E L !

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®

Use & Care Guide

Refrigerador

Gufa para su use y cuidado

F{_frig_rateur

Guide d'utilisation et d'entretien

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, mL60179 U.S.A.

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada MSB 2B8

www,sears.oom

297055500 (0508)

Z m t_

SeriaU/Model Numbers ...............................

2 important Safety instructions .................... 2-3

Refrigerator VVarranty .................................

3

Protection Agreements ..............................

4

Features at a Glance .................................

4

First Steps ................................................

5-6

Setting the Temperature ControU................. 6

Refrigerator Features .................................

6-7

Food Storage & Energy Saving Tips .......... 7

Care and Cleaning .....................................

8

Before You Call ..........................................

9-10

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS

REFRIGERATOR.

READ AND SAVETH ESE INSTRUCTIONS

This Owner's Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model. Use your refrigerator oniy as instructed in this guide.

These instructions are not meant to cover every possible condition and situation that may occur. Common sense and caution must be practiced when installing, operating, and maintaining any appliance.

RECORDYOUR MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS

Record the model and serial numbers in the space provided below. The serial plate is located on the left wail inside the refrigerator.

Model Number: 253.

970.

or

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

PROPER DISPOSAL OFYOUR REFRIGERATOR/

FREEZER

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Number Plate

*

*

BEFORE YOU THROW AWAY YOUR OLD

REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER:

Remove doors.

*

Leave shelves in place so children may not easiiy climb inside.

Have refrigerant removed by a quaiified service technician.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

OTHERPRECAUTIONS

.

To defrost refrigerator, always unplug unit first.

,, Never unplug the refrigerator by pulling on the cord. Always grip the plug firmly, and pul! straight out from the receptacle.

KENMORE REFRIGERATOR WARRANTY

ONEYEAR FULLWARRANTY ON REFRIGERATOR

For one year from the date of purchase, when this refrigerator is operated and maintained according to the instructions supplied with it, Sears will repair this refrigerator, free of charge, if defective in material or workmanship.

This one year time period does not include the refrigerator water fiIter cartridge (if equipped), which is an expendable part warranted for only 30 days (see below).

FIVEYEAR FULLWARRANTY

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

ON SEALED

For five years from the date of purchase, when this refrigerator is operated and maintained according to the instructions suppiied with it, Sears wiII repair the sealed system (consisting of refrigerant, connecting tubing, and compressor), free of charge, if defective in material or workmanship.

30 DAY FULLWARRANTY

CARTRIDGE (IF EQUIPPED)

ON WATER FILTER

For thirty days from the date of purchase, Sears wilI replace the refrigerator water filter cartridge if it is defective in material or workmanship.

AII above warranty coverage appties only to refrigerators which are used for storage of food for private household purposes.

Warranty service is available in the United States or Canada by contacting Sears at 1-800-4-MY-HOME® (1-800-469-4663).

This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the

United States or Canada. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province.

Scars, Roebuck and Co., Depto 817WA, Roffrnan Estates, IL

60179

Soars Canada Inc.,Toronto, Ontario, Canada MSB 2B8

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Power suppUy cord with %prong

In the U.S.A.

Master Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new

Kenmore Elite ®product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation.

But like all products, it may require preventive maintenance or repair from time to time.

That's when having a Master Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation.

Purchase a Master Protection Agreement now and protect yourself from unexpected hassle and expense.

The Master Protection Agreement also helps extend the life of your new appliance.

Here's what's included in the

Agreement:

_" Expert service by our 12,000 professional repair specialists

_" Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs

_" "No-lemon" guaranteereplacement of your covered product if four or more product failures occur within twelve months

_" Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed

_" Annual Preventive Maintenance Check at your request - no extra charge

_" Fast help by phone - phone support from a Sears technician on products requiring in-home repair, plus convenient repair scheduling

_" Power surge protection against electrical damage due to power fluctuations

_" Rental reimbursement if repair of your covered product takes longer than promised

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service appointment online.

Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5 million quality parts and accessories.

