Kenmore 796.4153 Elite Front Loading Automatic Washer Owner’s Manual

: July 5, 2024
: Kenmore

Table of Contents

Kenmore 796.4153 Elite Front Loading Automatic Washer
PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
References
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Kenmore 796.4153 Elite Front Loading Automatic Washer

PRODUCT RECORD

In the space below, record the date of purchase, model, and serial number of your product. You will flnd the model and serial number printed on an identification plate located inside the washer door. Have these items of information available whenever you contact Sears concerning your product.

Model No.
Date of Purchase
Serial No.
Save these instructions and your sales receipt for future reference.

PROTECTION AGREEMENTS

Master Protection Agreements
Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Kenmore® 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. The Master Protection Agreement also helps extend the life of your new product. Here’s what the

*Agreement includes:**

Parts and labor needed to help keep products operating properly under normal use, not just defects. Our coverage goes well beyond the product warranty. No deductible, no functional failure excluded from coverage – real protection.
Expert service by a force of more than 10,000 authorized Sears service technicians, which means someone you can trust will be working on your product.
Unlimited service calls and nationwide service, as often as you want us, whenever you want us.
“No-lemon” guarantee – replacement of your covered product if four or more product failures occur within twelve months.
Product replacement if your covered product can not be fixed.
Annual Preventive Maintenance Check at your request – no extra charge.
Fast help by phone – we call it Rapid Resolution. Phone support from a Sears representative on all products. Think of us as a “talking owner’s manual.”
Power surge protection against electric damage due to power fluctuations.
$250 food loss protection annually for any food spoilage that is the result of mechanical failure of any covered refrigerator or freezer.
Rental reimbursement if repair of your covered product takes longer than promised.
10% discount off the regular price of any non-covered repair service and related installed parts.
Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call at any time day or night or schedule a service appointment online.The Master Protection Agreement is a risk-free purchase. If you cancel for any reason during the product warranty period, we will provide a full refund, or a prorated refund any time after the product warranty period expires. Purchase your Master Protection Agreement today! Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional information in the U.S.A. ca 11 1-800-827 -6655.
Coverage in Canada varies on some items. For full details call Sears Canada at 1-800-361-6665.

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

SAFETY MESSAGES

There are many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages. This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can result in property damage and/or serious bodily harm or death. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word DANGER or WARNING. These words mean:

Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in property damage and/or serious bodily harm or death.
Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in property damage and/or serious bodily harm or death.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons when using this appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following.

Before use, the washer must be properly installed as described in this manual.
Do not wash articles that have been previously cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances, as they give off vapors that could ignite or explode.
Do not add gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances to the wash water. These substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode.
Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for two weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. If the hot water system has not been used for such a period, before using the washer, turn ON all hot water faucets and let the water flow from each for several minutes. This will release any accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame during this time.
Do not allow children to play on or in the washer. Close supervision of children is necessary when the washer is used near children.
Before the washer is removed from service or discarded, remove the door to prevent children from climbing inside.
Do not install or store the washer where it will be exposed to the weather or freezing temperatures.
Do not tamper with controls.
Do not repair or replace any part of the washer or attempt any servicing other than as described in this manual. We strongly recommend that any service be performed by a qualified technician.
See Installation Instructions for grounding requirements.
ALWAYS follow the fabric care instructions supplied by the garment manufacturer.
Do not place items exposed to cooking oil in your washer. Items contaminated with cooking oils may contribute to a chemical reaction that could cause a load to catch fire.
Use fabric softeners or products to eliminate static only as recommended by the manufacturer.
This washer is not designed for maritime use or for mobile installations such as in RVs, aircraft, etc.
Turn OFF the water faucets and unplug the washer if the machine is to be left for an extended period of time, such as during vacations.
Packaging material can be dangerous for children. There is a risk of suffocation. keep all packaging from children.
Always check the inside of the washer for foreign objects before loading laundry keep the door closed when not in use.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of flre, electric shock, or injury to persons when using this appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following.

