Kenmore 116.20512 Vacuum Cleaner Owner’s Manual

: June 16, 2024
: Kenmore

Owner’s Manual
Model
116.20512
116.21513

116.20512 Vacuum Cleaner

CAUTION: Read and follow all safety and operating instructions before first use of this product.

BEFORE USING YOUR NEW VACUUM

Please read this guide. It will help you assemble and operate your new Kenmore vacuum in the safest and most effective way.
For more information about vacuum cleaner care and operation, call your nearest Sears stere. You will need the complete modet and serial numbers when requesting information. Your vacuum’s model and serial numbers are located on the Model and Serial Number Plate, Use the space below to record the model number and serial number of your new Kenmore vacuum.

Model No: ……………………………….
Serial No: ……………………………….
Date of Purchase: ……………………………….

Keep this book and your sales check (receipt) in a safe place for future reference,

KENMORE VACUUM CLEANER WARRANTY

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON KENMORE VACUUM CLEANER
This warranty is for one year from the date of purchase, and includes only private household vacuum cleaner use. During the warranty year, when this vacuum cleaner is operated and maintained according to the owner’s manual instructions, Sears will repair any defects in material or workmanship free of charge.
This warranty excludes vacuum bags, belts, light bulbs, and filters, which are expendable parts and become worn during normal use. For warranty service, return this vacuum cleaner to the nearest Sears Service Center in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States, This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state, Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Your safety is important to us. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury to persons or damage when using your vacuum cleaner, follow basic safety precautions including the following:

Read this manual before assembling or using your vacuum cleaner.
Use your cleaner only as described in this manual Use only with Sears recommended attachments.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock – Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
Disconnect electrical supply before servicing or cleaning out brush area. Failure to do so could result in electricai shock or brush suddenly starting
Always turn cleaner off before connecting or disconnecting the hose or Power-Mate ®.
Always turn cfeaner off before unplugging.
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
Hold plug when rewinding onto cord reel.
Do not allow plug to whip when rewinding
Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If cleaner is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a Sears Service Center.
Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run cleaner over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not leave cleaner when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
Do not handle plug or cleaner with wet hands.
Do not put any objects into openings.
Do not operate the cleaner with a punctured hose. The hose contains electrical wires. Replace if cut or worn, Avoid picking up sharp objects.
Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce airflow.
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts.
Do not use cleaner without dust bag and filters in place.
Always change the dust bag after vacuuming carpet cleaners or fresheners, powders and fine dust. These products clog the bag, reduce airflow and can cause the bag to burst Failure to change bag could cause permanent damage to the cleaner.
Do not use the cleaner to pick up sharp hard objects, small toys, pins, paper clips, etc They may damage the cleaner or dust bag.
Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
Do not use cleaner to pick up flammable or combustible liquids (gasoline, cleaning fluids, perfumes, etc .), or use in areas where they may be present. The fumes from these substances can create a fire hazard or explosion
Use extra care when cleaning on stairs. Do not put on chairs, tables, etc. Keep on floor.
You are responsible for making sure that your vacuum cleaner is not used by anyone unable to operate it properly.
Do not operate without an exhaust filter or exhaust filter cover installed.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Proper assembly and sale use of your vacuum cleaner are your responsibilities Your cleaner is intended only for household use. Read this Owner’s Manual carefully for important use and safety information. This guide contains safety statements under warning and caution symbols. Please pay special attention to these boxes and follow any instructions given. WARNING statements alert you to such dangers as fire, electrical shock, burns and personal injury CAU- TION statements alert you to such dangers as personal injury and/or property damage.

PARTS AND FEATURES

It is important to know your vacuum cleaner’s parts and features to assure its proper and safe use. Review these before using your cleaner,

HOSE

ATTACHMENTS

NOTE: All models have one set of attachments in the canister. Some models have an additional set, which can be kept in the accessory Dag for garage use,

CANISTER

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Electrical Shock hazard
DO NOT plug into the electrical supply until assembly is complete, Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or injury,

Before assembling vacuum, check the PACKING LIST on the cover of the separate Repair Parts List. Use this list to verify that you have received all the components of your new Kenmore vacuum.

