Kenmore Elite Washer 796419 Manual

The Kenmore Elite Washer 796419 is a high-efficiency front-load washing machine featuring advanced cleaning technology, multiple wash cycles, energy-saving modes, and smart diagnostics. This manual covers essential information for safe installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your appliance. Below are key sections detailing features, setup, usage, care, and problem resolution.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Control Panel Overview 4. Specifications 5. Operating Instructions 6. Cycle Guide 7. Care & Maintenance 8. Smart Features & Diagnostics 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Front-load drum, Electronic Control Panel, Dispenser Drawer, Door Lock, Drain Pump Filter, Adjustable Leveling Feet.

Feature	Description
Steam Refresh Option	Reduces wrinkles and odors without a full wash
Sanitize Cycle	Eliminates 99.9% of common household bacteria
SmartDispense™ Technology	Automatically releases detergent for up to 20 loads
ENERGY STAR® Certified	High efficiency for reduced water and energy use
Quiet Pak™ Insulation	Reduces noise during operation
14 Wash Cycles	Including Heavy Duty, Delicates, Quick Wash, and more
LED Display	Shows cycle time, settings, and diagnostic codes
Automatic Temperature Control	Adjusts water temperature for optimal cleaning
Delay Start	Program wash to begin up to 24 hours later
Child Lock	Prevents accidental changes to cycle settings

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure location meets requirements.

Remove shipping materials: Take out transit bolts and packing from drum and hoses.
Level the washer: Adjust front leveling feet using a wrench; ensure unit is stable.
Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold hoses to corresponding faucets (red for hot, blue for cold).
Connect drain hose: Secure to standpipe or laundry sink (maximum height 96 inches).
Plug into grounded 120V AC outlet.
Run a test cycle: Select Quick Wash without laundry to flush the system.

WARNING! Do not remove transit bolts before moving washer into final position. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.

Control Panel Overview

Access functions via the electronic control panel and knob.

Main Controls: POWER, CYCLE SELECTOR KNOB, START/PAUSE, OPTIONS (Steam, Extra Rinse, Delay Start), TEMPERATURE, SPIN SPEED.

Display Indicators: Cycle time remaining, selected options, door lock status, error codes.

Settings: Cycle customization (temperature, spin speed, soil level), SmartDispense™ settings, default preferences, child lock activation.

Specifications

Model: Kenmore Elite 796419
Type: Front-Load High-Efficiency Washer
Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
Color: White
Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
Water Connections: Hot & Cold (required)
Max Spin Speed: 1300 RPM
Dimensions (HxWxD): 39" x 27" x 32"
Weight: 205 lbs
Certifications: ENERGY STAR®, NSF

Operating Instructions

Daily use steps for washing laundry.

Power on: Press POWER button.
Load laundry: Open door, distribute items evenly around drum. Do not overload.
Add detergent: Pour HE detergent into SmartDispense™ compartment or directly into drum for single use.
Select cycle: Turn knob to desired wash cycle (e.g., Normal, Heavy Duty).
Customize options: Press OPTIONS to add Steam, Extra Rinse, etc.
Set temperature and spin speed: Use respective buttons.
Start cycle: Press START/PAUSE. Door will lock.
Unload when complete: Wait for door lock light to turn off, then remove laundry.

Tip: Use High-Efficiency (HE) detergent only. Regular detergent may cause oversudsing.

Cycle Guide

Description of available wash cycles.

Cycle	Best For	Default Temp	Approx. Time
Normal	Everyday cotton, mixed fabrics	Warm	60 min
Heavy Duty	Heavily soiled work clothes, jeans	Hot	90 min
Delicates	Silk, lace, hand-washables	Cold	40 min
Quick Wash	Lightly soiled, 2-4 items	Cold	30 min
Sanitize	Baby clothes, towels, bedding	Hot	120 min
Steam Refresh	Wrinkles, odors between washes	N/A	20 min
Bulky Items	Comforters, pillows	Warm	80 min
Rinse & Spin	Extra rinsing or spin only	Cold	20 min

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Clean drum monthly: Run Tub Clean cycle with affresh® washer cleaner (no laundry).
Wipe door seal and glass: After each use to prevent mildew.
Clean detergent dispenser: Remove drawer monthly, rinse under warm water.
Check drain pump filter: Clean every 3-6 months to remove lint and debris.
Inspect hoses: Replace every 5 years to prevent leaks.
Keep exterior clean: Use mild soap and damp cloth; avoid abrasives.

CAUTION! Unplug washer before performing any maintenance. Do not use bleach to clean rubber door seal.

Smart Features & Diagnostics

Advanced functionality for convenience and troubleshooting.

SmartDispense™: Holds up to 32 oz of HE liquid detergent; automatically dispenses correct amount per cycle. Refill when indicator light illuminates.

Diagnostic Mode: Press and hold certain buttons (e.g., Temp + Spin Speed) for 3 seconds to enter diagnostic mode. Error codes will display for troubleshooting.

Cycle Memory: Remembers last used cycle and settings for convenience.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions to prevent injury or damage.

Always unplug washer before cleaning or servicing.
Do not wash items soaked in gasoline, oil, or other flammable chemicals.
Keep children away from the washer when in use; activate Child Lock if needed.
Ensure door is closed completely before starting a cycle.
Do not overload the washer; follow load size recommendations.
Use only HE detergent to prevent oversudsing and damage.

WARNING! Risk of fire or explosion if flammable vapors are present. Ensure proper ventilation.

Warranty & Support

Limited 1-year full warranty on parts and labor, 10-year limited warranty on tub. For service, contact Kenmore customer support.

Support: 1-800-536-6247 (Kenmore Elite Appliances)

Online: www.kenmore.com or www.searspartsdirect.com for manuals and parts.

Registration: Register your product online to activate warranty and receive updates.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Washer won't start	Door not closed, no power	Close door firmly; check power cord and outlet; press POWER.
No water filling	Water supply off, kinked hoses	Turn on hot/cold faucets; straighten hoses; check for clogs.
Excessive vibration/noise	Unlevel, overloaded, transit bolts not removed	Level the washer; redistribute load; ensure transit bolts removed.
Leaking water	Loose hose connections, damaged seal	Tighten hoses; inspect door seal for tears; clean drain pump filter.
Error code on display	Sensor fault, drain issue	Consult error code chart in manual; reset by unplugging for 1 minute.
Clothes still wet	Low spin speed selected, drain clog	Select higher spin speed; clean drain pump filter; check drain hose.
Detergent not dispensing	SmartDispense™ empty, clogged	Refill detergent compartment; clean with warm water.

Reset: Unplug washer for 1 minute to reset electronic controls.

Service: 1-800-536-6247; www.kenmore.com