Kenmore Elite 11173315120 refrigerator Parts

Most Kenmore Elite refrigerators, including the Kenmore Elite 11173315120 bottom-mount style, typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use. Consistent maintenance (cleaning, good airflow, and tight door seals) is what most often determines whether you land closer to 10 years or closer to 15.

What affects refrigerator lifespan the most

We see these factors make the biggest difference on Kenmore Elite refrigerators:

• Condenser coil cleanliness (dust buildup makes the compressor work harder)
• Door gasket condition (air leaks cause longer run times and frost issues)
• Stable temperatures (fresh food about 37°F; freezer about 0°F)
• Good airflow (do not block vents with food packages)
• Water and ice system care (replace filters on schedule; prevent leaks)
• Power quality (surges and repeated outages shorten control-board life)

Maintenance schedule that helps you reach 15 years

Use this as a practical baseline; follow the model-specific steps in the 11173315120 owner's manual.

Task	How often	Why it matters
Clean condenser area	Every 6 to 12 months	Reduces compressor strain and heat buildup
Check/clean door gaskets	Every 3 months	Prevents warm air leaks and moisture intrusion
Replace water filter (if equipped)	About every 6 months	Protects water flow and ice maker performance
Level the refrigerator	Once, then as needed	Helps doors seal and close correctly

Signs it is nearing end-of-life

These symptoms usually mean a major system is wearing out (or maintenance has been neglected):

• Compressor runs almost constantly and temperatures still drift
• Repeated heavy frost or ice buildup in the freezer
• Warm refrigerator section while freezer seems “okay”
• Loud, persistent fan noise or clicking that returns after resets
• Water leaks that keep coming back after clearing the drain

Why it matters

A refrigerator that is running longer than it should uses more electricity and puts extra wear on sealed-system components. Simple upkeep often prevents the “runs all the time” cycle that shortens lifespan.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems we see on the Kenmore Elite 11173315120 bottom-mount refrigerator include warm temperatures from airflow restrictions (dirty condenser cover/vents, blocked vents, frequent door openings), defrost-related frost buildup, water/ice maker supply issues, and door seal leaks. Many are resolved with cleaning, settings checks, and basic inspections in the 11173315120 use and care guide.

Most common symptoms and what they usually mean

• Refrigerator or freezer too warm: often door openings, hot room location, or airflow restriction at the condenser cover/vents.
• Compressor seems to run a lot: normal can be 40% to 80% of the time at about 70°F; it runs more in warmer rooms.
• Frost buildup or weak airflow: commonly points to a defrost problem or an evaporator fan/airflow issue.
• Water dispenser or ice maker not working: usually a water supply, filter, or inlet valve issue.
• Water puddles: commonly a defrost drain issue or door left ajar causing excess moisture.
• Doors not sealing well: gasket not sealing, door alignment, or overpacked bins preventing closure.

Quick checks we recommend first (no tools)

1. Confirm temperature settings and give the unit up to 24 hours to stabilize after installation or major changes.
2. Reduce long or frequent door openings; warm, humid air quickly raises compartment temps.
3. Make sure the refrigerator is not operated above 110°F.
4. Check that interior air vents are not blocked by food containers.
5. Clean the condenser cover and vents with a vacuum attachment; do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area.

Symptom-to-cause guide

Symptom	Most likely causes	Best first action
Fresh food warm, freezer OK	Airflow blocked, door openings	Clear vents; limit openings
Both sections warm	Dirty condenser cover/vents, hot room	Vacuum vents; verify room temp
Frost on back wall, weak airflow	Defrost system issue	Follow troubleshooting steps in manual
No ice or slow water	Filter/supply/inlet valve	Replace filter; verify water supply

Why it matters

Cooling complaints are often caused by airflow and heat load, not a failed sealed system. Simple steps like vent clearance and condenser-vent cleaning restore normal temperatures and reduce compressor run time.

