Model/Modelo: BC4026
Vacuum Cleaner Help Line:
1-877-531-7321
8:00am-5:00pm EST, M-F
Use & Care Guide
Manual de Uso y Cuidado
®
Kenmore®
Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Aspiradora con tanque
www.kenmore.com
Kenmore and the Kenmore logo are registered
trademarks of KCD IP, LLC and/or Transform SR
Brands LLC and are used under license by Cleva
North America, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Before Using Your New Vacuum Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Parts and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Performance/Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Canister Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19
PowerMate
®
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-24
BEFORE USING YOUR NEW VACUUM CLEANER
Your KENMORE VACUUM CLEANER is packaged with the following parts and
components assembled separately in the carton:
• Canister Vacuum Cleaner (with Floor Brush, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool)
• PowerMate
®
• Pet PowerMate
™
• Handle & Hose Assembly
• Telescoping Wand
• Use & Care Guide
PACKING LIST
- 2 -
Please read this guide. It will help you assemble and operate your new Kenmore vacuum
cleaner in the safest and most effective way.
For more information about vacuum cleaner care and operation, call the Vacuum Cleaner
Help Line at 1-877-531-7321. You will need the complete model and serial numbers when
requesting information. Your vacuum cleaner’s model and serial numbers are located on the
Model and Serial Number Plate.
Use the space below to record the model number and serial number of your new Kenmore
vacuum cleaner.
Model No.____________________________________________
Serial No. ____________________________________________
Date of Purchase ______________________________________
Keep this book and your sales check (receipt) in a safe place for future reference.
KENMORE VACUUM CLEANER WARRANTY
- 3 -
KENMORE LIMITED WARRANTY
FOR ONE YEAR from the date of sale this product is warranted against defects in
material or workmanship.
WITH PROOF OF SALE a defective product will be replaced free of charge.
The Kenmore brand is used under license. Direct all claims for warranty replacement to:
Cleva North America, Inc., 1-877-531-7321
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship, and will NOT pay
for:
1. Expendable items that can wear out from normal use, including but not limited to
filters, belts, bags or screw-in base light bulbs.
2. A service technician to clean or maintain this appliance, or to instruct the user in
correct appliance installation, operation and maintenance.
3. Service calls to correct appliance installation not performed by Sears authorized
service agents, or to repair problems with house fuses, circuit breakers, house wiring,
and plumbing or gas supply systems resulting from such installation.
4. Damage to or failure of this appliance resulting from installation not performed by
Sears authorized service agents, including installation that was not in accord with
electrical, gas or plumbing codes.
5. Damage to or failure of this appliance, including discoloration or surface rust, if it is
not correctly operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions.
6. Damage to or failure of this appliance, including discoloration or surface rust,
resulting from accident, alteration, abuse, misuse or use for other than its intended
purpose.
7. Damage to or failure of this appliance, including discoloration or surface rust,
caused by the use of detergents, cleaners, chemicals or utensils other than those
recommended in all instructions supplied with the product.
8. Damage to or failure of parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications
made to this appliance.
9. Service to an appliance if the model and serial plate is missing, altered, or cannot
easily be determined to have the appropriate certification logo.
Disclaimer of implied warranties; limitation of remedies
Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty shall be product
replacement 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. Seller 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 limitation 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.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Cleva North America, Inc., Greenville SC 29607
- 4 -
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUC
TIONS
Read all instructions in this guide before assembling or using your vacuum cleaner.
Your safety is important to us. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury to
persons or damage when using your vacuum cleaner, follow basic safety
precautions including the following:
WARNING:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Proper assembly and safe use of your vacuum cleaner are your responsibilities. Your vacuum
cleaner is intended for Household use. Read this Use & Care Guide carefully for important
use and safety information. This guide contains safety statements under warning and
caution symbols.
Use your vacuum cleaner only as described
in this guide. Use only with Kenmore
recommended attachments.
Disconnect electrical supply before servicing
or cleaning out the brush area. Failure to do
so could result in brush unexpectedly starting
causing personal injury from moving parts.
Do not leave vacuum cleaner when plugged
in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before performing maintenance.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock - Do
not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or near
children.
Do not use with a damaged cord or plug. If
vacuum cleaner is not working as it should,
has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors,
return it to an Authorized Kenmore Service
Center.
Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a
handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord
around sharp edges or corners. Do not run
vacuum cleaner over cord. Keep cord away
from heated surfaces.
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug,
grasp the plug, not the cord.
Do not handle plug or vacuum cleaner with
wet hands.
Do not put any objects into openings.
Do not use with any opening blocked; keep
free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may
reduce air flow.
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all
parts of body away from openings and
moving parts.
Turn off all controls before unplugging.
Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
Do not put on chairs, tables, etc. Keep on
floor.
Do not use vacuum cleaner to pick up
flammable or combustible liquids (gasoline,
cleaning fluid, perfumes, etc.), or use in
areas where they may be present. The
fumes from these substances can create a
fire hazard or explosion.
Do not pick up anything that is burning or
smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot
ashes.
Do not use vacuum cleaner without dust bag
and/or filters in place.
Always change the dust bag after
vacuuming carpet cleaners or freshener,
powders, and fine dust. These products clog
the bag, reduce airflow and can cause the
bag to burst. Failure to change the bag
could cause permanent damage to the
vacuum cleaner.
Do not use the vacuum cleaner to pick up
sharp hard objects, small toys, pins, paper
clips, etc. They may damage the vacuum
cleaner.
Do not operate the vacuum cleaner without
the exhaust filter or filter door in place.
The hose contains electrical wires. Do not use
when damaged, cut, or punctured. Replace
if cut or worn. Do not pick up sharp objects.
Always turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner
before connecting or disconnecting either
hose, wand, Pet PowerMate™, or PowerMate
®
.
Hold plug when rewinding onto cord reel.
Do not allow plug to whip when rewinding.
You are responsible for making sure that
your vacuum cleaner is not used by anyone
unable to operate it properly.
WARNING:
This product contains a chemical known to
the state of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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.
- 5 -
.oN traPtraP
53013-02tleB
Dust Bag (2-pack) 20-53291
Dust Bag (6-pack) 20-53292
20-52731
retliF tsuahxE
Motor
PowerMate Brushroll Assembly
®
Safety Filter 20-81002
591005128
To order a replacement part call 1-844-202-9924
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use only AAFA approved replacement dust bags and exhaust filters to
maintain AAFA certification.
CANISTER
- 6 -
ATTACHMENTS
Pet
PowerMate™
- 7 -
POWERMATE
TELESCOPING WAND
HANDLE & HOSE ASSEMBLY
Brushroll Status
Indicator
CANISTER
1. Open the canister hood.
2. Check to see that the dust bag is
properly installed. See DUST BAG
CHANGING (page 17) for instructions.
3. Check to see that the motor safety filter
is properly installed. See MOTOR SAFETY
FILTER CLEANING (page 18) for
instructions.
HOSE
1. Line up the hose
latch tab and
notch in canister
hood and insert
hose into canister
until it snaps into
place.
IMPORTANT:
Push hose connector firmly into the canister
body 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
hose latch tab and remove hose.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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
as personal injury and/or property damage.
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.
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.
- 8 -
POWERMATE
Align wand and insert
onto
PowerMate
®
until
the wand locks into
place.
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 adjust-
ing the wand length
you may have to hold
the PowerMate
®
with
your hand or foot.
Before assembling vacuum cleaner, check the PACKING LIST (page 2). Use this list to
verify that you have received and identified all the components of your new Kenmore
vacuum cleaner.
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.
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 to
the cord or plug, personal injury or
property damage could result.
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, con-
tact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in
any way.
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.
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.
CAUTION
Moving parts! To reduce the risk of personal injury,
DO NOT touch the brushroll when vacuum cleaner is
on. Contacting the brushroll 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.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- 9 -
- 10 -
3. Lower wand from upright position by
pressing on the HANDLE RELEASE pedal.
4. Select a pile height setting by pressing
the height adjust pedal on the rear of the
PowerMate
®
. The pile height setting shows on
the indicator.
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
®
brushroll 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, place the 3-
way On/Off switch in the HARDFLOOR
position to turn off brushroll rotation.
CAUTION
DO NOT leave the PowerMate
®
running in
one spot for any length of time. Damage
to carpet may occur.
5. Select a position on
the handle three-way
On/Off switch.
Turn vacuum cleaner
off.
Turn on the canister
motor only.
Turn on both the
canister and the
PowerMate
®
motors.
Brushroll will come on.
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.