Unplug the washer before cleaning to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or solvents to dean the washer. They will damage the finish.
Do not put oily or greasy rags or clothing on top of the washer. These substances give off vapors that could ignite the materials.
Do not wash items that are soiled with vegetable or cooking oil. These items may contain some oil after laundering and may catch fire.
Disconnect this appliance from the power supply before attempting any user maintenance. Turning the controls to the OFF position does not disconnect this appliance from the power supply. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
Do not combine detergents, fabric softeners, and/or other laundry products from different manufacturers for use in a load, unless specifled on the fabric label.
Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar. Follow package directions when using laundry products. Incorrect usage can produce poisonous gas, resulting in serious injury or death.
Do not reach into the washer while parts are moving. Before loading, unloading, or adding items, push in the cycle selector knob and allow the drum to coast to a complete stop before reaching inside. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock or death.
Refer to INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS for detailed grounding procedures. Installation instructions are packed in the washer for the installer’s reference. If the washer is moved to a new location, have it checked and reinstalled by a qualified service technician. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a 3- prong (grounding) plug which mates with a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.
This washer must be plugged into a 120VAC, 60Hz grounded outlet. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
Do not install on carpet. Install the washer on a solid floor. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious leak damage.
Do not remove grounding prong. Do not use an adapter or extension cord. Plug into a grounded 3- prong outlet. Failure to follow these warnings can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
The washer should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate. This provides the best performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your washer by pulling on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
Immediately repair or replace all power cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either end. Consult with a qualified service technician. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
When installing or moving the washer, be careful not to pinch, crush, or damage the power cord. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.
The washer must be installed and electrically grounded by a qualifled service technician in accordance with local codes to prevent shock hazard and assure stability during operation.
The washer is heavy. Two or more people may be needed to install and move the appliance. Failure to do so can result in damage to property or serious bodily injury.
Store and install the washer where it will not be exposed to temperatures below freezing or exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious leak damage.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not install the washer in humid spaces. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.

WARNING: RISK TO CHILDREN

Do not allow children to play on or in the washer. Close supervision of children is necessary when the washer is used near children. As children grow, teach them the proper, safe use of all appliances. Failure to comply with these warnings could result in serious injury to persons.
Destroy the carton, plastic bag, and other packing materials after the washer is unpacked. Children might use them for play. Cartons covered with rugs, bedspreads, or plastic sheets can become airtight chambers. Failure to comply with these warnings could result in serious injury to persons.
Keep laundry products out of children’s reach. To prevent injury to persons, observe all warnings on product labels. Failure to comply with these warnings could result in serious injury to persons.
Before your washer is removed from service or discarded, remove the door to the washing compartment to avoid the danger of children or small animals getting trapped inside. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to persons or death.

GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS

IMPORTANT: Please read carefully. TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY

Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service technician if you are in doubt as to whether the appliance is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the appliance. If it does not flt the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Failure to follow these warnings can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.

This appliance must be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of electric shock by providing a path of least resistance for electric current. This appliance is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

KEY PARTS AND COMPONENTS

A. DETERGENT DISPENSER
There are four compartments. One each for prewash, main wash, liquid bleach, and liquid fabric softener.
B. CONTROL PANEL WITH LED DISPLAY
The easy-to-read LED display shows cycle options, settings, cycle status, and estimated time remaining during operation.
NOTE : Sensors in the washer automatically detect the size of the wash load to optimize washing time, based on the selected cycle and options.
C. DIRECT-DRIVE MOTOR
The direct-drive motor provides improved performance and reliability while increasing energy efficiency. (Motor is not visible.)
D. LARGE-CAPACITY STAINLESS STEEL DRUM
The ultra-large stainless steel drum offers extreme durability and is tilted to improve efficiency and allow easier access for large items.
E. EASY-ACCESS LOCl{ING DOOR
The extra-large door locks during operation. The door will not open until it is safe to do so.
F. FILTER ACCESS PANEL
Provides easy access to the drain pump filter, which allows you to clean the filter or retrieve lost items without a service call.
G. LEVELING FEET
Four leveling feet (two in the front and two in the back) adjust to improve washer stability on uneven floors. Feet are adjusted and locked in place using the adjusting wrench included with the washer.
H. DOOR MAGNET
Safely and conveniently keeps the door ajar with the door magnet. There are two door closed positions, fully closed and slightly ajar. In the latter position, the door is only closed to the door magnet to keep the door slightly open when the washer isn’t in use. 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.

