Kenmore 8873 Use and Care Guide - Page 21

TROUBLESHOOTING WASHER First try the solutions suggested here and possibly avoid the cost of a service call... Washer won't fill, rinse or agitate • Checkthe following: Is the power cord plugged into a grounded 3 prong outlet? Is the indicator on the Cycle Control knob properly lined up with a cycle? Turn the Cycle Control knob to the right slightly and pull to start. Are the water inlet valve screens clogged? Are both the hot and cold water faucets turned on? Is the water inlet hose kinked? Does the water level seem too low, or does the washer appear to not fill completely? The top of the agitator is much higher than the highest water level. This creates a perception that the washer is not filling completely. This is normal. Washer stops • Checkthe following: Is the power cord plugged into a grounded 3 prong outlet? Is the indicator on the Cycle Control knob properly lined up with a cycle? Turn the Cycle Control knob to the right slightly and pull to start. Are the water inlet valve screens clogged? Are both the hot and cold water faucets turned on? Is the water inlet hose kinked? • Is there power at the plug? Check your electrical source or call an electrician. • Has a fuse blown or is the circuit breaker open? If problem continues, call an electrician. • Are you using an extension cord? Do not use an extension cord. • Is the washer overloaded? Wash smaller loads. Is the washer in a normal pause in the Permanent Press cycle? The washer pauses for about 2 minutes in the Permanent Press cycle. Allow the cycle to continue. Washer won't drain or spin Is the drain hose clogged, or the end of the drain hose more than 96 in. (2.4 m) above the floor? See the Installation Instructions for proper installation of drain hose. Is the lid open? The lid must be closed during operation. Is there excessive sudsing? Always measure detergent. Follow manufacturer's directions. If you have very soft water, you might need to use less detergent. • Is your voltage low? Check your electrical source or call an electrician. Do not use an extension cord. Washer continues to fill or drain, or the cycle seems stuck • Is the top of drain hose lower than the water level in washer? The top of the hose must be higher than the water level in the washer for proper operation (see "Installation Instructions"). Does the drain hose fit too tightly in the standpipe, or is it taped to the standpipe? The drain hose should be loose yet fit securely. Do not seal the drain hose with tape. The hose needs an air gap (see "Installation Instructions"). Washer makes noise • Is the load balanced and the laundry center level? The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded. The laundry center must be level. Ensure leveling legs are installed (see "Installation Instructions"). • Gears are engaging after the drain and before spin. These are normal washer noises. Washer leaks • Check the following: Are the fill hoses tight? Are the fill hose washers properly seated? Is the drain hose clamp properly installed? (See "Installation Instructions.") Is the sink or drain clogged? Sink and standpipe must be able to handle 17 gal. (64 L) of water per minute. Is water deflecting off the tub ring or the load? Center the tub before starting the washer. The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded. The fill or spray rinses can deflect off the load. The laundry center must be level. Ensure leveling legs are installed (see "Installation Instructions"). • Check household plumbing for leaks. Washer basket is crooked • Was the washer basket pulled forward during loading? The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded. Push the basket to the center before starting wash. • Is the load balanced and the laundry center level? The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded. The laundry center must be level. Ensure leveling legs are installed (see "Installation Instructions"). • The washer basket moves while washing. This is normal. Agitator operation • The top of the agitator is loose, or moves in only one direction. This is normal. 21