Kenmore Elite Automatic Washer User Manual

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STEAM CYCLES AND OPTIONS
STEAM	TREAT	Option
STEAM cycles include Normal, Bulky/
Bedding, Kids Wear,
Heavy Duty, Sanitize and Whitest Whites. 
Adding steam to these cycles helps provide 
improved cleaning performance. By creat-
ing steam, fabrics get the benefit of a deep 
clean.
To	add	steam	to	a	cycle:
       
        Turn ON the washer and turn the cycle selector knob to
        select a cycle that allows the steam option.
        Press the STEAM TREAT button. The washer will
        automatically adjust the cycle settings.
        Set any other desired options.
        Press the START/PAUSE button to start the cycle.
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HOW TO USE
CAUTION:
The door may be very warm during steam cycles. This
is normal.
Do not attempt to override the door lock mechanism or 
reach into the washer during a steam cycle. Steam can 
cause severe burns.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT STEAM CYCLES:
• Steam may not be visible during the steam cycles. This 
is normal.
• Do not use steam with delicate fabrics such as wool, 
silk, or easily discolored fabrics. 
						

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Your washing machine features several additional cycle
options that customize cycles to meet your individual needs.
        Turn ON the washer and turn the cycle selector knob to
        select the desired cycle.
        Use the cycle modifier buttons to adjust the settings for
        that cycle.
        Press the cycle option button(s) for the option(s) you
        would like to add. The button will light when that option
        is selected. For secondary functions, press and hold    
        the button for three seconds. The LED will blink when   
        the secondary option is selected. Both options cannot be  
        selected together.
        If the selected option is not allowed for the selected
        cycle, the chime will sound twice to alert you and                 
        the LED will not illuminate.
        Press the START/PAUSE button to start the cycle. After a 
        brief delay, the door will lock and the cycle will begin.
NOTE: To protect your garments, not every option is
available with every cycle.
NOTE: If the START/PAUSE button is not pressed within four
minutes, the control will shut off and the settings will be lost.
DELAY	START
Once you have selected the cycle and other 
settings, press this button to delay the start of 
the wash cycle. Each press of the button 
increases the delay time by one hour, for up 
to 19 hours. Once the desired delay time is set, press the 
START/PAUSE button to start the delay time.
EXTRA	RINSE
This option will add an extra rinse to the 
selected cycle. Use this option to help 
ensure the removal of detergent or bleach 
residue from fabrics.
ACCELA-WASH
The Accela-Wash option uses a twin spray 
water and detergent injection which 
reduces cycle time while maintaining wash 
performance in a normal cycle.
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OPTION BUTTONS
 STAY	FRESH
This feature helps keep wrinkles from setting     
in clothes and helps keep them fresh if they 
are not removed from the washer as soon as 
the cycle is complete. Press the STAY FRESH 
button to tumble the clothes intermittently 
and circulate fresh air through the drum for up to eight hours.  
Press the POWER button or the START/PAUSE button to 
remove clothes at any time.
PRE	WASH
Select this option to add a 16-minute pre-
wash, rinse and spin cycle to the chosen 
cycle. This is especially useful for heavily 
soiled items. 
HOW TO USE 
						