WANDS

Slide wands together until the wand button snaps into place. Turn wand button to the slotted area of the wand swivel.
The swivel allows you to turn the handle to the left side to reach farther under low furniture.

POWER-MATE

Insert wands into Power-Mate until the wand buttons snaps into place.
Connect Power Mate” plug and cord as shown DO NOT force. Raised area of plug must be toward hand.
Secure cord into Cord holder on wand swivel.

To remove: Disconnect cord and step on wand release pedal, then pull up on wands.

CANISTER

Open the canister hood.
Check to see that the dust bag is properly installed, See BAG CHANGING for instructions.
Check to see that the motor safety filter is properly installed, See MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING for instructions.

HOOD

It is normal for the canister hood to come off when opened further than needed,, Line up the hinge slots, insert them, and close the hood to replace it.

HOSE

Line up the hose latch tab and notch in canister hood and insert hose into canister until it snaps in place,
To remove: Lift hose latch tab upward and pull up on hose.
insert a handle into wand until lock button snaps in place Be sure hose is not twisted.

To remove: Press handle release button and pull up on handle.

To store

Disconnect hose from wands and canister to prevent stress on hose during storage Store hose in a loosely coiled position so the hose covering is not stressed.

USE

HOW TO START

WARNING

Personal injury and Product Damage Hazard
DO NOT plug in if switch is in ON position. Personal injury or damage could result,
The cord moves rapidly when rewinding. Keep children away and provide a clear path when rewinding the cord to prevent personal injury.
DO NOT use outlets above counters. Damage from cord to items in surrounding area could occur.
Pull cord out of canister to desired length. The cord wilt not rewind until the cord rewind button is pushed.
NOTE: To reduce the risk of electric shock, this vacuum cleaner has a polarized plug, one blade is wider than the other. This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way If the plug does net fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Plug the polarized power cord into a 120 Volt outlet located near the floor. To rewind: Unplug the cleaner Hold the plug while rewinding to prevent damage or injury from the moving cord, Push cord rewind bar.
1. Lower wand from upright position by pressing on the handle release pedal,
CAUTION: DO NOT leave the Power-Mate ® running in one spot in the upright position for any length of time. Damage to carpet may occur.
1. Select a pile height setting by pressing the small pedal on the rear of the Power- Mate ®.The pile height setting shows on the indicator. See SUGGESTED PILE HEIGHT SETTINGS.

Attention: Refer to your carpet manufacturers’ cleaning recommendations. Some more delicate carpets may require that they be vacuumed with the Power- Mate ®agitator turned off, to prevent carpet damage.

FLOOR: turns on the canister motor only
CARPET: turns on both the canister and the Power-Mate ®motors.

VACUUMING TIPS

Suggested sweeping pattern

For best cleaning action, the Power-Mate should be pushed straight away from you and pulled straight back. At the end of each pull stroke, the direction of the Power Mate should be changed to point into the next section to be cleaned. This pattern should be continued across the rug with slow, glid- ing motions.

NOTE: Fast, jerky strokes do not provide complete cleaning.

The hose swivel allows the hose to turn without moving the canister. This is helpful for cleaning in small areas. Check hose for twisting before pulling the canister.

Carpeted stairs need to be vacuumed regularly. For best cleaning results, fully close the suction control.

WARNING: Personal Injury Hazard Use care if canister is placed on stairs. If it fails, personal injury o property damage could result.

For best cleaning results, keep the airflow passage open, Check each assembly area in HOW YOUR VACUUM WORKS occasionally for clogs Unplug from outlet before checking.
CAUTION: To prevent tip-over, never leave Power-Mate e on or in the upright position. Turning the handle to one side will make the Power-Mate s more stable and less likely to tip over.

