K 395 M

High Pressure WasherOperator ManualOverview ......................................... 2Important Precautions .............. 3 - 4Assembly Instructions .................... 4Operating Instructions .................... 5Using the Accessories ................... 6Working with Detergents ................ 7Shutting Down & Clean-Up ............ 8Taking a Break ................................ 8Winterizing and Long-TermStorage ............................................ 8Care and MaintenanceInstructions ..................................... 9Cleaning Tips ........................... 9 - 10Optional Cleaning Accessories ...10Troubleshooting .................... 11 - 12

SpecificationsOperating pressure .......... 1500 PSIWater volume ..................... 1.7 GPMVoltage ..................................... 120 VAmp draw .......................... 14 AMPS

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website:www.karcher-usa.com

Manual Part No. 5.961-049.0 08/03Part No. 1.141-966.0

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Item Description1. Vario Spray wand2. Rotating spray wand3. Trigger gun4. Trigger gun safety lock5. High pressure hose6. Mobile adapter bracket (qty. 2)7. Power cord & GFCI8. Hose/cord caddy9. Trigger gun holder10. Detergent tank11. On/Off switch12. Detergent filter & suction tube13. High pressure outlet14. Water inlet15.Package of 6 screws

(not pictured)

Never point nozzle at people or animals.

Never drink alcohol or use drugs while operating this equipment.

Never operate while standing in water.

Never touch plug with wet hands.

Never let electrical connections rest in water.

NeverNeverNeverNeverNever operate pressure washer without the water turned on

Never use hot water

Model K 395 M OVERVIEW

NEVER!

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IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!

2 Safety WarningsWhen using this product, basic precautionsshould always be followed:• Read all the instructions before using the

product.• High pressure jets can be dangerous if

subject to misuse. The jet must not bedirected at persons, animals, electricaldevices, or the machine itself.

• To reduce the risk of injury, do notoperate the machine near children.

• Learn how to stop the machine andrelease pressure quickly. Be thoroughlyfamiliar with the controls.

• Stay alert — watch what you are doing.• Wear safety goggles.• Do not use acids, solvents,

or any flammable material inthis product. These products can causephysical injuries to the operator andirreversible damage to the machine.

• Do not operate the product when fatiguedor under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Keep operating area clear of all persons.• Do not stand on unstable surfaces.

Stand with both feet balanced at alltimes.

• To reduce the risk of electrocution, keepall connections dry and off the ground.Do not touch plug with wet hands.

• The Trigger Gun Safety Lock PREVENTSthe trigger from accidentally beingengaged. This safety feature DOES NOTlock trigger in the on position.

EXTENSION CORDSUse a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft = 12/3AWG; 25 to 50 ft = 10/3 AWG. Use onlyextension cords that are intended for outdooruse. These extension cords are identified bythe marking “Acceptable for use with outdoorappliances; store indoors while not in use.”Use only extension cords having an electricalrating not less than the rating of the product.Do not use damaged extension cords.Examine extension cord before using andreplace if damaged. Do not abuse extensioncord and do not yank on any cord todisconnect. Keep cord away from heat andsharp edges. Always disconnect the extensioncord from the receptacle before disconnecting

the product from the extension cord. If you areusing an extension cord, it should always becompletely unwound from the cable drum.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUITINTERRUPTER (GFCI) PROTECTIONThis product is supplied with a Ground FaultCircuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into the powercord plug. This device provides additionalprotection from the risk of electric shock. Ifpower is interrupted in the line, the GFCI willautomatically re-close the circuit to the loadafter power is restored. Depending on theGFCI model, it may be necessary to manuallyoperate the reset button to restore power tothe GFCI load circuit. If replacement of theplug or cord is needed use identicalreplacement parts.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONSThis product must be grounded. If it shouldmalfunction or breakdown, grounding providesa path of least resistance for electric currentto reduce the risk of electric shock. Thisproduct is equipped with a cord having anequipment-grounding conductor and agrounding plug. The plug must be plugged intoan appropriate outlet that is properly installedand grounded in accordance with all localcodes and ordinances.DANGER- Improper connection of theequipment-grounding conductor can result in arisk of electrocution. Check with a qualifiedelectrician or service personnel if you are indoubt as to whether the outlet is properlygrounded. Do not modify the plug providedwith the product - if it will not fit the outlet,have a proper outlet installed by a qualifiedelectrician. Do not use any type of adapterwith this product.

