Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Are bottom mount fridges better?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Kenmore 11173027120 is “better” when you use the fresh-food section most often; it keeps everyday items at eye level and puts the freezer down low. The tradeoff is you bend more for frozen foods and the freezer drawer can feel heavier when loaded.
When a bottom-mount fridge is the better choice
- You want fresh foods (produce, dairy, leftovers) at a more comfortable height
- You open the refrigerator compartment far more than the freezer
- You prefer wide shelves and easier visibility of refrigerated items
- You like a pull-out freezer drawer for organizing frozen foods
When it may not be better
- You use the freezer more than the refrigerator (you will bend more often)
- You have limited space for a freezer drawer to pull fully open
- You want the lightest, simplest freezer access (top-freezer designs usually win here)
Quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount (like 11173027120) | Top-freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Easier (higher) | Lower (more bending) |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer, can be heavier | Higher door, usually lighter |
| Organization | Strong for fresh food; good freezer bins | Simple, basic layout |
Setup details that affect day-to-day satisfaction
Even the “best” layout feels worse if the refrigerator is not installed and adjusted correctly. For this model, leveling and door alignment are key for smooth door sealing and appearance. Use the steps in the owner's manual to level the cabinet and adjust doors if they look uneven.
Why it matters
Most households access refrigerated foods many times per day; putting that compartment at eye level reduces bending and makes it easier to see what you have, which can cut down on wasted food and improve kitchen workflow.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell what model Kenmore refrigerator?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on an identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. For Kenmore model 11173027120, the Use and Care Guide specifies the label is on the interior liner of the refrigerator compartment; match that number exactly when looking up parts and service information in the owner's manual.
Where to look for the model and serial label
Check these common spots inside the refrigerator section (fresh food compartment):
- On a side wall of the interior liner
- Near the top (ceiling area) of the compartment
- Behind or beside the crisper drawers
- Along the lower side wall near the crisper frame
- Occasionally near the door opening edge (still inside the compartment)
How to read the number correctly
Kenmore model numbers are easy to misread. Use these tips so you get the exact match:
- Copy the full model number and serial number exactly as printed
- Watch for look-alike characters (0 vs O, 1 vs I)
- Include any dots or dashes if they appear on the label
- Take a clear photo of the label before ordering parts
Quick example
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 111.7302* (manual family) | Model family used in the guide | Use your full label number (example: 11173027120) |
| 11173027120 (label) | Your exact model | Use this for parts lookup and troubleshooting |
Why it matters
The model number determines the correct parts and procedures for your specific Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator, including items like shelves/bins, ice maker components, and water filter fitment.
If you’re trying to identify the maker or decode an error
For Kenmore 111-series refrigerators, error code lists and display meanings can vary by design. Use our model-family resources when troubleshooting:
Last updated: February 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
The “bottom part” of a refrigerator is most commonly the machine compartment (also called the compressor compartment), which houses the compressor, condenser fan, and other cooling-system components. On a Kenmore 11173027120 bottom-mount refrigerator, the freezer is also located in the bottom section.
What people usually mean by “the bottom part”
Depending on what you’re looking at, the bottom area can refer to different sections:
- Machine compartment: where the compressor and condenser components live (often behind a lower rear cover)
- Freezer compartment: the bottom drawer area where frozen food is stored
- Toe grille or kick plate: the front trim near the floor (on some designs)
- Leveling legs and rollers: used to level the cabinet and help with positioning
Quick identification guide
Use this to match what you see to the correct name.
| What you see at the bottom | What it’s called | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Warm air flow, fan noise, coils, or a covered area near the back | Machine (compressor) compartment | Runs the sealed cooling system and rejects heat |
| Pull-out drawer with baskets and rails | Freezer drawer/compartment | Stores frozen food; must seal evenly |
| Doors look uneven or drawer rubs | Leveling and door adjustment system | Keeps doors aligned and sealing properly |
Why it matters
Using the right name helps you troubleshoot faster and order the correct replacement parts. For example, cooling issues often point to the machine compartment (compressor/condenser airflow), while sealing and alignment issues often involve leveling legs, hinges, or freezer drawer rails.
