Kenmore 500 Series Top Load Washer Manual

The Kenmore 500 Series Top Load Washer is a high-efficiency, large-capacity washing machine featuring multiple wash cycles, temperature settings, soil levels, and spin speeds. It includes features like a deep fill option, extra rinse, delay start, and a stainless steel wash basket. Designed for residential use with 120V AC power. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Utilities 7. Operating the Washer 8. Special Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control panel with digital display, Wash basket (stainless steel), Lid lock, Water inlet valves, Drain pump, Leveling legs, Power cord.

FeatureDescription
Control PanelDigital display with cycle selection buttons
Wash CyclesNormal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Quick Wash, Bulky Items, Sanitize
Temperature SettingsHot, Warm, Cold, Tap Cold
Soil LevelLight, Normal, Heavy
Spin SpeedHigh, Medium, Low, No Spin
Deep Fill OptionAdds extra water for heavily soiled loads
Extra RinseAdds an additional rinse cycle
Delay StartDelays cycle start up to 24 hours
Lid LockAutomatically locks during wash cycle for safety
Stainless Steel BasketResists rust and chipping

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on level floor.

  1. Remove shipping materials: Take off transit bolts and packing materials.
  2. Level the washer: Adjust front leveling legs; use a level to ensure machine is balanced.
  3. Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold water hoses to corresponding faucets (red for hot, blue for cold).
  4. Connect drain hose: Insert into standpipe or laundry tub; secure with hose guide if provided.
  5. Plug into grounded electrical outlet.

WARNING! Washer is heavy; use two people for moving. Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks.

First-Time Setup

Plug in washer; run a cleaning cycle before first use.

  1. Select cycle: Turn cycle selector to "Clean Washer" or "Normal" with hot water.
  2. Add cleaner: Add washer cleaner or 1 cup of bleach to empty basket.
  3. Start cycle: Close lid and press START/PAUSE.
  4. Set preferences: Use CONTROL LOCK to prevent accidental changes.

CAUTION! Ensure washer is level to prevent excessive vibration. Do not remove lid during operation.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access settings via control panel. Power Button: Turns washer on/off. Cycle Selector Knob: Choose wash cycle. Temperature Button: Select water temp. Soil Level Button: Choose soil setting. Spin Speed Button: Select spin speed. Options: DEEP FILL, EXTRA RINSE, DELAY START. Start/Pause: Starts or pauses cycle.

Display: Shows cycle time, settings, and error codes.

Cycle Settings: NORMAL (default), HEAVY DUTY (for heavily soiled items), DELICATES (gentle wash), QUICK WASH (under 30 min), BULKY ITEMS (for blankets), SANITIZE (uses hot water). Temperature: HOT (for whites), WARM (for colors), COLD (for bright colors), TAP COLD (uses unheated water). Soil Level: LIGHT (lightly soiled), NORMAL (typical soil), HEAVY (heavily soiled). Spin Speed: HIGH (for cottons), MEDIUM (for synthetics), LOW (for delicates), NO SPIN (for hand-wash items).

Connecting Utilities

Water Supply: Hot and cold hoses. Drain: Drain hose to standpipe. Power: Grounded outlet.

  1. Turn off water supply before connecting hoses.
  2. Use only new hoses; do not reuse old hoses.
  3. Ensure drain hose is not kinked and is inserted properly into drain.
  4. Plug into dedicated 15-amp circuit.

Tip: Check for leaks after first cycle. Ensure hot and cold hoses are connected to correct faucets.

Operating the Washer

Supports various fabric types and soil levels.

  1. Load laundry: Open lid, add clothes loosely; do not overload.
  2. Add detergent: Pour into detergent dispenser; use HE detergent only.
  3. Select cycle: Turn knob to desired cycle.
  4. Select options: Press TEMPERATURE, SOIL LEVEL, SPIN SPEED, and any options (DEEP FILL, etc.).
  5. Start: Close lid, press START/PAUSE.
  6. Pause: Press START/PAUSE to pause; open lid to add forgotten items.
  7. End of cycle: Washer beeps; remove clothes promptly to prevent wrinkles.
  8. Power off: Turn POWER button off after use.

WARNING! Do not overload basket. Use only HE detergent. Keep lid closed during operation.

Special Features

Deep Fill: Adds extra water for heavily soiled loads. Extra Rinse: Adds rinse cycle for sensitive skin. Delay Start: Delays start up to 24 hours. Control Lock: Locks controls to prevent accidental changes (press and hold TEMPERATURE and SOIL LEVEL for 3 seconds).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean interior with washer cleaner monthly. Clean detergent dispenser regularly.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; keep control panel dry. Clean lint filter after each cycle.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed; complies with U.S. safety standards. Energy Star certified for energy efficiency. Copyright © Kenmore; trademarks of Sears Brands, LLC. For support, visit www.kenmore.com or contact 1-800-469-4668.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Washer won't startPower/lidEnsure plugged in; outlet has power; close lid securely.
No water fillingWater supply/hosesCheck water supply is on; ensure hoses not kinked; clean inlet screens.
Excessive vibrationLeveling/loadEnsure washer is level; adjust leveling legs; redistribute load evenly.
Water not drainingDrain hose/clogCheck drain hose for kinks; ensure proper height; clean pump filter.
Error codes on displayVarious faultsRefer to error code chart in manual; unplug for 5 minutes, then retry.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute, then plug back in.

Service: 1-800-469-4668; www.kenmore.com

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