Kenmore 796.316221 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

V
Victor BlackwellAug 21, 2025
What to do if my Kenmore 796.316221 won't turn ON?
- M
  Melanie MirandaAug 21, 2025
  If your Kenmore Washer isn't turning on, ensure it's securely plugged into a grounded, 3-prong, 120-VAC, 60-Hz outlet. Check your house fuse or circuit breaker; reset or replace if necessary, avoiding increased fuse capacity. If a circuit overload is the issue, consult a qualified electrician. If multiple appliances share the outlet, consider having an electrician install an additional circuit.
C
Cheryl BeckerAug 23, 2025
What to do if my Kenmore 796.316221 Washer will not operate?
- E
  Erica GonzalezAug 23, 2025
  If your Kenmore Washer isn't operating, first, press the POWER button to turn it on if the control panel has powered off due to inactivity. Check that the washer is plugged securely into a working outlet and that both hot and cold water faucets are fully turned on. Ensure the cycle is set correctly, the lid is closed completely, and then press the START/PAUSE button. Also, verify the circuit breakers/fuses and reset or replace if needed. If the START/PAUSE button wasn't pressed within four minutes after setting a cycle, press the POWER button, re-select the cycle, and press START/PAUSE again. Lastly, ensure adequate household water pressure and allow the washer to warm up if it has been exposed to freezing temperatures.
M
Mary GayAug 25, 2025
Why is water draining slowly from my Kenmore 796.316221?
- H
  hwalkerAug 25, 2025
  If water drains slowly or not at all from your Kenmore Washer, ensure the drain hose is free of clogs, kinks, and is not pinched. Adjust or repair the drain as needed. The maximum drain height should be 96 inches (8 ft.).
N
Nancy SmithAug 26, 2025
Why is my Kenmore 796.316221 leaking water?
- S
  Sandra CookAug 27, 2025
  Water leaks in your Kenmore Washer can stem from a few causes. Check if the inlet hose connection is loose at the faucet or washer and tighten if needed. Inspect hoses for leaks, cracks, and splits. Clogged house drain pipes can also cause water to back up; inspect for proper drain hose installation and restrictions, and contact a plumber if necessary. Ensure the drain hose is correctly inserted into the drain pipe and secured. Avoid washing overly large items that exceed the tub's top edge, and use the BULKY/BEDDING cycle for such items.
J
Jacqueline HunterAug 27, 2025
What to do if my Kenmore 796.316221 display shows the lid is not closed properly?
- S
  Samantha CarpenterAug 27, 2025
  Make sure that the lid is closed properly and press the START/PAUSE button. After starting a cycle, it may take a few moments before the tub begins to turn or spin. The washer will not spin unless the lid is locked. If the lid is closed and the lid lock error message is displayed, call for service.
D
dickersonjasonAug 29, 2025
Why is my Kenmore 796.316221 Washer filling with water slowly?
- A
  Adam SmithAug 29, 2025
  If your Kenmore Washer fills with water slowly or not at all, make sure the water supply faucets are fully open and the water line hoses aren't kinked, pinched, or crushed. Clean the inlet filters. Ensure adequate household water pressure by checking another faucet. Disconnect the inlet hose from the washer and run a few gallons of water through the hose to flush the water supply lines. The use of leak limiting hoses is not recommended.
J
johnathanspencerAug 30, 2025
Why is my Kenmore 796.316221 Washer vibrating?
- S
  Sara GarciaAug 31, 2025
  Vibrating noise in your Kenmore Washer can occur if packaging materials weren't removed during installation. Make sure that you have removed all of the shipping materials. An unevenly distributed wash load can also cause vibration; pause the cycle, redistribute the load, and resume. Ensure all leveling feet are resting firmly and evenly on the floor, and that the floor is solid without flexing. Check the leveling of the washer according to the Installation Instructions.
C
Christina SotoSep 1, 2025
Why are my clothes wrinkling in my Kenmore 796.316221?
- D
  Donna GarnerSep 1, 2025
  Wrinkling in your Kenmore Washer can occur if items aren't removed promptly after the cycle. Always remove items as soon as the cycle is complete. Overloading the washer can also cause wrinkles; ensure the tub isn't tightly packed and the lid closes easily. Reversed hot and cold water inlet hoses can also contribute; check the hose connections. Hot water rinse can set wrinkles in garments.
M
Mark WilliamsSep 3, 2025
Why is my Kenmore 796.316221 Washer making a thumping sound?
- R
  Rachel VillegasSep 3, 2025
  A thumping sound from your Kenmore Washer is often normal with heavy wash loads. However, if the sound persists, the washer might be out of balance. Stop the washer, redistribute the wash load, and resume the cycle. Pause the cycle and redistribute the load after the lid unlocks.
E
Eric MillerSep 4, 2025
Why does my Kenmore 796.316221 have excessive suds?
- A
  Allison Ayala MDSep 4, 2025
  Excessive sudsing in your Kenmore Washer is usually due to using too much detergent or the wrong type. Use only HE (High-Efficiency) detergents, which contain suds-reducing agents. Refer to the How to Use section for correct detergent quantities.

