Kenmore Elite Washer Instruction Manual

The Kenmore Elite Washer is a high-efficiency front-load washing machine featuring multiple wash cycles, temperature settings, soil levels, and spin speeds. It includes advanced features like Steam Refresh, Sanitize cycle, Delay Start, and SmartDispense technology for automatic detergent dispensing. 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 Utilities 7. Operating the Washer 8. Special Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Front-load drum, Control Panel, Detergent Dispenser, Water Inlet Valves, Drain Pump, Door Lock, and LED Display.

FeatureDescription
Steam RefreshReduces wrinkles and odors without washing
Sanitize CycleEliminates 99.9% of common household bacteria
SmartDispenseHolds up to 32 loads of detergent and automatically dispenses
Delay StartDelays cycle start up to 24 hours
Multiple CyclesIncludes Normal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Quick Wash, and more
Temperature ControlHot, Warm, Cold, and Tap Cold options
Soil LevelLight, Normal, Heavy, and Extra Heavy settings
Spin SpeedAdjustable from No Spin to Max Spin
End of Cycle SignalAudible alert when cycle completes
Child LockLocks control panel to prevent accidental changes

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on level floor.

  1. Remove shipping bolts: Locate and remove four bolts at rear of washer using wrench.
  2. Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold hoses to corresponding faucets (red for hot, blue for cold).
  3. Connect drain hose: Insert into standpipe or laundry tub; secure with hose clip.
  4. Level the washer: Adjust front leveling feet until washer is stable and does not rock.
  5. Plug into grounded electrical outlet.

WARNING! Washer is heavy; use two people for moving. Ensure shipping bolts are removed before operation to prevent damage.

First-Time Setup

Power on washer; run initial cleaning cycle.

  1. Run Clean Washer cycle: Pour washer cleaner into drum and select Clean Washer cycle.
  2. Set preferences: Use OPTIONS button to set End of Cycle Signal, Default Temperature, etc.
  3. Load SmartDispense: Fill detergent, bleach, and fabric softener compartments as needed.
  4. Test run: Run a small load to ensure proper operation.

CAUTION! Ensure washer is level to prevent excessive vibration during spin cycles.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access controls via touchpad or dial. Control Panel: POWER, CYCLE SELECTOR KNOB, START/PAUSE, OPTIONS, STEAM, DELAY START.

Cycle Options: Normal, Heavy Duty, Bulky Items, Delicates, Quick Wash, Sanitize, Steam Refresh, Clean Washer.

Settings: Temperature (Hot, Warm, Cold, Tap Cold), Soil Level (Light, Normal, Heavy, Extra Heavy), Spin Speed (No Spin to Max), Extra Rinse, Pre-Wash, Delay Start (1-24 hours), Child Lock (hold OPTIONS and START for 3 seconds).

Connecting Utilities

Water: Hot and cold hoses. Drain: Standpipe or laundry tub. Electrical: 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 inserted more than 5 inches into standpipe.
  4. Plug into dedicated 15A circuit; do not use extension cord.

Tip: Check for leaks at connections after first use.

Operating the Washer

Supports all standard fabrics and detergents.

  1. Load laundry: Open door, load items loosely without overloading.
  2. Add detergent: Use SmartDispense or pour directly into drum for single use.
  3. Select cycle: Turn knob to desired cycle; adjust settings as needed.
  4. Start cycle: Press START/PAUSE; door will lock automatically.
  5. Pause/Add item: Press START/PAUSE to pause; wait for door unlock signal to add items.
  6. End of cycle: Signal sounds; door unlocks after a brief pause.
  7. Clean lint filter: Remove and clean filter monthly.

WARNING! Do not overload washer. Balance load to prevent vibration. Keep door slightly open between uses to prevent mildew.

Special Features

Steam Refresh: Select Steam cycle for 20-minute refresh. Sanitize Cycle: Uses high temperature to sanitize. SmartDispense: Fill compartments; washer dispenses automatically based on cycle. Delay Start: Set delay for up to 24 hours.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean door seal and glass monthly. Run Clean Washer cycle monthly with washer cleaner.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; keep control panel dry. Clean detergent dispenser drawer regularly.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed; meets NSF/ANSI 184 for sanitation. Energy Star certified. 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 startDoor not closed/powerEnsure door is fully closed; check power outlet; press START firmly.
No water fillingWater supply/valvesCheck water supply is on; ensure hoses are not kinked.
Excessive vibrationUnlevel/overloadLevel washer; redistribute load; remove shipping bolts.
Water leaksLoose connectionsTighten hose connections; check door seal for debris.
Detergent not dispensingSmartDispense empty/cloggedRefill compartments; clean dispenser drawer.
Error codes displayedVarious faultsConsult manual for specific error code meaning; power cycle unit.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute, then replug to reset control board.

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

Kenmore Elite Washer Instruction Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025