Kenmore 11172795120 refrigerator Parts

A bad compressor in your Kenmore refrigerator (model 11172795120) usually shows up as poor or no cooling even though the unit has power, along with repeated clicking (start attempts) or unusual running sounds. Before condemning the compressor, we confirm airflow, door sealing, and condenser cleanliness because those issues can mimic compressor failure.

• Give it time after power loss or install: cooling can take up to 24 hours to stabilize.
• Check door use and loading: frequent openings or adding warm food makes the compressor run longer.
• Confirm doors fully close: warm air leaks can keep temps high.
• Clean the condenser cover and vents: a clogged condenser area can cause long run times and warm temps (use a vacuum attachment; do not remove the condenser panel).
• Verify room temperature: operation above 110°F can prevent proper cooling.

These symptoms are strong indicators after the quick checks above are ruled out:

• Clicking every few minutes with little or no compressor run time (overload/start device cycling)
• Fridge and freezer both warm while fans may still run
• Compressor runs but cooling is weak for many hours (especially if condenser airflow is good)
• Loud humming, high-pitched, or pulsating sound changes that are new or accompanied by warming (some pulsating can be normal with high-efficiency compressors)

A compressor diagnosis affects cost and repair approach. Many “not cooling” complaints are caused by airflow restrictions, door sealing problems, or heavy loading, and fixing those restores normal compressor run time (often 40% to 80% at about 70°F).

• Follow the cooling and noise troubleshooting steps in the owner's manual.
• If the compressor is clicking off on overload or both compartments stay warm after the checks above, have a technician test the start components, compressor windings, and running amperage.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the rating label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. For Kenmore model 11172795120, the Use & Care Guide lists the series as 111.7279* (the asterisk represents the color number); confirm the exact full model on the label and match it to the owner's manual.

Check these common spots first (use a flashlight and look for a white or silver sticker/plate):

• Inside the refrigerator section on a side wall
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
• Behind or beside the crisper drawers
• Along the door frame when the door is open
• Near the bottom front, behind the toe grille or kick plate area

The model number is the key identifier we use to pull the correct parts list, diagrams, and troubleshooting info for your exact Kenmore refrigerator. It also helps you match the right instructions for features like the water filter, water line connection, and smart functions.

Use these checks so you do not order the wrong refrigerator parts:

• Copy the model number exactly, including all digits
• Record the serial number too (helpful for production variations)
• If the label shows a dot format (example: 111.7279), write it down exactly as printed
• Match the model on your label to the model shown on the manual cover (for this series: 111.7279*)

Once you have the model number, use the error code list that matches your platform. For Kenmore 111 bottom freezer models, start with Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems we see with the Kenmore 11172795120 bottom-mount refrigerator are “not cooling” situations (often caused by Demo mode being on, a normal defrost cycle, or airflow restrictions at the condenser cover), long run times after a power outage or install, ice not dispensing, door sealing issues, and odors from food or an overdue air filter. For model-specific checks and control settings, use the owner's manual.

• Refrigerator and freezer not cooling at all: power cord unplugged, Demo mode enabled, or unit currently in defrost.
• Takes a long time to get cold: normal after installation or power restoration (up to 24 hours).
• Compressor seems to run constantly: frequent door openings, warm room conditions, or restricted airflow at the condenser cover.
• Ice will not dispense: a door is not fully closed, ice clumped in the bin, chute blocked with frost, or controls locked.
• Door hard to open: normal vacuum effect right after closing; wait about a minute.
• Bad smells: food odors or an air filter that needs replacement.

1. Confirm the refrigerator is plugged into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet.
2. Check that Demo mode is off (lights work but cooling is disabled when Demo mode is on).
3. If it just ran a defrost cycle, wait 30 minutes and recheck temperatures.
4. If it was just installed, allow up to 24 hours to reach set temperatures.
5. Clean the condenser cover and vents with a vacuum attachment (do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area).

Cooling complaints on the 11172795120 are often caused by settings (Demo mode), timing (defrost or first-day cooling), or airflow restrictions. Fixing those first prevents unnecessary part replacement and helps protect food temperatures.

• If you’re seeing a code or flashing display, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
• If the issue is ice or water related, use how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.

Last updated: February 2026

A Kenmore 11172795120 bottom-mount refrigerator typically lasts 10 to 15 years. In our experience, units that get regular cleaning and have good door sealing tend to reach the higher end of that range, while heavy use and poor airflow around the cabinet shorten life.

Most modern refrigerators fall into a similar life range, but these factors make the biggest difference:

• Condenser coil cleanliness (dirty coils make the compressor run longer and hotter)
• Door gasket condition (air leaks cause longer run times and frost issues)
• Room temperature and ventilation (tight enclosures trap heat)
• How often doors are opened and how much warm food is loaded at once
• Defrost and fan performance (evaporator fan and defrost system problems strain cooling)

Use these habits to reduce compressor run time and prevent common failures:

• Vacuum and brush dust from the condenser area every 6 to 12 months
• Keep door seals clean; wipe with mild soap and water, then dry
• Set stable temps (most households do well around 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer)
• Avoid blocking air vents with food packages
• After moving the refrigerator, let it stand upright before powering on (your owner's manual covers timing and setup details)

A refrigerator that runs “too much” uses more energy and wears the sealed system faster. Your manual notes that modern refrigerators may run longer than older models because they are designed to be more energy efficient, and it can take up to 24 hours to fully cool after installation or power restoration. Checking run-time causes early can add years to the appliance.

For display diagnostics, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.

Last updated: February 2026