That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Master Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information, call 1-800-827-6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call 1-800-4MY-HOME ®.

Back Lit

Drawer 1.

In Canada

Maintenance Agreements

Your purchase has added value because you can depend on

Sears HomeCentral ®for service. With over 2400 Service

Technicians and more than a million parts and accessories, we have the tools, parts, knowledge and skills to back our pledge:

We Service What We Sell.

Your Kenmore Elite ®product is designed, manufactured and tested to provide years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require service from time to time. The Sears

Maintenance Agreement offers you an outstanding service program, affordably priced.

The Sears Maintenance Agreement

•

•

•

•

Is your way to buy tomorrow's service at today's price.

Eliminates repair bills resulting from normal wear and tear.

Provides phone support from a Sears technician on products requiring in-home repair.

Even if you don't need repairs, provides an annual

Preventive Maintenance Check, at your request, to ensure that your product is in proper running condition.

Some limitations apply. For more information about concerning Sears Canada Maintenance Agreements, call

1-800-361-6665.

Glass Cantilever Shemving

Two Liter

Door Bins

Fixed Ga01on

"'Door Bins

Humidity

Control

Temperature Control

This Owner's Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model Use the refrigerator onty as instructed in this

Owner's Guide. Before starting the refrigerator, follow these

important first steps.

INSTALLATION o Choose a place that is near a grounded electrical outleL Do

Not use an extension cord or an adapter plug, o For the most efficient operation, the refrigerator should be located where surrounding temperatures will not drop below 40 ° F (5 ° C) or exceed 110 ° F (43 ° C).

o Allow the following clearances for ease of installation, proper air circulation, and electrical connections:

Sides 3/8"

.

Back & Top 1"

Do Not block the toe grille on the lower front of your refrigerator. Sufficient air circulation is essential for the proper operation of your refrigerator.

Freezer

_nstaHation

LEVELING

The refrigerator must have all bottom corners resting firmly on a solid floor. The floor must be strong enough to support a fully loaded refrigerator.

NOTE: It is Very _mportant for your refrigerator to be level in order to function properly.

If the refrigerator is not leveled during installation, the door may be misaligned

_ U_packingand

Leveling properly, causing

/ i_!_(_R_,_e R_,_e problems.

To LevemRefrigerator:

After discarding crating screws and wood base, use a carpenter's leveI to level the refrigerator from frontqo-back.

Adjust the piastic leveling feet in front, V2 bubble higher, so that the door closes easily when left halfway open.

Leve_ng Feet

And

-%

(2) WOOd Bases

Unpacking and Leveling

Crating

Leveling instructions for all Refrigerator/Freezer Pair: o o o Remove two leg levelers provided in literature bag. While unit is lying on its back for wood skid removal, install both leg levelers in rear of unit.

Level door of first unit using all four levelers and slide unit into place. Recheck for levelness and adjust if necessary.

Measure distance from floor to bottom of door on first unit.

Adjust and level second unit so door height matches.

o Leg Level Adjustments

.

One full turn of all four leg levelers will raise door 5/32".

One full turn

3/16" and tilt of both front leg levelers will raise door top of door back 7/16".

One full turn

1/32" and tilt of both rear leg Ievelers will lower door top of door forward 7/16".

One full turn of both side leg levelers will raise door

3/16" and tilt top of door 3/8".

Slide second unit into piace leaving a minimum gap of 3/16" between units for door swing clearance.

This last step may require at least one extraction of the second unit to properly align units in a "built-in" application.

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DOOR OPENING

' Shelf Front

DOOR REMOVAL

if door must be removed :

1.

Gently lay refrigerator on its back, on a rug or blanket.

2.

Remove two base screws and base panel.

3.

Remove bottom hinge screws.

4.

Remove plastic top hinge cover.

5.

Remove screws from top hinge.

6.

Remove top hinge from cabinet.

7.

Remove door and bottom hinge from cabinet.

8.

To replace door, reverse the above order and securely tighten aIJ screws to prevent hinge slippage.