Caution• Follow the maintenance instructionsspecified in the manual.• This machine has been designed foruse with cleaning detergent supplied orrecommended by the manufacturer. Theuse of other cleaning detergents mayaffect the operation of the machine andvoid the warranty.

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Water Supply (Cold Water Only)• Water hose must be at least 3/4 inch in

diameter.• Flow rate of water supply must not fall

below 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).• Flow rate can be determined by running

the water for one minute into an empty“5-gallon container.

Step 1Attach one adapter bracket topressure washer by aligningholes on adapter bracket withposts on the pressure washer asshown. Tighten the two screws.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continuedPRECAUTIONS

• The water supply temperature must notexceed 104°F/40°C.

• Never use the pressure washer to drawin water contaminated with solvents, e.g.paint thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.

• Always prevent debris from being drawninto the unit by using a clean water source.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Step 2Place detergent tank betweenadapter brackets as shown.Attach second adapterbracket.

Step 3Attach handle onto top ofadapter brackets. Press downto lock. Tighten with screwsas shown.Note: Hose/cord caddy andtrigger gun holder must beon opposite sides

Step 4Pull out the locking slide from the right side ofthe trigger gun handle, and insert the smallend of the high pressure hose into place. Pushthe locking slide back into the trigger gun tolock the hose in position.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1Connect the high pressure hose to the unit’shigh pressure outlet.

Step 2Insert the spray wand of your choice into thetrigger gun. Press in against the springtension and twist into the locked position.

Step 3Connect garden hose to unit’s water inlet.

Step 4Connect garden hose to the cold watersource and turn water on completely.

Step 5Plug the power cord into the power outlet.Unlock the lock of the trigger gun. Trigger thegun to eliminate trapped air, wait for a steadyflow of water to emerge from the spraynozzle.

Step 6Turn on the pressurewasher (I). The motor starts only if thetrigger of the gun is pulled and shuts offwhen the trigger is released.

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This wand features a 0º pencil jet which rotates 360º for maximum dirt cutting action,effectively increasing cleaning performance up to 50%. This wand combines the cleaning

performance of a 0º pencil jet with thesurface coverage of a wide angle nozzle.Not recommended for soft materials,siding, painted surfaces, decks or autos.

Rotating spray wand

WarningTO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY,NEVER POINT SPRAY NOZZLEAT YOURSELF, OTHER PERSONSOR ANIMALS

GFCI INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1Plug the Ground Fault CircuitInterrupter (GFCI) into aworking outlet.

Step 2If the GFCI lightglows, press the “Test” buttonuntil the light goes out.

Step 3Press the“Reset” button to restorepower to the washer.

USING THE ACCESSORIES

The Vario spray wand allows you to adjust the cleaning pressure. To clean at maximumpressure, the Vario wand must be positioned to the high pressure setting (+).To apply detergent, the wand must be positioned to the low pressure setting (-).

Vario spray wand

For higherpressure turnwand collar in theplus (+) direction.

For lower pressureturn wand collar in theminus (–) direction.

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Step 1Install the Vario spray wand into the triggergun. Set the Vario spray wand to the lowpressure setting (–) by turning the wandcollar. The wand must be set in the lowpressure (–) position to apply detergents.

Step 2Fill the detergent tank with Kärcherdetergent. Place the filter end of detergentsuction tube into the detergent tank

Step 3Turn on the pressure washer.Pull trigger to operate unit: Liquid detergentis drawn into the unit and mixed with water.Apply detergent to work area. Do not allowdetergent to dry on surface

CautionNever use:

• Bleach, Chlorine products and othercorrosive chemicals

• Liquids containing solvents(i.e., paint thinners, gasoline, oils)

• Tri-sodium phosphate products• Ammonia products• Acid-based productsThese chemicals will harm the unit andwill damage the surface being cleaned.

Working with detergentsDetergents can only be applied at low pressure (-).

The following Karcher detergents areavailable:

-----------------------------------------------------------One Gallon ready to use• Vehicle Wash • Degreaser• All Purpose Cleaner • House Wash• Deck Wash-----------------------------------------------------------Detergent Concentrate Tablets(10 Pack; makes 1 1/4 gallon RTU product)• All Purpose • Degreaser• Deck and patio • Windows and Siding-----------------------------------------------------------

For bestresults seeCleaningTips on pages 9& 10 for specificinformation on how toclean differentsurfaces.Always Use KarcherDetergents for Best Results.Karcher biodegradable detergents are“speciallyformulated to protect the environment and yourpressure washer. Special formula won’t clog thesuction tube filter and will protect the internalparts of the pressure washer for a longer life.For Karcher Detergents, check your retailer orcall:

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website:www.karcher-usa.com

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Step 6Disconnect the high pressure hose from the high pressureoutlet and engage the gun safety lock.

