loading the freezer, freeze only 3pounds of

fresh food per cubtc foot of freezer space at one time.

Distribute packages to be frozen evenly throughout the freezer+,It is not necessary to turn the control knob to a

colder setting while freezing food,,

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

The temperature control islocated insidethe freezer. The temperature control should befactory pre-set to number 4, which willprovide satisfactory food storage temperatures.

However,the temperature control isadjustable to provide a

range oftemperatures for your personal satisfaction. If a colder temperature isdesired, turn the temperature control

knob to a higher number,,Adjust by one numerical increment at a time, and allow several hours for temperatures to

stabilize between adjustments.

NOTE:Your freezer has all of the 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 is secure. To lock or unlock the freezer, push the key

intothe lockand turn° The key pops out of the lock after it has been turned_.

POWER ON LIGHT

The yellow Power On indicatorlightindicatesthat the freezer isproperly connected to electrical power. The light

glows even when the temperature control isturned to OFE

If the light goes out, refer to Freezer Does Not Run Section inthe Troubleshooting Guide. If the freezer appears to be

operating, the light element may be burned out. Call an authorized servicer for replacement.

TEMP ALARM

This feature is designed to provide a warning ifthe inside temperatures reach an unsafe level. The Temp.Alarm Feature operates on household electricity. Itwill not

function if household electricity isinterrupted.

When the freezer isinitially plugged in, the red Temp Alarm

indicator Light blinks. The indicator light will continue to blink until the freezer has reached a safe freezing tempera-

ture. if a malfunction causes an unsafe temperature inside the freezer, the red light wilt blink and the buzzer will sound° To silence the buzzer, press the ALARM OFF button., The

indicatorLight will continue to blink until a safe freezing

temperature is again reached.

SLIDE-OUT BASKET A Slide-Out Basket, located at the bottom of the freezer,

provides separate storage space for items that are difficult to store on freezer shelves..To remove the basket, pull out and lift up.

; i

Indicator Ughts

and Switches

in Handle &

Pop Out Kay

Ifthe ALARM OFF button isnot pressed, the buzzer will

turn itself off automatically after 48 hours, but the red Temp Alarm Light will continue to blink.

Tamp Alarm

indicator Light Functton

Ught out. silent buzzer Normal operation

Blinking RED light, lnilial installation or e_lended silent buzzer power outage tnBicates warm

Blinking RED light, Warm temperature condition. To buzzer sounding silence buzzer, press TEMR

QUICK FREEZE

Toactivate the Quick Freeze feature, push the switch to the ON position. The green lightwill appear, and the freezer will

run continuously (except when in Flash Defrost), driving freezer temperature to the coldest possible temperatures.

The switch automatically turns off after 24 hours.. Use this feature just prior to adding large quantities of unfrozen foods

(not to exceed 3 pounds per cubic foot of freezer space).

........... =...........

temperature.

ALARM OFF button See Troubleshooting Guide lor

possibte problems.

INTERIOR LIGHT

The light comes on automatically when the door is opened. To replace the light bulb,turn the temperature control to

OFF and unptug the electrical cor& Replace the oldbulb

with a bulb of the same wattage.

ADJUSTABLE INTERIOR

SHELVES

Multi-position adjustable jrr_rior shetves can be moved to any position for larger or smaller packages. The

shipping spacers that stabilize the shelves for shipping may be removed

and dis'carde&

Remeve $h}pptng

Spacem

I.o' _t

:.i!

Adju_t_blo Interior She_s

TILT-OUT SHELF

This shelf is located insideon the freezer door and provides

additional storage spaceoTo access an item, tilt top of "basket" shelf down,.

CLEANING THE OUTSIDE Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid deter-

genL Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft clotho

Replace parts and food,.

door open while on vacation, make certain that children cannot get into

_ If leaving thefreezer

the freezer and become entrapped.

VACATION AND MOVING TIPS

Short Vacations:

Leave the freezer operating during vacations of less

than three weeks.

Long Vacations: Ifthe freezer willnot be used for several months:

• Remove all food and unplug the power cord.

• Clean and dry the interior thoroughly

• Leave the freezer door open slightly, blocking it open if necessary, to prevent odor and mo_dgrowth.