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SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
CONTROL	LOCK  
Use this option to disable the controls. The 
washer can only be locked during a cycle. 
This feature can prevent children from 
changing cycles or operating the machine. 
Once set, the controls remain locked and 
must be turned OFF before the controls can be used again. 
Once the washer has shut off, the power button will allow 
the machine to be turned ON, but the controls will still be 
locked. When the controls are locked, the STAY FRESH LED 
will illuminate and “CL” will display alternately with the 
estimated time remaining. 
Press and hold the STAY FRESH button for five seconds to 
activate or deactivate the controls.
CLEAN	WASHER 
Detergent residue can build up in the wash 
drum over time and can lead to a mildewy 
or musty smell. The CLEAN WASHER cycle is 
specially designed to remove this buildup 
using bleach or another cleaner designed specifically for 
cleaning front load washers. Run the CLEAN WASHER cycle 
once a month, or more often under heavy use conditions or if 
odor is present. See complete instructions in the CARE AND 
CLEANING section.
Turn ON the washer and press and hold the ACCELA-
WASH button for three seconds. Selecting any other 
cycle after CLEAN WASHER has been selected will 
cause the CLEAN WASHER cycle to be cancelled.
Fill the bleach dispenser to the MAX line with liquid 
chlorine bleach. Do not overfill the bleach dispenser. 
Overfilling will cause the bleach to dispense immediately.
       NOTE: For other drum cleaning products, follow    
       the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions and               
       recommendations. For powdered cleaning products,       
       add the cleaner to the main wash compartment of    
       the dispenser drawer. Place tablet cleaners directly   
       into the drum. 
Press the START/PAUSE button to start the cycle.
        After the cycle has ended, secure the door slightly ajar  
        with the door magnet. This will promote air circulation  
        and allow the interior of the machine to dry. To use this  
        feature, close the door just until it contacts the door  
        magnet.
NOTE: Do NOT use this cycle with clothes, and do 
NOT add detergent or fabric softener.
MY	CYCLE
MY CYCLE allows you to store a customized 
wash cycle for future use. It allows you to 
save favorite temperature, spin speed, soil 
level, and other options for a cycle, and 
then recall them at the touch of a button.
NOTE: You can only save a setting for one cycle at a 
time. Pressing and holding the MY CYCLE button will 
overwrite any previously saved cycle.
To save a MY CYCLE:
    Press the POWER button to turn on the washer.
    Turn the cycle selector knob to select the desired cycle.
    Press the CYCLE MODIFIER button to change the desired setting.
    Press the CYCLE OPTION button to add the desired options.
    Press and hold the MY CYCLE button.
To recall a MY CYCLE: 
    Press the POWER button to turn on the washer.
    Press the MY CYCLE button. The stored settings will be              
    displayed.
    Press the START/PAUSE button to start the cycle. 
NOTE: MY CYCLE can be adjusted the same as any 
other cycle. However, once any other button is pressed, 
the LED will turn off indicating that the settings are no 
longer those of your saved cycle.
AUTO	SOAK
Use the AUTO SOAK option to presoak 
garments to help remove difficult spots or 
stains on fabric. This option provides a 30 
minute presoak prior to the start of the 
selected cycle. At the end of the presoak 
time, the selected cycle will use the same water. 
To use the AUTO SOAK feature, press and hold the  
STEAM TREAT button for three seconds.
SAVE	ENERGY
This option saves energy by using cooler 
water while increasing the wash and rinse 
times to maintain wash performance. This 
feature is only available with the  NORMAL 
and HEAVY DUTY cycles as listed below. 
To use the Save Energy option, press and hold the Pre Wash 
button for three seconds. 
• NORMAL – Hot becomes Cold
• NORMAL – Cold becomes Tap Cold
• HEAVY DUTY – Hot becomes Cold
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HOW TO USE 
						

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Door	Seal	and	Glass	Cleaning 
Due to the location and nature of the door seal, some 
detergent and soil residue may build up on the door glass 
and seal. Periodic cleaning with a bleach solution can help 
remove buildup and stains, and can help sanitize the seal to 
prevent odors.
NOTE: Wear rubber gloves and eye protection while 
performing the following procedure:
        Dilute ¾ cup (177 ml) liquid chlorine bleach in 1      
        gallon (3.8 L) of warm/hot water.  
       Use this solution to wipe down 
        all surfaces of the gasket and 
        door glass to remove any 
        deposits. Be sure to fold back the 
        lip of the gasket to get under 
        the inner edge where residue  
        can build up.
       Dry the gasket and glass with a dry cloth.
       To allow the gasket to dry completely, secure the   
       door slightly ajar with the door magnet. This will  
       promote air circulation and allow the interior of the  
       machine to dry. To use this feature, close the door  
       just until it contacts the door magnet.
NOTE:
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use  
of bleach.
• To avoid damaging the gasket, NEVER use undiluted 
bleach to clean the gasket.
Removing	Mineral	Buildup
If you live in an area with hard water, mineral scale can form 
on internal components of the washer. Use of a water softener 
is recommended in areas with hard water.
Use a descaler, such as Washer Magic®, to remove visible 
mineral buildup. After descaling, always run the CLEAN
WASHER cycle before washing clothing. Do NOT use steel 
wool or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning	the	Exterior
Proper care of your washer can extend its life. The outside of
the machine can be cleaned with warm water and a mild, 
nonabrasive household detergent.
Immediately wipe off any spills with a soft, damp cloth.
IMPORTANT: Do not use solvents, cleaning alcohols, or simi-
lar products. Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners
because they can damage the surface.
Care	and	Cleaning	of	the	Interior
Use a towel or soft cloth to wipe around the washer door
opening, door seal, and door glass. These areas should be
kept clean to ensure a watertight seal. Be sure to wipe 
under the inside rubber seal to remove any moisture or soil.
Always remove items from the washer as soon as the cycle 
is complete. Leaving damp items in the washer can cause
wrinkling, color transfer, and odor. Run the CLEAN WASHER 
cycle once a month, or more often if needed, to remove 
detergent buildup and other residue.
Clean Washer 
         
NOTE:
• Do not add tablet cleaner to the  dispenser drawer.
• Do not add any laundry detergent or fabric softener to 
the drawer when using CLEAN WASHER.       
       Turn ON the washer and press and hold the  
       ACCELA-WASH button for three seconds, and the LED   
       will blink. Selecting any other cycle after CLEAN  
       WASHER has been selected will cause the CLEAN          
       WASHER cycle to be cancelled.
       After the cycle ends, open the door and allow the   
      drum interior to dry completely.
NOTE: Run the CLEAN WASHER cycle once a month. If a  
mildewy or musty smell is present, run the CLEAN  
WASHER cycle once a week for three consecutive weeks. 
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CARE AND CLEANING
REGULAR CLEANING
WARNING:          To	reduce	the	risk	of	fire,	electric	shock,	or	injury	to	persons,	read	and	follow	this
   entire Use & Care Guide, including the Important Safety Instructions, before operating this washer. 
•	Unplug	the	washer	before	cleaning	to	avoid	the	risk	of	electric	shock. Failure to follow this warning can        cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.•	Never	use	harsh	chemicals,	abrasive	cleaners,	or	solvents	to	clean	the	washer. They will damage the finish.
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Remove any clothing in the drum. 
Open the dispenser drawer.
Add liquid chlorine bleach or another drum cleaner 
designed specifically for cleaning front load  
washers.
    - If using liquid chlorine bleach
      Add liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach 
      compartment of the drawer. (NOTE : Do not    
      exceed the maximum fill line and do not pour    
      undiluted liquid bleach directly into the wash  
      drum.)
   -  If using powder cleaner
      Remove the liquid detergent cup and add powder  
      cleaner to the main wash compartment of the 
      dispenser drawer.
   -  If using tablet cleaner
      Add tablet cleaner directly to the wash drum. 
						

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CARE AND CLEANING
REGULAR CLEANING (continued)
Cleaning	the	Dispenser  
The dispenser should be cleaned periodically to remove buildup of detergent and other laundry products that can 
cause the dispenser not to dispense the laundry product properly.
  Pull the dispenser drawer out until it stops.      Press down the lock tab located between the bleach
      and softener compartments and slide the drawer out.
      Remove the liquid detergent box, softener and           
      bleach inserts from their compartments.
      Clean the dispenser compartments and inserts with   
      warm soapy water.
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Storing	the	Washer
If the washer will not be used for an extended period of time 
and is in an area that could be exposed to freezing  
temperatures, perform the following steps to protect the 
washer from damage.
      Turn OFF the water supply.
      Disconnect hoses from water supply and drain water  
       from hoses.
       Plug the power cord into a properly grounded  
       electrical outlet.
       Add 1 gallon of nontoxic recreational vehicle (RV)
       antifreeze to the empty wash drum and close the door.
       Press the POWER button, then press the SPIN SPEED       
       button without selecting a cycle. Press the START/PAUSE    
       button to activate the drain pump. This will expel some   
       of the antifreeze, leaving enough to protect the washer  
       from damage.
       Unplug the power cord, dry the drum interior with a soft 
       cloth, and close the door.
       Refer to the instructions below to clean and dry the             
       dispenser drawer.
       Store the washer in an upright position.
      To remove the antifreeze from the washer after 
      storage, run the EXPRESS WASH cycle. Do not add   
       laundry to this cycle.
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CARE AND CLEANING
Cleaning	the	Water	Inlet	Filters
If the washer does not fill properly, an error message will 
show on the display. The inlet valve filter screens could 
be plugged by hard water scale, sediment in the water  
supply, or other debris.
NOTE: The inlet screens protect the delicate parts of the 
inlet valve from being damaged by particles that could 
enter the valves with the water supply. Operating the 
washer with these filters removed could cause a valve to 
fail to open, resulting in flooding and/or  
property damage.
1. Turn OFF both water faucets completely. Unscrew the   
    hot and cold water lines from the back of the washer.
      Carefully remove the filters from the water valves    
      and soak them in white vinegar or a lime scale  
      remover, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be   
      careful not to damage the filters while cleaning. 
      Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. Press the filters    
      back into place.
      Before reattaching the hoses, flush the hoses and  
      water lines by running several gallons of water         
      through the hoses and into a bucket or drain.
MAINTENANCE
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Inlet  Filter 
						

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Pump Filter
Plug
Drain Hose
MAINTENANCE (continued)
Cleaning	the	Drain	Pump	Filter  
Your Washer is equipped with a filter that helps prevent excess
lint and foreign objects like buttons, keys, and coins from
causing damage to the pump. If the washer fails to drain
properly, unplug the washer and allow the water to cool, if
necessary, before proceeding.
1.   Open the drain pump filter access panel.
     Unclip the drain hose and pull it out. Place the end   
     of the drain hose into a shallow pan or a floor   
     drain. Make sure not to pull the hose out too far, or  
     it may not drain properly.
      Remove the plug from the drain hose, and allow the  
      water to drain completely.
NOTE: If there is a large amount of water in the drum, 
you may have to empty your container several times.
     Twist the pump filter counterclockwise to remove.   
     Remove any lint and foreign objects from the pump 
     filter. Insert pump filter back into opening and twist     
     clockwise to secure. Be sure to close the drain pump   
     filter access panel.
CARE AND CLEANING
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Kenmore Connect™ System
HOLD the mouthpiece of your phone over the POWER button, when instructed to do so by 
the call center, no more than one inch from (but not touching) the machine. 
NOTE: Do not press any other buttons or turn the cycle selector knob. 
PUSH and hold the WASH TEMP button while continuing to hold your phone to the  
POWER button. 
LISTEN for three beeps. After you hear the three beeps, release the WASH TEMP button. 
Keep the phone in place until the tone transmission has finished. This takes about 17 seconds, 
and the display will count down the time. Once the countdown is over and the tones have 
stopped, resume your conversation with the technician, who will then be able to assist you in 
using the information transmitted for analysis.
Should you experience any problems with your 
washing machine, it has the capability of transmitting 
data via your telephone to the Kenmore Connect 
Team. This gives you the capability of speaking 
directly to our specially trained technicians. The 
technician records the data transmitted from your 
machine and uses it to analyze the issue, providing a 
fast and effective diagnosis. 
If you experience problems with your washer, call 
1-800-4-MY-HOME®. Only use the Kenmore Connect 
System feature when instructed to do so by the 
Kenmore Connect Team. The transmission sounds that 
you will hear are normal and sound similar to a fax 
machine.
Kenmore Connect cannot be activated unless your 
washing machine is turned on by pressing the POWER 
button. If your washing machine is unable to turn 
on, then troubleshooting must be done without using 
Kenmore Connect. 
NOTE:
• For best results, do not move the phone while the tones are being transmitted.
• If the call center agent is not able to get an accurate recording of the data, you may be 
asked to try again.
• Pressing the POWER button during the transmission will shut off Kenmore Connect.
Using the Kenmore Connect™ System
Follow the technician’s instructions and perform 
the following steps when requested.  
						

