What is the average lifespan of a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
Most Kenmore Elite refrigerators, including model 59678573802, typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use. Regular care (cleaning, good door sealing, and stable temperatures) helps you reach the high end of that range and reduces costly cooling-system strain.
A refrigerator’s life is mostly determined by how hard the sealed system and airflow components have to work.
- Condenser coil cleanliness: dusty coils raise compressor run time and heat
- Door gasket condition: air leaks cause longer run times and frost/moisture issues
- Airflow inside the cabinet: blocked vents can warm sections and overwork the evaporator fan
- Water and ice system upkeep: clogs and low water flow can create repeated ice maker problems
- Power interruptions: frequent outages or surges can stress controls and motors
Use the care and cleaning guidance in the 59678573802 owner’s manual and stick to a simple routine.
| Maintenance task | Good interval | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean condenser area | Every 6 to 12 months | Lowers compressor heat and run time |
| Inspect/clean door gaskets | Every 3 to 6 months | Prevents warm air leaks and moisture |
| Confirm temps (fresh food/freezer) | Monthly | Catches cooling drift early |
| Keep vents clear of food packages | Weekly | Maintains even cooling and airflow |
These symptoms often show up in the last few years of service life and usually point to cooling or airflow problems.
- Refrigerator warms even though it “runs” a lot
- Freezer frost buildup returns quickly after defrosting
- Loud fan noise or intermittent airflow (evaporator area)
- Water under the unit or recurring drain icing
- Ice maker stops producing consistently
If you’re troubleshooting ice production, our common refrigerator ice maker problems and solutions guide helps you narrow down whether the issue is water supply, the ice maker, or temperature.
Knowing the typical 10 to 15 year lifespan helps you decide whether to invest in repairs (like a control, fan motor, or ice maker) versus planning a replacement, especially when cooling performance becomes inconsistent.
Last updated: January 2026
How to raise a refrigerator off the floor?
To raise a Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 59678573802 off the floor, remove the base grille and adjust the front rollers or leveling screws at the base until the cabinet lifts slightly and the doors close smoothly. Follow the step-by-step procedure in the 59678573802 owner's manual.
- Remove the base grille by gripping it firmly and pulling it toward you.
- Identify your front adjustment style:
- Style 1: adjustable rollers with roller adjustment screws
- Style 2: leveler foot screws (leveling screws)
- Have a helper push gently against the top of the refrigerator to reduce weight on the adjusters.
- Turn the adjusters to raise the front:
- Style 1: turn the roller adjustment screw to the right to raise.
- Style 2: turn the leveling screw clockwise to raise.
- Recheck door closing; if needed, tilt slightly more to the rear by turning both sides the same amount.
- Reinstall the base grille.
| Adjustment type | Where it is | Tool size | Direction to raise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style 1 (rollers) | Front base | 3/8-inch hex driver | Right |
| Style 2 (levelers) | Front base | 1/4-inch hex driver | Clockwise |
Raising and leveling the cabinet helps the doors seal correctly, improves door closing, and prevents the refrigerator from rocking. On models with a freezer drawer, setting the brake foot firmly against the floor also helps keep the unit from rolling forward.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 59678573802 include weak or no cooling, frost buildup, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser issues, and unusual noises. Most fixes start with cleaning, checking airflow and door sealing, then testing key components listed in the 59678573802 owner’s manual.
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coil, failed evaporator fan motor, or a control problem
- Frost or ice buildup: door not sealing, frequent door openings, or a defrost system issue
- Water puddles under the refrigerator: clogged/iced drain path or a drain tube problem
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply issue, inlet valve problem, or ice maker failure
- Buzzing, clicking, or rattling: fan blade hitting ice, failing compressor start components, or vibration from tubing/pan
- Set temperatures to typical targets: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
- Make sure vents inside both compartments are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser area (dust buildup can cause poor cooling and longer run times).
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or areas that do not grip the cabinet.
- If you see water, check for ice in the drain area and confirm the drain path is open.
| Symptom | Part to consider | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer, noisy airflow | Refrigerator evaporator motor W11024089 | Circulates cold air through the compartments |
| Rattling or scraping fan noise | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 | Fan balance and clearance |
| No ice, slow fill, no water flow | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WP2315576 | Water supply to ice maker and dispenser |
| Leaks inside or under unit | Refrigerator drain tube W10619951 | Routes defrost water to the drain pan |
Catching airflow, sealing, and drain issues early helps prevent food spoilage, heavy frost that restricts cooling, and water damage on floors. The troubleshooting section in the 59678573802 owner’s manual is a strong starting point for symptom-based checks.
Last updated: January 2026
What year did the Kenmore Elite come out?
Kenmore Elite launched as a premium Kenmore line in the late 1990s; the exact build year of your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 59678573802 depends on its serial number, not the Elite name. We use the serial tag on the cabinet to identify the manufacture date for your specific unit.
Check the serial number label first; on bottom-mount refrigerators it’s commonly inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall, near the crisper area, or on a frame edge.
- Locate the model and serial label inside the refrigerator compartment
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Compare the serial format to the date-code chart in the 59678573802 owner’s manual
- If the label is worn, take a clear photo with the door open and the light on
- Use the decoded year to choose the right parts and troubleshooting steps
“Kenmore Elite” identifies a feature tier, but parts, wiring, and control styles change across production runs. The serial-based manufacture year helps match the correct refrigerator electronic control, ice maker, and door gasket style.
| What you’re doing | Why the build year helps | Common symptom if mismatched |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing a control board | Connectors and programming can vary | Cooling issues or error codes |
| Replacing an ice maker | Mounting and harness style can differ | No ice or leaking fill |
| Replacing a door gasket | Color/fit and door revision can change | Frost, sweating, warm spots |
If you’re dating the unit because you’re planning a repair, these are common service items for model 59678573802:
- Refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q (no ice, small cubes)
- Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WP2315576 (no water to ice maker/dispenser)
- Refrigerator temperature sensor 12002355 (temperature swings)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 (noise, weak airflow)
Knowing the correct manufacture year helps us avoid ordering the wrong Kenmore-compatible part and speeds up troubleshooting for cooling, ice and water, and door seal problems.
Last updated: January 2026