COOL DOWN PERIOD

For safe food storage, allow 4 hours for the refrigerator to cooJ down compIetety= The refrigerator wiJJrun continuously for the first several hours.

TEMPERATURECONTROL

The temperature controI is located inside the refrigerator compartment.

The temperature is factory preset to provide satisfactory food storage temperatures.

However, the temperature control is adjustable to provide a range of temperatures for your personal satisfaction.

If a colder temperature is desired, turn the temperature control knob toward COLDEST and allow several hours for temperatures to

......

stabilize between adjustments.

Cold Control

TO ADJUST CANTILEVER SHELVES

Lift front edge up=

Pull shelf out=

Replace the shelf by inserting the hooks at rear of the shelf into the wall bracket. Lower the shelf into the desired slots and lock into position.

MID LEVEL LIGHTING

The lights come on automatically when the door is opened.

To replace the light bulb, turn the temperature control to

OFF and unplug the electrical cord. Remove the lens from the lamp housing by unsnapping it from the lamp housing using your fingers or a screwdriver. Be careful not to break the locking tabs on the lamp housing. Replace the old bulb with a bulb of the same type and wattage. To replace the lens, snap one side of the lens opening to the tab on the lamp housing. Then carefully attach the other side.

To Remove Light Lens

Press Tabs in Direction Shown.

iNTERIOR LIGHTING

The lights comes on automatically when the door is opened. To replace the light bulb, turn the temperature controI to OFF and unpmug the emectrieamcord. RepJace the old bulb with a bulb of the same wattage.

ADJUSTABLE INTERIOR

SHELVES

Multi-position adjustable interior shelves can be moved to any position for larger or smaller packages. The shipping spacers that stabilize the shelves for shipping may be removed and discarded=

Lift up

Adjustable Interior Shelves - Upright Models

Mid Level Ughting

DOOR STORAGE

Door bins, shelves, and racks are provided for convenient storage of jars, bottles, and cans. Frequently used items can be quickly seJected=

Some models have door racks or bins that can accommodate gallon-sized plastic drink containers and economy-sized jars and containers.

The dairy compartment, which is warmer than the general food storage section, is intended for short term storage of cheese, spreads, or butter.

ADJUSTABLE DOOR BiNS

Some models have adjustable door bins that can be moved to suit individual needs.

To move door bins

1.

Lift bin straight up.

2.

Remove bin.

3.

Place bin in desired position.

4.

Lower bin onto supports untiI locked in place.

Adjustable

Door Bin

MODELS)

Some models are equipped with a DeIi Drawer for storage of luncheon meats, spreads, cheeses, and other deli items.

CRISPERS (SOME

MODELS)

The crispers, located under the bottom refrigerator shelf, are designed for storing fruits, vegetables, and other fresh produce. Wash items in clear water and remove excess water before placing them in the crispers, items with strong odors or high moisture content shouid be wrapped before storing.

Deli Drawer

Crisper Drawer

HUMIDITY CONTROL (SOME MODELS)

The Humidity Contro!, present on some models with crisper drawers, allows you to adjust the humidity within the crisper. This can extend the life of fresh vegetables that keep best in high humidity.

Humidib

Crisper

Conb

High

Humidit_

,, Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator shelves. This reduces the circulation of air around the food and results in uneven cooling.

Fruits and Vegetables o Storage in the crisper drawers traps moisture to help preserve the fruit and vegetable quality for longer time pedods.

Meat

® Raw meat and poultry should be wrapped securely so leakage and contamination of other foods or surfaces does not occur.

ENERGY SAVING IDEAS

,, Locate the refrigerator in the coolest part of the room, out of direct sunlight, and away from heating ducts or registers. Do not place the refrigerator next to heat-producing appliances such as a range, oven, or dishwasher. If this is not possible, a section of cabinetry or an added layer of insulation between the two appliances will help the refrigerator operate more efficientIy.

,, Level the refrigerator so that the door closes tightly.

,_ Refer to the "SETTING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL" section for the suggested temperature control settings.

,, Do not overcrowd the refrigerator or block cold air vents.