- 11 -
VACUUMING TIPS
FOR BEST CLEANING RESULTS
• Use high power on the
suction control
• Keep the airflow passage open. Check
each assembly area in REMOVING
CLOGS (page 16) occasionally for clogs.
Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner from
outlet before checking.
STAIRS
The stair grip
located on lower
body of the canister
will aid in
preventing the
canister from
slipping when used
on stairs.
NOTE: Before using, be sure the canister is
balanced on stairs as shown and that the
stair grip has engaged a step.
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.
SUCTION
CONTROL
WARNING
Personal Injury Hazard
Use care if canister is placed on stairs. It
may fall, causing personal injury or
property damage.
CAUTION
Product Damage Hazard
Do not pull on the hose to move the
canister from one stair to the next. When
finished cleaning in one area use the
handle grip on the canister to move the
vacuum cleaner to a new location for
further 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 wand has a “U” shaped storage hook
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.
To attach the PowerMate
®
, it must be in the
flat position. 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.
located on the handle.
In the high power position,
the control will click into place.
- 12 -
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 canister is equipped with an on-board storage area for attachments.
TO REINSTALL:
1. With the floor brush on the wand, insert
the floor brush into place.
POP-N-GO FLOOR BRUSH
1. Press the release button to open the tool
storage cover. The neck of the floor brush
will pop up at an angle that makes it easy
to attach the wand.
2. Push the wand collar over the floor brush
neck. Tilt wand upward and lift out.
2. Tilt the wand and floor brush downward.
3. Pull the wand
away from the
floor brush. The
floor brush will
disconnect from
the wand.
4. Close the
tool storage
cover securely.
NOTE: If there is difficulty attaching brush
to wand in the manner described above,
simply remove the brush from storage
compartment and insert it into the wand
collar.
NOTE: If there is difficulty detaching the
wand from brush in the manner described
above, simply press the Tool Release button
to disconnect brush from wand.
ⅡⅡⅠ
- 13 -
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
into handle as needed.
All except crevice tool
will click into place.
See ATTACHMENT USE
TABLE (page 14).
Wand
Release
Pet
PowerMate
TM
Handle
Crevice
Tool
Dusting
Brush
Floor
Brush
Wand
Release
NOTE:
To remove Pet PowerMate
TM
, dusting brush,
and/or floor brush, press the Wand
Release button and slide out.
TO REINSTALL:
Insert the attachment, press down into
place, and close the tool storage cover
securely.
DUSTING BRUSH, CREVICE TOOL,
& PET POWERMATE
TM
1. Lift the tool storage cover to open.
2. Remove attachment as needed. See
ATTACHMENT USE TABLE (page 14).
- 14 -
WARNING
NEVER use the Pet PowerMate
TM
directly
on pets, as it may cause injury. The Pet
PowerMate
TM
is only designed to vacuum
pet hair that is shed on stairs or furniture.
1. Always clean attachments before using on fabrics.
2. 3-way On/Off switch should be in HARDFLOOR position.
3. Pet PowerMate
TM
attachment instructions are included with the product.
ATTACHMENT USE TABLE
ATTACHMENT
Crevice Tool
Dusting Brush
detepraCeraBneewteB
Furniture
1
Cushions
1
Drapes
1
Stairs Floors Floors/Rugs Walls
2
Floor Brush
PowerMate
®
Pet PowerMate
TM
3
CLEANING AREA
2. Press wand release pedal with foot and
pull the wand straight up and out of
PowerMate
®
.
ATTACHMENTS ON WAND
1. To remove wand from PowerMate
®
, lock
wand in upright position.
3. Slide attachments into wand as needed.
All except crevice tool will click into place.
See ATTACHMENT USE TABLE (page 14).
NOTE:
To remove Pet PowerMate
TM
, dusting brush,
and/or floor brush, press the tool release
button and slide out.
TM
- 15 -
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 problem persists, have the vacuum
cleaner serviced by a Kenmore or other
qualified service agent.
PERFORMANCE/SAFETY FEATURES
CHECK BAG INDICATOR
When the vacuum cleaner is running with
normal airflow, the light on the CHECK
BAG indicator is off. The light comes on
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 (page 16).
To correct problem: See "Check Bag
Indicator activates" in
TROUBLESHOOTING (page 24).
NOTE: The light may come on when using
certain attachments due to reduced airflow
through attachment.
