User manual Refrigerator
This Use & Care Guide provides general installation and operating instructions for your model. We recommend using a service or kitchen contracting professional to install your appliance. Use the unit only as instructed in this Use & Care Guide.
Before starting the appllance, follow these important first steps.

NOTE The exterior walls of the appliance may become quite warm as the compressor works to transfer heat from the inside. Temperatures as much as 30°F warmer than room temperature can be expected. For this reason it is particularly important in hotter climates to allow enough space for air circulation around your unit.
The unit must have all bottom corners resting firmly on a solid floor. The floor must be strong enough to support a fully loaded appliance.
NOTE It is Very Important for your appliance to be level in order to function properly. If the unit is not leveled during installation, the door may be misaligned and not close or seal properly, causing cooling, frost, or moisture problems. To Level Upright Models:
After discarding crating screws, use a carpenter's level to level the unit from front- to-back. Adjust the plastic leveling feet in front, 1/2 bubble higher, so that the door closes easily when left halfway open. To Level Chest Models: ff needed, add metal or wood shims between foot pads and floor.
Cleaning (Prior to use)

To install the shelf grommet to the shelf:



To install the handle clips to the basket:



Door Removed if door must be removed:

Electromechanical Temperature Control (some chest and upright models)
The electromechanical temperature control is located inside the appliance on upright models, and on the left exterior wall on chest models. The temperature is factory preset to provide satisfactory food storage temperatures. However, the temperature control is adjustable to provide a range of temperatures for your personal satisfaction.
To adjust the temperature setting, turn the temperature control knob clockwise or counterclockwise. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize between adjustments.

NOTE: Your appliance may have some, or all of the features listed below. Become familiar with these features, and their use and care.
Security Lock with Pop-Out Key
Blue Defrost Button (some chest models)

Temp Alarm
Interior Light
Adjustable interior Shelves (some upright models)

Smart Basket TM System {some chest rnodels)

Some upright freezers are frost-free and defrost automatically, but should be cleaned occasionally.
Between Defrostings
To avoid frequent defrosting, occasionally use a plastic scraper to remove frost. Scrape with a pulling motion. Never use a metal instrument to remove frost.
Defrosting
It is important to defrost and clean the freezer when 1/4 to 1/2 inch of frost has accumulated. Frost may tend to accumulate faster on the upper part of the freezer due to warm, moist air entering the freezer when the door is opened. Remove food and leave the door open when defrosting the freezer.
To Defrost Upright Models with Defrost Drain:

To Defrost Chest Models with Defrost Drain:



To Defrost Models without Defrost Drain:
Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid detergent. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.
To Defrost Chest Models with Defrost Drain:
To Defrost Models without Defrost Drain:
Short Vacations: Leave the freezer operating during vacations of less than three weeks.
Long Vacations: If the freezer will not be used for several months:
Moving: When moving the freezer, follow these guidelines to prevent damage:
NOTE: Do not open freezer door unnecessarily if freezer is off for several hours.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE | Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you time and expense. This list includes common occurrences that are not the result of defective workmanship or materials in this appliance. | |
CONCERN | POTENTIAL CAUSE | COMMON SOLUTION |
APPLIANCE OPERATION | ||
Appliance does not run. |
| • 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. • Check/replace fuse with a 15-amp time-delay fuse. Reset circuit breaker. • Check house lights. Call local electric company. |
Appliance runs too much or too long. | • Room or outside weather is hot. • Appliance has recently been disconnected for a period of time. • Large amounts of warm or hot food have been stored recently. • Door is opened too frequently or too long. • Door may be slightly open. • Temperature Control is set too low. • Gasket is dirty, worn, cracked, or poorly fitted. | • It’s normal for the appliance to work harder under these conditions. • It takes 24 hours for the appliance to cool down completely. • Warm food will cause appliance to run more until the desired temperature is reached. • Warm air entering the appliance causes it to run more. Open doors less often. • See “DOOR PROBLEMS” in Before You Call. • Turn control knob to a warmer setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize. • Clean or change gasket (See “Care and Cleaning Tips”). Worn, cracked or poorly fitting gaskets should be replaced. |
Interior temperature is too cold. | • The unit is in Express Chill mode. | • Exit Express chill mode by entering into the options menu on the control panel and pressing the “set” button once the indicator is highlighted next to “Express Chill” |
Interior temperature is too warm. | • 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. • Appliance has recently been disconnected for a period of time. | • Turn control to a colder setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize. • Warm air enters the appliance every time the door is opened. Open the door less often. • See “DOOR PROBLEMS” in Before You Call. • Wait until the appliance has had a chance to reach its selected temperature. • Appliance requires 24 hours to cool down completely. |
External surface temperature is warm. | • The external walls can be as much as 30°F warmer than room temperature. | • This is normal while the compressor works to transfer heat from inside the cabinet. |
SOUND AND NOISE | ||
Louder sound levels whenever appliance is on. | • Modern appliances have increased storage capacity and more stable temperatures. They require a high efficiency compressor. | • This is normal. When the surrounding noise level is low, you might hear the compressor running while it cools the interior. |
Longer sound levels when compressor comes on. | • Appliance operates at higher pressures during the start of the ON cycle. | • This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as appliance continues to run. |
Popping or cracking sound when compressor comes on. | • Metal parts undergo expansion and contraction, as in hot water pipes. | • This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as appliance continues to run. |
Bubbling or gurgling sound, like water boiling. | • Refrigerant (used to cool appliance) is circulating throughout the system. | • This is normal. |
Vibrating or rattling noise. | • Appliance is not level. It rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly. • Floor is uneven or weak. Appliance rocks on floor when it is moved slightly. • Appliance is touching the wall. | • Level the unit. Refer to “Leveling” in the First Steps Section. • Ensure floor can adequately support appliance. Level the appliance by putting wood or metal shims under part of the appliance. • Re-level the appliance or move appliance slightly. Refer to “Leveling” in First Steps. |
WATER/MOISTURE/FROST INSIDE APPLIANCE | ||
Moisture forms on inside walls. | • Weather is hot and humid, which increases internal rate of frost build-up. • Door may not be seating properly. • Door is kept open too long, or is opened too frequently. | • This is normal. • See “DOOR PROBLEMS” in Before You Call. • Open the door less often. |
WATER/MOISTURE/FROST OUTSIDE APPLIANCE | ||
Moisture forms on outside of walls. | • Door may not be seating properly, causing the cold air from inside the freezer to meet warm moist air from outside. | • See “DOOR PROBLEMS” in Before You Call. |
ODOR IN APPLIANCE | ||
Odor in appliance | • Interior needs to be cleaned. • Foods with strong odors are in the appliance. | • Clean interior with sponge, warm water, and baking soda. Replace air filter. • Cover the food tightly. |
DOOR PROBLEMS | ||
Door will not close. | * Appliance is not level. It rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly. • Floor is uneven or weak. Appliance rocks on floor when it is moved slightly. | • This condition can force the cabinet out of square and misalign the door. Refer to “Leveling” in First Steps. • Ensure floor can adequately support freezer. Level the floor by using wood or metal shims under the appliance or brace floor supporting the appliance. |
LIGHT IS NOT ON | ||
Light is not on. | • The light is burned out or LED light is damaged. • No electric current is reaching the appliance. • Control system has disabled lights because one or both doors were left open too long. • Control is in Sabbath mode (Sb is displayed on control). | • Follow directions in “Interior Light” in the Optional Features section. • See “Appliance does not run” in Before You Call. • Close and reopen door(s) to enable lights. • Depress MODE key and CONTROL LOCK key for 3 seconds. |
Reference file: Kenmore 25322442412 freezer repair and replacement parts
Additionally, the document applies to other Kenmore models: 253.12112*, 12402*, 12502*, 12512*, 12702*, 12912*, 21042