Moving: When moving the freezer, follow these guidelines

to prevent damage:

Titt-OutShelf

Damp objects stickto cold

metal surfaces. Donot touch Interior metal surfaces with wet or damp hands,

Although this is afrost-free freezer and defrosts automati- cally, it should be cleaned occasionally°

CLEANING THE INSIDE After defrosting, was_nside surfaces of the freezer with a

solution of two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart (! .'136 litres) warm water. Rinse and dry.Wring excess

water out of the sponge or cloth when cleaning in the area

of the controls, or any electrical parts.

Wash the removable parts and door basket with the baking soda solution mentioned above, or mild detergent and warm

water. Rinse and dry,. Never use metallic scouring pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners, or alkaline solutions on any surface. Do not wash removable parts in a dishwasher..

o Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet.

• Remove foods, then defrost, and clean the freezer°

• Secure all loose items such as base panel, baskets, and shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent

damage.

• inthe moving vehicle, secure freezer in an upright

position to prevent movement_ Also protect outside of freezer with a blanket, or similar item.

NOTE: Do not open freezer door unnec-

essarily if freezer is off for several hours,

If a power failure occurs, frozen foods will stay frozen for

Eitleast 24 hours if the freezer is kept closed° If the power failure continues, pack seven or eight pounds of dry ice into

the freezer every 24 hours_Look in the Yellow Pages under

Dry Ice, Dairies, or Ice Cream Manufacturers for local dry ice suppliers_ Always wear gloves and use caution when

handling dry ice.

if the freezer has stopped operating, see Freezer Does Not Run in the Troubleshooting Guide. If you cannot

solve the problem, call an authorized servicer immediately.

If the freezer remains off for several hours, follow the

directions above for the use of dry ice during a power failure, tf necessary, take the food to a local locker plant until the freezer is ready to operate.. Look in the Yellow

Pages under Frozen Food Locker Plants°

TROUBLESHOOTING

GUIDE

PROBLEM

FREEZER DOES NOT RUN

Freezer does not run,,

Freezer runs too much or too

long,

Interior Freezer temperature is too cold.

Interior Freezer temperature is too warm_

Before calling for service, review this lisL It may save you time and expense, This list includes common occurences that are not the result of defective workmanship or

materials in this appliance.

.............: CAuse

. Freezer is plugged into a circuit

that has a ground fault interrupt,

• Temperature control is in the OFF position.

• Freezer may not be pluggedin, or plug may be bose

• House fuse biown or tripped circuit breaker.

• Power outage.

• Room or outside weather is hot,

. Freezer has recently been

disconnected for a period of time,

• Large amounts of warm or hot food have been stored recently,

o Doors are opened too frequently

or too tong.

• Freezer door may be slightly

open.

• Temperature Control is set too low.

• Freezer gasket is dirty,worn, cracked, or poorly fitted,

• Temperature Control is set too low,,

. Temperature Control is set too

warm,

• Door is kept open too long or is

opened too frequently

• Door may notbe seating

properly.

- Large amounts of warm or hot food may have been stored

recently.

• Freezer has recently been disconnected for a period of

time

Use another circuit, Ifyou are unsure about the outlet, have it checked by a certified technician

• See Setting the Temperature Control Section

• Ensure plug is tightly pushed into outlet

• Check/replace fuse with a 15 amp time-delay fuse Reset circuit breaker

• Check house lights Celt tocat Electric Company

•lt's normal for the freezer to workharder under these conditions

• It takes 4 hours for the freezer to cool down completely

• Warm food will cause freezer to run more until the desired temperature is reached..

. Warm air entering the freezer causes it to run more.

Open doors less often.

• See 'DOOR PROBLEMS" Section,

. Turn control knob to a warmer setting. Nlow several hours

for the temperature to stabilize.

• Clean or change gasket, Leaks in the door seal will cause freezer to ran longer in order to maintain desired

temperature

. Turn the control to a warmer setting..Allow several hours

for the temperature to stabilize,,

• Turn control to a colder setting, Allow several hours for the

temperature to stabilize,

. Warm air enters the freezer every time the door is

opened. Open the door less often,

• See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section,

• Wait until the freezer has had a chance to reach its selected temperature,

• Freezer requires 4 hours to cool down completely

Freezer external surface

temperature is warm.

