®
TWO SPEED
AUTOMATIC WASHERS
Use & Care Guide
Table of Contents................................................. 2
Model 3RGSC9400
8558610
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons when using the washer, follow basic precautions,
including the following:
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
The appliance is not intended for use by young children or
infirm persons without supervision.
ꢀ
ꢀ
Read all instructions before using the washer.
Do not wash articles that have been previously cleaned
in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with petrol, dry-
cleaning solvents, other flammable, or explosive
substances as they give off vapours that could ignite or
explode.
Before the washer is removed from service or discarded,
remove the door or lid.
Do not reach into the washer if the drum, tub or agitator is
moving.
ꢀ
ꢀ
Do not add petrol, dry-cleaning solvents, or other
flammable, or explosive substances to the wash water.
These substances give off vapours that could ignite or
explode.
Do not install or store the washer where it will be exposed to
the weather.
ꢀ
ꢀ
Do not tamper with controls.
Do not repair or replace any part of the washer or attempt
any servicing unless specifically recommended in this Use
and Care Guide or in published user-repair instructions that
you understand and have the skills to carry out.
Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be
produced in a hot water system that has not been used
for 2 weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. If the hot water system has not been
used for such a period, before using the washing
machine, turn on all hot water taps and let the water
flow from each for several minutes. This will release
any accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is
flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame during
this time.
ꢀ
ꢀ
See Installation Instructions for earthing requirements.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified
person in order to avoid a hazard.
ꢀ
Do not allow children to play on or in the washer. Close
supervision of children is necessary when the washer
is used near children.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WASHER DISPOSAL
This appliance is marked according to the European directive 2002/ 96/ EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE).
By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and
human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product.
The symbol on the product, or on the documents accompanying the product, indicates that this appliance may not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment.
Disposal must be carried out in accordance with local environmental regulations for waste disposal.
For more detailed information about treatment, recovery and recycling of this product, please contact your local city office, your
household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
3
PARTS AND FEATURES
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
A. Control panel
E. Lid
Other features your washer may have
B. Model and serial number label
C. Liquid fabric softener dispenser
D. Agitator
F. Liquid chlorine bleach dispenser
I
I
I
I
CLEANTOUCH™ control panel
XTRA ROLL ACTION™ PLUS agitator
DURASMOOTH™ white porcelain basket
Extra rinse selector
G. Basket
H. Tub
Control panel
4
WASHER USE
Loading suggestions
For these suggested full-sized loads, set the LOAD SIZE selector
to the highest load size setting.
Understanding Washer Cycles
When the washer lid is closed and the Cycle Control knob is set
to a number or cycle and pulled out, the washer fills (to the
selected load size) before agitation and timing start. The washer
begins agitating immediately after filling; agitation occurs with the
washer lid down.
SUPER CAPACITY™ PLUS WASHERS
Heavy Work Clothes
3 pair pants
3 shirts
1 coverall
1 overall
During agitation, the agitator creates a continuous rollover action
(on some models) that provides a thorough cleaning of the wash
load.
4 pair jeans
Delicates
3 camisoles
1 quilted robe
4 slips
2 bras
2 nighties
1 baby’s dress
4 panties
Towels
10 bath towels
10 hand towels
14 washcloths
1 bath mat
After agitation starts, the Cycle Control knob turns clockwise until
it points to an OFF area and the cycle ends.
NOTE: The washer pauses briefly throughout each cycle. These
Mixed Load
3 double sheets
4 pillowcases
8 T-shirts
pauses are normal for washer operation.
2 shirts
2 blouses
WASH
RINSE
8 handkerchiefs
6 pair shorts
1. Fill
1. Fill
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS
Heavy Work Clothes
2 pair pants
3 shirts
3 pair jeans
1 coverall
2. Wash selected
time
2. Rinse
3. Drain†
Delicates
3 camisoles
4 slips
2 bras
2 nighties
3. Drain†
4 panties
No agitation
No agitation
Towels
8 bath towels
8 hand towels
10 washcloths
1 bath mat
4. Spin
4. Spin-Spray
rinse
Mixed Load
2 double sheets or
1 king size sheet(s)
4 pillowcases
6 T-shirts
6 pair shorts
2 shirts
2 blouses
6 handkerchiefs
5. Spin
6. Off
Normal Sounds
Your new washer may make sounds your old one didn’t. Because
the sounds might be unfamiliar, you may be concerned about
them. These sounds are normal.
† The Synthetics/Permanent
Press cycle partially drains, fills,
agitates briefly, and drains.
During washing
When you select a small load size setting, your washer has a
lower water level. This can cause a clicking sound from the upper
part of the agitator.