SUGGESTED PILE HEIGHT SETTINGS

For best deep-down cleaning, use the XLO setting. However, you may need to raise the height to make some jobs easier, such as scatter rugs and some deep pile carpets, and to prevent the vacuum cleaner from shutting off Suggested settings are:

HI: Shag, deep pile, or scatter rugs
MED: Medium to deep pile,
LO: Low to medium pile,
XLO: Most carpets and bare floors.
ATTACHMENTS

CAUTION: DO NOT attach or remove handle or wands while cleaner is ON. This could cause sparking and damage the electrical contacts.

ATTACHMENTS ON HANDLE
NOTE: If the Power Mate is attached, turn cleaner off before removing handle from wands.

Press the lock button, then pull to remove the handle from the wand. If your model has the optional feature of a handle release, press it in similarly.
Slide attachments firmly on the handle as needed & See chart below.

ATTACHMENTS ON WANDS

To remove wands from Power Mates, lock wands in a straight-up position.
Press and release pedal with foot and pull the wands straight up out o Power-Mate’s.
Put attachments on wands as needed See chart below.

ATTACHMENT USE CHART

Always clean attachments before using on fabrics 3-way On/Off switch should be in the FLOOA position. Handl-Mate Jr® and Power-Malae Jr attachment instructions are included with the products.
(Some Models) The power-Mate switch should be in the OFF position

NOTE: When separating wands, depress lock button completely before putting wands apart if wand lock button is difficult! to repress push the two wanes more tightly together to line up the lock button the no depress lock button and then pul wants apart.

PERFORMANCE FEATURES

EDGE CLEANER

Active brush edge cleaners are on both sides of the Power-Mate Guide either side of the Power-Mate along baseboards or next to furniture to help remove dirt trapped at carpet edges.

OVERLOAD PROTECTOR

The Power-Mate has built-in protection against motor and belt damage should the brush jam° If the brush slows down or stops, the overload protector button pops up and shuts off the Power-Mate, The canister motor will continue to run.

To correct the problem: See TROUBLESHOOTIN.
To reset: Push in the overload protector button

SUCTION CONTROL

The suction control allows you to change the vacuum suction for different fabric and carpet weights. Opening the control decreases suction for draperies and lightweight rugs while closing the control increases suction for upholsteries and carpets.
WARNING: Personal Injury Hazard Always unplug the vacuum cleaner before cleaning the brush area as brush may suddenly restart, Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

SOME MODELS

If the performance indicator turns entirely red check for a full dust bag, or a clog in the vacuum, See HOW YOUR VACUUM WORKS.

NOTE: The performance indicator may turn red when using attachments or when cleaning new carpet, due to reduced airflow by the attachments themselves or new carpet fuzz filling the bag quickly.

POWE R-MATE sSTO RAG E
SOME MODELS
The lower wand has a “U” shaped flange in the area where the power cord is attached & The base has a “U” shaped slot near the front caster.

The slot allows the wands and Power-Mate e to be stored with the canister to conserve storage space., The canister must be stored on end for this feature to be used. The wand will slip out of the slot as it is lifted up for use and will slide into the slot as it is lowered for storage.

THERMAL PROTECTOR

This vacuum has a thermal protector which automatically trips to protect the vacuum from overheating The thermal protector turns the motor off automatically to allow the motor to cool in order to prevent possible damage to the vacuum.
To reset: Turn off and unplug the vacuum from the outlet to allow the vacuum to coot Check for and remove any clogs, Also check and replace any clogged filters. Wait approximately 50 minutes and plug the vacuum in and turn back on to see if the thermal protector has reset, In some cases, the unit may suddenly restart, DO NOT leave it unattended.

