Kenmore 253 Use & Care Manual
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Kenmore 253 Use & Care Manual

Kenmore 253 Use & Care Manual

Top mount refrigerator
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®
Refrigerator
Top Mount
Use & Care Guide
Refrigerador
Congelador
Superior
Gufa para su uso y cuidado
Rdfrigdrateur
Compartiments
Superposds
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
iliiiiiii
www.sears.com
240432303
(0108)
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Frequently Asked Questions (18)

  • Why is my Kenmore 253 refrigerator not making ice?

    If your automatic ice maker is not making ice, check the following:

    • Ensure the Wire Signal Arm is not in the UP position.
    • Verify that the water supply is not turned off.
    • Check that the water pressure is not too low.
    • Confirm that the freezer is cold enough. The ice maker is designed to produce 4 to 5 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period.

    For more information, see page 19 of the manual.
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  • Why is my Kenmore 253 refrigerator not cooling at all?

    If your refrigerator is not cooling, check the following:

    • Ensure the plug is tightly pushed into the electrical outlet.
    • Check/replace the fuse with a 15 amp time-delay fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
    • Verify that the temperature control is not turned to "0".
    • The refrigerator may be in a defrost cycle; wait 20 minutes and check again.

    For more information, see page 19 of the manual.
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  • How do I fix the ice maker in my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    If your automatic ice maker is not working, check the following:

    • Ensure the Wire Signal Arm is not in the UP position.
    • Verify that the water supply is not turned off.
    • Check that the water pressure is not too low.
    • Confirm that the freezer is cold enough. The ice maker is designed to produce 4 to 5 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period.

    For more information, see page 19 of the manual.
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  • How do I set the temperature on my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    To set the temperature, adjust the refrigerator and freezer controls gradually in small increments. Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize before making additional changes.

    • For colder temperatures, turn the knob towards Cold.
    • For warmer temperatures, turn the knob towards Warm.

    Turning the refrigerator control will change temperatures in both compartments. If the refrigerator control is set to a colder setting, the freezer control may need to be adjusted to a warmer setting. The freezer control only changes the freezer temperature.


    For more information, see page 10 of the manual.
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  • How do I clean the condenser coils on my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    To clean the condenser coils:

    • For fan-cooled models, clean if the refrigerator operates under particularly dusty or greasy conditions, or if there is significant pet traffic. Remove the toe grille and use an extended vacuum attachment and a condenser cleaning brush to remove dust build-up from the condenser coils.
    • For air-cooled models, use the dusting tool attachment on your vacuum to remove dust build-up from the condenser coils (black tubes and wires) attached to the back of the refrigerator.

    For more information, see page 17 of the manual.
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  • How can I make my Kenmore 253 refrigerator colder?

    To make your refrigerator colder, turn the refrigerator control knob towards Cold. Adjust the temperature gradually in small increments, allowing 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize before making additional changes. If the refrigerator compartment is too warm, turn the refrigerator control slightly towards Cold. If the freezer compartment is too warm, turn the freezer control slightly towards Colder.


    For more information, see page 10 of the manual.
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  • How do I clean my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    To clean your refrigerator, follow these guidelines:

    • For the interior and door liner, use 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Wring out excess water from the sponge or cloth before cleaning around controls, light bulbs, or any electrical parts.
    • Door gaskets should be wiped with a clean soft cloth.
    • Drawers and bins should not be washed in a dishwasher.
    • Glass shelves should be allowed to warm to room temperature before immersing in warm water.
    • Toe grille can be vacuumed for dust from the front, and the backside can be wiped with a sudsy cloth or sponge, then rinsed and dried.
    • For the exterior and handles, use soap and water. Do not use commercial household cleaners, ammonia, or alcohol. For stainless steel models, clean with soapy water, use ammonia on stubborn spots, and a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner.
    • Condenser coils (fan-cooled models) should be cleaned if the refrigerator operates under dusty/greasy conditions or has significant pet traffic. Remove the toe grille and use an extended vacuum attachment and a condenser cleaning brush to remove dust build-up. For air-cooled models, use the dusting tool attachment on your vacuum to remove dust build-up from the condenser coils (black tubes and wires) attached to the back of the refrigerator.
    • The defrost water pan (if applicable) should be wiped with a damp cloth; it is not removable.

    For more information, see page 17 of the manual.
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  • How can I improve the energy efficiency of my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    To improve the energy efficiency of your refrigerator:

    • Locate the refrigerator in the coolest part of the room, away from direct sunlight, heating ducts, or registers. Avoid placing it next to heat-producing appliances.
    • Level the refrigerator so the doors close tightly.
    • Refer to the Use & Care Manual for the suggested temperature control settings.
    • Periodically clean the condenser.
    • Do not overcrowd the refrigerator or block cold air vents, as this causes the refrigerator to run longer and use more energy.
    • Cover foods and wipe containers dry before placing them in the refrigerator to reduce moisture build-up.
    • Organize the refrigerator to reduce door openings; remove multiple items at once and close the door quickly.

    For more information, see page 15 of the manual.
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  • Where can I find the model number on my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    Your model number is found on the serial plate located inside the refrigerator compartment.

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  • Why is my Kenmore 253 refrigerator making unusual noises?

    Your refrigerator may make various normal sounds:

    • Boiling or gurgling sounds from the evaporator, caused by refrigerant flow.
    • Air being forced through the refrigerator by the evaporator fan.
    • Hissing or sizzling sounds during defrost cycles, caused by water dripping onto the defrost heater. A popping sound may occur after defrosting.
    • Ice cubes falling into the ice bin if equipped with an automatic ice maker.
    • Snapping or clicking sounds when the cold control and defrost timer turn the refrigerator on and off.
    • Air being forced through the condenser by the condenser fan.
    • High-pitched hum or pulsating sounds from the compressor.
    • Buzzing sounds when the water valve opens to fill the ice maker.
    • Water running into the drain pan during the defrost cycle.

    For more information, see page 16 of the manual.
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  • What are the recommended temperature settings for a Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    The fresh food compartment should be kept between 34° F and 40° F with an optimum temperature of 37° F. The freezer compartment should be kept at 0° F or lower.


    For more information, see page 15 of the manual.
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  • Why is my Kenmore 253 refrigerator humming loudly?

    Your refrigerator may have a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound from the compressor, which is normal for modern, high-efficiency compressors that operate much faster than older models.

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  • How do I replace the interior light bulb in my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    To replace the freezer light bulb:

    1. Unplug the refrigerator.
    2. Wear gloves to protect against possible broken glass.
    3. Unsnap the light shield.
    4. Unscrew and replace the old bulb with an appliance bulb of the same wattage.
    5. Replace the light shield.
    6. Plug the refrigerator back in.

    For more information, see page 18 of the manual.
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  • How do I remove the doors on my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    To remove the doors, first turn the refrigerator temperature control to "0" and remove the electrical power cord from the wall outlet. Also, remove any food from door shelves.

    Then, follow these steps:

    1. Remove the toe grille and top hinge cover.
    2. Remove the top hinge with a 3/8" hex driver and lift the freezer door off the center hinge pin. Set the door aside.
    3. Unscrew the center hinge pin using an adjustable wrench and save it for reassembly, ensuring the plastic washer stays on the hinge pin.
    4. Lift the refrigerator door off the bottom hinge and set it aside.

    For more information, see page 7 of the manual.
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  • What should I do if my Kenmore 253 refrigerator has a bad odor?

    If your refrigerator has a bad odor, the interior needs to be cleaned, and foods that produce odors should be covered or wrapped.


    For more information, see page 19 of the manual.
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  • What kind of maintenance schedule should I follow for my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    Keep your refrigerator and freezer clean to prevent odor build-up. Wipe up any spills immediately and clean both sections at least twice a year. Clean the condenser periodically to help the refrigerator run more efficiently. If the ice maker will be turned off for a long period of time, turn the water supply valve to the closed position.


    For more information, see pages 14, 15 and 17 of the manual.
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  • How do I level my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?

    To level your refrigerator, which is equipped with adjustable front rollers:

    1. Remove the toe grille.
    2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver or 3/8" socket wrench to adjust the front rollers.

    Raise the front of the refrigerator enough so the doors close freely when opened halfway. The refrigerator should slope 1/4" to 1/2" from front-to-back. Then level the refrigerator from side to side.


    For more information, see page 5 of the manual.
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  • Can I reverse the door swing on my Kenmore 253 refrigerator?
    Yes, the direction in which your refrigerator doors open (door swing) can be reversed, from left to right or right to left, by moving the door hinges from one side to the other. This procedure should be performed by a qualified person.
    For more information, see page 7 of the manual.
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Summary of Contents for Kenmore Kenmore 253

  • Page 1 Top Mount Use & Care Guide Refrigerador Congelador Superior Gufa para su uso y cuidado Rdfrigdrateur Compartiments Superposds Guide d'utilisation et d'entretien iliiiiiiii Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. www.sears.com Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2B8...
  • Page 2 Congratulations on your purchase of a new refrigerator! We _il In _f_re here at Sears are very proud of our product and we are _i _frig_ra_r. completely committed to providing you with the best FOR YOUR SAFETY service possible. Your satisfaction is our #1 priority.
  • Page 3 WARRANTY REFRIGERATOR For one year from the date of purchase, when this refrigerator is operated and maintained according to the instructions provided in this Owner's Guide, Sears will repair this refrigerator, free of charge, if defective in ELECTRICAL INFORMATION material or workmanship.
  • Page 4 CANADA- LIMITED WARRANTY Refrigerators Sears Canada Inc., warrants every new Kenmore refrigerator to be free from defects in material or workmanship. What Sears will do, free of charge, in case of defect: The Compressor TEN (10) YEARS TEN (10) YEARS...
  • Page 5 This Use & Care Manualprovidesspecificoperating LEVELING instructions f or yourmodel.Usethe refrigerator onlyas All four corners of your refrigerator must rest firmly on a instructed i nthisUse&CareManual. Beforestartingthe solid floor. Your refrigerator is equipped with adjustable front refrigerator, followtheseimportant f irst steps. rollers to help level your unit.
  • Page 6 Before Installing The Water Supply Line, You Will Need • Basic Tools: adjustable wrench, flat-blade screwdriver, and Phillips screwdriver • Access to a household cold water line with water pressure between 20 and 120 psi. • A water supply line made of 1/_ inch (6.4 mm) OD, copper tubing or braided water line. To determine the length of copper tubing needed, you will need to measure the distance from the ice maker inlet valve at the back of the refrigerator to your cold water pipe.
  • Page 7 Tools Necessary: Phillips" head Quadrex head screwdriver Wench DOOR REMOVAL REVERSAL INSTRUCTIONS: Cabinet Hole Plugs Remove toe grille and top hinge cover. Remove top hinge with 3/8" hex driver and lift freezer door off of center hinge pin. Set door aside. Unscrew center hinge pin using adjustable wrench and save for reassembly.
  • Page 8 TO REMOVE FREEZER HANDLE: (Handles may be easier to reverse while doors are off.) Remove two screws attaching handle to bottom of freezer door. Swing bottom of handle away from the door and slide handle straight up and off of dovetail button. Remove screw and dovetail button and install on other side, moving hole plugs from corresponding holes to opposite side.
  • Page 9 Freezer Light Ice Maker Fixed Door Bin Ice Bucket Freezer Shelf Freezer Door Rack Control Refrigerator Control Dairy Door Dell Drawer Cover Tall Bottle Retainer Deli Drawer Half Shelf Snugger Wine Rack Door Bin Special Item Rack Full Shelf Fixed Door Bin Crisper Cover Crisper Door Rack...
  • Page 10 COOL DOWN PERIOD To ensure safe food storage, allow the refrigerator to operate with the doors closed for at least 8 to 12 hours before loading it with food. REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER CONTROLS !iii!!iiiill ¸¸ _ _: __ TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT Recommended settir Warmer...
  • Page 11 SHELF ADJUSTMENT Refrigeratorshelves are easily adjustedto suit individualneeds. Beforeadjusting the shelves, remove all food. To adjust sliding shelves: Remove shelf by pulling forward to stop position. Liftfront edge up and pull out. Replace the shelf on any pair of rails by reversing this procedure. Sliding Wire Shelf To adjust cantilever shelves:...
  • Page 12 DOOR STORAGE TALL BOTTLE RETAINER (SOME MODELS) Door bins, shelves, and racks are provided for convenient The Tall Bottle Retainer keeps tall containers in the bin from storage of jars, bottles, and cans. Frequently used items falling forward when opening or closing the refrigerator door.
  • Page 13 CRISPERS (SOME MODELS) DELl DRAWER (SOME MODELS) The crispers, located under the bottom refrigerator shelf, Some models are equipped with a Deli Drawer for storage of are designed for storing fruits, vegetables, and other fresh luncheon meats, spreads, cheeses, and other deli items. produce.
  • Page 14 If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, it will provide a sufficient supply of ice for normal use. During the initial startup of your refrigerator, however, no ice will be produced during the first 24 hours of operation. Automatic ice makers are also optional accessories that may be installed in most models at any time.
  • Page 15 FOOD STORAGE IDEAS Fresh Food Storage • The fresh food compartment should be kept between 34 ° F and 40 ° F with an optimum temperature of 37 ° F. • Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator shelves. This reduces the circulation of air around the food and results in uneven cooling.
  • Page 16 UNDERSTANDING THE SOUNDS YOU MAY HEAR A. Evaporator The flow of refrigerant through the evaporator may Your new high-efficiency refrigerator may make unfamiliar sounds. Don't be alarmed, these are all normal sounds. Hard create a boiling or gurgling sound. surfaces, such as vinyl or wood floors, walls, and kitchen B.
  • Page 17 Keep yourrefrigerator andfreezer c lean toprevent odorbuild-up. Wipeupanyspills immediately andclean bothsections a t leasttwicea year.Neverusemetallic scouring pads,brushes, a brasive cleaners or strongalkaline solutions on any surface. D onot washanyremovable p artsin a dishwasher. Always unplug the electrical power cord from the wall outlet before cleaning.
  • Page 18 REPLACING THE FREEZER LIGHT BULB (SOME MODELS) Unplug refrigerator. Wear gloves as protection against possible broken glass. Unsnap light shield as shown. Unscrew and replace old bulb with an appliance bulb of the same wattage. Replace light shield. Nonremovable Defrost Water Pan Remember to plug the refrigerator back in.
  • Page 19 ATTENTION To Properly Install Your Refrigerator See "Installation" Section On Pages 5-6 To Reverse The Doors "Door Removal & Reversal" Section On Pages 7-8 Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you time and Common expense. This list includes common occurrences that are not the result of Occurrences defective workmanship or materials in this appliance.

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