Kenmore Elite Washer User Manual

The Kenmore Elite Washer is a high-efficiency top-loading washing machine featuring multiple wash cycles, temperature settings, soil levels, and advanced options for optimal fabric care. It includes features like a stainless steel wash basket, automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensers, a deep fill option, and energy-saving modes. 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 Water & Drain 7. Using Wash Cycles 8. Special Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control Panel with Digital Display, Stainless Steel Wash Basket, Automatic Dispensers (Detergent, Bleach, Fabric Softener), Lid Lock, Deep Fill Option, and Power Cord.

FeatureDescription
Control PanelDigital display with touch or dial controls for cycle selection
Stainless Steel BasketDurable, rust-resistant interior for gentle fabric care
Automatic DispensersSeparate compartments for detergent, bleach, and fabric softener
Lid LockSafety feature that locks during operation
Deep Fill OptionAllows extra water for heavily soiled loads
Multiple CyclesIncludes Normal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Quick Wash, and more
Temperature SettingsHot, Warm, Cold water selections
Soil LevelLight, Normal, Heavy settings for wash intensity
Spin SpeedAdjustable spin speeds for different fabrics
Delay StartSet wash cycle to begin at a later time

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a level, sturdy floor near water supply and drain.

  1. Remove shipping materials: Take off transit bolts and packing from rear.
  2. Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold water hoses to corresponding faucets (red for hot, blue for cold).
  3. Connect drain hose: Secure drain hose to standpipe or laundry sink.
  4. Level the washer: Adjust leveling feet to ensure machine is stable.
  5. Plug into grounded electrical outlet.

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

First-Time Setup

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

  1. Add detergent: Pour 1 cup of liquid bleach or washer cleaner into basket.
  2. Select cycle: Choose "Clean Washer" or "Tub Clean" cycle (if available) or use Normal cycle with hot water.
  3. Start cycle: Close lid and press START. Allow cycle to complete.
  4. Set preferences: Use control panel to set default options like spin speed or end-of-cycle signal.

CAUTION! Do not use regular laundry detergent for the initial cleaning cycle. Ensure washer is level to prevent vibration.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access settings via control panel dial or touch buttons. Display shows cycle time, settings, and status.

Control Panel: POWER, CYCLE SELECTION dial, TEMPERATURE, SOIL LEVEL, SPIN SPEED, OPTIONS (Deep Fill, Delay Start, Extra Rinse), START/PAUSE.

Cycle Selection: Turn dial to choose cycle (Normal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, etc.). Temperature: Select water temp for wash and rinse. Soil Level: Adjust for light, normal, or heavy soil. Spin Speed: Set spin speed based on fabric type. Options: Enable Deep Fill for more water, Delay Start for later wash time, Extra Rinse for sensitive skin. Display: Shows estimated time remaining, selected settings, and error codes.

Connecting Water & Drain

Water Supply: Connect hot and cold hoses to faucets. Drain: Secure drain hose to standpipe (minimum height 39").

  1. Turn off water supply before connecting hoses.
  2. Attach hoses to washer inlet valves (red for hot, blue for cold).
  3. Secure drain hose to standpipe or laundry sink; use hose clip if provided.
  4. Check for leaks by turning on water supply briefly before running washer.

Tip: Use only new hoses; do not reuse old hoses. Ensure drain hose is not kinked.

Using Wash Cycles

Supports various fabrics and soil levels.

  1. Load laundry: Do not overload; leave space for items to move freely.
  2. Add supplies: Pour detergent, bleach, fabric softener into appropriate dispensers.
  3. Select cycle: Turn dial to desired cycle (e.g., Normal for everyday items).
  4. Adjust settings: Set temperature, soil level, spin speed, and options as needed.
  5. Start: Close lid and press START. Lid will lock during cycle.
  6. Pause/Stop: Press START/PAUSE to pause; turn dial to OFF to cancel.
  7. Unload: Wait for lid to unlock after cycle ends; remove laundry promptly.

WARNING! Do not open lid during spin cycle. Balance loads to prevent excessive vibration.

Special Features

Deep Fill: Adds extra water for heavily soiled loads. Delay Start: Set wash to begin up to 24 hours later. Sanitize Cycle: Uses high temperature to kill bacteria. Extra Rinse: Adds rinse cycle for detergent-sensitive users. Quiet Operation: Reduces noise during spin.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean dispensers monthly.

  1. Clean dispensers: Remove and rinse under warm water; dry before replacing.
  2. Clean basket: Run "Clean Washer" cycle monthly with washer cleaner or bleach.
  3. Exterior: Use mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners.
  4. Drain pump filter: Check and clean filter periodically if model includes one.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals; keep control panel dry. Clean lint filter after each load if applicable.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards. ENERGY STAR® Certified: Meets energy efficiency guidelines. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. 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 valves are on; hoses not kinked; clean inlet screens.
Excessive vibrationLevel/loadLevel washer; redistribute load; remove shipping bolts.
Water leaksHoses/connectionsTighten hose connections; check for cracks in hoses.
Drain errorDrain hose/clogEnsure drain hose is not kinked; check for clog in pump filter.
Cycle too longSettings/detergentCheck selected cycle; use HE detergent; reduce load size.
Error code displayedVariousRefer to manual error code chart; unplug for 5 minutes, then retry.

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

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

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