Kenmore Elite 11173335220 bottom-mount refrigerator Parts

A Kenmore Elite refrigerator typically lasts 10 to 15 years. For your Kenmore Elite model 11173335220, regular maintenance (cleaning coils, keeping door seals tight, and replacing filters on schedule) helps you reach the high end of that range; see the owner's manual for care and cleaning guidance.

Typical lifespan and what to expect

Most modern bottom-mount refrigerators fall into a predictable pattern as they age:

• 0 to 5 years: mostly minor issues (ice maker adjustments, filter changes)
• 6 to 10 years: higher chance of wear items (fans, sensors, door gaskets)
• 10 to 15 years: common window for major repairs (sealed system, compressor, control boards)
• 15+ years: possible, but repairs often become less cost-effective

Maintenance that extends refrigerator life

These steps reduce strain on the compressor and improve cooling efficiency:

• Vacuum condenser coils and the grille area regularly (more often with pets)
• Keep door gaskets clean and sealing evenly; avoid slamming doors
• Maintain steady temperatures; avoid frequent wide temperature changes
• Replace the water filter every 6 months (or sooner if flow drops)
• If storing or using the refrigerator in cold spaces, protect the water filter from freezing

Filter schedule quick reference

Item	Normal interval	Replace sooner if
Water filter	Every 6 months	Water flow slows, taste/odor changes

Why it matters

A refrigerator that is maintained well runs cooler with less runtime. That reduces compressor wear, helps prevent temperature swings that spoil food, and can delay expensive repairs as the unit approaches the 10 to 15 year mark.

Parts and model lookup

If you need replacement parts for Kenmore Elite 11173335220, start with the parts list for this model; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore model numbers tell us which factory built the appliance and which exact design version you have, which is what we use to match the right parts and diagrams. For your Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator, the model number is 11173335220; confirm it on the rating label and in the owner's manual.

How Kenmore model numbers are typically structured

Most Kenmore model numbers have two key pieces of information:

• A prefix (often the first 3 digits) that points to the original manufacturer family
• A model series and revision (the remaining digits) that identify the exact configuration
• A full model number that must be used as-is when looking up refrigerator parts, shelves, drawers, filters, or control boards
• Sometimes punctuation (like a dot) appears on some Kenmore products; the important part is entering the full number exactly as shown on the label

Where to find the model number on a bottom-mount refrigerator

On most Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators, the rating label is commonly found in one of these places:

• Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
• Near the crisper or pantry drawer area
• Along the door frame edge (visible when the door is open)
• Occasionally behind the toe grille or on the rear cabinet

Why the full model number matters for parts

Even small model-number differences can change fit and wiring. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct parts list and diagrams for items like the ice maker, door gasket, evaporator fan motor, or temperature control.

What you enter	What can happen
Full model number (example: 11173335220)	Correct parts and diagrams for your exact refrigerator
Partial model number (example: 1117333)	Parts may not fit or may not wire correctly
“Close enough” digits swapped	You can end up with the wrong door bin, shelf, or control

Ordering tip

When you are ready to look up parts, start with the parts list for model 11173335220; if you are searching across multiple appliances, use Sears PartsDirect and enter the full model number exactly.

Why it matters

Kenmore sold appliances built by different manufacturers over the years. The model number is the fastest way to identify the correct design so repairs go smoothly and parts fit the first time.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on Kenmore Elite refrigerators like model 11173335220 include not cooling well, frost buildup that blocks airflow, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser issues, and unusual noises. Most of these trace back to airflow restrictions, defrost system trouble, fan problems, or a clogged drain.

Most common symptoms and what they usually mean

• Fridge warm, freezer cold (or vice versa): evaporator fan not moving air, frost-packed evaporator, or blocked vents
• Frost or ice buildup on the back wall/freezer: defrost heater, defrost sensor, or control issue
• Water pooling inside or under the unit: clogged/iced defrost drain, mis-seated drain tube, or door left ajar causing excess frost melt
• Loud humming, buzzing, or rattling: condenser fan, evaporator fan, or items vibrating against the cabinet
• Ice maker slow or not making ice: temperature too warm, water supply restriction, or ice maker fill/valve issue

Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts

1. Confirm temperatures: setpoints should be in a normal range (many bottom-mount units run best around 0°F freezer and 37°F fresh food).
2. Check door sealing: look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or heavy condensation.
3. Look for airflow blockage: avoid overpacking; keep vents clear.
4. Inspect for frost patterns: heavy frost suggests a defrost or door-seal problem.
5. Clean condenser area (if accessible): dust buildup commonly reduces cooling and increases noise.

Troubleshooting guide: symptom to likely area

Symptom	Most likely area to check	Why it matters
Warm temps	condenser coils/fan, evaporator fan, defrost system	Cooling depends on heat removal and airflow
Frost buildup	defrost heater/sensor/control, door gasket	Frost blocks airflow across the evaporator
Water leak	defrost drain, drain pan, door alignment	Meltwater must drain freely to prevent overflow
Noise	condenser fan, evaporator fan, cabinet vibration	Fans run often and amplify small issues

Safety and service notes (important)

The manual notes that some models use LED interior lighting and that service should be performed by a qualified technician; also, setting controls to OFF does not remove power to the light circuit. Use the 11173335220 owner's manual for model-specific troubleshooting and safety guidance.

Why it matters

Catching airflow, defrost, and drain issues early prevents temperature swings that can spoil food, create recurring ice buildup, and overwork the compressor and fans.

For parts lookup by model number and diagrams, start with the parts list for model 11173335220 or search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore Elite refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance ID label; for this unit, the model format looks like 11173335220. We typically find that label inside the fresh food compartment, inside the freezer, or near the lower front kickplate. Use the owner's manual for model-specific label location details, then use Sears PartsDirect to look up parts by that exact model number.

Where to look for the model number label

Check these common spots on a Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (often near the crisper area)
• On the inside wall behind or near the lower crisper drawers
• Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall
• Along the door frame when the door is open
• Behind the lower front kickplate or grille area

How to read the label correctly

Model and serial labels can be easy to misread. Use these tips:

• Copy the model number exactly as printed (letters and numbers, no spaces added)
• Confirm you are reading MODEL (not serial, not FCC ID, not a part number)
• Take a clear photo and zoom in to avoid mixing up 0 and O, 1 and I
• If the label is worn, use a flashlight at an angle to make the print stand out

Model number vs. serial number (quick guide)

Label item	What it’s used for	Example format
Model number	Finding correct parts diagrams and replacement parts	11173335220
Serial number	Identifying production run and date information	Varies by unit

Why it matters

Kenmore Elite refrigerators often have multiple versions that look similar but use different parts (for example, shelves, door bins, ice maker components, or control boards). Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong replacement part and helps match the right diagrams.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s premium line, and the Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator model 11173335220 is built around higher-end features and finishes than standard Kenmore models, including advanced controls and smart connectivity described in the owner's manual.

What “high end” means for Kenmore Elite

In our experience, “high end” typically shows up as a combination of design, features, and performance-focused components.

• More feature-rich control panels and settings (for example, lock functions and specialty temperature controls)
• Smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and status indicator LEDs
• Added convenience features (ice and water features vary by model)
• More detailed diagnostics and troubleshooting guidance in the documentation
• A more premium look and feel compared to entry-level lines

Smart features you may see on this model

The manual for model 11173335220 describes smart indicators and connected operation (for example, a SMART LED that indicates the refrigerator is connected to the internet, plus Smart Grid-related indicators).

Feature/indicator	What it’s for	What you’ll notice
SMART LED (blue)	Confirms internet connection	LED turns on when connected
Smart Grid LED (white)	Indicates demand-response capability	Shows the unit can receive a utility signal
GRID MODE LED (red)	Indicates reduced/delayed energy use	Illuminates during certain events

Why it matters when you’re buying parts or troubleshooting

Higher-end models often use more sensors, control boards, and wiring connections. That makes model-number matching especially important when ordering parts or diagnosing issues.

• Use the exact model number 11173335220 when searching
• Check the troubleshooting sections before replacing parts
• Follow safety steps (for example, unplugging power before servicing lights)

For replacement parts, start with the parts list for model 11173335220, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026