WARNING
Personal Injury Hazard
To avoid accidental brushroll starting,
always turn off and unplug the vacuum
cleaner before cleaning the brushroll 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
brushroll jam. If the brushroll slows down or
stops, the overload protector shuts off the
To correct problem: Turn off and unplug
vacuum cleaner, remove obstruction, then
turn on the vacuum cleaner again. The
brushroll status indicator will be off.
If the problem persists, have the vacuum
cleaner serviced by a Kenmore or other
qualified service agent.
Brushroll Status
Indicator
ELECTRONIC SUCTION CONTROL
The electronic suction control allows you to
change the power of the vacuum cleaner
suction motor. When increasing the suction
to the highest power, you will hear a click
and the suction control can be locked into
this position.
Increase suction
for upholsteries,
carpets, and bare
floors.
Decrease suction
for draperies and
lightweight rugs.
Increase
Suction
SUCTION
CONTROL
Decrease
Suction
PowerMate
®
and the brushroll status indicator
emits red light. The canister motor will continue
to run.
- 16 -
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 (page 17).
· Check motor safety filter and exhaust
filter and clean or replace if dirty. See
MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING
(page 18) and EXHAUST FILTER
CHANGING (page 19).
· Check PowerMate
®
for any dirt or debris
in the belt path area or in the brushroll
area. Carefully remove any string or
debris located on the brushroll or end
caps. See TO CLEAN BRUSHROLL (page
21).
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.
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.
CLEANING EXTERIOR AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
- 17 -
DUST BAG CHANGING
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.
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 (page 5).
1. Turn off and
unplug vacuum
cleaner.
2. Remove hose
from canister.
3. Pull hood
release out and
up, 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 (page 18).
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.
NOTE: DO NOT bend or crease the middle
of the cardboard when installing the bag
into the bag mount slots.
- 18 -
2. Lift the rubber retainer and 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. Tuck filter in so that
it fits completely under the rubber retainer.
5. Replace the bag as outlined in the DUST
BAG CHANGING (page 17) section.
MOTOR SAFETY FILTER CLEANING
MOTOR SAFETY FILTER
Check motor safety filter occasionally and
clean when dirty.
NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS for part
number and purchase details (page 5).
1. Remove the bag as outlined in the DUST
BAG CHANGING (page 17) section.
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.
- 19 -
EXHAUST FILTER CHANGING
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 (page 5).
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.
1. Push latch up to release the exhaust filter
cover from slot in canister.
2. Pull filter cover outward to remove from
canister.
3. Remove the exhaust filter cartridge.
4. Insert the new exhaust filter cartridge
into the canister with the rubber seal
towards the canister. The arrow on the top
ridge of the filter indicates the direction of
air flow.
5. To replace the exhaust filter cover place
the two tabs on the filter cover into the
canister.
6. Rotate filter cover and lock it into place.
- 20 -
BELT CHANGING AND BRUSHROLL CLEANING
3. To remove cover, grasp the rear and pull
up.
4. Lift brushroll assembly out and remove
worn belt.
5. Check and clean end cap areas. See
BRUSHROLL ASSEMBLY (page 21) for picture
of complete brushroll assembly.
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.
POWERMATE
®
CARE
TO REMOVE BELT
1. Turn PowerMate
®
upside down and
remove four (4)
screws.
2. Turn PowerMate
®
right side up. Press
handle release pedal and lower the swivel.
Loosen the rear and side latches. (A flat-
head screwdriver may be required.)
Brushroll
- 21 -
2. Place brushroll
assembly back
into PowerMate
®
.
TO REPLACE BELT
1. Install new belt over motor drive, then
over belt path.
NOTE: See REPLACEMENT PARTS for part
number and purchase details (page 5).
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 four (4) cover screws.
End Cap
End Cap
Belt Path
Brush Unit
TO CLEAN BRUSHROLL:
NOTE: In order to keep cleaning efficiency
high and to prevent damage to your vacu-
um cleaner, the brushroll must be cleaned
every time the belt is changed.
The brushroll must also be cleaned accord-
ing to the following schedule:
Vacuum Cleaner Use Clean Brushroll
HEAVY - every week
(used daily)
MODERATE - every month
(used 2-3 times/week)
LIGHT - every 2 months
(used 1 time/week)
IMPORTANT
Turn off and unplug vacuum cleaner from
electrical outlet. Check and remove hair,
string and lint build-up in the PowerMate
®
brushroll and end cap areas.
Remove any dirt or debris in the belt path
area or in the brush unit area.
Carefully remove any string wound onto
the brushroll and end caps.
BRUSHROLL ASSEMBLY
Brushroll
- 22 -
BRUSHROLL SERVICING
TO CHECK THE BRUSHES
When brushes are worn to the level of the
base support bars, replace the brushroll
assembly.
TO REPLACE BRUSHROLL ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the floor brush from the
PowerMate
®
.
2. Remove PowerMate
®
cover, belt and
brushroll assembly. See “To Remove Belt” in
BELT CHANGING AND BRUSHROLL
CLEANING (page 20).
3. Install new brushroll assembly.
4. Reinstall belt and PowerMate
®
cover. See
“To replace belt” in BELT CHANGING AND
BRUSHROLL CLEANING (page 20).
Base
Support
Bar
Worn Brushes
New Brushes
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.
- 23 -
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.
Review this table to find do-it-yourself solutions for minor performance problems. Any other
service needed should be performed by a Kenmore or other qualified service agent.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Vacuum cleaner won’t 1. Unplugged at wall outlet. 1. Plug in firmly, press On/Off switch.
start.
2. Tripped circuit breaker/blown 2. Reset circuit breaker or replace
fuse at household service panel. fuse.
3. Loose hose electrical 3. Reconnect hose ends.
connections.
Poor job of dirt 1. Full or clogged dust bag. 1. Change bag.
pick-up. 2. Clogged airflow passages. 2. Clear airflow passages.
3. Dirty filters. 3. Clean/change filters.
4. Wrong pile height setting. 4. Adjust setting.
5. Wrong power level selected. 5. Adjust control.
6. Hole in hose. 6. Replace hose.
7. Worn PowerMate
®
brushroll. 7. Change brushroll.
8. Worn or broken belt. 8 & 9. See BELT CHANGING AND
9. Dirty brushroll or end caps. BRUSHROLL CLEANING. (page 20)
10. Canister hood open. 10. Close and latch hood.
11. Tripped overload protector in 11. Remove any items that may be
PowerMate
®
. See OVERLOAD caught or jammed, then restart. If
PROTECTOR (page 15). vacuum cleaner starts and stops
again, clean brushroll and end caps,
then restart.
Vacuum cleaner starts 1. Hose or hood electrical 1. Check connections, reconnect hose
but shuts off. .sdne.snoitcennoc
2. Tripped overload protector in 2. Remove any items that may be
PowerMate
®
. See OVERLOAD caught or jammed, then restart. If
PROTECTOR (page 15). vacuum cleaner starts and stops
again, clean brushroll and end caps,
then restart.
3. Tripped thermal protector 3. See THERMAL PROTECTOR (page
.)51.retsinac ni
PowerMate
®
will not PowerMate
®
connections 1. Plug in firmly.
run when attached. unplugged.
2.
1.
Worn or broken belt. 2 & 3. See BELT CHANGING AND
3. Dirty brushroll or end caps. BRUSHROLL CLEANING. (page 20)
4. Tripped overload protector in 4. Remove any items that may be
PowerMate
®
. See OVERLOAD caught or jammed, then restart. If
PROTECTOR (page 15). vacuum cleaner starts and stops
again, clean brushroll and end caps,
then restart.
5. Vacuum cleaner in HARD 5. Press CARPET button to activate
FLOOR .etaMrewoP.edom
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE SOLUTION
- 24 -
CHECK BAG Indicator 1. Full or clogged dust bag. 1. Change bag.
activates. 2. Dirty filters. 2. Clean/change filters.
3. Blocked airflow passage. 3. Clear blockage from airflow
passage.
4. Certain attachment tools. 4. This is normal. Light should go off
when tool is removed.
Vacuum cleaner picks 1. Wrong pile height setting. 1. Adjust setting.
up moveable rugs -or- 2. Suction too strong. 2. Select lower Power Level.
PowerMate
®
pushes too
hard.
Cord won’t rewind. 1. Dirty power cord. 1. Clean the power cord.
2. Cord jammed. 2. Pull out cord and rewind.
Vacuum cleaner leaves 1. Wrong vacuuming pattern. 1. See VACUUMING TIPS. (page 11)
marks on carpet.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE SOLUTION
