®
Refrigerator
With Automatic Freeze Control
Use & Care Guide
Refrigerador
con control autom_tico de congelaci6n
Gu_a para su uso y cuidado
R_frig_rateur
r_gulateur de gel automatique
Guide d'utilisation et d'entretien
_.=,====,,.=--.-
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Sears Canada, inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2B8
Z
m
www.sears.com
297088200 (0601)
Record Serial/Model Numbers ............ 1
Safety .................................................. 1-2
Warranty .............................................. 3
First Steps ........................................... 4-5
Energy Saving Tips ............................. 5
Setting the Temperature Control .......... 5
Refrigerator Features .......................... 5
Care and Cleaning .............................. 6
Troubleshooting Guide ......................... 7-8
Sears Service ..................................... 9
Sears Canada Customers .................. 9
READ AND SAVE THESE iNSTRUCTiONS
This Owner's Guide provides specific operating instructions
for your model. Use your refrigerator only as instructed in
this guide. These instructions are not meant to cover every
possible condition and situation that may occur. Common
sense and caution must be practiced when installing,
operating, and maintaining any appliance.
Record Your Model and Serial Numbers
Record the model and serial numbers in the space provided
below. The serial plate is located on the upper left wall
inside the refrigerator.
Model Number: 253.
or 970.
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Model and Serial
Number Plate
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING
THIS REFRIGERATOR.
?':'l,,V_,_:t_H_[qFOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline, or other flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Read
product labels for flammability and other warnings.
F':_,,v:_:t_ll_,[_CHILD SAFETY
* Destroy carton, plastic bags, and any exterior wrapping
material immediately after the refrigerator is unpacked.
Children should never use these items to play. Cartons
covered with rugs, bedspreads, plastic sheets or
stretch wrap may become airtight chambers, and can
quickly cause suffocation.
* Remove all staples from the carton. Staples can cause
severe cuts, and destroy finishes if they come in
contact with other appliances or furniture.
An empty, discarded ice box, refrigerator, or freezer is a
very dangerous attraction to children.
Remove and discard any spacers used to secure the
shelves during shipping. Small objects are a choke
hazard to children.
Remove the door(s) of any appliance that is not in use,
even if it is being discarded.
Proper Disposal ofYour
Refrigerator/Freezer
_'!'tw__:i#H#[eRisk of child
entrapment. Child entrapment and
suffocation are not problems of the
past. Junked or abandoned
refrigerators or freezers are still
dangerous -- even ifthey will sit for
"just a few days." If you are getting
rid of your old refrigerator or freezer,
please follow the instructionsbelow to
help prevent accidents.
BEFORE YOU THROW AWAY YOUR
OLD REFRIG ERATOR/FREEZER:
,, Remove
doors.
,, Leave shelves in
place so children
may not easily
climb inside.
r't_,,vm!,_._[_ ELECTRICAL iNFORMATiON
These guidelines must be followed to ensure that safety
mechanisms in the design of this refrigerator will
operate properly.
• Refrigerator must be plugged into its own 115Volt,
60 Hz., AC only electric outlet. The power cord of the
appliance is equipped with a three-prong grounding
plug for your protection against shock hazards. It must
be plugged directly into a properly grounded three-
prong receptacle. The receptacle must be installed in
accordance with local codes and ordinances. Consult a
qualified electrician. Do not use an extension cord or
adapter plug.
• If voltage varies by 10% or more, performance of your
refrigerator may be affected. Operating refrigerator with
insufficient power can damage the compressor.
• To prevent the refrigerator from being turned off
accidentically, do not plug unit into an outlet controlled
by a wall switch or pull cord.
• Do not pinch, knot, or bend the cord in any manner.
r'!'l,,,I:_:t_,l_[_ OTHER PRECAUTIONS
• Never unplug the refrigerator by pulling on the cord.
Always grip the plug firmly, and pull straight out from
the receptacle.
• Toavoid electrical shock, unplug the refrigerator before
cleaning and before replacing a light bulb.
NOTE: Turning the temperature control to OFF turns off the
compressor, but does not disconnect the power to the light
bulb or other electrical components.
Do not operate refrigerator in the presence of explosive
fumes.
Avoid fire hazard or
electric shock. Do not use an extension
cord or an adapter plug. Do not remove
any prong from the power cord.
Grounding type
wall receptacle
Do not, under any
circumstances,
cut, remove,
or bypass the
grounding prong.
Power supply
cord with 3-prong
grounding plug
KENIVIORE APPMANCE WARRANTY
OneYear Limited Warranty
When installed, operated and maintained according to all instructions supplied with the product, if this appliance
fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, call t-800-4-MY-HOME@
to arrange for free repair.
If this appliance is used for other than private family purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date
of purchase.
