Sears SR5500 Guide, 14795 Operating Instructions Manual

A:utomatfc Dishwashing Guide

Safety Instructions

What Your Dishwasher Needs

Operating Instructions

Proper Loading

Special Tips

4, 5

6,7

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Dispensers

Important Parts of Your Dishwasher

10

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Door Panels 11

User Maintenance Instructions 12

Problems and Solutions

13,14,15

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Sears Service Back Cover

Fill in these spaces:
Model No_
Serial No,

Purchase Date

1479!

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Please follow basic precautions, including the following:

Read all instructions before using your
dishwasher.

DO NOT touch heating element dur-
ing or immediately after use. Allow

time to cool,

ONLY use detergents and raise agents
recommended for use in a dishwasher.

Store detergents and rinse agents in a

cool, diy place OUT OF CHILDREN'S
REACH.

DO NOT tamper with controls.

DO NfYFoperate dishwasher unless all
enclosure panels are properly in place,

ALWAYS disconnect electrical power to
dishwasher before attempting to ser-

vice it.

REMEMBER, use dishwasher for its

__ intended purpose only.

DO NOT wash plastic items unless
marked "Dishwasher Safe" or equiva-

lento If unmarked, check manufac-
turer's recommendations°

This dishwasher must be properly
installed in accordance with the Instal-

lation Instructions before it is used.

TO AVOID RISK OF ELECrRtCAL
SHOCK, the dishwasher must be elec-
trically grounded before it is operated.

v

tf you did not receive an Installation
Instruction booklet with your dish-
washer, you can get a copy by contacting
your Sears Service Center.

Load sharp or pointed tableware with
handles up (points down) to avoid
injury when reaching into dishwasher.

Load sharp items and knives so they
aren t lilely to damage door sea!.

DO NOT sit or stand on or abuse
dishwasher door or dishrackso

DO NO_[ allow children to play in or
on dishwasher:

When discarding old dishwashei; BE
SURE to remove door to pievent
accidental entrapmenL

DO NOT install the dishwasher on
carpeted floor.

WARNING: Under certain conditions,
hydrogen gas may build up in a hot

water system that has not been used
for two weeks or more. HYDROGEN

GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. To prevent injury
or damage, before using dishwasher;

_trn on all hot water faucets and allow
water to run for several minutes, This
will aUow gases to escape. As the gas
is flammable, DO NOT smoke or use
an open flame or appliance near
faucets while they are open_

Save These Instructions

What Your Dishwasher Needs To Do Its Job

Hot Water

Water supplied to dishwasher must be at least 140°F, For water temperature
below 140%F, the Water Heat option can be use& To prevent dish damage,
incoming water should not exceed 150_.

o Check the water temperature inside your dishwasher with a candy or meat

thermometer
Let the dishwasher run through one fill and pump-out cycle, then let it fill

with water' the second time. When you hear the water stop filling, unlatch
the door and slowly open it.. Remove the silverware basket, place a candy

or meat thermometer in the water towards the middle of the tub, and measure
the temperature of the water in the bottom of the tub.

If the temperature is less than 140°F,, set your water heater's thermostat upo

• Do not operate the dishwasher during or right after other heavy use of hot
water, such as for laundry or bathing°

o Use the Water Heat option, if necessary, to bring water to the proper washing

temperature.

Water Pressure

Water supply pressure must be between 15 and 120 pounds per square inch°
To determine if you have enough pressure, put a 1/2 gallon container under a
fully opened hot water faucet nearest the dishwashen If the container fills in
less than !4 seconds, water pressure is within an acceptable range° Be sure all
other faucets are turned off during this test.

Water Conditions

tn areas where water is very hard (12 grains or more), it may be necessary to
install a water softener to assure proper performance from your dishwashen
If you do not know the hardness of your water supply, contact your local water
department or bring a sample into your Sears store for testing.

Detergents

Only use detergents labeled for use in automatic dishwashers. NEVER use
laundry detergents, liquid soaps or other household cleaners in your
dishwasher Some detergents will be more effective with your water conditions
than others. Store detergent in a cool, dry place°

Rinse Agents

Rinse agents make water flow off dishes quicker than usual This lessens water
spotting and makes drying faster, too.