HOW YOUR VACUUM WORKS

The vacuum cleaner creates suction that picks up dirt. Rapidly moving air carries the dirt to the dust bag through the airflow passages, The dust bag lets the air pass through, while it traps the dirt. For best cleaning results, keep the airflow passage open. Check the starred areas occasionally for clogs. Unplug from the outlet before checking.

CANISTER CARE

BAG CHANGING
For best cleaning results, the dust bag should be changed often The performance indicator (some models) will specify when the dust bag needs to be changed or the airflow is blocked.
NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for Bag Number.

Unplug the cord from wall outlet.
Remove hose from canister.
Pull the hood release out and up, then lift the canister hood.
Disengage cardboard tab from red bag mount by putling away and tiffing up
Pull bag out of the red bag mount.
Check and replace, if necessary, the motor safety filter.
The red bag mount will flip forward after removing bag, & Rotate red bag mount down and install bag into slots per instructions pushing down until the cardboard tab “-. locks into position and the holes align Tuck the bag securely into the bag cavity so that none of it is able to be pinched by the hood.
Replace and latch the canister hood.
Insert hose into the canister.
Plug cord into wall outlet.

CAUTION: NEVER REUSE A DUST BAGoVery fine materials, such as carpet freshener, face powder, fine dust, plaster, soot, new carpet lint, etc. can clog the bag and cause it to burst before it is full and may cause damage to vacuum motor. Change bag more often when vacuuming these materials.

CLEANING EXTERIOR AND ATTACHMENTS

Unplug cord from wall outlet DO NOT drip water on cleaner.
Clean the exterior using a clean, soft cloth that has been dipped in a solution of mild liquid detergent and water, then wrung dry. Wipe dry after cleaning.
To reduce static electricity and dust buildup, wipe outer surface of the cleaner and attachments.

CAUTION: Do not use attachments if they are wet. Attachments used in dirty areas, such as under a refrigerator, should not be used on other surfaces until they are washed. They could leave marks.

MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CHANGING
Check the motor safety filter occasionally and change when dirty.
WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard
Unplug the power cord from electrical outlet. Do not operate the cleaner without the motor safety filter. Be sure the filter is dry and properly installed to prevent motor failure and/or electrical shock.
Remove the bag as outlined in the BAG CHANGING section.

MOTOR SAFETY FILTER ELECTROSTATIC
This white and grey filter must be replaced when dirty It should be replaced regularly depending on use conditions. The filter CANNOT be washed as it will lose its dust-trapping ability.

Lift the rubber retainer and pull out motor safety filter as shown.
Replace the filter, white side out, by sliding it back into place under the ribs in the bag cavity. Tuck filter in so that it fits completely under the rubber retainer.
Replace the bag as outlined in the BAG CHANGING section.

CAUTION: NEVER REUSE A DUST BAG, Very fine materials, such as carpet freshener, face powder, fine dust, plaster, soot, new carpet lint, etc. can clog the bag and cause it to burst before it is full. Change bag more often when vacuuming these materials.

EXHAUST FILTER CHANGING

WARNING

Fire and/or Electrical Shock Hazard
Do not operate with a clogged exhaust filter or without the exhaust filter or exhaust filter cover installed.

EXHAUST FILTER ELECTROSTATIC

The electrostatic filter must be replaced when dirty. Replace the filter when the entire surface area is covered evenly. The filter CANNOT be washed as it will lose its dust-trapping ability. Replacement exhaust filters are available through Sears Service Center under part no, 8175258. See “Requesting Assistance or Service”.

Pull out and up on the exhaust filter cover to remove from the motor cover and lay aside.
When the exhaust filter becomes dirty, remove it by pulling straight up.
Place the new filter into the motor cover with the white side down.
Reinstall the exhaust filter cover by inserting the tab into the slot in the motor cover, Press firmly to snap exhaust fitter cover into place.

POWER-MATE CARE

Always follow all safety precautions when cleaning and servicing the Power- Mate.