Loading
During drain
If water is drained quickly from your washer (depending on your
installation), you may hear air being pulled through the pump
during the end of draining.
For rated load capacity, refer to the model and serial label/plate,
located on your washer as shown in “Parts and Features.”
After drain and before spin
When the cycle changes from draining to spinning, you may hear
gears engaging.
5
Starting Your Washer
2. (OPTIONAL) Pour measured liquid chlorine bleach into the
liquid chlorine bleach dispenser (on some models). Bleach
will be diluted automatically during the wash part of the cycle.
WARNING
Fire Hazard
Never place items in the washer that are dampened
with gasoline or other flammable fluids.
I
Do not use more than 1 cup (250 mL) for a full load. Use
less with a smaller load size.
No washer can completely remove oil.
I
I
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
Do not dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on
it (including cooking oils).
To avoid spilling, use a cup with a pouring spout. Do not
let bleach splash, drip, or run down into the washer
basket.
Doing so can result in death, explosion, or fire.
I
Use only liquid chlorine bleach in this dispenser.
3. (OPTIONAL) Pour measured liquid fabric softener into the
liquid fabric softener dispenser (on some models). Softener is
added automatically during the rinse portion of the cycle.
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded (earthed) outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Dilute liquid fabric softener by filling the dispenser with warm
water until liquid reaches the crossbar in the opening.
I
I
Do not spill or drip any fabric softener on the clothes.
Use only liquid fabric softener in this dispenser.
Do not use an extension cord.
4. Close the washer lid. Washer will not agitate or spin with the
lid open.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.
5. Turn the LOAD SIZE selector to the correct setting for your
wash load and the type of fabric being washed.
1. Measure detergent and pour it into the washer. If desired, add
powdered or liquid color safe bleach. Add extra detergent for
the Super Wash cycle.
I
I
Choose a load size that allows the load to move freely for
best fabric care. See “Loading.”
You may change the load size selection after the washer
has started filling by turning the selector to a different
setting.
Drop a sorted load of clothes loosely into your washer.
I
I
I
Load evenly to maintain washer balance. Mix large and small
items.
Items should move easily through the wash water.
Overloading can cause poor cleaning.
To reduce wrinkling of permanent press clothes and some
synthetic knits, use a large load size to provide more space
(see Step 5).
6
6. Set the TEMPERATURE selector to the correct setting for the
type of fabric and soils being washed. Use the warmest water
safe for fabric. Follow garment label instructions.
Selecting a Cycle and Time
This section describes the available wash cycles and will help
you make the best cycle selections for your wash loads. Each
cycle is designed for different types of fabric and soil levels.
Your washer uses automatic temperature control (on some
models) to maintain a uniform water temperature by
regulating the incoming hot and cold water. This helps
eliminate undissolved detergent and ensures consistent
cleaning results. The Hot and Warm settings on this washer
will be cooler than you are accustomed to. Wash
I
The washer pauses briefly throughout each cycle. These
pauses are normal. Refer to “Normal Sounds” to learn more
about the sounds you may hear during a wash cycle.
temperatures in this washer are lower than the temperatures
you may be used to in conventional washers.
I
Refer to “Understanding Washer Cycles” to learn what
happens during a wash cycle.
NOTE: Make sure that both the hot and cold water taps are
fully turned on, or the automatic temperature control feature
will not work properly.
Water Temp
Hot
Use For
Whites and pastels
Heavy soils
Warm
Cold
Bright colors
Moderate to light soils
Colors that bleed or fade
Light soils
Regular/Heavy cycle
NOTE: In wash water temperatures colder than 60ºF
(15.6ºC), detergents do not dissolve well. Soils can be difficult
to remove. Some fabrics can retain wear wrinkles and have
increased pilling (the formation of small lint-like balls on the
surface of garments).
This cycle features high-speed agitation followed by brief periods
of low-speed agitation for cleaning sturdy fabrics and heavily
soiled loads that need maximum soil removal. Select Super Wash
or Regular depending on whether your load is moderately or
heavily soiled. For improved cleaning, use twice the amount of
detergent recommended for a wash cycle. The Heavy cycle
features Extra Rinse as part of the cycle.
7. (OPTIONAL) Some models have an EXTRA RINSE selector.
For an additional rinse and spin at the end of a wash cycle,
set the EXTRA RINSE selector to ON. On some models, the
Extra Rinse feature is part of the cycle.
Cotton cycle
This cycle features high-speed agitation followed by a brief
period of low-speed agitation for cleaning cottons and linens.
High spin speeds shorten drying time. Select 9 to 18 minutes of
wash time for loads that are moderately or heavily soiled. For
lightly soiled loads, use the shortest time setting.