Step 1Engage gunsafety lock.

1. Disconnect all water connections.2. Turn on the machine for a few seconds,

until the water which had remained inthe pump exits. Turn off immediately.

3. Do not allow high pressure hose tobecome kinked.

SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP

Step 1Remove detergentsuction tube fromdetergent tank.

Step 2Insert detergentsuction tube into 1gallon of fresh water.Siphon water at lowpressure for oneminute.

Step 3Turn the switch tooff (O) position andunplug cord fromoutlet. Turn off thewater source.

Step 4Press trigger torelease waterpressure.

Step 5Disconnect the garden hosefrom the water inlet on theunit.

Step 2Turn pressure washerto off (O) position.

WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE

TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more

4. Store the machine and accessories ina room which does not reach freezingtemperatures.

Caution: Failure to follow the abovedirections will result in damage to thepump assembly and accessories.

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Deck Cleaning(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with freshwater. If using Kärcher Deck Wash, placedetergent suction tube directly into cleaningsolution and apply to surface at low pressure.For best results, limit your work area to smallersections of approximately 25 square feet.Allow Kärcher Deck Wash to remain onsurface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergent todry on surface. Rinse at high pressure in along sweeping motion keeping the spraynozzle approximately 3-6 inches from thecleaning surface. Always clean from top tobottom and from left to right. When moving onto a new section of the cleaning surface, besure to overlap the previous section toeliminate stop marks and ensure a more evencleaning result.Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spraywand on wood surface as it may causedamage.

House Siding(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. Ifusing Kärcher House Wash, place detergentsuction tube directly into cleaning solution andapply to surface at low pressure (for bestresults, limit your work area to sections ofapproximately 6 feet and always applydetergent from bottom to top). Allow KarcherHouse Wash to remain on surface 1-3minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry onsurface, if surface appears to be drying, simplywet down surface with fresh water. If needed,use special Wash Brush Attachment to removestubborn dirt. Rinse at high pressure from topto bottom in an even sweeping motion keepingthe spray nozzle approximately 6 inches fromthe cleaning surface.Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spraywand on siding as it may cause damage.

Cement Patios,Brick and Stone(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. Ifusing Karcher All Purpose Cleaner, placedetergent suction tube directly into cleaningsolution and apply to surface at lowpressure. For best results, limit your workarea to smaller sections of approximately 25square feet. Allow Kärcher All PurposeCleaner to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.Rinse at high pressure in a sweeping motionkeeping the spray nozzle approximately 3-6inches from the cleaning surface. Alwaysclean from top to bottom and from left toright. For removing extremely stubbornstains, use Kärcher Rotating Nozzle SprayWand.

Cars, Boats & Motorcycles(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If usingKarcher Vehicle Wash, place detergentsuction tube directly into cleaning solutionand apply to surface at low pressure. Forbest results, clean one side of vehicle at atime and always apply detergent from bottomto top, do not allow detergent to dry onsurface. If needed, use special Wash BrushAttachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse athigh pressure in a sweeping motion keepingthe spray nozzle approximately 6-8 inchesfrom the cleaning surface (distance shouldincrease when rinsing pin-striping or othersensitive surfaces). Always clean from top tobottom and from left to right. For best results,wipe surface dry with a chamois or soft drycloth.Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spraywand on vehicles as it may “causedamage.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Cleaning the water inlet filterPull out the water inlet filter with flat-nosepliers and rinse out in warm water.

CLEANING TIPS

MaintenanceThe unit is maintenance-free.

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Barbecue Grills, Outdoor PowerEquipment & Gardening Tools(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.If using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner orDegreaser, place detergent suction tubedirectly into cleaning solution and applydetergent at low pressure. Allow Kärcherdetergent to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.Rinse at high pressure keeping the spraynozzle approximately 3-6 inches from thecleaning surface. For removing extremelystubborn dirt, it may be necessary to movethe spray nozzle even closer to the surfacefor greater dirt cutting action. To removecaked on mud from garbage cans, lawnmower blades, wheel barrels or othernon-sensitive metal surfaces, you may wantto use the Karcher Rotating Nozzle SprayWand.Caution: Do not use rotating nozzlespray wand on cloth, plastic or othersensitive surfaces as it may causedamage.