Doing so causes the refrigerator to run longer and use more energy.

,, Cover foods and wipe containers dry before pIacing them in the refrigerator. This cuts down on moisture build-up inside the unit.

,, Organize the refrigerator to reduce door openings. Remove as many items as needed at one time and close the door as soon as possible.

VACATION AND MOVINGTIPS

Short Vacations:

Leave the refrigerator operating during vacations of less than three weeks.

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Long Vacations:

If the refrigerator will not be used for several months: o Remove alI food and unplug the power cord.

* Clean and dry the interior thoroughly.

Leave the refrigerator door open slightly, blocking it open if necessary, to prevent odor and motd growth.

Moving: When moving the refrigerator, guidMines to prevent damage: foflow these

,, Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet.

,, Remove foods, then defrost, and clean the refrigerator.

,, Secure all loose items such as base panel, baskets, and sheives by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

,, In the moving vehicle, secure refrigerator in an upright position to prevent movement.

Also protect outside of refrigerator with a blanket, or similar item.

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FOOD STORAGE IDEAS

Fresh Food Storage

,, The fresh food compartment should be kept between 34 ° F and 40 ° F with an optimum temperature of 37 ° E

Keep your refrigerator clean to prevent odor build-up. Wipe up any spills immediately and clean at least twice a year. Never use metallic scouring pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners or strong alkaline solutions on any surface.

Do not wash any removable parts in a dishwasher. Always unplug the electrical power cord from the wail outlet before cJeaning.

Part

Interior/Door

Liner

Door Gaskets

Drawers/Bins

Glass Shelves

Exterior and

Handles

Exterior and

Handles

(Stainless

Steel Models

Only) iiiiiiiiiiE!iiii!i!i!!ii

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What To Use

Soap and water

Baking soda and water

Care & Cleaning Chart

Tips and Precautions

Use 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Be sure to wring excess water out of sponge or cloth before cleaning around controls, light bulb or any electrical part.

Wipe gaskets with a clean soft cloth.

Soap and water

Soap and water

Soap and water

Glass cleaner

Mild liquid sprays

Soap and water

Non Abrasive Glass

Cleaner

Soap and water

Ammonia

Stainless Steel

Cleaners

Do not wash any removable items (bins, drawers, etc.) in dishwasher.

Allow glass to warm to room temperature before immersing in warm water.

Do not use commercial household cleaners, ammonia, or alcohol to clean handles. Use a soft cloth to clean smooth handles. Do Not use a dry cloth to clean smooth doors.

Clean stainless steel front and handles with soapy water and a dishcloth.

Rinse with clean water and a soft cloth. Wipe stubborn spots with an ammonia-soaked paper towel, and rinse. Use a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner. These cleaners can be purchased at most home improvement or major department stores. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: Always clean, wipe and dry with the grain to prevent cross- grain scratching.

Wash the rest of the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid detergent. Rinse well, and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

GUIDE

PROBLEM

REFRIGERATOR OPERATION

Refrigerator does not run.

Before calling for service, review this list.

It may save you time and expense.

This list includes common occurences that are not the result of defective

workmanship

or materials in this

appliance,

CAUSE CORRECTION

Refrigerator is plugged into a circuit that has a ground fault interrupt.

,, Temperature control is in the

OFF position.

,, Refrigerator may not be plugged in, or plug may be loose.

, ,, House fuse blown or tripped circuit breaker.

,, Power outage.

,, Use another circuit.

If you are unsure about the outlet,have it checked by a certified technician.

,, See "SETTING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL" Section.

,, Ensure plug is tightly pushed into outlet.

,, Checldreplace fuse with a 15 amp time-delay fuse. Reset circuit breaker.

,, Check house lights. Call local Electric Company.

Refrigerator too [ong.

runs too much or

Interior refrigerator is too cored,

Interior refrigerator is too warm.

Refrigerator temperature external is warm.

temperature temperature surface

SOUND AND NOISE

Louder sound levels whenever refrigerator is on.

*

Room or outside weather is hot.