M

J

Operating Instructions Model 14795

Selector Buttons Dool Latch (Locked) Cycle Indicator' Dial

Starting Your Dishwasher

1. Load the dishwasher (see pages 6 and 7)°

2. Add detergent (see page 9)_

3. Close the door but do not latch it.

4, If dishwasher' drains into a food waste disposer,

operate disposer until it is empty

5. Turn on hot water faucet nearest dishwasher and
let it run until the water is hot,

6. Push selector button for desired cycle. If you plan
to use the LIGHT WASH cycle, push the NORMAL

WASH button_

7. Push selector buttons for desired options_

When NOT using DELAY START.°.

Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to START for
the NORMAL WASH cycle Then latch fire door
to start the dishwasher,

When using DELAY STARlr (for all cycles) .....

Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to desired delay
time (up to 6 hours), Their latch the door to start

the timer.
The DELAY light will come on and stay on until

the dishwasher starts automatically at the end of
the selected delay time.

Selectthe Cycle

0,,_., POTS & PANS Cycle

..... For heavily soiled dishes and pots

•_ Cycle _ime" Approx 92 minutes*

WaterUsage: Approx 116 gallons

-Q-

;;_&'

NORMAL WASH Cycle
For normally soiled dishes
Cycle rime: Approx. 83 minutes*

WaterUsage: Approx,_ 11 6gallons

LIGHt WASH Cycle
For prerinsed or lightly soiled dishes

and dishes that have been stored
Cycle Time: Approx 75 mlnutes*

Water Usage: Approx. 83 gallons

WATER MISER Cycle

For tableware that is lightly soiled
with fresh soils and is prerinsed
Cycle Time: Approx, 83 minutes*
Water Usage: Approx 98 gallons

*Unextended times These cycle times may be increased up to 9 minutes if necessary for your dishwasher to heat the water to proper
temperature for good washability when you use the WATER HEAT button

CHINA WASH Cycle

For lightly soiled china and crystal
Water action is softened by pumping
air along with water

CycleTime: Approx 83minutes*
Water Usage: Approx. 8.7 gallons

RINSE & HOI-D Cycle
For rinsing dishes that will be washed

later DO NOTUSE DETERGENT

CycleTime: Approx 13minutes

WaterUsage: Approx 47gallons

Select Options

WATER HEAT Option [-_
Select this option and the
main wash cycle is extended 9

minutes while the dishwasher
automatically heats the water
for good washing and drying

POWER MISER Option [-_

Turns heater off for entire

drying period To shorten
drying time, open dishwasher
door slightly

RESET OPTIONS Button

Cancels selected WATER
HEAT and POWER MISER
options, Main wash time will

not be extended, and dishes
witI dry in heated air

Normal Sights & Sounds

o You'll hear occasional sounds while your dishwasher

is running:
o Soft food disposer shredding action.
o Drain valve opening to pump water out,

How to Add a Dish During a Cycle

• Add dishes any time during a Rinse & Hold cycle°

• With other wash cycles, you can add dishes at any
time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion of

the cycle

', Timer control as cycle progresses.
', Detergent cup opening.
o Pump motor starting.

,, The motor stops during drying

Here's how to add a forgotten dish:

1.Push dora latch to the left, Washing will stop
2 ,Wait a few seconds until the water calms, Then open

the door:

3.Add dishes you've forgotten

" You'll see water vapor coming through the vents by

the door latch during daying and when water is being
pumped out.

Energy and Water Saving Tips Preparing Dishes for Washing

. Wash full loads,
e Use your dishwasher during off-peak hours.

• Use the LIGHT WASH or WATER MISER cycle
whenever possible.

_, Select Power Miser drying option when you don't

need dry dishes in a hurry
Q Don't pre-rinse nmmally soiled dishes.
', Load correctly to insure good washing action,

• Pre-rinsing of normal food soil is not necessary°

Scrape off bones, seeds, skins, toothpicks and other
hardsoilso

,, Remove hard shelled vegetables, meat trimmings,

leafy vegetables, and excessive amounts of oil or
grease,

" Remove foods with high acid content--they can

discolor stainless steel

o Remove large quantities of any food
o When using the POTS & PANS cycle, less prepara-

tion is required, This cycle can wash heavily-soiled
dishes and remove dried-on and baked-on soils from

bPOtS, pans and casseroles_ However, items with

urned-on soils may not come clean.

