Kenmore 81414 400 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum

Owner's Guide Vacuum Cleaners

PARTS AND FEATURES

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

CANISTER

ATTACHMENTS:

CREVICE TOOL

DUSTING BRUSH

ATTACHMENT HOLDER

HANDLE & HOSE ASSEMBLY

TELESCOPING WAND

POWERMATE®

WARNING: Please pay special attention to these hazard alert boxes, and follow any instruc- tions given. WARNING statements alert you to such dangers as fire, electric shock, burns and personal injury. CAUTION statements alert you to such dangers

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Before assembling vacuum cleaner, check the PACKING LIST. Use this list to verify that you have received and identified all the components of your new Kenmore vacuum cleaner.

WARNING - Electrical Shock Hazard! DO NOT plug into electrical supply until assembly is complete. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or injury.

POWERMATE®

Align wand and insert onto PowerMate® until the wand locks into place.

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

Insert wand into handle until lock button snaps in place.

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

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

WAND (TELESCOPING)

The wand length is adjustable and requires no assembly. To adjust, simply push on the wand adjust button and slide the upper wand to the desired height.

NOTE: When adjusting the wand length you may have to hold the PowerMate® down with your hand or foot.

ATTACHMENT HOLDER

Align the attachment holder clip with the front of wand. Push and snap into place on wand.

HOSE

To install: Line up the hose latch tab with the notch in the canister hood, and insert hose into canister until it snaps into place.

IMPORTANT: Push hose firmly into the canister until the hose latch tab snaps into place. The vacuum cleaner will not operate until hose is fully connected.

To remove: Do not open hood before removing hose. With hood closed, press the hose latch tab in to release and remove hose.

CANISTER

1. Open the canister hood.
2. Check to see that the dust bag isproperly installed. See BAG CHANGING (page 16) for instructions.
3. Check to see that the motor safety filteris properly installed. See MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING for instructions.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: Moving parts! To reduce the risk of personal injury, DO NOT touch the agitator when vacuum cleaner is on. Contacting the agitator while it is rotating can cut, bruise or cause other injuries. Always turn off and unplug from electrical outlet before servicing. Use caution when operating near children.

HOW TO START

WARNING - Personal Injury and Product Damage Hazard

• ALWAYS turn off the vacuum cleaner before unplugging.
• 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.
• When any abnormality/failure occurs, stop using the product immediately and discon- nect the power plug.

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 not 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.

WARNING - Personal Injury and Product Damage Hazard

• DO NOT run over power cord with PowerMate®. Personal injury or product damage could result.
• DO NOT pull plug from wall by the power cord. If there is damage tothe cord or plug, personal injury or property damage could result.

1. Pull cord out of canister to desired length. The cord will not rewind until the cord rewind button is pushed.
   
2. Plug the polarized power cord into a 120 Volt outlet located near the floor.
   To rewind: Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner. Hold the plug while rewinding to prevent damage or injury from the moving cord. Push cord rewind button.
   
3. Lower the wand from upright position by pressing on the HANDLE RELEASE pedal.
   
4. Select a pile height setting by pressing the height adjustment pedal on the rear of the PowerMate®. The pile height setting shows on the indicator.
   
5. Select a position on the handle 3-way On/Off switch.
   Slide the switch forward to the CARPET position to turn on suction from the canister motor and the PowerMate® agitator. The CARPET indicator button will turn green, and the PowerMate® agitator will start to spin.
   Slide the switch forward to the FLOOR position to turn on canister motor suction only. The FLOOR indicator button will turn green, and the PowerMate agitator will not spin.
   
   Slide the switch all the way back to turn the vacuum cleaner off. The CARPET and FLOOR indicators will both become gray.

SUGGESTED PILE HEIGHT SETTINGS

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

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, super-soft, or ultraplush carpets, and scatter rugs.

MED – Medium to deep pile.

LO – Low to medium pile.

XLO – The preferred setting for many carpets and also for bare floors.

NOTE: To protect bare floors, slide the 3- way On/Off switch to the FLOOR position to turn off rotation.

CAUTION: DO NOT leave the PowerMate® running in one spot for any length of time. Damage to carpet may occur.

CAUTION - Product Damage Hazard: Use care if the PowerMate® and wand is left in the upright position as it may tip over easily. Property damage can occur if tipped.

VACUUMING TIPS:

For best cleaning results

• Slide suction control toward HIGH to increase suction for upholstery and carpets.
• Slide suction control towards LOW POWER to decrease suction for lightweight rugs or drapes.
• Keep the airflow passage open. Check each assembly area in REMOVING CLOGS occasionally for clogs.