Refrigerator has recently been disconnected for a period of time.

, ,, Large amounts of warm or hot food have been stored recently.

, ,, Doors are opened too frequently or too long.

, ,, Refrigerator door may be slightly open.

, ,, Refrigerator gasket is dirty, worn, cracked, or poorly fitted.

', Temperature low.

,, Temperature warm.

Control

Control is set too is set too

,, Door is kept open too long or is opened too frequently.

,, Door may not be sealing properly.

,, Large amounts of warm or hot food may have been stored recently.

, ,, Refrigerator has recently been disconnected for a period of time.

', The external refrigerator walls can be as much as 30°F warmer than room temperature.

,, It's normal for the refrigerator to work harder under these conditions.

,, It takes 4 hours for the refrigerator to coo! down completely.

,, Warm food will cause refrigerator to run more until the desired temperature is reached.

,, Warm air entering the refrigerator causes it to run more.

Open doors less often.

,, See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.

- Clean or change gasket.

Leaks in the door seal will cause refrigerator to run longer in order to maintain desired temperature.

,, Turn the control to a warmer setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.

,, Turn control to a colder setting.

Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.

,, Warm air enters the refrigerator every time the door is opened.

Open the door less often.

,, See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.

,, Wait until the refrigerator has had a chance to reach its selected temperature.

,, Refrigerator requires 4 hours to coo! down completely.

,, This is normal heat from inside while the compressor the refrigerator works to transfer cabinet.

Longer sound compressor mevemswhen comes on.

', Modern refrigerators have increased storage capacity and more stable temperatures.

They require a high efficiency compressor.

,, Refrigerator operates at higher pressures during the start of the

ON cycle.

,, This is normal When the surrounding noise level is low, you might hear the compressor running while it cools the interior.

,, This is normal.

Sound will level off or disappear as refrigerator continues to run.

9

CAUSE

SOUND AND NOISE (Cont.)

Popping or cracking sound when compressor comes on.

Bubbling or gurgling like water boiling, sound,

Vibrating or rattling noise.

_ Metai parts undergo expansion and contraction, as in hot water pipes,

.

Refrigerant (used to cool refrigerator) is circulating throughout the system.

_ Refrigerator is not leve!. Utrocks on the floor when it is moved slightly.

Refrigerator is touching the wall.

_ This is normaI.

Sound wirl level off or disappear as refrigerator continues to run.

• This is normal.

• Level the unit. Refer to "Leveling" in the "FIRST STEPS"

Section.

_ Relevel the refrigerator or move refrigerator slightly: Refer to "Leveling" in the "FmRST STEPS" Section.

• This is normal.

Snapping Sound.

_ Cold Control turning the refrigerator on and off.

WATER/MOISTURE/FROST iNSiDE REFRIGERATOR

Moisture refrigerator forms on inside of walls.

_ Weather is hot and humid.

_ Door may not be sealing properly'.

Door is kept open too long, or is opened too frequently.

WATER/MOISTURE/FROST OUTSIDE REFRIGERATOR

Moisture refrigerator, forms on outside of _ Door may not be sealing properiy, causing the cold air from inside the refrigerator to meet warm moist air from outside.

ODOR/N REFRIGERATOR

Odors in refrigerator. _ Interior needs to be cleaned.

Foods with strong odors are in the refrigerator.

DOOR PROBLEMS

Door will not dose.

_ Refrigerator is not ieve!. It rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly.

LIGHT BULB IS NOT ON

Light bulb is not on.

_ Light bulb is burned out.

No electric current is reaching the refrigerator.

_ This is normal

• See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.

• Open the door less often.

_ See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.

• Clean interior with sponge, warm water, and baking soda.

_ Cover the food tightly.

• This condition can force the cabinet out of square and misalign the door. Refer to "Leveling" in the "FmRST

STEPS" Section.

• Follow directions under "Interior Light" or "Mid Level Light" in the "REFRmGERATOR FEATURES" Section.

• See "BEFORE YOU CALL - REFRIGERATOR

OPERATmON" Section.

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