Proper Loading

This is a random mixed load, the most common type you

wilt have,

Make sure dishes are properly loaded to insure that

water can reach the soiled surfaces, The wash arm

in the bottom sprays water up. The tower that rises

in the center sends "water out over the dishes to wash
the items in upper rack, A spray arm in the top

washes down alsoo Make sure to place tall items to
the outside so the upper wash arm is not b!ocked_

Upper Rack

The top rack is best for glasses, cups and saucers. Two
rows of cups can be washed when using the folding

shell Loadthe bottom row first, then fold down the
shelf and load the top row. Cups and glasses fit best

along the sides° This is the place for dishwasher_safe
plastics, too_ Make sure small plastic items are lodged

in tightly so they can t fall onto the heating unit,.
Arrange stemware so that it cannot move easily. Dont

let the glasses touch each othen
Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other small items may

be placed--face down--in the top rack, The top rack
is handy for all kinds of odd shapes, Be sure the force
of wate_ and detergent can reach soiled surfaces

Shelf Up

WATCH OUT FOR THISo

The washe_ tower rises through the center of the bot-
tom rack during the wash and rinse portions of the
cycle, Don't block it or load tall things next to it. Also,
be careful not to let a portion of an item such as a
pot or dish handle extend through the bottom rack_
This could block the wash arm and cause poor
washing results,

Fold the folding shelf up for glasses and tall things_
Place tall items to the outside so the upper wash arm
is not blocked

Upper Rack

Shelf Down

The folding shelf gives you extra space for cups and

long utensils on two levels° Load the lower level first,
then fold the shelf down°

Lower Rack

F

Fit plates and saucers between the pins+ Place items
so that water and detergent from wash arm can reach

soiled surfaces.

Put flatware in the removable basket with handles up
to protect your hands° Mix knives, forks and spoons _,

so they don t nest together° Distribute evenly. Small
plastic' items, such as measuring spoons and lids from

small containers are not recommended for automatic
d_ishwasbJng. If placed in the dishwasher, they should

go in bottom of the silverware basket with silverware
on top,

Precaution!
Take out anything that may fall or extend through the

bottom of the basket°

Load platters, pots, pans and bowls along the sides,

in corners or in the back° All large items, such as

pitchers, salad bowls, and mixing bowls, should be

washed in the lower rack..

Heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles MUST be
loaded in the bottom rack, facing down, Prop broiler
pans and racks along the edge_

Don't let any
item extend
through bottom.

Special Tips On Dishwasher Use

Most utensils and dishware can be safely washed in your

dishwashen However, some materials may require special
handling.

Aluminum: Some darkening may take place_ Colored
aluminum may fade. Do not place aluminum items directly
in front of detergent cups where contact with undissolved
detergent could cause pitting, spotting or discoloration.

Cast Iron: Cast iron utensils should be handwashed

China: Antique, hand-painted china and those with gold
or platinum rings should be handwashed.

Crystal: Load carefully in upper rack only. To prevent chip-

ping, items should not touch_ Handwash delicate items_
Select Power Miser drying option to air-dry crystal items.

Flatware: Sterling, silve_plate and stainless steel are no:maNy

dishwasher safe. Flatware with clark decorative shading
and/or non-metallic handles should be handwashe&

,/

Pewter: Pewter or pewter-like materials should be

handwashed.

Plastic: Plastic items should be p!aced in u]_per rack only.
Wash only those items marked Dishwasher Safer

Wood: Wood items should be handwashed.

Glass: Milk glass should be handwashed.

Non-Stick Coatings: After washing, wipe the non-stick
coating area with vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-

stick quality.

Non-Dishware Items: DO NCYF wash items such as elec-
tronic air cleaner filters, furnace filters and paint brushes
in your dishwashen Damage to dishwasher and discolora-

tion or staining of dishwasher may result

Detergent Dispenser

You'll find two detergent dispensers on the inside door of
your dishwasher because some cycles use two washes,

Do not add detergent until you are ieady to start the cycle.
Use fresh detergenL

The dispenser will automatically release detergent at the cor-
rect times during the cycle.