WARNING: Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner from outlet before checking for clogs.

Suggested Sweeping Pattern

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

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

EDGE Cleaner

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

Powermate Storage

The lower wand has a U-shaped storage hook at its base that slides into the U-shaped slot on the canister. The storage hook allows the wands and PowerMate® to be stored with the canister to conserve storage space. The canister must be stored on end for this feature to be used.

The PowerMate® must be in the flat position for storage attachment. Use the handle release pedal to place it in this position. 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.

ATTACHMENTS

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

Attachment Storage

This vacuum cleaner is equipped with on- board attachment storage. The floor brush is stored in the canister, and the dusting brush and crevice tool are stored in the attachment holder on the wand. See ATTACHMENT USE TABLE.

Attachments on Handle

NOTE: If the PowerMate® is attached, turn vacuum cleaner off before removing handle from wand.

1. Press wand release button and pull up on handle.
   
2. Slide attachments onto handle as needed. The floor brush will click into place. See ATTACHMENT USE TABLE.
   

Attachments on Wand

1. To remove wand from PowerMate , lock wand in upright position.
2. Press wand release pedal with foot and pull the wand straight up and out of PowerMate®.
   
3. Slide attachments onto wand as needed. The floor brush will click into place. See ATTACHMENT USE TABLE below.
   

ATTACHMENT USE TABLE

1. Always clean attachments before using on fabrics.
2. The 3-way On/Off switch should be in the FLOOR position.

PERFORMANCE/SAFETY FEATURES

WARNING - Personal Injury Hazard: To avoid accidental agitator starting, always turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before cleaning the agitator area. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

OVERLOAD PROTECTOR

The PowerMate ® has built-in protection against motor and belt damage should the agitator jam. If the agitator slows down or stops, the overload protector shuts off the PowerMate® . The canister motor will continue to run.

To correct problem: Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner, remove obstruction, then press OVERLOAD PROTECTOR RESET button.

If the PowerMate ® motor still does not run after reset, have the unit serviced by a Sears or other qualified service dealer.

ELECTRONIC SUCTION CONTROL

The electronic suction control allows you to change the power of the vacuum cleaner suction motor.

Increase suction for upholsteries, carpets, and bare floors.

Decrease suction for draperies and lightweight rugs.

CHECK BAG INDICATOR

When the vacuum cleaner is running with normal airflow, the CHECK BAG indicator is green. The indicator turns to dark red whenever the airflow becomes blocked. If that occurs, check the disposable dust bag, motor safety filter and other possible clog locations shown in REMOVING CLOGS.

To correct problem: See "Check Bag Indicator activates" in TROUBLESHOOTING.

NOTE: The indicator may activate when using certain attachments due to reduced airflow through attachment.

THERMAL PROTECTOR

This vacuum cleaner has a thermal protector which automatically trips to protect the vacuum cleaner from overheating. If a clog prevents the normal flow of air to the motor, the thermal protector turns the motor off automatically. This allows the motor to cool in order to prevent possible damage to the vacuum cleaner.

To correct problem: Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner to allow the vacuum cleaner to cool and the thermal protector to reset. Check for and remove clogs, if necessary. Also check and clean or replace any clogged filters. Wait approximately fifty (50) minutes and plug the vacuum cleaner in and turn back on to see if the motor protector has reset.

If the canister motor does not resume operation after the reset procedure described above, have the unit serviced by a Sears or other qualified service dealer.

CANISTER CARE

REMOVING CLOGS

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. Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner from outlet before checking.

TO CHECK FOR CLOGS:

• Check dust bag and change if full. See DUST BAG CHANGING.
• Check motor safety filter and exhaust filter and clean or replace if dirty. See MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING and EXHAUST FILTER CHANGING.
• Check PowerMate® for any dirt or debris in the belt path area or in the agitator area. Carefully remove any string or debris located on the agitator or end caps. See TO CLEAN AGITATOR.

If the vacuum cleaner still has poor suction, do the following:

1. Connect the hose to the canister and turn vacuum cleaner on. Check the end of the hose for suction. If there is good suction on the hose handle, there is no clog in the hose. If the suction is bad, remove any dirt or debris in the hose and handle.
2. Connect hose handle to wand. Check the end of the wand for suction. If there is good suction at the end of the wand, there is no clog in the wand. If the suction is bad, remove any dirt or debris in the wand.
3. Check PowerMate® swivel. Remove any dirt or debris.