8. (OPTIONAL) Some models have an END OF CYCLE SIGNAL
selector. Set the END OF CYCLE SIGNAL selector to ON if
you want your washer to alert you when the wash cycle is
complete. The signal is helpful when you are washing items
that should be removed from the washer as soon as the cycle
ends.
Super Wash cycle
Select the Super Wash cycle to wash heavily soiled loads that
need maximum soil removal. Use twice the amount of detergent
recommended for a wash cycle.
9. Push in the Cycle Control knob and turn it clockwise to the
wash cycle you want. Reduce the wash time when using a
small load size setting. See “Selecting a Cycle and Time.”
Synthetics/Permanent Press cycle
This cycle starts with high-speed agitation and then steps down
to low-speed agitation for cleaning permanent press blends and
synthetic fabrics. To minimize wrinkling, this cycle features a
cool-down rinse and a low-speed final spin. Select up
to 9 minutes of wash time to clean lightly to moderately soiled
loads.
Delicates cycle
This cycle features low-speed agitation for gentle soil removal
from delicate items and washable knits. Low spin speeds
minimize wrinkling. Select up to 6 minutes of wash time to clean
lightly to moderately soiled loads.
Pull out the Cycle Control knob to start the washer.
To stop or restart your washer
I
To stop the washer at any time, push in the Cycle Control
knob.
Soak cycle
This cycle features brief periods of agitation and soak time to
remove heavy soils and stains that need pretreatment. Use warm
water when soaking laundry. Hot water can set stains. Use the
amount of detergent or presoak additive recommended by the
manufacturer. When the Soak cycle ends, add detergent and
start a new wash cycle.
I
To restart the washer, close the lid (if open) and pull out
the Cycle Control knob.
Prewash cycle
This cycle features a brief period of high-speed agitation to help
remove heavy soils and stains that need pretreatment. Use warm
water for prewashing stained laundry. Hot water can set some
stains. After the Prewash cycle ends, add detergent and select a
new wash cycle.
7
Rinse and Spin
Drain and Spin
When using extra detergent for heavily soiled clothes, or washing
special-care items, you may find an extra rinse and spin is
needed.
A drain and spin may help shorten drying times for some heavy
fabrics or special-care items by removing excess water.
1. Push in the Cycle Control knob and turn it clockwise to any of
1. Push in the Cycle Control knob and turn it clockwise to any of
the Spin settings.
the Rinse settings.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control knob. The washer drains, then
2. Pull out the Cycle Control knob. The washer fills to the
spins.
selected load size, agitates, drains, and spins.
NOTE: An Extra Rinse option is available (on some models). See
“Starting Your Washer.”
WASHER CARE
Non-use or vacation care
Operate your washer only when you are at home. If you will be on
vacation or not using your washer for an extended period of time,
you should:
Cleaning Your Washer
Cleaning the exterior
Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe up any spills such as
detergent or bleach. Occasionally wipe the outside of your
washer to keep it looking new.
I
Unplug washer or disconnect power.
I
Turn off the water supply to the washer. This helps avoid
accidental flooding (due to a water pressure surge) while you
are away.
Cleaning the interior
Clean your washer interior by mixing 1 cup (250 mL) of chlorine
bleach and 2 cups (500 mL) of detergent. Pour this into your
washer and run it through a complete cycle using hot water.
Repeat this process if necessary.
To winterize washer
1. Shut off both water faucets.
2. Disconnect and drain water inlet hoses.
3. Put 1 qt (1 L) of R.V.-type antifreeze in the basket.
NOTE: Remove any hard water deposits using only cleaners
labeled for washer use.
4. Run washer on a drain and spin setting (see “Drain and Spin”)
Cleaning the liquid fabric softener dispenser
Flush dispenser periodically with warm water, as shown. Remove
the dispenser by grasping the top of the dispenser with both
hands and squeezing and pushing upward with thumbs. Clean
the dispenser by rinsing it under a water faucet. Replace it after
cleaning.
for about 30 seconds to mix the antifreeze and water.
5. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
To use washer again
1. Flush water pipes and hoses. Reconnect water inlet hoses.
Turn on both water faucets.
NOTE: Some models are equipped with a liquid fabric softener
dispenser. To avoid damage to the washer or clothing, do not
wash clothes with the liquid fabric softener dispenser removed or
add detergent or bleach to this dispenser; it is for liquid fabric
softener only.
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded (earthed) outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Water Inlet Hoses
Do not use an extension cord.
Replace inlet hoses after five years of use to reduce the risk of
hose failure. Periodically inspect and replace inlet hoses if
bulges, kinks, cuts, wear or leaks are found.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.