Always close the main cup tightly, When it is firmly latched
you will hear a clicking sound., It is not necessary to
overtighten,

Note: Main detergent cup [ GRASPHANDLE,

ROTATE /--_"

may be opened manually I ANDCLOSE ..;,/.J_

with no harm, Turn handle TrGHTLY. _.
counterclockwise until it "" - "

releases,. A snapping sound ',"

is normal when it opens ._\_

jJ

Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)

OPEN CU _ _'

Cycles

Light Wash

China Wash

Water Miser

Pots & Pans

Normal Wash

Soft Water

(0 to 3 grains)

Main Cup

I tablespoon

Each Cup

I tablespoon

Moderately
Hard Water

(4 to 8 grains)

Main Cup

Half Full

Each Cup

Half Full

Hard Water Very HaId Water

(9 to 12 grains) (over 12 grains)

Main Cup

Completely Full

Each Cup

Completely Ful!

Rinse & Hold No Detergent No Detergent No Detergent

Water' Softener

Recommended

Water Softener

Recommended

Water Softener

Recommended

1

Rinse Agent Dispenser

Rinse agents come in either liquid or solid form. Your
dishwasher's dispenser uses the liquid form

To fill the dispenser:
o Unscrew the cap.
', Add liquid rinse agent until it just reaches the bottom of

the lip inside the dispenser opening.

• Replace the cap.

The dispenser holds 4V2 ounces This should last about 3

months. Fil! as needed, but do not overfill

Important Parts of YourDishwasher

Third-Level Spray Arm

Upper Rack

Lower Spray Arm _ -
Heating Element -

Wash lower

Lower Rack

g Filter

Normal Water Fill Level

Right Side View

Door Latch

Control Panel

Door Panel

(optional color panels)

Access Panel

(optional color panels)

Front View

__-_ _ _f Rinse Agent Dispenser

Inner Door

10

Changing Color Panels

tf you are redecorating, you can change your dishwasher's front panels
to match or blend withyour new colors_

The panels are held in place by the door trim and the trim on the panel
below the door. Each side of each panel is a different color, Or you can
paint the panels with the color of your own choice

WARNING: To prevent electric shock, disconnect electrical power sup-
ply to dishwasher before changing panels.

How to change door panel:

1. Take out 3 trim screws on either' side of dishwasher door. Remove side

trim

2, Slide out both insert panels.

3. Put the color you want in front (Careful--edges may be sharp.)
4, Replace insert panels, side trim and screws°

How to change lower access panel:

1. Remove 4 panel attachment screws_ (2 above panel, 2 below the paneL)

2. Remove entire panel
3o Take out 3 screws and remove top trim.

4. Slide out both insert panels together,

5. Put the color you want in front,

6. Replace insert panels, top trim and screws,

7. Replace entire panel and 4 attachment screws_

Door and Access Panel Dimensions

Color insert panels for both door and panel can be replaced by 1/4" thick
wood inserts to match your kitchen cabinets. Get them h'om your nearest

cabinet or lumber dealer,
Dimensions for 114" wood inserts:

Door Panel: 19y8" high x 23_"16"wide
Lower Panel 311/!6"high x 23'_6" wide

Note: Do not operate dishwasher while changing panels or when lower
access panel is removed,

11

User Maintenance Instructions

Care of Surfaces

• Clean control panel with lightly dampened cloth. Dry thoroughly_

Do not use abrasives or sharp objects--they could damage it+

o Clean outside cabinet finish with a good appliance polish wax. Do not

use scouring pads, harsh or gritty cleaners.
Interior is self-cleaning with normal use, If it should ever need clean-

ing, use a mild deansing powden If hard water causes lime build-up,
clean as follows:

o Pour 2 cups white vinegar into empty dishwashen Do not use

detergent.

o Operate machine on Normal Wash cycle.

Care of Air Gap

If an air gap was installed for your built-in dishwasher, check to make
sure it is clean Air gaps are usually mounted on the countertop and can
be inspected by removing the cover. The air gap is not part of your
dishwasher and is not covered by Sears warranty.