CLEANING EXTERIOR AND ATTACHMENTS

1. Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner. DO NOT drip water on vacuum cleaner.
2. To clean exterior, or to reduce static electricity and dust build-up, wipe outer surface with a clean, soft cloth that has been dipped in a solution of mild liquid detergent and water, then wrung dry. Wipe dry after cleaning.

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.

DUST BAG CHANGING

For best cleaning results, the dust bag should be changed often. The CHECK BAG indicator will come on when the bag needs to be changed or the airflow is blocked.

NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS for part number and purchase details.

1. Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner.
2. Remove hose from canister.
3. Squeeze the hood release button, then lift canister hood.
4. Pull bag out of the bag mount.
   
   Note: The bag mount will flip forward after removing bag. This will prevent the hood from closing until a new bag is installed.
   
5. Check the motor safety filter and clean or, if necessary, replace. See MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING.
   
   DO NOT bend or crease the middle of the cardboard when installing the bag into the bag mount slots.
6. Rotate bag mount down and install bag into slots per illustration, pushing down until the cardboard tab locks into position and the holes align.
   
7. Tuck the bag securely into the bag cavity so that none of the bag will be pinched by the hood.
8. Close and latch canister hood.
9. Insert hose into canister until it snaps in place.
10. Plug cord into wall outlet.

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, which may damage the vacuum cleaner motor. Change bag more often when vacuuming these materials.

MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING

WARNING - Electrical Shock Hazard: Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner from electrical outlet. Do not operate the vacuum cleaner without the motor safety filter. Be sure the filter is dry and properly installed to prevent motor failure and/or electrical shock.

MOTOR SAFETY FILTER

Check motor safety filter occasionally and clean when dirty.

NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS for part number and purchase details.

1. Remove the bag as outlined in the DUST BAG CHANGING section.
2. Pull out motor safety filter as shown.
   
3. Wash filter in warm soapy water, rinse, then dry. Do not clean in dishwasher or install while damp.
4. Slide the filter back into place under the ribs in the bag cavity.
5. Replace the bag as outlined in the DUST BAG CHANGING section.

EXHAUST FILTER CHANGING

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

EXHAUST FILTER - HEPA MEDIA

The exhaust filter cartridge 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.

NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS for part number and purchase details

1. Push latch up to release the exhaust filter cover from slot in canister.
   
2. Pull filter cover down and outward to remove it from filter chamber in the canister.
3. Remove the exhaust filter cartridge from the filter cover.
   
4. Insert the new exhaust filter cartridge into the filter cover with the rubber seal upward.
   
5. To replace the exhaust filter cover, insert the two tabs on the cover into the slots at the top of the filter chamber.
   
6. Rotate filter cover down until it snaps into place.
   

POWERMATE® CARE

Always follow all safety precautions when performing maintenance to the PowerMate®.

WARNING - Electrical Shock Or Personal Injury Hazard: Always turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner before performing maintenance to the vacuum cleaner. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury from vacuum cleaner suddenly starting.

BELT CHANGING AND AGITATOR CLEANING

TO REMOVE BELT

1. Press handle release pedal and lower the swivel. Turn PowerMate® upside down and remove the four (4) screws securing base to PowerMate® cover.
   
2. Turn PowerMate® right side up. Loosen the rear and side latches. (A flat blade screwdriver may be required.)
3. Grasp cover by rear and pull up to remove it from base.
   
4. Lift agitator assembly out and remove worn belt.
   
5. Check and clean end cap areas.

TO CLEAN AGITATOR:

NOTE: In order to keep cleaning efficiency high and to prevent damage to your vacuum cleaner, the agitator must be cleaned every time the belt is changed.

The agitator must also be cleaned according to the following schedule:

IMPORTANT: Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner fromvelectrical outlet. Check and remove hair,string and lint build-up in the PowerMate® agitator and end cap areas.

Remove any dirt or debris in the belt patharea or in the brush unit area.

Carefully remove any string wound ontothe agitator and end caps.

TO REPLACE BELT

1. Install new belt over motor shaft, then over belt path.
   NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS for part number and purchase details
   
2. Place agitator assembly back into PowerMate®.
   
3. Line up front of cover and base. Rest cover on front edge of base as shown.
   
4. Rotate cover back. Press cover firmly until side and rear latches snap into place.
   NOTE: Make sure there is no gap between the cover and base.
5. Turn PowerMate® upside down and replace the four (4) screws that secure the cover to the base.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Review this table to find do-it-yourself solutions for minor performance problems. Any other service needed should be performed by a Sears or other qualified service agent.

WARNING: Always turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner before performing maintenance to the vacuum cleaner. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal injury.

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