When replacing your inlet hoses, mark the date of replacement
on the label with a permanent marker.
2. Plug in washer or reconnect power.
3. Run the washer through a complete cycle with 1 cup
(250 mL) of detergent to clean out antifreeze.
Vacation, Storage and Moving Care
Install and store your washer where it will not freeze. Because
some water may stay in the hoses, freezing can damage your
washer. If storing or moving your washer during freezing weather,
winterize it.
8
TROUBLESHOOTING
First try the solutions suggested here and possibly avoid the cost of a service call...
Washer won’t fill, rinse or agitate; washer stops
Washer continues to fill or drain, or the cycle seems
stuck
I
I
Is the top of drain hose lower than the water level in
washer? The top of the hose must be higher than the water
level in the washer for proper operation. See the Installation
Instructions.
WARNING
Does the drain hose fit too tightly in the standpipe, or is it
taped to the standpipe? The drain hose should be loose yet
fit securely. Do not seal the drain hose with tape. The hose
needs an air gap. See the Installation Instructions.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded (earthed) outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Washer won’t drain or spin
I
Is the drain hose clogged, or the end of the drain hose
more than 72" (183 cm) above the floor?
See the Installation Instructions for proper installation of drain
hose.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.
I
I
Is the lid open?
The lid must be closed during operation. Washer will not
agitate or spin with the lid open.
I
I
I
Is the power cord plugged into an earthed 3 prong outlet?
Plug power cord into an earthed 3 prong outlet.
Is there excessive sudsing?
Always measure detergent. Follow manufacturer’s directions.
If you have very soft water, you might need to use less
detergent.
Are you using an extension cord? Do not use an extension
cord.
I
Is your voltage low?
Check your electrical source or call an electrician. Do not use
an extension cord.
Is the indicator on the Cycle Control knob properly lined
up with a cycle? Turn the Cycle Control knob to the right
slightly and pull to start.
I
Are the water inlet valve screens clogged? Turn off the
water and remove inlet hoses from the washer. Remove any
accumulated film or particles. Reinstall hoses, turn on water
and check for leaks.
Washer makes noise
I
Is the load balanced, and is the washer level?
The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded.
I
Are both the hot and cold water faucets turned on? Turn
on the water.
The washer must be level. The front feet should be properly
installed and the nuts tightened. Reset the rear leveling legs
(if needed). See the Installation Instructions.
I
I
Is the water inlet hose kinked? Straighten the hoses.
Does the water level seem too low, or does the washer
appear to not fill completely? The top of the agitator is
much higher than the highest water level. This creates a
perception that the washer is not filling completely. This is
normal.
I
I
Did you completely remove the yellow shipping strap with
cotter pins?
See the Installation Instructions.
Are the gears engaging after the drain and before spin, or
is the upper part of agitator clicking during wash?
These are normal washer noises.
I
I
Has a household fuse blown, or has a circuit breaker
tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the
problem continues, call an electrician.
Is the washer in a normal pause in the Synthetics/
Permanent Press (or Hand Washables) cycle?
The washer pauses for about 2 minutes in the Synthetics/
Permanent Press cycle. Allow the cycle to continue.
The Hand Washables cycle (on some models) features
periods of agitation and soak.
I
I
Is the washer overloaded? Wash smaller loads.
Is the lid open? The lid must be closed during operation.
Washer will not agitate or spin with the lid open.
9
Washer leaks
Dispensers clogged or bleach leaking
I
Check the following:
I
I
Did you follow the manufacturer’s directions when adding
detergent and fabric softener to the dispensers?
Measure detergent and fabric softener. Slowly pour into the
dispensers. Wipe up all spills.
Are the fill hoses tight? Are the fill hose washers properly
seated? Is the drain hose clamp properly installed? See the
Installation Instructions.
Dilute fabric softener in the fabric softener dispenser.
I
I
Is the sink or drain clogged?
Sink and standpipe must be able to handle 17 gal. (64 L) of
water per minute.
Did you put powdered or color-safe bleach in the liquid
chlorine bleach dispenser?
Add powdered or liquid color-safe bleach directly to the
basket. Do not use the chlorine bleach dispenser for color-
safe bleach.
Is water deflecting off the tub ring or the load?
Center the tub before starting the washer.
The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded. The
fill or spray rinses can deflect off the load.
Load too wet
The washer must be level. The front feet should be properly
installed and the nuts tightened. Reset the rear leveling legs
(if needed). See the Installation Instructions.
I
I
Did you use the right cycle for the load being washed?
Select a cycle with a higher spin speed (if available).