Drain Air Gap

m

Protection against Freezing

If dishwasher is left in an unheated place during the winter+.+

• Shut off water and electrical powen
o Remove access panel.
e Disconnect water lines from valve Drain into a flat pare
o Drain collection chamber at rear of unit below filter by disconnecting

hose to pump°

o Remove plastic pump cover in tub bottom and use sponge to soak up

any remaining waten

o Reconnect water lines to valve and hoses to pump+

Pump Cover

Preparation for Moving

• Disconnect electrical powen
o Turn off water supply, disconnect water and drain lines°

• Tape racks in place; close door securely and tape it shut+
+ Wrap with blankets, and if using a hand truck, lift dishwasher from

side in upright position only+

12

Common Dishwashing Problems and Solutions

Problem

Dishwasher
wil! not start

Dishwasher will
not fill with water

Unusual noise

Dishwasher leaks

Detergent cup lid

won't latch after
adding detergent

Dishes not dry

Caused by

Dishwasher not receiving
electricity,

Dial not in correct position
for cycle selected.

No water supply
Water inlet valve clogged

Improper !oading

Dishwasher not level

Too much sudsing

Spilled rinse agent

Cycle Indicator dial not
in OFF position

Water is not hot

Power Miser option

selected
Improper loading

Rinse agent
dispenser empty

Solution

Check house fuse or circuit breaker

Make sure dial is turned far enough and cycle button is
fully pushed in,

Make sure water supply valve under sink is turned on
Water valve supply line may be clogged with sediment,

Clean out.

Utensils may not be secure on rack pins, or something
small may have dropped from the rack, Water is
causing utensils to rattle Make sure everything is
securely placed in dishwasher'.

Level dishwasher as described in Installation
Instructions, Do not place dishwasher on carpet,

Improper detergenL Use automatic dishwasher

detergent only or try a different brand or less detergent.

If hand dishwashing detergent is used by mistake, pour

one measuring cup of vegetable oil in bottom of tub and

run dishwasher thiough a complete Normal Wash cycle

with recommended amount of automatic dishwashing
detergent

To remove suds from tub: Open dishwasher_ Let suds

evaporate, Add 1 gallon of cold water to tub Close and
latch dishwasher, Pump out water by slowly tinning
control dial until a drain period is reached, Repeat if
necessary

Spilled rinse agent can cause foam during washing_
This can lead to overflowing. Wipe up accidental spill
of rinse agent with a damp cloth

Cycle Indicator dial must be in OFF position for cup lid
to close and latch properly, If you unlatch the door and
open it to dry your dishes, tile Cycle Indicator dial does

not advance to OFF by itself,

Raise water heater thermostat to 140°E if necessary

Do not select Powe_ Miser drying option, Allow dishes
to dry in heated air:

Load dishes so items drain properly, Avoid overloading,

Fill rinse agent dispenser if empty_

(continued next page)

I

t3

Common Dishwashing Problems and Solutions (continued)

Problem Caused by Solution

Cycle takes too long Water Heat option Heating water takes approximately one minute for each

selected degree of ternperature rise, Times given in cycle

descripfion do not include water heating time.

Hard water

S_OmOttingand

ing

Etching--
permanent filming
which cannot be
removed

Water' left in bottom
of tub

Water is not hot

Power Miser drying
option selected

Not enough or, poor
quality detergent

Old detergent

No rinse agent

Too much detergent
in soft water

Improper loading

Normal amount of water

Drain air gap

Fill detergent cups to capacity. Use dishwasher
detergent with highest available phosphorous content,

May be necessary to install a water sottener
Raise water heater thermostat to t40°E, if necessary,

Use Water Heat option

Drying without heat may cause some spotting, Do not

select Power Miser option

Use more flesh automatic dishwasher' detergent. Use
detergent with highest available phosphorous content,

especially if you have hard water,
Use only flesh, automatic dishwasher detergent Store

tightly closed in a cool dry place, Discard old, lumpy or
separated detergent° Do not fill detergent cups until
ready to wash,

Fill rinse agent dispenser.
To remove stubborn spots and film from glassware:

1_ Remove all metal utensils from the dishwashen

2, Do not add detergent.