Included Accessories

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

KEY DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Description : Front-Loading Washer
Rated Voltage/Frequency Dimensions : 120VAC, 60Hz
Net Weight : 26 ¼ in. (W) X 30 1/3 in. (D) X 38 15 /16 in. (H), 54 3/s in. (D, door open) 66.8 cm (W) X 76.8 cm (D) X 98.5 cm (H), 138.1 cm (D, door open) 200.6 lbs (91 Kg)

CHOOSE THE PROPER LOCATION

WARNING

This washer is heavy. Two or more people are required when moving and unpacking the washer. Failure to do so may result in damage to property or serious bodily harm.
Store and install the washer where it will not be exposed to temperatures below freezing or exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, Are, electric shock, or death.
Properly ground washer to conform with all electric governing codes and ordinances. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, Are, electric shock, or death.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not install the washer in humid spaces. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, Are, electric shock, or death.
To ensure proper air flow, do not block the large opening on the bottom of the washer with carpeting or other materials.
Do not remove ground prong. Do not use an adapter or extension cord. Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, Are, electric shock, or death.

Power Outlet

The power outlet must be within 60 in. (1.5 m) of either side of the washer.
The appliance and outlet must be positioned so that the plug is easily accessible.
Do not overload the outlet with more than one appliance.
The outlet must be grounded in accordance with current wiring electric codes and regulations.
Time-delay fuse or circuit breaker is recommended.

NOTE : It is the personal responsibility and obligation of the product owner to have a proper outlet installed by a qualified service technician.

FLOORING

To minimize noise and vibration, the washer MUST be installed on a solidly constructed floor. See the NOTE to your right.
Allowable slope under the entire washer is a maximum in. difference from side to side or from front to back.
Installing on carpeting and soft tile surfaces is not recommended.
Never install the washer on a platform or weakly supported structure.

CLEARANCES

To ensure sufficient clearance for water lines and airflow, allow minimum clearances of at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) at the sides and 4 in. (10 cm) behind the unit. Be sure to allow for wall, door, or floor moldings that may increase the required clearances.

NOTE : The floor must be strong and rigid enough to support the weight of the washer, when fully loaded, without flexing or bouncing. If your floor has too much flex, you may need to reinforce it to make it more rigid. A floor that is adequate for a top-loading washer may not be rigid enough for a front loading washer, due to the difference in the spin speed and direction. If the floor is not solid, your washer may vibrate and you may hear and feel the vibration throughout your house.

UNPACKING AND REMOVING SHIPPING BOLTS
When removing the washer from the carton base, be sure to remove the foam drum support in the middle of the carton base. See drawing below. If you must lay the washer down to remove the base packaging materials, always protect the side of the washer and lay it carefully on its side. DO NOT lay the washer on its front or back. To prevent internal damage during transport, the washer is equipped with four shipping bolts and plastic retainers.

IMPORTANT:

These shipping bolts and retainers MUST NOT be removed until just before moving the washer into its final position.
These bolts and retainers MUST be removed before operating the washer.
Failure to remove shipping bolts and retainers may cause severe vibration and noise, which can lead to permanent damage to the washer.
NOTE : The power cord is secured to the back of the washer with a shipping bolt to help prevent operation with shipping bolts in place.

