How can I tell how many cubic feet my Kenmore refrigerator is?
For your Kenmore 79551833415 side-by-side refrigerator, the most reliable way to confirm cubic feet is to check the model’s specifications in the 79551833415 owner's manual. If you cannot find it there, you can estimate capacity by measuring the usable interior space and converting cubic inches to cubic feet.
- Check the specs section in the 79551833415 owner's manual (this is the best source for model-specific capacity).
- Look for the rating/model label inside the fresh food compartment (commonly on a side wall near the crisper area or upper interior wall).
- Measure the interior (usable space only) and calculate cubic feet.
- Compare to typical side-by-side sizes: most are roughly 20 to 28 cu. ft. total capacity.
- Empty enough shelves/drawers to measure the main usable cavity (not door bins).
- Measure height x width x depth in inches for:
- Fresh food compartment
- Freezer compartment
- Convert each compartment to cubic feet:
| What to do | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Convert inches to cubic feet | (H x W x D) ÷ 1728 | (60 x 18 x 16) ÷ 1728 = 10.0 cu. ft. |
| Total capacity | Fresh food + freezer | 10.0 + 6.5 = 16.5 cu. ft. |
- Shelving, ice maker, and air ducts reduce usable space.
- Manufacturers may list total capacity differently than what you can practically fill.
- Door bins and odd-shaped areas are hard to measure accurately.
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right refrigerator water filter, storage bins, and airflow-related parts, and it also helps when comparing energy use and food storage needs.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore 79551833415 side-by-side refrigerator is warm and you hear repeated clicking, the compressor may be failing to start or may be shutting off on overload. Before condemning the compressor, we check airflow, condenser cleanliness, and power because those issues can mimic compressor failure (see the owner's manual).
- Refrigerator and freezer both warm even though interior lights work
- Repeated clicking every few minutes (start device/overload cycling)
- Compressor is very hot to the touch and shuts off quickly
- Loud buzzing or humming followed by a click and silence
- Fans may run, but cabinet temperatures do not recover
- Confirm the basics: Make sure doors close fully and the temperature settings are correct.
- Give it time after power loss: This model can take up to 24 hours to cool completely after being unplugged or after an outage.
- Clean the condenser cover and vents: A clogged condenser area forces longer run times. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment; do not remove the condenser panel cover.
- Listen to the “normal” noises: Clicking during defrost or control cycling can be normal; rattling, gurgling, and whooshing can also be normal operation.
These checks help separate a bad compressor from a start or control problem:
| What you observe | Most likely cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks, won’t start, then clicks again | Start device/overload issue or locked compressor | Electrical tests; inspect start components |
| Runs but doesn’t cool well | Sealed system issue (compressor weak, restriction, refrigerant issue) | Sealed system diagnosis |
| Fans not running and compressor not running | Control, wiring, or power issue | Check supply voltage and controls |
If testing confirms the compressor is failed, the correct replacement for this model is the lg refrigerator compressor TCA38091801.
Replacing a compressor is a sealed-system repair; accurate diagnosis prevents replacing an expensive part when the real issue is airflow, a dirty condenser area, or a normal operating sound.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 79551833415, the model and serial number are printed on an identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, on the interior liner. This is the same label you will use for product records and parts lookup in the owner's manual.
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door, not the freezer door
- Look along the interior liner (the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment)
- Check common spots: near the top side wall, upper ceiling area, or side wall behind bins
- Use a flashlight; labels can be easy to miss on light-colored liners
- Write down both the model number and serial number exactly as shown
The identification label helps match the correct Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator parts and documentation for your exact unit.
| Item on label | What it helps with | Example for this unit |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures correct parts diagrams and compatible replacement parts | 79551833415 |
| Serial number | Helps identify production details for service and records | Varies by unit |
Kenmore refrigerators often share similar styling across multiple model families (including 795.5183# series). Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong items like a water filter, ice maker, or control board.
If you are replacing a common maintenance item, the parts list for this model includes the Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9490 ADQ73613402.
Last updated: February 2026
What does er if mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 79551833415, the ER IF code points to an ice fan problem (the fan that moves cold air around the ice maker area). Most often, airflow is blocked by frost or the fan is not running, which can stop ice production and cause warm temperatures near the ice bin.
- Make sure the freezer door closes fully and the ice bin is seated correctly.
- Look for frost or ice buildup around the ice maker area and air vents.
- Power reset: unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then plug it back in.
- Listen for the ice fan: you should typically hear a small fan running when the freezer is cooling.
- Confirm freezer temperature is set correctly (most setups target about 0°F).
| Likely cause | What you’ll notice | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Frost/ice blocking the fan or duct | Fan noise changes, weak airflow, ice maker slows | Defrost the blockage; correct the underlying defrost issue |
| Ice fan motor not running | No fan sound, ER IF returns | Diagnose fan circuit; replace failed fan motor if needed |
| Defrost system problem (heater or sensor) | Repeated frost buildup, warming, recurring code | Test/replace defrost components |
| Control issue or wiring | Intermittent operation, code comes and goes | Inspect connectors; diagnose control board if needed |
If you find heavy frost returning quickly, the defrost system is a common root cause. For this model, these parts are frequently checked:
If the ice maker area is not getting water or ice production is inconsistent, also inspect the water supply components:
The ice fan helps keep the ice maker compartment cold and stable. When it is blocked by frost or the fan fails, ice production drops and temperatures can drift, which can lead to soft ice, clumping, or no ice at all.
For model-specific diagnostics and troubleshooting steps, use the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators last 12 to 15 years on average. For your Kenmore 79551833415 side-by-side refrigerator, regular maintenance (cleaning condenser coils, keeping door seals tight, and maintaining proper airflow) is what most often determines whether it reaches the high end of that range.
A Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator like model 79551833415 commonly falls into these real-world ranges:
- 12 to 15 years: typical service life for most households
- 10 to 12 years: heavier use, warmer kitchens, or limited maintenance
- 15+ years: consistent maintenance and stable operating conditions
These are the biggest factors we see affecting longevity:
- Dirty condenser coil causing the compressor to run hotter and longer
- Worn or leaking door gaskets letting warm air and moisture in
- Overpacked compartments blocking airflow to the evaporator area
- Frequent door openings and high ice and water dispenser usage
- Poor leveling causing doors not to seal consistently
- Power surges or repeated outages stressing the control board and compressor
Use this as a simple routine to help your 79551833415 last longer:
- Vacuum and brush the condenser area regularly (more often with pets)
- Keep vents inside the refrigerator and freezer clear
- Confirm doors close and seal fully; clean gasket surfaces
- Set temps to typical targets: 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer
- Replace the water filter on schedule to protect water flow and ice maker performance (see how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator)
If performance issues start showing up, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps, long run times | Sealed system components | Lg refrigerator compressor TCA38091801 |
| Slow water, small ice cubes | Water filtration | Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9490 ADQ73613402 |
| No ice or intermittent ice | Ice maker assembly | Refrigerator ice maker AEQ73130002 |
Once a refrigerator gets past about 12 years, small efficiency losses (dirty coils, minor air leaks, weak fans) can add up to higher run time and more wear on major components like the compressor. Staying ahead of airflow and sealing issues is the simplest way to protect the cooling system.
For model-specific operating and care details, follow the maintenance and troubleshooting guidance in the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





