Kenmore Series 400 Washer Owners Manual

The Kenmore Series 400 Washer is a high-efficiency top-loading washing machine designed for household use. It features multiple wash cycles, load size sensing, automatic water level adjustment, a durable stainless steel wash basket, and energy-saving technologies. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Water Supply 7. Operating the Washer 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control Panel, Lid, Agitator, Wash Basket, Drain Pump, Water Inlet Valves, Leveling Legs.

Feature	Description
Multiple Wash Cycles	Normal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Quick Wash, and more
Automatic Load Sensing	Detects load size and adjusts water level accordingly
Stainless Steel Basket	Durable and rust-resistant wash basket
Energy Star Certified	Meets energy efficiency guidelines
Deep Fill Option	Allows manual selection of extra water for large loads
Delay Start	Set wash cycle to begin at a later time
Lid Lock	Safety feature that locks lid during cycle
End of Cycle Signal	Audible alert when cycle is complete
Cycle Status Lights	LED indicators show current cycle stage
Adjustable Leveling Legs	For stable installation on uneven floors

Installation

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

Remove shipping materials: Take off transit bolts and packing from rear.
Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold water hoses to corresponding faucets (red for hot, blue for cold).
Connect drain hose: Secure hose to standpipe or laundry sink using hose guide.
Level the washer: Adjust front leveling legs until machine is stable and does not rock.
Plug into grounded electrical outlet.

WARNING! Do not remove transit bolts before moving washer to final location. Ensure water connections are tight to prevent leaks.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, run a cleaning cycle.

Power on washer: Plug in and ensure control panel lights up.
Select cleaning cycle: Choose "Clean Washer" cycle or run a hot water cycle with bleach (if no "Clean Washer" cycle).
Add cleaner: Use washing machine cleaner or 1 cup of bleach.
Start cycle: Close lid and press Start.
Set preferences: Use control panel to set default options like signal volume.

CAUTION! Ensure washer is level and all shipping materials are removed before first use to prevent damage.

Specifications

Capacity: 4.0 cubic feet.
Dimensions (HxWxD): 43" x 27" x 27".
Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Water Connections: Hot and Cold water inlet hoses (included).
Cycle Options: Normal, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Quick Wash, Bulky Items, Rinse & Spin.
Controls: Electronic dial with push buttons.
Warranty: 1-year limited parts and labor.
Energy Use: Energy Star certified for efficiency.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: Cycle Selector Dial, Start/Pause button, Options buttons (Water Temp, Spin Speed, Soil Level), Signal button, Deep Fill button.

Cycle Selection: Turn dial to desired cycle (Normal, Heavy Duty, etc.). Options: Adjust Water Temp (Hot, Warm, Cold), Spin Speed (High, Medium, Low, No Spin), Soil Level (Heavy, Normal, Light). Special Features: Delay Start (set hours delay), Deep Fill (extra water), Signal (On/Off).

Operation: Load clothes, add detergent, select cycle and options, close lid, press Start. To pause, press Start/Pause; to change options, press corresponding button.

Connecting Water Supply

Hot and Cold water required. Use provided hoses.

Turn off water faucets.
Connect hoses: Attach red hose to hot water faucet, blue to cold. Hand-tighten, then use pliers for extra quarter turn.
Connect to washer: Attach hoses to corresponding inlet valves at back of washer (H for hot, C for cold).
Turn on water: Slowly open faucets and check for leaks.

Tip: Run water through hoses into a bucket before connecting to washer to clear debris.

Operating the Washer

Follow these steps for each wash load.

Sort laundry: Separate by color and fabric type.
Load clothes: Do not overload; leave space for agitation.
Add detergent: Use HE (High-Efficiency) detergent. Pour into detergent dispenser or directly into basket.
Add bleach/fabric softener: Use appropriate dispensers if available.
Select cycle: Turn dial to desired cycle.
Set options: Adjust water temp, spin speed, soil level as needed.
Start: Close lid firmly and press Start. Lid will lock during cycle.
Unload: Wait for cycle to complete and lid to unlock. Remove clothes promptly.

WARNING! Do not open lid during spin cycle. Ensure lid is closed before starting.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Clean exterior: Wipe with damp cloth; do not use abrasive cleaners.
Clean interior: Monthly, run "Clean Washer" cycle or hot water cycle with bleach.
Clean dispensers: Remove and rinse detergent, bleach, fabric softener dispensers.
Check hoses: Inspect water hoses annually for cracks or bulges; replace every 5 years.
Clean lint filter: If equipped, clean filter regularly.

CAUTION! Unplug washer before cleaning. Do not use harsh chemicals on control panel.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. Energy Star: Meets EPA energy efficiency requirements. 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	Lid open/power	Ensure lid is closed; check power cord is plugged in; press Start firmly.
No water filling	Water supply/valves	Check water faucets are on; ensure hoses not kinked; clean inlet screens.
Leaking water	Loose hoses/overloading	Tighten hose connections; check drain hose is secure; reduce load size.
Excessive vibration/noise	Unlevel/transit bolts	Level washer; ensure transit bolts are removed; redistribute load.
Clothes still wet	Spin speed/drain	Select higher spin speed; check drain hose for blockage; ensure load is balanced.
Error codes displayed	Various faults	Refer to manual for specific error code meaning; unplug for 5 minutes to reset.

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

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