Owner’s manual
Error Codes
What is a bottom mount refrigerator?
A bottom-mount refrigerator (like Kenmore model 59679142993) keeps the fresh-food compartment on top at eye level and puts the freezer drawer on the bottom. This layout reduces bending for everyday refrigerated items while still providing full freezer storage below.
How a bottom-mount design is laid out
- Top section: fresh foods (most-used items)
- Bottom section: freezer compartment (often a pull-out drawer)
- Door swing matters: you may need extra clearance on the hinge side for the door to open fully
- Optional features: some versions include an ice maker and water line connection
Space and placement basics (common for this style)
Our Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators are typically installed with ventilation and door-clearance in mind. The Use & Care Guide for this style calls out these common requirements:
| Installation need | Typical guidance for this bottom-mount style | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Top clearance | About 1 inch above the cabinet | Helps airflow and cooling efficiency |
| Hinge-side clearance near a wall | About 2 1/2 inches minimum | Allows the door to swing open to 90° |
| Location | Avoid heat sources; keep above 55°F ambient | Prevents poor cooling and high run time |
For the exact recommendations and diagrams for your unit, use the 59679142993 owner's manual.
Why it matters
Bottom-mount refrigerators are popular because they put the items you reach for most (milk, produce, leftovers) at a more comfortable height. That convenience can also reduce door-open time, which helps temperature stability and energy use.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 59679142993, the model number by itself usually does not state the exact cubic-foot capacity. The most reliable way is to look up the specifications in the 59679142993 owner's manual; if you need an estimate, calculate interior volume from measurements and convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
Best ways to find cubic feet (most accurate first)
- Check the specifications section in the 59679142993 owner's manual.
- Search the model number on the rating plate to confirm you are using the full number (for this unit, the manual notes the serial plate is on the top left wall of the refrigerator compartment).
- Measure the usable interior space and calculate an estimate (helpful if bins or shelves have been changed).
- Compare to typical sizes: most bottom-mount refrigerators are commonly in the mid-to-high teens up through the 20s in cubic feet, depending on width and configuration.
How to estimate cubic feet by measuring
- Empty the compartment you are measuring (fresh food and freezer are best measured separately).
- Measure the usable interior:
- Width (inches)
- Depth (inches)
- Height (inches)
- Multiply:
W x D x H = cubic inches. - Convert:
cubic inches ÷ 1728 = cubic feet.
Quick conversion table
| What you have | Convert to | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Inches (W x D x H) | Cubic inches | W x D x H |
| Cubic inches | Cubic feet | ÷ 1728 |
Why it matters
Cubic-foot capacity helps us match the right refrigerator parts and accessories (like shelves, crisper drawers, and door bins) and it also helps you compare storage space between models more accurately than exterior dimensions.
Last updated: January 2026
What does DH mean on Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
On Kenmore refrigerators like model 59679142993, DH commonly points to a defrost heating problem (the unit is not warming the evaporator enough during the defrost cycle). This can be caused by the defrost heater circuit, wiring, or the electronic control not powering the heater.
What to check first (safe, quick checks)
- Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or touching wiring.
- Confirm the doors are closing fully and the door gaskets seal; heavy frost can mimic a defrost failure.
- Look for heavy frost or a solid ice sheet on the freezer back wall; that strongly suggests a defrost system issue.
- Make sure the refrigerator is on a proper grounded outlet and not on an extension cord (power issues can cause control problems).
- Review the control and troubleshooting information in the 59679142993 owner's manual.
Likely causes of a DH (defrost heat) issue
In most bottom-mount refrigerators, the defrost system is made up of a few key parts. If any one fails, the evaporator can ice over and airflow drops.
| Component | What it does | Common symptom when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost heater | Melts frost off the evaporator | Heavy frost buildup, warm fridge section |
| Defrost thermostat or sensor | Allows or signals defrost heat at the right time | Intermittent icing, DH-type errors |
| Main control board | Sends power to the heater during defrost | Repeated DH, no heat during defrost |
| Wiring/connectors | Carries power to heater and sensors | Burnt connector, loose plug, intermittent faults |
How we typically diagnose it (overview)
- Inspect the freezer evaporator area for frost pattern and ice buildup.
- Check wiring connections at the heater and sensor for looseness or damage.
- Use a multimeter to test heater continuity and verify the control is sending voltage during a defrost cycle.
For electrical testing technique, use how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.
Why it matters
A true DH condition usually means the evaporator is not defrosting correctly. If it continues, airflow gets blocked by ice, temperatures rise, and the compressor can run longer than normal.
Last updated: January 2026
Is there a way to reset a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
Yes. For a Kenmore refrigerator like model 59679142993, the most reliable reset is a power reset: unplug the unit (or switch off the breaker) for 5 to 10 minutes, then restore power and allow the controls and compressor time to restart and stabilize.
Recommended reset methods (in order)
- Power reset (best first step): Unplug for 5 to 10 minutes, then plug back in.
- Breaker reset: Turn the refrigerator circuit breaker off for 5 minutes, then back on.
- Control recovery time: After power is restored, wait up to 40 minutes if the refrigerator is in a defrost cycle before assuming it failed to restart.
- Cooling stabilization: Give the refrigerator several hours to pull temperatures back down after a reset, especially if doors were open or warm food was added.
What to check right after a reset
Use this quick checklist to avoid “false alarm” no-cool situations:
- Confirm the refrigerator is plugged into a working outlet and the outlet has power.
- Check the house fuse/circuit breaker if the unit is completely dead.
- Make sure temperature controls were not turned down/off.
- Verify doors close fully and gaskets seal tightly.
- Make sure air vents are not blocked by food packages.
If it still will not run: common causes and next steps
The manual’s troubleshooting guidance points to a few practical checks before you assume a major failure.
| Symptom | What it often means | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| Lights work, but fans/compressor are off | Defrost cycle may be active | Wait up to 40 minutes, then recheck cooling |
| No lights, no sound | Power supply issue | Check outlet, breaker/fuse, cord connection |
| Runs but food is warm | Airflow, seals, or dirty coils | Check vents, gaskets, and clean condenser coils |
Why it matters
A reset clears minor control glitches, but it does not fix airflow problems, dirty condenser coils, or a door that is not sealing. Doing the quick checks above prevents unnecessary parts replacement and helps restore proper cooling faster.
For model-specific control and troubleshooting details, use the 59679142993 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
