_ Appliances
Use! CareGuide
Temperature selector
Load size Cycle control
selector knob
Model and serial
number plate
(not shown under lid)
Agitator
Tub
Basket
MAGIC CLEAN:"
lint filter
(not shown)
LARGECAPACITYTWOSPEED
AUTOMATICWASHERS
LA5200XT LA5500XT
Contents
Page
3
Important Safety
Instructions .................
Operating Instructions
Starting your washer ........ 4-5
What happens in each cycle .. 5-11
Other Operating
Instructions
Rinse and spin ............. 12
Drain and spin .............. 12
Soak ...................... 13
MAGIC CLEAN _ lint filter .... 13
If You Need Service or
Assistance .................. 14
Warranty .................... 16
© 1988 Whirlpool Corporation
Thank you for buying a Whirlpool
appliance. Please complete and mail
the Owner Registration Card provided
with this product. Then complete the
form below, Have this information ready
if you need service or call with a
question.
• Copy model and serial numbers
from plate (under lid near hinge) and
the purchase date from the sales slip.
• Keep this book and the sales slip
together in a handy place.
Model Number
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Service Company Phone Number
Remove the Consumer Buy Guide
label. It will be easier to remove before
the washer is used.
You should wipe out the basket with a
damp cloth before using to remove dust
from storing or shipping.
ImportantSafetyInstructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or
injury to persons when using your washer, fol-
low basic precautions, including the following:
• Read these Laundry Instruc-
tions for important use and
safety information before
using your washer.
• NEVER wash items cleaned,
washed, soaked in or spotted with
wax, paint, gasoline, or in flamma-
ble fluids in the washer. The fumes
can create a FIRE HAZARD or
EXPLOSION. ALWAYS hand
launder and air dry fabrics contain-
ing these materials.
• NEVER allow children to operate,
play with, or crawl inside the
washer. Close supervision of
children is necessary when the
washer is used near children.
• When discarding an old washer,
ALWAYS remove the lid to prevent
accidental entrapment.
• NEVER put your hands into the
washer until all motion stops. If the
lid is opened while the basket is
spinning, the basket will automati-
cally stop in a few seconds.
• DO NOT tamper with controls.
• NEVER use or store flammable
fluids (dry-cleaning solvents,
kerosene) in or near your washer.
Do Not add flammable fluids to the
wash water. These substances
give off vapors that can create a
FIRE HAZARD or EXPLOSION.
• If hot water has not been used
recently (usually 2 weeks or
longer), hydrogen gases may build
up inthe water heater and the hot
water pipes. HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. Toprevent injuryor
damage, before using your washer,
turn on all hot water faucets and
allow water to run for several
minutes. This will allow gases to
escape. DO NOT smoke or use
any open flame near the faucet
while it isopen.
• You are personally
responsible for making
sure that your washer:
- is installed, repaired, and parts
replaced by a qualified person.
- is properly installed and leveled
on a floor that can support the
weight.*
- is connected to the right kind
of outlet, electric supply, water
supply and drain.*
- is properly grounded.*
-is properly maintained.*
- is protected from the weather
and kept where the temperature
will not fall below freezing.
*See the Installation Instructions.
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -
Additionalsafetyinstructionsandyourresponsibilities
• ALWAYS store detergent, laundry • ALWAYS unplug the power supply
aids and other materials in a cool, dry
place where children can't reach them
- in a locked cabinet if possible.
• ALWAYS read and follow instructions
on packages of detergent and laundry
aids - especially warnings and
precautions.
• HAZARDOUS FUMES can be
formed if chlorine bleach is used in
the same wash as ammonia or acids
such as vinegar or rust remover.
cord before attempting to service
the washer.
DO NOT machine wash glass fiber
materials. Small particles can stick to
fabrics washed in following loads and
cause skin irritation.
You are personally responsible
for making sure that your washer:
- is used only for jobs normally ex-
pected of home automatic washers.
- is not run by children or anyone
unable to operate it properly. 3
OperatingInstructions
Startingyourwasher
Be sure to measure and add detergent, then place a sorted load in the washer before
starting it.
1. Select a load size
• Turn the knob to point at a setting
that describes the size of load you
want to wash.
• The water level can be set for EX
SMALL (a few items), MEDIUM or
LARGE (a full load).
NOTE: Use the LARGE water level
for best permanent press results.
2. Select water temperature
• Match the water temperature to the
type of fabric and soils being washed.
• The top temperature is the wash
selection and the bottom temperature
is the rinse selection.
NOTE: Use warm wash water with
the PERMANENT PRESS or KNITS
GENTLE Cycles.
For heavily soiled permanent press
or knit clothes, pre-wash or pre-soak
before washing in warm water.
ALWAYS use cold rinse water for
permanent press fabrics.