Kenmore 796.316221 Specifications

General

Brand	Kenmore
Model	796.316221
Category	Washer
Language	English

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Grounding Requirements

Features and Benefits

Key Parts and Components

Identifies and describes the main parts and components of the washing machine.

Installation Requirements

Key Dimensions and Specifications

Provides essential dimensions, weight, and electrical specifications for the washer.

Choose the Proper Location

Guidance on selecting a suitable and safe location for installing the washing machine.

Clearances

Specifies required clearances around the washer for proper airflow and access.

Flooring

Recommendations for suitable flooring to ensure washer stability and minimize vibration.

Installation Instructions

Unpacking and Removing Shipping Material

Instructions for safely unpacking the washer and removing all shipping materials.

Connecting the Water Lines

Detailed steps for connecting the hot and cold water supply hoses to the washer.

Connecting the Drain Hose

Guidance on properly connecting the drain hose to a standpipe or laundry tub.

Connect to the Power Supply

Instructions for connecting the washer to a grounded electrical outlet.

Leveling the Washer

Steps to ensure the washer is level for optimal performance and reduced vibration.

How to Use

Control Panel Features

Overview of the washing machine's control panel, buttons, and display functions.

Operating the Washer

Step-by-step guide on how to sort laundry, add products, and start a wash cycle.

Cycle Guide

Details default settings, options, and fabric types for each available wash cycle.

Sorting Wash Loads

Guidelines on how to sort laundry by color, soil level, fabric type, and lint.

About the Dispensers

Explanation of the automatic dispenser compartments for detergent, bleach, and fabric softener.

Detergent and Dispenser Use

Instructions on using High-Efficiency detergents and the dispenser system correctly.

Time and Status Display

Explanation of the display indicators for cycle status and estimated time remaining.

Cycle Modifier Buttons

How to use buttons to adjust wash temperature, spin speed, and soil level for cycles.

Option Buttons

Details on using special cycle options like Accela Wash, Steam Treat, Extra Rinse, Water Plus.

Fabric Softener Option

How to use the fabric softener option for effective dispensing during the final rinse.

My Cycle Feature

Instructions on saving and recalling custom wash cycle settings.

Soak Option

Using the Soak option for presoaking garments to remove tough spots or stains.

Delay Wash Option

How to delay the start of a wash cycle for up to 19 hours.

Rinse & Spin Cycle

Using the Rinse & Spin cycle for separate rinsing and spinning of loads.

Control Lock Feature

How to use the control lock to prevent accidental changes by children or others.

Special Drain Feature

Explanation of the automatic drain feature when the washer is paused or shut off.

Care and Cleaning

Regular Cleaning

Guidance on cleaning the exterior of the washing machine with mild detergent.

Clean Washer Cycle

Instructions for running the Clean Washer cycle to remove buildup and odors.

Storing the Washer

Steps for preparing the washer for long-term storage, especially against freezing temperatures.

Removing Mineral Buildup

Methods for removing mineral scale and buildup caused by hard water with descalers.

Leave the Lid Open

Recommendation to leave the lid open for drying after several days of non-use.

Cleaning the Water Inlet Filters

Procedure for cleaning the water inlet filters to ensure proper water flow.

Cleaning the Dispenser Drawer

How to remove and clean the detergent and fabric softener dispenser drawer.

Kenmore Connect System

Using the Kenmore Connect System

Step-by-step guide on how to use the Kenmore Connect system for remote diagnostics.

Troubleshooting Guide

Normal Sounds

Description of common sounds that are considered normal during washer operation.

Before Calling for Service

Steps and checks to perform before contacting a service technician for troubleshooting.

Error Codes

Explanation of error codes displayed on the washer and their corresponding solutions.

Warranty

Related product manuals

Kenmore Elite 796.3142

34 pages

Kenmore 796.3143 Series

40 pages

Kenmore 796.4118#31 Series

31 pages

Kenmore 796.4107 31 Series

Kenmore Elite 796.2947

80 pages

Kenmore 796.4128 Series