How to clean the coils on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
For Kenmore model 79551322012, cleaning the condenser coils means safely removing dust and pet hair from the coil area and nearby fan intake so the refrigerator can release heat properly. We recommend doing this every 6 to 12 months (more often with pets).
Safety first
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off power at the breaker).
- Turn off the water supply only if you need to move the unit.
- Wear gloves; coil fins and sheet metal edges can be sharp.
- Avoid spraying water or cleaner directly into the coil compartment.
Step-by-step: how we clean the condenser coils
- Pull the refrigerator straight out to protect flooring and avoid kinking the water line.
- Remove the lower front grille or rear access cover (follow the 79551322012 owner's manual for panel locations and fasteners).
- Use a coil brush to loosen packed dust on the coils and around the condenser fan area.
- Vacuum with a crevice tool to remove loosened debris (work slowly so you do not bend fins).
- Wipe the grille/cover, reinstall it, then restore power.
- Confirm the refrigerator is running and airflow at the bottom/front is not blocked.
What to use (and what to avoid)
| Item | Recommended? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Coil brush | Yes | Reaches between coil rows without damaging them |
| Vacuum with crevice tool | Yes | Removes dust so it does not re-settle |
| Compressed air | Sometimes | Works well, but can blow dust into the room |
| Water/steam | No | Can damage electrical parts and cause corrosion |
Signs the coils need cleaning
- Refrigerator runs longer than normal
- Cabinet sides feel unusually warm
- Freezer ice production slows
- You hear the condenser fan working harder or louder
Why it matters
Dirty coils trap heat, which forces the compressor to run longer. Keeping coils clean helps maintain stable temperatures, supports ice maker performance, and can reduce energy use.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my Kenmore fridge model number?
On Kenmore model 79551322012 side-by-side refrigerators, the model number is printed on the appliance’s rating label, most often inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on a side wall or near the crisper area. Use the exact model number to match parts and diagrams.
Common places to check
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right wall
- On the wall behind or just above the lower crisper drawers
- On the door frame (open the refrigerator door and check the frame area)
- Behind the lower front grille or kickplate (near the floor)
- On the back exterior panel (less common, but worth a quick look)
Quick steps to find it fast
- Open the refrigerator door and scan the side walls at eye level.
- Pull out the lower crisper drawers and look at the back wall behind them.
- Check the door frame label area.
- If you still do not see it, remove the lower grille or kickplate and look for a label behind it.
What the label usually includes (and what to write down)
| Label item | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 79551322012) | Ensures parts fit your exact refrigerator |
| Serial number | Helps identify production run and revisions |
| Electrical ratings | Useful for troubleshooting and service |
Why it matters
Kenmore refrigerators can look similar across multiple series, but parts like an ice maker assembly, thermistor, or control board can vary by model. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct replacement part the first time. For more label-location details, check the 79551322012 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 79551322012, the most accurate way to get cubic feet (total capacity) is to look up the capacity in the specifications section of the 79551322012 owner's manual. If you cannot access the manual right away, you can estimate capacity by measuring the interior volume, but the manual spec is the number to use.
Fast ways to find the cubic feet for model 79551322012
- Check the specifications or product data pages in the 79551322012 owner's manual.
- Look for the rating plate inside the fresh food section (often on a side wall or near the crisper area); it may list capacity or key specs.
- If the rating plate does not list cubic feet, use it to confirm the exact model number and then match it to the manual spec.
- Avoid relying on “similar” 795-prefix models; small suffix differences can change capacity.
How to estimate cubic feet (when you need a quick number)
We use this only as a stopgap for planning shelves, bins, or a replacement.
- Measure usable interior dimensions (inches) for:
- Fresh food compartment (width x depth x height)
- Freezer compartment (width x depth x height)
- Convert each compartment to cubic feet:
- Cubic feet = (W x D x H) / 1728
- Add the two results for an estimated total.
| Method | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Manual specification | Exact rated capacity | Comparing models, resale, documentation |
| Rating plate check | Sometimes lists capacity | Quick confirmation |
| Interior measurement | Approximate usable space | Fit planning for bins and storage |
Why it matters
Cubic feet affects how much food you can store and helps you choose correctly sized replacement items (like shelves, drawers, and door bins). It also prevents ordering parts meant for a different capacity variant within the Kenmore 795 model family.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common issues we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 79551322012 are cooling problems, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser failures, and unusual noises. These usually trace back to airflow restrictions (dirty coils, failed fan), defrost system trouble, or water system clogs; use the 79551322012 owner's manual for model-specific checks.
Common problems and what typically causes them
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coil, failed evaporator fan motor, or a defrost problem causing ice buildup
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, cracked drain tube, or loose water line connections
- Ice maker not making ice: frozen fill tube, low water pressure, or a failing ice maker assembly
- Dispenser issues (ice or water): jammed ice bin, auger motor problems, or a chute/door that does not open/close correctly
- Noises (buzzing, rattling, clicking): fan blade hitting ice, worn fan motor, or vibration at the compressor area
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Confirm temps: 0°F in the freezer and 37°F in the fresh food section.
- Clean the condenser area and make sure airflow around the grille is not blocked.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: it should run when the compressor is running and the door switch is closed.
- Check door seals for gaps and frost patterns.
- If you have leaks, inspect the drain area for ice and clear the drain path.
Parts that commonly solve these symptoms on 79551322012
| Symptom | Common fix area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer | Airflow in freezer | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S |
| Puddles under/inside | Defrost drain path | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| No ice production | Ice maker system | Lg refrigerator ice maker assembly 5989JA1002D |
| Ice not dispensing | Dispenser drive | Refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204 |
Why it matters
Most “big” refrigerator complaints are actually airflow or drainage problems. Fixing a dirty coil, a blocked drain, or a weak fan early helps prevent food spoilage, repeat icing, and strain on the compressor.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators, including side-by-side models like 79551322012, typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use. Regular maintenance and quick repairs (especially cooling, defrost, and door-seal issues) are what most often determine whether you land closer to 10 years or closer to 15.