3. Select POTS & PANS cycle,

4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run for 18 to 20
minutes° The dishwasher' will now be in the main

wash,

5_ Then open the door and pour 2 cups (500ml) of

white vinegar into bottom of dishwasher',

6, Close the door and allow to complete the cycle.

If vinegar rinse doesn't work: Repeat as above, except
use 1/4 cup (60ml) of citric acid crystals instead of
vinegan (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals).

Reduce amount of dishwasher detergent, Use detergent
with lower phosphorous contenL

Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded properly to
permit water spray to rinse all surfaces. Do not overload,

It is normal for a small amount of clean water to remain
in bottom of tub after each cycle_

Clean the drain air gap See User Maintenance
Instructions_

14

Problem Caused by Solution

Dishes and interior Iron or manganese Install an iron or manganese filter in home water
of dishwasher in water supply.
brown or yellow

Film build-up on
lower front of tub

Silveiware stained

Bronze tarnish
on silverplate

Black or gray
marks on dish

Some detergent did
not dissolve

Undissolved detergent
contacting wet silverware

Acidic or salty food soils

Sitverplate worn off
exposing base metal--takes

on bronze hue

Metal utensils rubbing
against dishes during wash

Dishware chipped Improper loading
or broken

Dishwasher odor Soiled dishes held too

long in dishwasher

Vinyl rack coating

Use fresh, automatic dishwasher detergent, Use
detergent with highest available phosphorous content,
especially if you have hard water, Raise water heater
thermostat to 140°E if necessary, Run water' at sink until
hot before starting dishwasher and/or use Water' Heat
option,, Remove with dishwashing detergent and warm

water

Avoid spilling dry detergent on wet silverware, Clean
with silver polish

Use Rinse & Hold cycle. Certain foods left on
silverware for extended periods of time may cause
pitting,

Remove tarnish with silver potish, Replace silver

Load metal utensils so they do not rub against dishes,
Marks may be removed with mild abrasive cleanser
and plastic scouring pad,

Do not overload. Load glasses in upper rack only See
Proper Loading section for' tips,

Use Rinse & Hold cycle if dishes will not be washed at
end of day

Plastic odor will be gone after several weeks use,

R

15

We Service What We Sell

"We Service What We Sell" is our assurance you can depend on Sears
for seivice...and Sears service is nationwide. Your dishwashei has

added value when you consider that Sears has service units nationwide,
staffed with professional technicians specifically trained on Seaxs appliances
and having parts, tools and equipment to insure that we meet our pledge
to you.."We Service What We SeW'

Sears Maintenance Agreement

Maintain the value of your Kerunore dishwasher with a Sears Maintenance
AgreemenL Sears dishwashers are designed, manufactured, and tested
for yeais of dependable operation Yet, any modern appliance may
require service from time to time.

The Sears Maintenance Agreement

o Is your way to buy tomorrow's service at today's price.
* Eliminates repair bills resulting from noimal use

o Allows for as many service calls as required_
o Provides for service by professional Sears-trained technicians°
o Offers an annual preventive maintenance check-up at your request.

This maintenance agreement does not cover original installation, reinstalla-

tion, or damage resulting from external causes such as acts of abuse,
theft, fixe, flood, wind, tigntning, freezing, power failure, power reduc-
tion, etc.

Sears Dishwasher Warranty

Full One-Year Warranty on Dishwasher

For one year from the first day of use in your home, Sears will repair, free of charge, defects in material
or workmanship which appear in this dishwasher

Full'I_n-Year Warranty Against Leaks in the Tub and Inner Door Panel

For ten years from the first day of use in your home, if a leak should occur as a result of failure of
the tub or inner door panel due to cracking, chipping, or peeling, Sears will replace, free of charge, the

tub or inner door panel.

If the dishwasher is subjected to other than private family use, the above warranty coverage is effective
for only 90 days.

Wa_Tanty service is available by contacting the NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CEN'I_RiDEPARTMENT 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., Dept. 6981731A Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684

Part No. SR5500_

229

Printed in U.S.A.

165D3592P001 14795