PERMANENT
PRESS
KNITS GENTLE
3. Select cycle and wash time
Start the washer
• Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it tothe right.
• Stop on the number in the wash cycle
you want. The numbers are minutes of
wash time.
• Start the washer by pulling out the
Cycle Control Knob. The washer will
fill to the selected water level with the
selected wash water temperature.
After filling, the washer will agitate for
the selected number of minutes.
• Tostop the washer at any time, push
in the Cycle Control Knob. To restart
the washer, pull out the Cycle
Control Knob.
Whathappensineachcycle
Each cycle has different agitation and
spin speeds designed for different kinds
of fabrics.
Numbers on the dial in each cycle are
the minutes of wash agitation time.
When the Cycle Control Knob is set
to a number and pulled out, the washer
fills before agitation and timing starts.
After agitation starts, the knob turns
clockwise until it points to OFF and the
cycle ends.
The washer will pause briefly through-
out each cycle. These pauses are
normal. They allow for the reversing
of the motor, normal washer operation
and the cool-down portion of the
PERMANENT PRESS Cycle.
Gentle Wash System
For better fabric care in the REGULAR
and PERMANENT PRESS Cycles, the
agitation speed is reduced during the
last few minutes of wash agitation time.
NOTE: You may hear the sound of
water spraying during the spin parts of
some cycles. In some cycles, cold water
is sprayed on the spinning load to help
with the rinsing.
Operating Instructions
Continued
LA5500XT cycles
Regular/Heavy Cycle
A cycle for sturdily COnstructed
that are heavily soiled, fabrics
Regular/Normal Cycle
A cycle for regular loads of fabrics that
are moderately soiled.
Operating Instruction
Continued s
LA5SOOXT Cycles continued
Knits Gentle/Normal Cycle
A cycle that gently washes and
spins moderately SOileddelicate
and washable knits, items
Knits Gentle/Light Cycle
A CYc/ethat gently washes and
sPdnS_gsh_Yb_e°_leddelicate items
nits.
Super Wash Cycle
Use for washing heavily soiled loads
that require maximum soil removal.
Double the amount of detergent
recommended when using the
SUPER WASH Cycle.
FILLL.._ to Selected Level .._._
WI_.._ 4Minutes High Speed.._,_
Lr.._,..°..,.No_0"a_'°nJ
l REFILL to Selected Level
After Partial Drain, the washer
automatically refills and goes into the
REGULAR/HEAVY Cycle. Be sure to
use enough detergent for the double
wash,
Operating Instructions
Continued
LA5200XT cycles
Regular/Heavy Cycle
A Cycle for sturdily constructed fabrics
that are heavily soiled.
Permanent Press/Normal Cycle
A cycle designed for moderately soiled
permanent press and some synthetic
fabrics. The cool-down rinse helps keep
wrinkles from setting into these items.
70
e;ected Level I _elected Lever I
_ Speed,S_
Knits Gentle/Normal Cycle
A cycle that gently washes and spins
moderately soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
PRESS
Soak Cycle
Brief periods of agitation and soak time
help remove heavy soils and certain
stains that need extra pretreatment.
Use recommended amount of
detergent or pre-soak additive. The
SOAK Cycle should always be followed
by a wash cycle.
_ILL to Selected Level J
W_H 8 Minutes LowSpeed .,_
LowSpeed
for Deep Rinse _,1
_ow SpeedS
''" ___1
[SPIN LowSpeed,Spray Rinse.__.J
FILL to Selected Level J
WASH 4 Minutes High Speed __1
SOAK 4 Minutes No Agitation __1
_WASH 2 Minutes High Speed J
._SOAK 4 Minutes No Agitation J
__WASH 6 Minutes High Speed J
_DRAIN No Agitation _.1
SPIN High Speed
WASHER STOPS Select Wash_
Special care is needed when soaking
laundry. See the Laundry Guide for
proper use of this cycle.
11
Rinseandspin
You may need an extra rinse and spin
for heavily soiled loads which need
more detergent.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
2. Turn clockwise to any dot on the dial.
3, Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will fill to selected level, agi-
tate 2 minutes, drain and spin.
Drainandspin
Your washer can be set to drain and
spin out water.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
2. Turn clockwise to the bar just before
the OFF area in any cycle. See
the drawing.
3. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will drain and spin.
PERMANENT
PRESS
12
PERMANENT
PRE_S
Soak(LA5200XTonly)
For best results, use warm water for
soaking stained laundry. Hot water can
set stains.
1. Use recommended amount of
detergent or pre-soak product.
2. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
3. Turn clockwise to point to the
number in the SOAK Cycle.
4. Pull the Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will start.
5. When the cycle is over, add
detergent for the next selected wash
cycle. The SOAK Cycle should al-
ways be followed by a wash cycle.