CLEANING TIPS – continued

Patio & Lawn Furniture(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding areawith fresh water. If using Kärcher AllPurpose Cleaner, place detergent suctiontube directly into cleaning solution and applyto surface at low pressure. Allow Kärcher AllPurpose Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry onsurface. If needed use special Wash BrushAttachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinseat high pressure in a sweeping motionkeeping the spray nozzle approximately 3-6inches from the cleaning surface. For bestresults, clean from top to bottom and fromleft to right.Caution: Do not use rotating nozzlespray wand on patio or lawn furnitureas it may cause damage.

Recommendations• Before cleaning any surface an

inconspicuous area should be cleaned totest spray pattern and distance formaximum cleaning results.

• If painted surfaces are pealing or chipping,use extreme caution as pressure washermay remove the loose paint from thesurface.

Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities:See accessories order form for product descriptions and ordering instructions.

OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES

• Vario Spray Wand• House Washing Wand• Extension Wand, 20 inches• Flexible Spray Wand• Underbody Spray Wand• 4 Piece Extension Wand, 66 inches

• Wet Sandblasting Attachment• Pipe Drain Cleaner• Water Suction Hose With Filter• Extension Hose 25’• Rotating Wash Brush• K12 Surface Cleaner

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com

11

TROUBLESHOOTING

Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any repair.

Symptom

Motor will not start

Unit does not reach highpressure.

Output pressure varieshigh and low.

Cause

On/Off switch is in the “OFF” (O)position.

Power cord is not plugged in.

Extension cord is too long.Extension cord is not proper gauge.Extension cord is damaged.

Electrical outlet does not supplyadequate power.

Tripped circuit breaker

Diameter of garden hose is toosmall.

Water supply is restricted.

Not enough inlet water supply.

Water inlet filter is clogged.

Spray wand is in low pressureposition.

Not enough inlet water supply.

Pump is sucking air.

Water inlet filter is clogged.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed.

Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.

Solution

Turn switch to the “ON” (I) position

Plug in power cord.

Replace extension cord with either“a 25 ft. 12/3 gauge cord or a 50ft. 10/3 gauge cord.

Try a different outlet.

Reset breaker (power supply) orground fault circuit interrupter.

Replace with a 3/4 inch gardenhose.

Check garden hose for kinks,leaks and blockage.

Open water source full force.

Remove filter and rinse out inwarm water.

Turn spray wand to high pressureposition.

Turn water on full force. Checkgarden hose for kinks, leaks orblockage.

Check that hoses and fittings areair tight. Turn off machine andpurge pump by squeezing triggergun until “a steady flow of wateremerges through the nozzle.

Remove filter and rinse out inwarm water.

Blow out or remove debris with a“fine needle.

Run distilled vinegar through“detergent suction tube.

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TROUBLESHOOTING – continued

If you encounter any additionaldifficulties not listed, please call ourservice center for help.Karcher Customer Support USA

Solution

Check connection.

Dilute detergent, for best resultsuse Kärcher detergent.

Run warm water through filter toremove debris.

Remove obstruction or replacedetergent suction tube.

Turn spray wand tip to lowpressure position.

Blow out or remove debris withfine needle.

Tighten fittings.

Insert new washer.

Insert the spray wand into thetrigger gun. Carefully press inagainst the spring tension and twistinto the locked position.

Call Kärcher customer service“hotline and order repair kit “(partno. 2.883-111.0).

Check that hoses and fittings areair tight. Turn off machine andpurge pump by squeezing triggergun until “a steady flow of wateremerges through the nozzle.

Check that all fittings are tight.

Call service center.

Call service center.

Symptom

No detergent.

Garden hoseconnection leaks.

Spray wand leaks.

Pump is noisy.

Water leaks from pump (upto 10 drops per minute ispermissible).

Oil Drip.

Cause

Detergent suction tube notproperly connected to themachine.

Detergent is too thick.

Filter on detergent suction tube isclogged.

Damaged or clogged detergentsuction tube.

Spray wand is in high“pressureposition.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed.

Loose fittings.

Missing/worn rubber washer.

Spray wand not properly attached.

Broken o-ring or plastic insert.

Pump is sucking air.

Loose fittings.

Water seals are damaged or worn.

Oil seals are damaged or worn.

In USA Call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com