Kenmore Elite Washer 7964196 Manual

The Kenmore Elite Washer 7964196 is a high-efficiency front-load washing machine featuring multiple wash cycles, temperature settings, soil levels, and spin speed options. It includes advanced features like Steam Refresh, Sanitize cycle, Delay Start, and Smart Care technology for diagnostics. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting and Using 7. Wash Cycles and Options 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Front-load drum, Control Panel with LCD display, Dispensers (detergent, bleach, fabric softener), Water inlet valves, Drain pump, and Leveling feet.

Feature	Description
Steam Refresh	Reduces wrinkles and odors without washing
Sanitize Cycle	Eliminates 99.9% of common household bacteria
Smart Care Technology	Provides diagnostic codes for troubleshooting
Multiple Wash Cycles	Includes Normal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Bulky Items, etc.
Temperature Control	Hot, Warm, Cold, and Tap Cold options
Soil Level Selection	Light, Normal, Heavy settings
Spin Speed Control	Adjustable from No Spin to Max Spin
Delay Start	Program wash to begin later (up to 24 hours)
End of Cycle Signal	Audible alert when cycle completes
Child Lock	Locks control panel during operation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a level, solid floor.

Remove shipping materials: Take out transit bolts and packing from drum.
Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold water hoses to corresponding faucets (red for hot, blue for cold).
Connect drain hose: Secure to standpipe or laundry tub (minimum height 39 inches).
Level the washer: Adjust front leveling feet to ensure machine is stable and does not rock.
Plug into a grounded 120V AC, 60Hz outlet.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on washer; run a cleaning cycle before first use.

Initial cleaning: Run a Normal cycle with hot water and 1 cup of bleach (no clothes) to clean drum.
Set preferences: Use CONTROL LOCK to enable/disable panel lock. Set END OF CYCLE SIGNAL volume.
Load detergent: Fill detergent, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers as needed.
Select cycle: Choose appropriate cycle for load type.

CAUTION! Do not use excessive detergent. Use High-Efficiency (HE) detergent only.

Specifications

Model: Kenmore Elite 7964196.
Type: Front-Load High-Efficiency Washer.
Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
Color: White.
Control: Electronic with LCD display.
Water Connections: Hot and Cold fill.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 15A.
Dimensions (HxWxD): 39" x 27" x 31".
Weight: 205 lbs.
Warranty: 1-year limited parts and labor.

Controls and Settings

Access settings via the control knob and buttons on the panel.

Control Knob: Selects wash cycles (Normal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Bulky Items, Sanitize, Steam Refresh, Rinse & Spin, Drain & Spin).

Buttons: POWER, START/PAUSE, TEMPERATURE, SOIL LEVEL, SPIN SPEED, OPTIONS (for Steam, Delay Start, etc.), CONTROL LOCK.

Settings: Temperature (Hot, Warm, Cold, Tap Cold), Soil Level (Light, Normal, Heavy), Spin Speed (No Spin to Max Spin), Options (Steam On/Off, Delay Start 1-24 hrs). Display: Shows cycle time, settings, and error codes.

Connecting and Using

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

Turn off water supply before connecting hoses.
Ensure drain hose is secured and not kinked.
Load clothes evenly around drum; do not overload.
Add detergent to dispenser; close door firmly.
Select cycle and options; press START.

Tip: Leave door slightly open between cycles to allow drum to dry and prevent mildew.

Wash Cycles and Options

Supports various fabrics and soil levels.

Normal: For everyday cotton and synthetic blends.
Heavy Duty: For heavily soiled sturdy fabrics.
Delicates: For gentle fabrics like silk and lace.
Bulky Items: For blankets, pillows, and large items.
Sanitize: Uses high temperature to kill bacteria.
Steam Refresh: Reduces wrinkles and freshens clothes.
Rinse & Spin: For extra rinsing or quick spinning.
Drain & Spin: Drains water and spins load.

WARNING! Do not wash items soaked in flammable liquids. Remove sharp objects from pockets.

Advanced Features

Steam Refresh: Select cycle, press OPTIONS to enable Steam. Delay Start: Press OPTIONS, set hours (1-24). Smart Care: Displays error codes (e.g., F1, F2) for diagnostics; refer to manual for meanings.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean door seal and glass regularly.

Clean dispensers: Remove and rinse monthly.
Clean drum: Run Normal cycle with hot water and bleach monthly (no clothes).
Clean filter: Locate drain pump filter at front bottom; clean every 3-6 months.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners. Keep area around washer dry.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Washer won't start	Door not closed/power	Close door firmly; ensure plugged in; check circuit breaker.
No water filling	Water supply/valves	Ensure water taps are on; check hoses for kinks.
Leaking water	Loose connections	Tighten hoses; check door seal for debris.
Excessive vibration	Unlevel/overload	Level washer; redistribute load evenly.
Error codes (F1, F2, etc.)	System fault	Refer to manual for code meaning; unplug for 5 minutes, then retry.
Clothes still wet	Spin speed/drain	Select higher spin speed; check drain hose for blockage.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in.

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