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The following sounds may be heard while the washer is
operating. They are normal.
Clicking:
Door locking mechanism clicks when the door locks and 
unlocks.
Spraying or hissing:
Water spraying or circulating during the cycle.
If your washer does not function properly or does not function at all, check the following before you call for service.  
Humming or gurgling:
Drain pump is pumping water from the washer at times 
during a cycle.
Splashing:
Clothes tumbling in the drum during the wash and rinse 
cycles.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
NORMAL SOUNDS YOU MAY HEAR
BEFORE CALLING FOR SERVICE
ProblemPossible CauseSolutions
Rattling and clanking 
noise
Foreign objects, such as keys, coins, or safety 
pins, may be in drum or pump.
Stop washer, check drum and drain filter for 
foreign objects. If noise continues after washer is 
restarted, call for service.
Thumping soundHeavy wash loads may produce a  
thumping sound.
Washer load may be out of balance.
Washing shoes or tightly tangled clothes.
This is normal. If sound continues, washer is 
probably out of balance. Stop and  
redistribute wash load.
Pause the cycle and redistribute the load 
after the door unlocks.
Vibrating noiseShipping bolts and/or packaging materials 
were not removed.
Wash load may be unevenly distributed in  
the drum.
Not all leveling feet are resting firmly and 
evenly on the floor.
Floor not rigid enough.
See the UNPACKING AND REMOVING SHIP-
PING BOLTS section in the installation require-
ments.
Pause the cycle and redistribute the load after 
the door unlocks.
See Leveling the Washer in the Installation 
Instructions.
Make sure that the floor is solid and does 
not flex. See Flooring in the Installation 
Requirements.
Water leaking around 
washer
Inlet hose connection is loose at tap  
or washer.
House drain pipes are clogged.
Drain hose has come out of drain.
Drain hose is not inserted far enough.
Door glass is dirty.
Check hoses. Check and tighten hose  
connections.
Unclog drain pipe. Contact a plumber if 
necessary.
Tie drain hose to inlet hose or standpipe to 
prevent it from coming out during drain. It 
should be inserted about 8-12 inches into 
the standpipe.
Inspect door glass periodically to make 
sure there is no buildup of residue or other 
foreign matter. Follow cleaning instructions.
Excessive sudsingToo much detergent or incorrect detergent.Only use detergent with the High-
Efficiency (HE) logo. See Detergent 
Use in the How to Use section. 
						

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BEFORE CALLING FOR SERVICE (continued)
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ProblemPossible CauseSolutions
StainingBleach or softener dispensed  
too soon.
Bleach or softener was added  
directly to the wash load in the drum.
Washer was not unloaded promptly.
Clothes were not properly sorted.
Dispenser compartment is overfilled causing 
bleach or softener to dispense immediately.
Dispenser drawer closed too quickly causing 
bleach or softener to dispense immediately. 
Laundry chemicals must be loaded into the 
dispenser.
Always remove items from the washer as soon 
as possible after the cycle is complete.
Always wash dark colors separately from light 
colors and whites to prevent discoloration. 
Never wash heavily soiled items with lightly 
soiled items.
Washer will not turn ONPower cord is not properly plugged in.
House fuse is blown, circuit breaker 
has tripped, or power outage has 
occurred.
House fuse is blown, circuit breaker 
has tripped, due to multiple  
appliances on one outlet.
Make sure that the plug is plugged securely into 
a grounded, 3-prong, 120-VAC, 60-Hz outlet.
Reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. Do not 
increase fuse capacity. If the problem is a circuit 
overload, have it corrected by a qualified  
electrician.
Reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. If more 
than one appliance is connected to the outlet, 
call an electrician to have an additional circuit 
installed.
Door will not unlock 
when cycle is stopped or 
paused
Interior temperature of washer is too high.
Water level in washer is too high.
The washer door has a safety feature to prevent 
personal injury. For example, if the washer is 
paused during the hot wash stage of a sanitize 
cycle, the interior temperature of the drum will 
be very hot, so the door will not unlock. This 
is normal. Allow the washer to cool until the 
DOOR LOCK indicator turns OFF on the display.
To drain the water, press POWER, then press the 
SPIN SPEED button without selecting a cycle.
Wash cycle time is longer  
than usual
The washer automatically adjusts the 
wash time for the amount of laundry, 
water pressure, water heating time and 
other operating conditions.
This is normal. The washer adjusts cycle time auto-
matically to provide optimal results for the selected 
cycle. The time remaining shown in the display is only 
an estimate. Actual time may vary.
Musty or mildewy odor in 
washer
Incorrect or too much detergent has  
been used.
Inside of drum was not cleaned prop-
erly.
Use only High-Efficiency (HE) detergent in  
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Run the CLEAN WASHER  cycle regularly. Be 
sure to wipe around and under the door seal 
frequently. See Care and Cleaning of the Inte-
rior.
Clean around door seal/glass to prevent odor.
WrinklingWasher not unloaded promptly.
Washer overloaded.
Hot and cold water inlet hoses are  
reversed.
Always remove items from the washer as soon 
as the cycle is complete.
When washing large loads, do not overstuff the 
drum. The washer can be fully loaded, but the 
drum should not be tightly packed and the door 
should close easily.
Hot water rinse can set wrinkles in garments. 
Check the inlet hose connections.