Important: See the Laundry Guide for
additional care information.
MAGICCLEAN®lintfilter
The lint filter in your washer cleans
itself. Collected lint is drained away with
the wash and rinse water.
Ifyour washer drains into a tub,
remove any lint collected in the drain or
strainer.
13
IfYouNeedServiceOrAssistance
Wesuggestyoufollow
thesefivesteps:
1. Before calling for assistance...
Performance problems often result from
little things you can find and fix yourself
without tools of any kind.
If your washer does not fill:
• Is the power supply cord plugged into
a live circuit with the proper voltage?
• Are both water faucets open ?
• Have you checked your home's main
fuses or circuit breaker box?
• Are the water supply hoses kinked?
• Is the Cycle Control Knob set and
pulled out?
If your washer does not spin:
• Is the lid closed?
• Is the power supply cord plugged into
a live circuit with the proper voltage?
• Have you checked your home's main
fuses or circuit breaker box?
If your washer stops during
a cycle:
• Remember, the washer pauses briefly
at different times in each cycle. These
pauses are normal.
If your washer fills and drains
without running:
• Make sure that the Cycle Control Knob
is pointing to a number in the cycle.
Make sure the drain hose is higher
than the water level in the washer.
If it isn't:
• The washer may seem to be draining
during wash and rinse cycles.
• Water can siphon out.
(See Installation Instructions.)
2. If you need assistance*...
Call Whirlpool COOL-LINE" serv-
ice assistance telephone number.
Dial free from anywhere in the U.S.:
1-800-253-1301
and talk with one of our trained consul-
tants. The consultant can instruct you
in how to obtain satisfactory operation
from your appliance or, ifservice is nec-
essary, recommend a qualified service
company in your area.
3. If you need service*...
Whirlpool has a
" "o1 -nationwidenetw°rk
_'_ of franchised TECH-
7-£_'w'-_,4R£ CARE" Service
FRA,C.,SEDSER"'CE, companies. TECH-
CARE service technicians are trained to
fulfill the product warranty and provide
after-warranty service, anywhere in the
United States. To locate TECH-CARE
service in your area, call our COOL-
LINE service assistance telephone
number (see Step 2) or look in your
telephone directory Yellow Pages under:
APPLIANCES - HOUSEHOLD - ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
MAJOR - SERVICE & REPAIR MAJOR - REPAIRING & PARTS
OR
WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS
& IRONERS - SERVICING
WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES
FRANCHISED TECH CARE SERVICE
xYZ 5LlqVr_[ C0
123 MAR [ 999 9999
14
4. If you have a problem*...
Call our COOL-LINE service assistance
telephone number (see Step 2) and talk
with one of our consultants, or if you
prefer, write to:
Mr. Donald Skinner
Director of Customer Relations
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 M-63
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
5. If you need FSP _
replacement parts*..
FSP is a registered trademark of
Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts.
Look for this symbol of quality when-
ever you need a replacement part for
your Whirlpool appliance. FSP replace-
ment parts will fitright and work right,
because they are made to the same
exacting specifications used to build
every new Whirlpool appliance.
To locate FSP replacement parts in
your area, refer to Step 3 or call the
Whirlpool COOL-LINE service
assistance number in Step 2.
*If you must call or write, please pro-
vide: model number, serial number.
date of purchase, and a complete de-
scription of the problem. This informa-
tion is needed in order to better
respond to your request for assistance,
15
WhirlpoolAutomaticWasherWarranty
AW003
LENGTH OF WARRANTY WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR
FULL ONE-YEAR FSP" replacement parts and repair labor to
WARRANTY correct defects in materials (including top and lid
From Date of Purchase rust) or workmanship. Service must be provided
by a franchised TECH-CARE" service company.
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
FSP replacement parts for any part of
gearcase assembly if defective in materials
or workmanship. The gearcase assembly
is shown below.
FSP replacement parts for any top and lid rust.
LIMITED TEN-YEAR FSP replacement of outer tub should it crack, or
WARRANTY fail to contain water, due to defective materials
From Date of Purchase or workmanship.
WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR
A. Service calls to:
1. Correct the installation of the washer.
2. Instruct you how to use the washer.
3. Replace house fuses or correct house wiring or plumbing.
B. Repairs when washer is used in other than normal, single-family
household use.
C. Pick up and delivery. This product is designed to be repaired in
the home.
D. Damage to washer caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts of
God or use of products not approved by Whirlpool.
E. Any labor costs during the limited warranties.
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages so this limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Outside the United States, a different warranty may apply. For details, please
contact your franchised Whirlpool distributor or military exchange
Part No. 3351522
©1988 Whirlpool Corporation
Gearcase assembly
covered by your
warranty
Printed in U.S.A.