This warranty covers only defects in material and workmanship. Sears will NOT pay for:
t. Expendable items that can wear out from normal use, including but not limited to filters, belts, light bulbs and
bags.
2. A service technician to instructthe user incorrect product installation, operation or maintenance.
3. A service technician to clean or maintain this product.
4. Damage to or failure of this product if it is not installed, operated or maintained according to all instructions
supplied with the product.
5. Damage to or failure of this product resulting from accident, abuse, misuse or use for other than its intended
purpose.
6. Damage to or failure of this product caused by the use of detergents, cleaners, chemicals or utensils
other than those recommended in all instructions supplied with the product.
7. Damage to or failure of parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications made to this product.
Disclaimer of impliedwarranties; limitation of remedies
Customer's sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty shall be product repair as provided
herein. Implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to
one year or the shortest period allowed by law. Sears shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages.
Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or
limitations on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so these exclusions or limitations may
not apply to you.
This warranty applies only while this appliance is used in the United States and Canada.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Sears Canada Inc.,Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2B8
7.Toreplacedoor,reverseaboveorder.
ThisOwner'sGuideprovidesspecificoperatinginstructions
foryourmodel.Usetherefrigeratoronlyasinstructedinthis
Owner'sGuide.Beforestartingtherefrigerator,follow
theseimportant first steps.
iNSTALLATION
• Choose a place that is neara grounded electrical outlet.
Do Not use an extension cord or an adapter plug.
For the most efficient operation, the refrigerator should
be located where surrounding temperatures will not drop
below 10° F (-12° C) or exceed 110° F (43° C). The
Freeze Control Feature is designed to automatically
maintain the selected interior refrigerator temperature
within these boundaries.
AIIow space around the unit for good air circulation.
Leave a 3 inch (75 mm) space on all sides of the
refrigerator for adequate circulation.
Installation
NOTE: The exterior walls of the refrigerator may become
quite warm as the compressor works to transfer heat from
the inside. Temperatures as much as 30 ° Fwarmer than
room temperature can be expected. For this reason it is
particularly important inhotter climates to allow enough
space for air circulation around your refrigerator.
LEVELING
The refrigerator must have all bottom corners resting firmly
on a solid floor. The floor must be strong enough to support
a fully loaded refrigerator. NOTE: It is Very Important for
your refrigerator to be level in order to function properly. If
the refrigerator is not leveled during installation, the door
may be misaligned and not close or seal properly, causing
cooling, frost, or moisture problems.
To Level Your Refrigerator:
After discarding crating screws and wood base, use a
carpenter's level to level the refrigerator from front-to-back.
Adjust the plastic leveling feet in front, 1/2bubble higher, so
that the door closes easily when left halfway open.
Plastic
Leveling Feet
Crating
Screw
4) Crating Screws
And (2) WO(XJ Bases
Unpacking and Leveling
CLEANING
Wash any removable parts of the refrigerator interior, and
exterior with mild detergent and warm water. Wipe dry.
Do not use harsh cleaners on these surfaces.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp instruments,
which can scratch the appliance surface when removing
adhesive labels. Any glue left from the tape can be
removed with a mixture of warm water and mild deter-
gent, or touch the residue with the sticky side of tape
already removed. Do not remove the serial plate.
_To allow door to
close and seal properly, DO NOT let
food packages extend past the front
of shelves.
Shelf Front
DOOR REMOVAL
If door must be removed:
1. Gently lay refrigerator on its back, on a rug or blanket.
2. Remove two base screws and base panel. Remove wire
clips on bottom of cabinet.
3. Remove bottom hinge screws.
4. Remove plastic top hinge cover.
5. Remove screws from top hinge.
6. Remove top hinge from cabinet.
7. Remove doorand bottom hinge from cabinet.
8. To replace door, reverse the above order and securely
tighten all screws to prevent hinge slippage.
COOL DOWN PERIOD
For safe food storage, allow 4 hours for the refrigerator to
cool down completely. The refrigerator will run continuously
for the first several hours.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The temperature control is located inside the refrigerator
compartment. The temperature is
factory preset to provide satisfac-
tory food storage temperatures.
However, the temperature control is
adjustable to provide a range of
temperatures for your personal
satisfaction. If a colder temperature
is desired, turn the temperature
control knob toward COLDEST and
allow several hours for temperatures
to stabilize between adjustments. Cold Control
• Install the refrigerator inthe coolest part of the room,
out of direct sunlight and away from heating ducts or
registers. Do not place the refrigerator next to heat-
producing appliances such as a range, oven or
dishwasher.
• Level the refrigerator so the doors close tightly.