SOUND AND NOISE

Louder sound levels whenever freezer is ono

Longer sound levels when compressor comes on,,

• The extemal freezer walls can be as much as 30_Fwarmer

than room temperature

- Modern freeze_s have increased

storage capacity and more stable temperatures They

require a high efficiency compressor

• Freezer operates at higher pressures during the start of the ON cycle

• This is normal while the compressor works to transfer heat from inside the freezer cabinet.

• This is norrfial When the surrounding noise level is low, you might hear the compressor running while it cools the

interior

• This is normal Sound will level off or disappear as freezer

continues to run

PROBLEM ! CAUSE i CORRECTION

SOUND AND NOISE (ConL)

Popping or cracking sound • Metal parts undergo expansion • This is normal Sound will level off or disappear as freezer when compressor comes on+ and contraction, as in hot water continues to run.

pipes,

sound, ° Refrigerant (used to cool • This is normal

like water boiling, freezer) is circulating throughout

the system

Vibrating or rattling noise. • Freezer is notlevel It rocks on

the floor when it is moved

slightly FIoor is unevenor weak. Freezer rocks on floor when it is

moved sfightly Freezer istouching the waJlo

WATER_OISTUREJ_ROST INSIDE FREEZER

Level the uniL Refer to "Leveling" in the First Steps Section+

o Ensure floor can adequately support freezer Level the

freezer by putting wood or metal shims under part of the freezer.

• Relevel the freezer or move freezer slightly, Refer !o "Leveling" in the First Steps Section.

Moisture forms on inside freezer wails,

WATER/MOISTUREFFROST OUTSIDE FREEZER

Moisture forms on ouside of • Door may not be seating • See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section freezer, properly, causing the cotd air

ODOR IN FREF_ZER

Odors in freezer • Interior needs to be cleaned, • Clean interior with sponge, warm water, and baking soda

DOOR PROBLEMS

Door will not close,

LIGHT BULB IS NOT ON

• Weather is hot and humid, whichincreasesinternal rate of

frost build-upo

• Door may not be seating properly

• Door is kept open too long, or is opened too frequently

from inside the freezer to meet warm moist air from outside

• Foods withstrong odors are in • Cover the food tightly the freezer+

• Freezer is not level. It rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly+

• Floor is uneven or weak, Freezer rocks on floor when it is moved stightly

• This is normal

• See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section

• Open the door less often

. This condition can force the cabinet out of square and

misalign the door. Refer to "Leveling" in the First Steps Section.

• Level the floor by using wood or metal shims under the freezer or brace floor supporting the freezer,,

Light bulb is not on+ • Ught bulb is burned out.

• No electric current is reaching the freezer+

• Follow directions under "Interior Ught" in the Freezer Features Section

• See "FREEZER DOES NOT RUN" Section,

"WeServiceWhatWeSell"isourassuranceyoucan dependon Sears for service., and Sears service is

nationwide.Your freezer has added value when you consider that Sears has service units nationwide, staffed

with professional technicians specifically trained on Sears appliances and having parts, tools and equipment to

ensure that we meet our pledge to you,.?We Service What We Sell,"

SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

Maintain the value of your Kenmore Elite ®freezer with a Sears Maintenance Agreement. Sears freezers are de-

signed, manufactured, and tested for years of dependable

operationoYet,any modern appliance may require service from time to time.

The Sears Maintenance Agreement

• fsyour way to buy tomorrow's service at today's price.

• Eliminates repair bills resulting from normal use. = Allows for as many service calls as required,

• Provides for service by professional Sears-trained technicians.

• Offers an annual preventive maintenance check-up at your request.

This maintenance agreement does not cover original

installation, reinstaltation, or damage resulting from external causes such as acts of God, abuse, theft, fire, flood, wind, lightning, freezing, power failure, power

reduction, etc.,Please ask a salesperson to see the agreement for all of the terms and conditions.

Dear Customer: In manufacturing this product, many steps have been taken

to provide you with the highest quality. Unfortunately, errors

or omissions occasionaly occur. In the event you find a missing or defective part, please contact your nearest

Sears store,.(See the back cover for phone numbers,) If you have any suggestions that would help us to improve

our assembly/operation instructions or this product, please

write them down, including the information listed below and

mail to: Sears Canada, tnco Attn: Buyer DepL 646

222 Jarvis Street Toronto, Ontario

M5B 2B8 Purchased by:

Name:

Address: City: Prov.,:

PostalCode: Phone:. Model Non:970.

Serial No..: Date of Purchase / /

Location of Purchase Comments:

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