Kenmore Elite Washing Machine Manual

The Kenmore Elite washing machine is a high-efficiency, front-loading washer designed for superior cleaning performance, energy savings, and quiet operation. It features multiple wash cycles, temperature settings, soil levels, and advanced options like Steam Refresh and Sanitize. 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. Using Wash Cycles 8. Special Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Front-loading drum, Control Panel, Dispensers (detergent, bleach, fabric softener), Door Lock, Drain Pump Filter, and Leveling Feet.

FeatureDescription
Control PanelDigital display with touch controls for cycle selection
Wash CyclesNormal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Quick Wash, Bedding, etc.
Temperature SettingsHot, Warm, Cold, Tap Cold
Soil LevelLight, Normal, Heavy
Spin SpeedAdjustable from No Spin to Max Spin
Steam FunctionSteam Refresh and Steam Sanitize options
Delay StartSet wash to begin up to 24 hours later
Child LockLocks control panel to prevent accidental changes
Quiet OperationSound-dampening technology for reduced noise
Energy Star CertifiedMeets high efficiency standards

Installation

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

  1. Remove shipping materials: Take out transit bolts from rear; keep for future moves.
  2. Level the washer: Adjust front leveling feet; use a level to ensure stability.
  3. Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold hoses to corresponding faucets (red=hot, blue=cold).
  4. Connect drain hose: Insert into standpipe or laundry sink; secure with provided clamp.
  5. Plug into grounded electrical outlet.

WARNING! Do not remove transit bolts before moving washer; ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.

First-Time Setup

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

  1. Select language: Press and hold Settings button to choose display language.
  2. Run Clean Washer cycle: Use Affresh® tablet or liquid bleach to clean drum.
  3. Load laundry: Sort fabrics; do not overload; follow load size guidelines.
  4. Add detergent: Use HE detergent only; pour into appropriate dispenser.
  5. Select cycle: Choose based on fabric type and soil level.

CAUTION! Use only High Efficiency (HE) detergent to prevent oversudsing.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access settings via Control Panel. Power Button: Turns washer on/off. Cycle Selector Knob: Choose wash cycle. Options Buttons: Temperature, Spin Speed, Soil Level, Steam, Delay Start, etc. Display: Shows time remaining, cycle stage, and settings.

Common Settings: Temperature (Hot, Warm, Cold), Spin Speed (High, Medium, Low, No Spin), Soil Level (Light, Normal, Heavy), Extra Rinse (adds rinse cycle), Pre-Wash (for heavily soiled loads).

Special Cycles: Steam Refresh (reduces wrinkles), Sanitize (uses high temperature), Allergen (removes common allergens), Self Clean (maintenance cycle).

Connecting Utilities

Water: Hot and cold supply lines. Drain: Standpipe or laundry sink. Electrical: Grounded outlet.

  1. Turn off water supply before connecting hoses.
  2. Ensure drain hose is not inserted more than 6 inches into standpipe.
  3. Plug into a dedicated outlet; avoid extension cords.

Tip: Check for leaks after first connection by running a test cycle.

Using Wash Cycles

Supports various fabrics and soil levels.

  1. Load laundry: Open door; load evenly; close securely.
  2. Add supplies: Pour HE detergent, bleach, fabric softener into correct dispensers.
  3. Select cycle: Turn knob to desired cycle (e.g., Normal, Heavy Duty).
  4. Adjust settings: Press options for temperature, spin speed, etc.
  5. Start: Press Start/Pause; display shows time remaining.
  6. Pause/Stop: Press Start/Pause to pause; press and hold to cancel cycle.
  7. Unload: Wait for door lock to release; remove laundry promptly.

WARNING! Do not open door during cycle; wait until lock light turns off.

Special Features

Steam Functions: Steam Refresh (reduces wrinkles, odors); Steam Sanitize (kills bacteria). Delay Start: Set wash to begin later (1-24 hours). Child Lock: Locks control panel to prevent changes. Smart Diagnosis: Connects to app for troubleshooting (select models).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean dispensers monthly; run Clean Washer cycle monthly.

Monthly Maintenance: Clean detergent dispenser; wipe door seal; check drain pump filter for debris.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; keep area dry to prevent mold.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed; meets NSF/ANSI 184 for sanitation. 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 startDoor not closed/powerEnsure door is shut; check power outlet; reset circuit breaker.
No water fillingWater supply/valvesCheck water valves are on; inspect hoses for kinks.
Excessive vibrationUnlevel/overloadLevel washer; redistribute load; remove transit bolts.
Leaking waterLoose connectionsTighten hoses; check door seal; clean drain pump filter.
Error codes on displayVarious faultsRefer to manual code list; unplug for 5 minutes to reset.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute; plug back in.

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

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