• Do not overcrowd the refrigerator or block cold air
vents. Doing so causes the refrigerator to run longer
and use more energy. Shelves should not be lined with
aluminum foil, wax paper or paper toweling. Liners
interfere with cold air circulation, making the refrigerator
less efficient, which could cause food spoilage.
• Cover foods and wipe containers dry before placing
them in the refrigerator. This cuts down on moisture
build-up inside the unit.
Organize the refrigerator to reduce door openings.
Remove as many items as needed at one time and
close the door as soon as possible.
INTERIOR LIGHT
The light comes on automatically when the door is opened.
To replace the light bulb, turn the temperature control to
OFF and unplug the electrical cord. Replace the old bulb
with a bulb of the same wattage.
ADJUSTABLE INTERIOR SHELVES
Multi-position
adjustable interior
shelves can be
moved to any
position for larger or
smaller packages.
The shipping
spacers that
stabilize the shelves
for shipping should
be removed and
discarded.
Adjustable Interior Shelves
AUTOMATIC FREEZE CONTROL
The Freeze Control Feature will maintain proper interior
refrigerator temperature even when the refrigerator is
placed in an area where the surrounding temperature drops
down to 10° F (-12° C).
CLEANING THE iNSiDE
Wash inside surfaces of the refrigerator with a solution of
two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart (1.136 litres)
warm water. Rinse and dry. Wring excess water out of the
sponge or cloth when cleaning in the area of the controls, or
any electrical parts.
Wash the removable parts with the baking soda solution
mentioned above, or mild detergent and warm water. Rinse
and dry. Never use metallic scouring pads, brushes,
abrasive cleaners, or alkaline solutions on any surface. Do
not wash removable parts ina dishwasher.
CLEANING THE OUTSIDE
Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid deter-
gent. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.
Replace parts and food.
_'!'TAV/-'t"I_II_[_ if leaving the refrigerator
door open while on vacation, make
certain that children cannot get into the
refrigerator and become entrapped.
VACATION AND MOVING TiPS
Vacations:
Ifthe refrigerator will not be used for several months:
• Remove all food and unplug the power cord.
• Clean and drythe interiorthoroughly.
• Leave the refrigerator door open slightly, blocking itopen
ifnecessary, to prevent odor and mold growth.
Moving: When moving the refrigerator, follow these guide-
lines to prevent damage:
• Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet.
• Remove foods and clean the refrigerator.
• Secure all loose items by taping them securely in place
to prevent damage.
• In the moving vehicle, secure refrigerator inan upright
position to prevent movement. Also protect outside of
refrigerator with a blanket, or similar item.
TROUBLESHOOTING Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you time and expense. This list
includes common occurences that are not the result of defective workmanship or
GUIDE materials in this appliance.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
REFRIGERATOR OPERATION
i
Refrigerator does not run. i "
Refrigerator runs too much or
too long.
interior refrigerator temperature
is too cold.
interior refrigerator temperature
is too warm.
Refrigerator external surface
temperature is warm.
Refrigerator is plugged into a
circuit that has a ground fault
interrupt.
Temperature control is in the
OFF position.
Refrigerator may not be plugged
in, or plug may be loose.
House fuse blown or tripped
circuit breaker.
Power outage.
Room or outside weather is hot.
Refrigerator has recently been
disconnected for a period of
time.
Large amounts of warm or hot
food have been stored recently.
Doors are opened too frequently
or too long.
Refrigerator door may be slightly
open.
Temperature Control is set too
low.
Refrigerator gasket is dirty,
worn, cracked, or poorly fitted.
,, Temperature Control is set too
low.
Temperature Control is set too
warm.
Door is kept open too long or is
opened too frequently.
Door may not be seating
properly.
Large amounts of warm or hot
food may have been stored
recently.
Refrigerator has recently been
disconnected for a period of
time.
• The external refrigerator walls
can be as much as 30°F warmer
than room temperature.
• Use another circuit. If you are unsure about the outlet,have
it checked by a certified technician.
• See Setting the Temperature Control Section.
° Ensure plug is tightly pushed into outlet.
• ChecWreplace fuse with a 15 amp time-delay fuse. Reset
circuit breaker.
° Check house lights. Call local Electric Company.
° It's normal for the refrigerator to work harder under these
conditions.
• It takes 4 hours for the refrigerator to cool down
completely.
• Warm food will cause refrigerator to run more until the
desired temperature is reached.
° Warm air entering the refrigerator causes it to run more.
Open doors less often.
• See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.
o
°
Turn control knob to a warmer setting. Allow several hours
for the temperature to stabilize.
Clean or change gasket. Leaks in the door seal will cause
refrigerator to run longer in order to maintain desired
temperature.
• Turn the control to a warmer setting. Allow several hours
for the temperature to stabilize.