Typical lifespan and what to expect
Here’s a practical way to think about service life for a Kenmore refrigerator:
| Age of refrigerator | What’s common | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5 years | Minor adjustments, occasional icemaker or dispenser issues | Keep coils clean; replace filters on schedule |
| 6 to 10 years | Higher chance of fan, defrost, or sensor problems | Address warm temps early to prevent food loss |
| 11 to 15 years | More frequent repairs; efficiency can drop | Compare repair cost vs. replacement value |
| 16+ years | Major sealed-system or control failures become more likely | Consider replacement if cooling becomes unstable |
Maintenance that extends lifespan
These steps have the biggest payoff for long-term reliability:
- Clean the condenser area regularly to help the compressor run cooler.
- Keep door gaskets clean and sealing tightly to prevent warm air leaks.
- Maintain steady temperature settings (avoid frequent extreme adjustments).
- Fix water leaks quickly to prevent ice buildup and drain clogs.
- Replace worn cooling and airflow parts when symptoms start (noise, warm spots, frost).
For model-specific care and cleaning intervals, follow the 79551322012 owner's manual.
Repairs that are worth doing (and ones that add up)
Some repairs are usually straightforward and can keep a refrigerator going for years; others can become cost-heavy.
- Often worth it: icemaker issues, dispenser problems, drain clogs, gasket sealing problems.
- Can add up: repeated defrost failures, recurring temperature swings, electronic control issues.
- Big-ticket repairs: compressor or sealed-system work.
If you’re troubleshooting ice production or dispenser performance, our guide how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems helps you narrow down common causes before replacing parts.
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is struggling to cool efficiently runs longer cycles, risks food spoilage, and can accelerate wear on key components like the compressor and evaporator fan. Staying ahead of airflow, defrost, and sealing problems is the simplest way to reach the full expected lifespan.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 79551322012 side-by-side refrigerator, we shut off the water supply, remove the ice maker assembly and wiring harness, then install the new unit and confirm it cycles and fills correctly. Use the 79551322012 owner's manual for model-specific access points and fastener locations.
Before you start (tools and safety)
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker).
- Turn off the water supply valve to the refrigerator.
- Protect the freezer floor with a towel; ice and water can spill.
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver or Phillips screwdriver (most common).
- Wear cut-resistant gloves around sheet metal edges.
Step-by-step: replacing the ice maker
- Empty the ice bin and remove it from the freezer door or shelf area.
- Remove the ice maker cover (if present) to expose mounting screws.
- Disconnect the wiring harness (release the locking tab, do not pull on wires).
- Remove mounting screws and lift the ice maker off its bracket/rails.
- Install the replacement ice maker and tighten screws evenly.
- Reconnect the harness, reinstall covers, and reinstall the ice bin.
- Restore power and water, then allow time for the first harvest.
Helpful model-matched part: lg refrigerator ice maker assembly 5989JA1002D.
Quick checks after installation
- Confirm the freezer is set near 0°F; ice makers will not cycle well above this.
- Make sure the fill tube is not frozen or blocked.
- Verify the shutoff arm (or sensor) moves freely.
- Check for leaks at the rear water line connection.
- Discard the first 1 to 2 batches of ice if the system was opened.
Common symptoms and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Most common cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| No ice, no sound | No power to ice maker | Recheck harness connection and freezer door switch |
| No ice, mold is dry | No water fill | Confirm house valve is on; check for frozen fill tube |
| Small or hollow cubes | Low water flow | Replace clogged filter; check supply line kinks |
| Ice clumps in bin | Door not sealing well | Inspect gasket and bin seating |
Why it matters
A correctly installed ice maker prevents leaks, protects the dispenser components, and helps the freezer maintain stable temperatures. A loose harness connection or restricted water flow is the most common reason a new ice maker does not start making ice.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore model numbers?
Kenmore model numbers are read left to right; the first three digits identify the manufacturer, and the remaining digits identify the design series and specific feature variations. For your Kenmore refrigerator model 79551322012, the 795 prefix indicates it was built by LG, which helps match the correct parts and service information in the 79551322012 owner's manual.
How to break down a Kenmore model number
Most Kenmore model numbers follow this pattern:
- First 3 digits: manufacturer (the “source” code)
- Middle digits: base design or series
- Last digits: feature, color, or production variation
- Full model number: always use the entire number when ordering parts
Common Kenmore manufacturer prefixes (examples)
| Prefix | Common manufacturer | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| 795 | LG | Parts cross-references, service-style design |
| 106 | Whirlpool | Parts families and troubleshooting style |
| 253 | Frigidaire/Electrolux | Error-code and parts grouping |
Where to find the model number on a refrigerator
On most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators, the model/serial label is typically found in one of these spots:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the lights
- Behind the crisper drawers (on the liner wall)
- On the door frame area (hinge side)
Why it matters when ordering parts
Using the full model number prevents mismatches between similar-looking refrigerators. Small variation digits can change which ice maker, control board, or door gasket fits.
If you are troubleshooting dispenser or ice issues on this 795-series unit, the manufacturer prefix also points you toward LG-style components such as the lg refrigerator ice maker assembly 5989JA1002D and related dispenser parts.
Quick tips to avoid part-order mistakes
- Copy the model number exactly, including all digits
- Use the model number from the product label, not the sales receipt
- Match parts by part ID when possible (it is the most precise identifier)
- Confirm the symptom first (cooling, ice maker, water dispenser, door seal)
Last updated: February 2026