Did you use a cold rinse?
Cold rinses leave loads wetter than warm rinses. This is
normal.
I
Check household plumbing for leaks.
Washer basket is crooked
Residue or lint on load
I
I
Was the washer basket pulled forward during loading?
The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded. Push
the basket to the center before starting wash.
I
I
I
Did you sort properly?
Sort lint givers (towels, chenille) from lint takers (corduroy,
synthetics). Also sort by color.
Is the load balanced, and is the washer level?
The wash load should be balanced and not overloaded.
Did you overload the washer?
The wash load must be balanced and not overloaded. Lint
can be trapped in the load if overloaded. Wash smaller loads.
The washer must be level. The front feet should be properly
installed and the nuts tightened. Reset the rear leveling legs
(if needed). See the Installation Instructions.
Check the following:
Was paper or tissue left in the pockets?
I
I
The washer basket moves while washing.
This is normal.
Did you use enough detergent? Follow manufacturer’s
directions. Use enough detergent to hold the lint in the water.
Agitator operation
Is your water colder than 60°F (15.6°C)? Wash water colder
than 60°F (15.6°C) may not completely dissolve the
detergent.
The top of the agitator is loose, or moves in only one
direction.
This is normal.
Stains on load
I
Did you follow the manufacturer’s directions when adding
detergent and fabric softener?
Measure detergent and fabric softener. Use enough detergent
to remove soil and hold it in suspension.
Dilute fabric softener and add to the rinse portion of a cycle
only. Do not drip fabric softener onto clothes.
I
I
I
Is there above average iron (rust) in water?
You may need to install an iron filter.
Did you properly sort the load?
Sort dark clothes from whites and lights.
Did you unload the washer promptly?
To avoid dye transfer, unload the washer as soon as it stops.
10
Load is wrinkled
Garment damage
I
I
Did you unload the washer promptly?
I
Check the following:
Unload the washer as soon as it stops.
Were sharp items removed from pockets before washing?
Empty pockets, zip zippers, snap or hook fasteners before
washing.
Did you use the right cycle for the load being washed?
Use the Synthetics/Permanent Press cycle or another cycle
with low spin speeds (if available) to reduce wrinkling.
Were strings and sashes tied to prevent tangling?
I
I
Did you overload the washer?
The wash load must be balanced and not overloaded. Loads
should move freely during washing.
Were items damaged before washing? Mend rips and broken
threads in seams before washing.
I
I
I
Did you overload the washer?
The wash load must be balanced and not overloaded. Loads
should move freely during washing.
Was the wash water warm enough to relax wrinkles, or
are you using warm rinses?
Use hot or warm washes if safe for the load. Use cold rinse
water.
Did you properly add chlorine bleach?
Do not pour chlorine bleach directly on load. Wipe up bleach
spills. Undiluted bleach will damage fabrics.
I
Are the hot and cold water hoses reversed?
Check to be sure the hot and cold water hoses are connected
to the right faucets. See the Installation Instructions.
Did you follow the manufacturer’s care label instructions?
Load is tangled or twisted
I
I
Did you overload the washer?
The wash load must be balanced and not overloaded. Loads
should move freely during washing.
Did you wrap items around the agitator?
Drop items loosely into the washer. Do not wrap items around
the agitator.
Gray whites, dingy colors
I
I
I
Did you properly sort the load?
Dye transfer can occur when mixing whites and colors in a
load. Sort dark clothes from whites and lights.
Was the wash temperature too low?
Use hot or warm washes if safe for the load. Make sure your
hot water system is adequate to provide a hot water wash.
Did you use enough detergent, or do you have hard
water?
Use more detergent for washing heavy soils in cold or hard
water.
I
Are the hot and cold water hoses reversed?
Check to be sure the hot and cold water hoses are connected
to the right faucets. See the Installation Instructions.
11
ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE
Before calling for assistance or service, please check
If you need replacement parts
“Troubleshooting.” It may save you the cost of a service call. If
you still need help, contact the dealer from whom you purchased
the washer, or a Whirlpool designated service company.
If you need to order replacement parts, we recommend that you
only use factory specified parts. These parts will fit right and work
right because they are made with the same precision used to
build every new WHIRLPOOL® appliance.
When calling, please know the purchase date and the complete
model and serial number of your appliance. This information will
help us to better respond to your request.
To locate replacement parts in your area:
Contact the dealer from whom you purchased the washer, or a
Whirlpool designated service company.
8558610
© 2005 Whirlpool Corporation.
All rights reserved.
4/05
Printed in U.S.A.
® Registered Trademark/TM Trademark of Whirlpool, U.S.A.
|