° Turn control to a colder setting. Allow several hours for the
temperature to stabilize.
° Warm air enters the refrigerator every time the door is
opened. Open the door less often.
• See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.
° Wait until the refrigerator has had a chance to reach its
selected temperature.
° Refrigerator requires 4 hours to cool down completely.
° This is normal while the compressor works to transfer
heat from inside the refrigerator cabinet.
SOUND AND NOISE
Louder sound levels whenever
refrigerator is on.
Longer sound levels when
compressor comes on.
Modern refrigerators have
increased storage capacity and
more stable temperatures. They
require a high efficiency
compressor.
• Refrigerator operates at higher
pressures during the start of the
ON cycle.
° This is normal. When the surrounding noise level is low,
you might hear the compressor running while it cools the
interior.
° This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as
refrigerator continues to run.
f
PROBLEM | CAUSE CORRECTION
SOUND AND NOISE (Cont.)
Fan runs when room * Exterior thermostat has * This is normal.
temperature is below 45°E activated the heater and fan.
Popping or cracking sound * Metal parts undergo expansion * This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as
when compressor comes on. and contraction, as in hot water refrigerator continues to run.
pipes.
Bubbling or gurgling sound, * Refrigerant (used to cool * This is normal.
like water boiling, refrigerator) is circulating
throughout the system.
Vibrating or rattling noise. * Refrigerator is not level. It rocks * Level the unit. Refer to "Leveling" in the First Steps
on the floor when it is moved Section.
slightly.
• Refrigerator is touching the wall. * Relevel the refrigerator or move refrigerator slightly. Refer
to "Leveling" in the First Steps Section.
Snapping Sound. ,, Cold Control turning the ,, This is normal.
refrigerator on and off.
WATER/MOISTURE/FROST/NS/DE REFRIGERATOR
Moisture forms on inside of ,, Weather is hot and humid. ,, This is normal.
refrigerator walls. * Door may not be seating * See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.
properly.
• Door is kept open too long, or is * Open the door less often.
opened too frequently.
WATER/MOISTURE/FROST OUTSIDE REFRIGERATOR
Moisture forms on outside of * Door may not be seating * See "DOOR PROBLEMS" Section.
refrigerator, properly, causing the cold air
from inside the refrigerator to
meet warm moist air from
outside.
ODOR IN REFRIGERATOR
Odors in refrigerator. J* Interior needs to be cleaned. * Clean interior with sponge, warm water, and baking soda.
/
• Foods with strong odors are in * Cover the food tightly.
the refrigerator.
DOOR PROBLEMS
Door will not close. J* Refrigerator is not level. It rocks * This condition can force the cabinet out of square and
!
on the floor when it is moved misalign the door. Refer to "Leveling" in the First Steps
slightly. Section.
LIGHT BULB IS NOT ON
Light bulb is not on. * Light bulb is burned out. * Follow directions under "Interior Light" in the Refrigerator
Features Section.
• No electric current is reaching * See "REFRIGERATOR OPERATION" Section.
the refrigerator.
"We Service What We Sell" is our assurance you can
depend on Sears for service ...and Sears service is
nationwide.Your refrigerator has added value when you
consider that Sears has service units nationwide, staffed
with professional technicians specifically trained on Sears
appliances and having parts, tools and equipment to
ensure that we meet our pledge to you..."We Service What
We Sell."
SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
Maintain the value of your Kenmore(b refrigerator with a
Sears Maintenance Agreement. Sears refrigerators are
designed, manufactured, and tested for years of depend-
able operation.Yet, any modern appliance may require
service from time to time.
The Sears Maintenance Agreement
• Is your way to buy tomorrow's service at today's price.
• Eliminates repair bills resulting from normal use.
Allows for as many service calls as required.
Provides for service by professional Sears-trained
technicians.
Offers an annual preventive maintenance check-up at
your request.
This maintenance agreement does not cover original
installation, reinstallation, or damage resulting from
external causes such as acts of God, abuse, theft, fire,
flood, wind, lightning, freezing, power failure, power
reduction, etc. Please ask a salesperson to see the
agreement for all of the terms and conditions.
Dear Customer:
In manufacturing this product, many steps have been taken
to provide you with the highest quality. Unfortunately, errors
or omissions occasionaly occur. In the event you find a
missing or defective part, please contact your nearest
Sears store. (See the back cover for phone numbers.)
If you have any suggestions that would help us to improve
our assembly/operation instructions or this prouct, please
write them down, including the information listed below and
mail to:
Sears Canada, inc. Attn: Buyer Dept. 646
222 Jarvis Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5B 2B8
Purchased by:
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
Model No.: 970.
Serial No.:
Date of Purchase /
Location of Purchase
Comments:.
Prow
Phone:
