How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 79551323011 side-by-side refrigerator, we shut off the water, unplug the refrigerator, remove the ice bin, disconnect the wiring harness, swap the ice maker, then restore power and water and confirm it fills and harvests. Use the 79551323011 owner's manual for exact screw and connector locations.
Before you start
- Turn off the household water supply to the refrigerator.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Remove the ice bin and clear the work area.
- Keep towels handy for minor drips at the fill tube.
- Use the correct nut driver or screwdriver for the mounting screws.
Step-by-step: ice maker replacement
- Remove the ice bin and any shelf/bin blocking access.
- Unplug the ice maker wiring harness connector.
- Remove the mounting screws; lift the ice maker off the mounting tabs/bracket.
- Inspect the fill tube; clear any ice blockage so the new unit can fill.
- Set the new ice maker on the tabs/bracket; tighten screws.
- Reconnect the wiring harness; reinstall the ice bin.
- Restore water and power; allow 12 to 24 hours for normal ice production.
Quick checks if it will not make ice
- Water valve is on and the supply line is not kinked.
- Fill tube is aligned and not frozen.
- Freezer temperature is set cold enough (typically about 0°F).
- Ice bin is fully seated.
- Door switch closes properly when the freezer door shuts.
Related parts that can affect ice production
| What you are seeing | What to check | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker runs but no fill | Water path restrictions | Refrigerator water tank MJM61904702 |
| Ice builds up or will not dispense | Ice storage and delivery | Refrigerator ice bin 5075JJ1003K |
| Ice maker is dead or inconsistent | Ice maker assembly | Lg refrigerator ice maker assembly 5989JA1002D |
Why it matters
Correct mounting and fill-tube alignment prevents leaks and ensures the mold fills properly; good freezer temperature and airflow help prevent repeat failures.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 79551323011 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How wide is a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator?
Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 33 inches to 36 inches wide; for your Kenmore 79551323011, the exact cabinet width and door-clearance requirements are listed in the 79551323011 owner's manual.
Typical width ranges (what you can expect)
Side-by-side refrigerators are built in a few common widths. Use this as a quick sizing guide before you measure.
- 33 in. class: common for tighter kitchens and some counter-depth designs
- 35 to 36 in. class: the most common full-size side-by-side width
- 36+ in.: less common; usually higher-capacity or specialty models
How to measure width the right way
We recommend measuring both the refrigerator and the opening so you do not get surprised by door swing or trim.
- Measure cabinet width (main box) at the widest point
- Measure door width and note any handles that stick out
- Measure the opening width between cabinets or walls
- Check for hinge-side clearance so doors can open fully
- Confirm you have room for airflow clearance behind and above
Quick checklist: what dimension do you need?
| What you are fitting | Measure this | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Into a cabinet opening | Opening width | Prevents rubbing and vibration noise |
| Past an island or wall | Door swing clearance | Ensures drawers and bins pull out |
| Through a doorway | Narrowest path width | Avoids getting stuck during delivery |
| Under upper cabinets | Height and top clearance | Protects airflow and cooling performance |
Why it matters
A side-by-side that is even 1 inch too wide can prevent proper installation, reduce door opening range, and make it harder to service parts like the ice maker or water system later.
If you are also planning water hookup or dispenser service, our how to disassemble a Kenmore refrigerator dispenser guide can help you understand the space needed at the door.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 79551323011 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 79551323011 are cooling issues, ice maker and dispenser failures, water leaks, frost buildup, and unusual noises. These often trace back to airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, drain clogs, or a failing fan, sensor, or control.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, failed evaporator fan motor, bad temperature sensor, or control board issues
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply problems, frozen fill path, dispenser/ice chute issues, or a failing ice maker assembly
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, cracked drain tube, loose water tube fitting, or a leaking water tank
- Excessive frost in freezer: door not sealing, frequent door openings, or defrost system problems
- Noisy operation: fan motor noise, ice buildup contacting the fan, or vibration from mounts and panels
Quick checks we recommend first (safe DIY)
- Confirm the temperature settings and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after changes.
- Make sure air vents are not blocked by food packages in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Clean condenser coils and the grille area; restricted airflow is a top cause of poor cooling.
- Check door closure: look for gaps, torn gaskets, or doors that do not self-close.
- If you see water under the unit, inspect for a clogged defrost drain and signs of ice in the drain trough.
Parts that commonly relate to these problems on model 79551323011
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
| Problem area | What it affects | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost drain leak | Water under fridge, ice buildup | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Poor airflow/noise | Warm temps, buzzing or rubbing sound | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S |
| Temperature sensing | Temps swing, inconsistent cooling | Refrigerator sensor 6500JB2001B |
| Ice production | No ice, small cubes, slow output | Lg refrigerator ice maker assembly 5989JA1002D |
Why it matters
Catching airflow and water issues early helps prevent secondary damage like ice buildup around the evaporator, recurring leaks, and temperature swings that can spoil food. It also helps you avoid replacing expensive parts when a cleaning or drain clear-out solves the problem.
Helpful references for this model family
- Use the 79551323011 owner's manual for operating tips, temperature recommendations, and feature-specific checks.
- For ordering model-matched replacement parts, start with the parts list for 79551323011, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
For a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator like model 79551323011, the biggest disadvantage is usable space: the refrigerator and freezer compartments are tall but narrower, so wide items (pizza boxes, party platters, sheet pans) often do not fit as easily as they do in many French door or top-freezer designs. For model-specific layout and storage features, use the 79551323011 owner's manual.
Common disadvantages (what owners notice most)
- Narrow shelves and door bins; wide containers can be hard to place flat.
- Less flexible fresh-food storage; the vertical split can limit large crisper or deli space.
- Freezer organization can feel tight; tall, narrow shelves make bulky frozen items awkward.
- Ice and water dispenser hardware can reduce interior capacity on the freezer door.
- More door swing clearance can be needed in tight kitchens because both doors open outward.
Side-by-side vs. French door: quick comparison
| Feature | Side-by-side (like 79551323011) | French door (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Fits wide items | Fair | Better |
| Frozen food access | Easy at eye level | Often lower drawer |
| Fresh food capacity feel | Moderate | Often higher |
| Door clearance | Moderate to high | Often lower per door |
How to reduce the downsides
- Use shallow bins to keep items from getting lost behind others.
- Reserve one shelf for wide, flat items by removing a bin or adjusting shelf height.
- Keep the freezer efficient by using stackable containers and labeling.
- If the dispenser area is crowded or noisy, inspect common dispenser components such as the refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204.
- For odor issues that can feel worse in tighter compartments, follow how to get rid of refrigerator smells.
Why it matters
Side-by-side refrigerators are great for everyday access to both fresh and frozen foods, but the narrower footprint changes what fits comfortably. Knowing these tradeoffs helps you plan storage, avoid overpacking, and decide whether organization accessories or a repair (ice and water system, door bins, rails) will improve usability.
Last updated: February 2026