Model-specific tip for Kenmore 11173027120
If the “bottom part” you mean is the freezer drawer area, our owner's manual explains how to:
- Level the refrigerator using the provided wrench
- Adjust uneven refrigerator doors at the middle hinge
- Adjust the freezer drawer height (typical maximum variance is about 1/8 inch)
- Reinstall the freezer basket so the front tabs fit into the rail slots
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common issues we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 11173027120 are cooling problems (too warm or too cold), ice maker and water supply issues, frost or condensation buildup, door sealing or closing problems, and unusual noises. Many start with airflow restrictions, temperature settings, or dirty condenser vents.
Most common symptoms and likely causes
- Refrigerator or freezer too warm: frequent door openings, hot location (do not operate above 110°F), or a clogged condenser or back cover vent
- New install not cooling yet: normal; allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize
- Food freezing in fresh food section: items placed near an air vent, or temperature set too cold
- Frost on food or excess moisture: doors opened often, food not sealed, or door not closing properly
- Door hard to open or pops open: temporary vacuum after closing, or dirty or sticky door gaskets
Quick checks we recommend first
- Set controls correctly; adjust one increment at a time and wait for the temperature to stabilize
- Keep interior vents clear; avoid overpacking shelves and bins
- Vacuum the condenser cover and vents; do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area
- Clean gaskets and the surfaces they touch; confirm the doors close fully
Common problem-to-fix guide
| Problem you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food section warm | Door openings, hot room, clogged condenser vent | Reduce door-open time; vacuum vents; keep room below 110°F |
| Food freezing in refrigerator | Items near vent, control set too cold | Move items; raise temp setting slightly |
| Frost or condensation | Unsealed food, door not closing | Seal food; check gasket contact and alignment |
| Ice or water issues | Filter, supply, or ice maker conditions | Check supply and maintenance; follow model steps |
Why it matters
Most “cooling failure” complaints are actually airflow, loading, or maintenance issues. Fixing those first protects food and reduces compressor run time.
For model-specific control settings and troubleshooting steps, use the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore 11173027120 bottom-mount refrigerator stays warm in both sections and you hear repeated clicking, buzzing then clicking, or the compressor never seems to run while fans run, the compressor or its start components are failing. Use the normal noise and run-time guidance in the owner's manual to confirm it is not normal cycling.
Normal operation vs. compressor trouble
The manual notes clicking and many airflow sounds are normal, and run time increases with heat load.
- Normal: clicking as controls cycle on and off (including defrost)
- Normal: whooshing from evaporator or condenser fan airflow
- Normal: longer run time after loading warm food or after power is restored (up to 24 hours to fully cool)
- Concerning: both compartments warm for hours with doors closed
- Concerning: click every few minutes with little or no compressor run time
- Concerning: loud buzz or hum for a few seconds followed by a click (overload tripping)
Quick checks before blaming the compressor
These rule out common issues that mimic compressor failure.
- Make sure doors close fully and gaskets seal all the way around
- Verify temperature settings are at the recommended normal positions
- Clean condenser cover and vents with a vacuum attachment (do not remove the condenser area panel)
- Confirm the refrigerator is not in a hot location (do not operate above 110°F)
- Listen for both the evaporator fan and condenser fan when cooling is requested
What your symptoms usually mean
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Fans run; compressor silent; repeated clicking | Start device, control, or compressor not starting | Schedule service testing |
| Buzz then click; repeats | Overload trips (often start device or compressor) | Unplug and schedule service |
| Compressor runs a lot; temps stay high | Weak compressor or sealed system issue | Service testing |
Why it matters
A compressor diagnosis affects the sealed system; accurate troubleshooting prevents unnecessary parts and downtime.
For display codes and related cooling symptoms, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: February 2026