Last updated: February 2026

Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 11173315120 is usually caused by a defrost drain that is clogged with ice or debris, or a water supply leak from the ice maker or dispenser tubing/connection. Start by checking for water under the crisper area and under the unit near the drain pan.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Unplug the refrigerator before inspecting behind panels or near wiring.
• Look for water pooling inside the fresh food section (often points to a defrost drain issue).
• Look for water pooling under the front of the refrigerator (often points to a supply line, filter, or valve leak).
• If you have an ice maker, confirm the water line was connected correctly and the tubing is not kinked.
• Verify your home water pressure is in the normal range for this model (the guide calls for 30 to 125 psi).

Most common causes (and what to do)

Likely cause	What you typically see	What to do next
Clogged/iced defrost drain	Water under crispers; may refreeze and return	Clear the drain opening and flush with hot water (turkey baster works well); clean debris from the drain trough
Leaking water line connection	Drips behind unit; wet floor near back	Inspect the supply line fitting and tubing for cracks; tighten fittings carefully
Water filter or housing leak	Drips near filter area; wet shelves	Reseat the filter, check O-rings, and replace the filter if damaged; follow how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator
Water inlet valve seeping	Slow leak; ice maker issues	Inspect valve area for mineral buildup and drips; use how to diagnose a faulty refrigerator water inlet valve for step-by-step checks

Why it matters

Bottom leaks can damage flooring and also lead to ice buildup in the freezer or airflow problems that affect cooling. Fixing the source quickly helps protect the sealed system and keeps temperatures stable.

Manual guidance to reference

For model-specific locations (filter area, water line routing, and care/cleaning steps), use the 11173315120 use and care guide. It also lists the recommended water pressure range and water line connection cautions.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator model 11173315120, the model and serial number are on an identification label inside the refrigerator compartment. On this model family, the label is on the interior liner (an inside wall of the fresh food section); confirm the exact spot using the 11173315120 owner's manual.

Where to check on model 11173315120

• Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door and look along the inside side walls and back wall.
• Check around the crisper area; labels are often placed low on the liner near drawers.
• Look for a white or silver sticker or plate with a barcode.
• Use a flashlight; the print can be small.
• Take a photo so you can zoom in and save it for parts lookup.

What to write down

Label item	Example	Why you need it
Model number	11173315120	Ensures correct parts and diagrams
Serial number	Varies	Helps match production version for service
Electrical ratings	Varies	Useful for diagnostics and technician support

Why it matters

Kenmore Elite refrigerators share similar styling across multiple series. Using the exact model and serial from the ID label helps us match the correct refrigerator parts, wiring information, and troubleshooting steps for your specific bottom-mount unit.

After you find the model number

If you are trying to decode a display message or fault, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to narrow down likely causes such as the control board, sensors, defrost system, or evaporator fan.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore Elite is a premium Kenmore product line that has been sold across multiple years and appliance types; there is not one single “release year” that reliably applies to every Kenmore Elite product. For your Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator model 11173315120, the most accurate “year” is the unit’s manufacture date and date of sale, found on the model and serial tag and in the warranty/product record sections of the 11173315120 owner’s manual.

How to find the year for your specific 11173315120 refrigerator

Use the refrigerator’s identification label first; that is what ties your unit to a production timeframe.

• Locate the model and serial number tag (commonly inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall or near the crisper area).
• Confirm the model reads 11173315120 exactly.
• Write down the full serial number exactly as shown.
• Check proof of purchase (receipt or delivery paperwork) for the date of sale.
• Use the serial number to determine the manufacturing date code (the format varies by the manufacturer that built that Kenmore model).

“Came out” can mean different things

Here is the practical difference between brand-line timing and your refrigerator’s actual age.

What you mean by “year”	What it tells you	Best place to look
Product line introduction	General branding timeline	Not needed for parts matching
Manufacture year	When your unit was built	Model and serial tag
In-service year	When you started using it	Proof of purchase

Why it matters

The correct year helps us match the right refrigerator parts and troubleshooting steps for your exact configuration (controls, ice maker, water filter, and smart features).

Related help for Kenmore 111 refrigerators

If you are asking because of a control-panel message or performance issue, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to narrow the problem by symptom.

Last updated: February 2026