WARNING: Electrical Shock Or Personal Injury Hazard

Disconnect the electrical supply before servicing or cleaning the unit.
Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury from the cleaner suddenly starting.

LIGHT BULB CHANGING
HALF LIGHT POWER-MATE ®

Remove light cover by lifting at arrow as shown.
Push in and turn bulb counterclockwise to remove.
Replace the bulb, Bulb must not be higher than 15 Watts(130V), Close the cover until it snaps in place.

NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for Bulb number.

FULL LIGHT POWER-MATE

Remove light cover by pressing in and lifting both sides as shown.
Push in and turn bulb counterclockwise to remove.
Replace the bulb Bulb must not be higher than 15 Watts (130V). Close light cover until it snaps in place.

NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for Bulb number.

BELT CHANGING AND BRUSH CLEANING
Caution: When you remove the end caps, a small metal washer on each end may come off, DO NOT lose these two metal washers.

TO CLEAN AGITATOR
NOTE: In order to keep cleaning efficiency high and to prevent damage to your vacuum, the agitator must be cleaned every time the belt is changed. The agitator must also be cleaned according to the following schedule:

Vacuum Use/ every 2 months

HEAVY: every week
(used daily)
MODERATE: every month
(used 2-3 times/week)
LIGHT: every 2 months
(used 1 time week)

Remove any dirt or debris in the belt path area or in the brush roller area.

Carefully remove any string or debris located on -the agitator, end caps, washers or agitator shaft.

IMPORTANT: Replace the washers and the end caps. See the exploded view for correct assembly.

Disconnect cleaner from electrical outlet
Check and remove hair, string and lint buildup frequently in the Power-Mate agitator’ and end cap area& If build-up becomes excessive, disconnect Power- Mate ® from wand and follow the steps below

TO REMOVE BELT

Remove light cover and light butb as shown under LIGHT BULB CHANGING
Unscrew the Power- Mate® cover screws.
Turn Power-Mate’s over, To remove cover, insert screwdriver at cover tabs on both sides and twist to release tabs.
Turn Power- Mat’s right side up, Press handle release pedal and lower the swivel Rotate cover forward from back until front snaps free.
Carefully insert and lift screwdriver at each brush support to free brush from base.
Remove worn belt.
Slide brush supports off to check and clean brush support areas See BRUSH ASSEMBLY for picture of complete brush assembly.

TO REPLACE BELT

Slide washers and brush supports onto brush assembly.
Install new belt over motor drive, then over brush sprocket.
- NOTE: See PARTS AND FEATURES for Belt number.
Snap brush supports into place on base Be sure brush supports are not upside down.
Line up front of cover and base. Rest cover on front edge of base as shown.
Rotate cover back° Press cover firmly until side tabs snap into place. Replace cover screws, light bulb and light cover.

BRUSH SERVICING

WARNING: Electrical Shock Or Personal Injury Hazard

Disconnect electrical supply before servicing or cleaning the unit.
Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury from cleaner suddenly starting.

TO CHECK BRUSHES

When brushes are worn to the level of the base Support bars, replace the brush dowel.

TO REPLACE BRUSH DOWEL

Remove Power-Mate s cover, belt and brush assembly. See “To Remove Belt” in BELT CHANGING AND BRUSH CLEANING.
Remove brush supports, washers, screws, end brush, brush sprocket pieces from ends of brush assembly..
Reassemble brush assembly° To line up screw holes in dowel, sprocket and end brush, be sure the brush portion of end brush lines up with brushes on brush dowel.
Replace belt, brush assembly, Power- Mateecover, light bulb and light cover. See “To replace belt” in BELT CHANGING AND BRUSH CLEANING.

BRUSH ASSEMBLY

TROUBLESHOOTING

Review this chart to find do-it-yourself solutions for minor performance problems Any service needed, other than those described in this owner’s manual, should be performed by a Sears authorized service representative.

WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard.