I might be missing something here, but what test code are you looking for and its purpose. First off, I would check to see if the washer is level, if not, then you can either level it yourself, or have Sears come back out. I would also report the non working delievery guy and tell Sears not to send those same guys back out. Check your owners manual for whether or not it has a suds program, I am sure it does

can you post the model number

796.xxxxxxxx

The model number is 796.4051#. There's also some kind of rattling sound when the washer is pumping water out. I thought it might be the hose rattling, but I don't think it is as I climbed behind the washer and physically pushed the hose from touching the body of the washer. It doesn't happen everytime, only certain time of the rinse cycle.

I am looking for the test code that the guys used to make sure the machine runs properly. From what I can observe, it takes the machine through the cycles (briefly) and several spin speeds so that the installer can determine which speed cause the most vibration.

I've read through the manual carefully and really can't find the anything that mention suds program. Here's the link to the manual: http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/download_manual?brand_name=Kenmore+Elite&brand_name_search=79640512900+KENMORE+ELITE&document_type=OWNM&document_url=%2Fmmh%2Flis_pdf%2FOWNM%2FL0911156.pdf&model_number=79640512900%2C+MFL62526822%2C+79640518900&product_type=Residential+Washers

How do I level the machine? I have a bubble level, but where do I place the level? Each four corners? In the middle? Thanks again.

each 4 corners with the level will work. Make sure the bubble is in the middle of the site glass. Not sure what the rattle noise is when it pumps out. check the pump screen in the little square access door on the front bottom of the machine....owners manual will explain how to do this

this may work for your model:

QC TEST MODE

The washer must be empty and the controls must be in the off state.

1. Press the SPIN SPEED and SOIL LEVEL buttons simultaneously and hold

2. Press the Power button, while the above condition. Then buzzer will sound twice.

3. Press the Start/Pause button repeatedly to cycle through the test modes.

1 time Tumble clockwise. rpm (40~50)
2 times Low speed Spin. rpm
3 times High speed Spin. rpm
4 times Inlet valve for prewash turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
5 times Inlet valve for main wash turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
6 times Inlet valve for hot water turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
7 times Inlet valve for bleach turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
8 times Inlet valve for dry turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
9 times Tumble counterclockwise. rpm (40~50)
10 times Heater turns on for 3 sec. Water temperature
11 times Circulation pump turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
12 times Drain pump turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
13 times Dry fan & motor turns on. Water level frequency (25~65)
14 times Power off and unlock the door. Turn off all lamps.

This is pretty normal in whatever brand frontloader with a drain pump (some commercial machines have a dump valve instead). Some are louder some are quieter.

When all the water has been pumped out, the tub is empty and the pump "rattles". Anyway it has to work because the laundry is still dripping or the machine is about to spin. Some sophisticathed machines in this case switch the pump off until the dripped water has reached a target level

This is also the latest issue with ultra silent dishwashers : when they drain they are far louder than while spraying. But also in this case some manufacturers have found the solution

Regus_patoff - that worked beautifully! There is a brief moment when the washer shakes violently in the low speed spin. Should I adjust my level so that it doesn't shake? The high speed spin is just fine.

hidroman - so this rattle is common and most has this issue? It's just not my particularly unit?

"yes" for both questions

One of the washers that i tried had a noisy vibration when the pump was draining. It was beyond the sound of the motor of it humming. Anyway, there was a square plate on the back that had 4 screws in it and when i pushed on it that rattle sound got less. We put some thin cork strip around it and it stopped it. Sometimes the sides of the maching can vibrate and you can hear it also, the same for the back of the maching. We always check the screws at the corners on the back too for tightness. I had delivery guys take my bolts out on the driveway too. I made them bring me another machine, and watched them like a hawk the whole time. I have had bad delivery service a couple times with washers and dryers. Had one who didn't know how to read a level at all. I had to show him how. Must not be training these guys!!!

roseark - thanks for the cork tip. I am having a hard time leveling it. Only for a brief moment when the machine is ramping up the spin cycle when it vibrates badly for about 2-3 seconds. Once it past a certain RPM, it stopped.

I don't have the guts the get them to get me another machine. However, I did a Sears phone survey this afternoon and gave them a scathing review. I ask that they follow up. When I get a call, I will see if I can get another machine delivered.

sooby77, the reason the machine viberates for a few seconds during the begining of the spin, is due to the balancing system engaging. It uses the same design as the Samsung VRT, stainless steel balls. They all do it to some degree in the beginning of a spin provided the machine is level to begin with.

Sooby77...Congrats on the new washer. I saw a new Elite at Sears, and it is awesome!

Most, if not all, frontloaders will shake a little (or sometimes a lot) at the beginning of the spin cycle, especially if the cycle is set to high/max spin.

Both the Miele W4840s I owned and my current W4842 do this. The violent or loud shake only lasts a few seconds, and then once balanced, it is perfect.

Don't feel bad calling Sears, if you want a new machine delivered. About 5 months ago, I got my Mom a new candly, apple red GE Profile washer and dryer for a Divorce gift (she finally dumped my step-dad :)!!! She had Sears deliver 3, yes 3 dryers, before she got one that was perfect!

Thanks larsi and gates1 for affirming that the behavior is normal. larsi, I will try when they call me and see if they would send me a different machine. I was beyond dissatisfied with the delivery guys. I can tell they thought I was uninformed about the machine needing to be balanced. I wonder if I can ask them to send DIFFERENT people this time.