Starting with the bottom two shipping bolts, use the wrench (included) to fully loosen all four shipping bolts by turning them counterclockwise.
Remove the bolt assemblies by wiggling them slightly while pulling.
Locate the four hole caps included in the accessory pack and install them in the shipping bolt holes.
NOTE : Save the bolt assemblies for future use. To prevent damage to internal components, DO NOT transport the washer without reinstalling the shipping bolts.

CONNECTING THE WATER LINES

IMPORTANT: Use new hoses when installing the washer. Do NOT reuse old hoses.
IMPORTANT: Use ONLY the inlet hoses provided with this washer. Aftermarket hoses are not guaranteed to flt or function correctly. Other hoses may not tighten correctly and could cause leaks. Subsequent damage to product or property will not be covered under the terms of the product warranty.
Water supply pressure must be between 14.5 psi and 116 psi (100~800 kPa). If the water supply pressure is more than 116 psi, a pressure reducing valve must be installed.
Periodically check the hose for cracks, leaks, and wear, and replace the hose if necessary.
Make sure that the water lines are not stretched, pinched, crushed, or kinked.
The washer should never be installed or stored in a location subject to freezing temperatures. Damage to the water lines and internal mechanisms of the washer can result. If the washer was exposed to freezing temperatures prior to installation, allow it to stand at room temperature for several hours before use and check for leaks prior to operation.
For optimal wash performance, the hot water temperature should be set at 120° -135°F (48-57°() and the cold water at 60°F (15°().

Inspect the threaded fitting on each hose and make sure there is a rubber seal in place in both ends.
Connect the water supply hoses to the HOT and COLD water faucets tightly by hand and then tighten another 2/3 turn with pliers.
Always run a gallon or two of water through each inlet hose to flush dirt, scale and other debris out of the water lines. Doing so will help prevent future problems with clogged filter screens, and will also allow you to verify which hose is hot and which is cold.
WARNING : Do not overtighten the hoses. Overtightening can damage the valves resulting in leaking and property damage.
Attach the (red) hot water line to the hot water inlet on the back of the washer. Attach the (blue) cold water line to the cold water inlet on the back of the washer. Tighten the fittings securely.
NOTE : When installing the hoses onto the water inlet valves, be careful not to cross-thread the hose fittings. DO NOT overtighten the hoses; this could cause damage to internal components, the valve or the hose gasket. Overtightening could result in property damage from leaks.

CONNECTING THE DRAIN HOSE

The drain hose should always be properly secured. Failure to properly secure the drain hose can result in flooding and property damage.
Do not install the end of the drain hose higher than 96 in. (243.8 cm) above the bottom of the washer.
The drain must be installed in accordance with any applicable local codes and regulations.
Make sure that the drain hose is not stretched, pinched, crushed, or kinked.

NOTE:
A drain hose extension kit is available if the drain hose is not long enough. Do not extend the drain hose more than 6 feet, as this will cause poor draining, which will result in poor wash and spin performance.

Option 1: Standpipe

Install the end of the drain hose into the elbow bracket. Do not extend the drain hose more than 4 inches past the end of the elbow bracket. Use a tie strap to secure the drain hose in place.

NOTE:

Total height of the hose end should not exceed 96 in. (243.8 cm) from the bottom of the washer.
The drain hose should be inserted no more than 8-12 inches into the standpipe. Inserting more than 8-12 inches can cause mold or microorganisms to spread to the inside of the washer.

Option 2: Utility Sink

The elbow bracket should be installed near the end of the drain hose. Hang the end of the drain hose over the side of the utility sink. Use a tie strap to secure the drain hose in place.

Option 3: Floor Drain

Insert the end of the drain hose into the floor drain. If possible, secure the hose to prevent it from moving or coming out of the drain.

CONNECT TO THE POWER SUPPLY
Washer should be plugged into a 120-VAC, 60-Hz grounded 3-prong outlet. Plug in the washer.