background image

12

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

FREEZER DOES NOT RUN
Freezer does not run.

• Freezer is plugged into 

a circuit that has a 

ground fault interrupt.

• 

Temperature control is 

in the OFF position.

• Freezer may not be 

plugged in or plug 

may be loose.

• 

House fuse blown or 

tripped circuit breaker.

• 

Power outage.

• 

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.

Freezer runs too much 

or too long.

• 

Room or outside 

weather is hot.

• 

Freezer 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.

• Freezer door may be  

slightly open.

• Temperature Control 

is set too low.

• 

Freezer gasket is 

dirty, worn, cracked, 

or poorly fitted.

• 

It’s normal for the freezer to work harder 

under these conditions.

• 

It takes 4 hours for the freezer to cool down 

completely.

 

• 

Warm food will cause freezer to run more 

until the desired temperature is reached.

 

• 

Warm air entering the freezer causes it to run 

more. Open doors less often.

• 

See “LID PROBLEMS” in 

Before You Call 

Section.

 

• 

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 freezer to run longer in order 

to maintain desired temperature.

Interior Freezer tem-

perature is too cold.

• Temperature Control 

is set too low.

• 

Turn the control to a warmer setting. Allow 

several hours for the temperature to stabilize.

Interior Freezer tem-

perature is too warm.

• Temperature Control 

is set too warm.

• 

Lid is kept open too 

long or is opened  

too frequently.

• 

Lid may not be 

seating properly.

• 

Large amounts of warm 

or hot food may have 

been stored recently.

• 

Freezer 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 freezer every time the 

door is opened. Open the door less often.

 

• 

See “LID PROBLEMS” in 

Before You Call 

Section.

• 

Wait until the freezer has had a chance to 

reach its selected temperature.

 

• 

Freezer requires 4 hours to cool down 

completely.

Freezer external surface 

temperature is warm.

• 

The external freezer 

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 freezer cabinet.

SOUND AND NOISE
Louder sound levels 

whenever freezer is on.

• 

Modern freezers 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.

Before You Call

Summary of Contents for 253.12402

Page 1: ...sh Español Français P N 297415701 1403 Sears Brands Management Corporation Hoffman Estates IL 60179 U S A www kenmore com www sears com Sears Canada Inc Toronto Ontario Canada M5B 2C3 www sears ca Kenmore Freezer Congelador Congélateur Models Modelos Modèles 253 12502 12702 12402 ...

Page 2: ...e read and save these instructions This Use Care Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model Use your unit 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 Please record your model and serial numbers bel...

Page 3: ...om the carton Staples can cause severe cuts and also destroy finishes if they come in contact with other appliances or furniture Child Safety Destroy or recycle the carton plastic bags and any exterior wrapping material immediately after the unit is unpacked Children should never use these items to play Cartons covered with rugs bedspreads plastic sheets or stretch wrap may become airtight chamber...

Page 4: ...rdance with local codes and ordinances Consult a qualified electrician Do not use an extension cord or adapter plug Immediately repair or replace any power cord that becomes frayed or damaged Never unplug the appliance by pulling on the power cord Always grip the plug firmly and pull straight out from the receptacle to prevent damaging the power cord Unplug the appliance before cleaning and before...

Page 5: ...se 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 implied warranties limitation of remedies Customer s sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty shall be product repair as provided herein Implied...

Page 6: ... help by phone we call it Rapid Resolution phone support from a Sears representative on all products Think of us as a talking owner s manual Power surge protection against electrical damage due to power fluctuations 250 Food Loss Protection annually for any food spoilage that is the result of mechanical failure of any covered refrigerator or freezer Rental reimbursement if repair of your covered p...

Page 7: ...esive labels Any glue left from the tape can be removed with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent or touch the residue with the sticky side of tape already removed Do not remove the serial plate Installation Choose a place that is near a grounded electrical outlet Do Not use an extension cord or an adapter plug For the most efficient operation the freezer should be located where surrounding ...

Page 8: ...nly three pounds of fresh food per cubic foot of freezer space at one time Distribute packages to be frozen evenly throughout the freezer It is not necessary to turn the control knob to a colder setting while freezing food Temperature Control The temperature control is located inside the freezer on upright models and on the front exterior wall on chest models The temperature is factory preset to p...

Page 9: ...nt tubing may occur Tubing damage may allow flammable refrigerant gas leakage which can result in personal injury Care Cleaning It is important to defrost and clean the freezer when to 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 defrosti...

Page 10: ...s glazed and hard fill deep pans with hot water and place them on the freezer bottom Close the freezer lid Frost should soften in about fifteen 15 minutes Repeat this procedure if necessary Cleaning the Inside After defrosting wash inside surfaces of the freezer with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart 1 1 liters warm water Rinse and dry Wring excess water out of the sponge o...

Page 11: ...ent movement Also protect outside of freezer with a blanket or similar item If a power failure occurs frozen foods will stay frozen for at least 24 hours if the freezer is kept closed If the power failure continues pack seven or eight pounds of dry ice into the freezer every 24 hours Look in the Yellow Pages under Dry Ice Dairies or Ice Cream manufacturers for local dry ice suppliers Always wear g...

Page 12: ...es it to run more Open doors less often See LID PROBLEMS in Before You Call Section 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 freezer to run longer in order to maintain desired temperature Interior Freezer tem perature is too cold Temperature Control is set too low Turn the control to a warmer...

Page 13: ...freezer slightly Refer to Leveling in the First Steps Section WATER MOISTURE FROST INSIDE FREEZER Moisture forms on inside freezer 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 LID PROBLEMS in Before You Call Section Open the door less often WATER MOISTURE FRO...

Reviews: