How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore 79578402803 isn’t cooling properly and you hear repeated clicking, long run times, or unusual compressor-area noises, the compressor system may be struggling. Before condemning the compressor, we check airflow, condenser coil condition, and whether the unit is simply running longer under normal conditions (as described in the 79578402803 owner's manual).
A failing compressor often shows up as cooling loss plus abnormal operation.
- Refrigerator and freezer both warm, even though the unit seems to run
- Repeated clicking from the compressor area (start device trying and failing)
- Compressor is very hot to the touch after running attempts (use caution)
- Little to no airflow or heat rejection at the condenser area (with fans working)
- Unit runs almost constantly but temperatures do not recover
Many “bad compressor” complaints are actually airflow, maintenance, or door-seal issues.
- Dirty condenser coils: The manual notes dirty coils reduce heat transfer and make the motor work harder; clean the coils and recheck cooling.
- Doors not closing fully: Misalignment, bins out of position, or sticking gaskets can cause warm temps and long run times.
- Warm room or heavy use: The manual explains modern refrigerators can run 40% to 80% of the time, and even more in warm conditions or with frequent door openings.
- Recent plug-in or control change: Cooling can take up to 24 hours to stabilize after startup.
| Check | What “normal” looks like | What suggests trouble |
|---|---|---|
| Condenser coils | Mostly clean, air can move freely | Matted dust, restricted airflow |
| Door seal | Even contact all around | Gaps, torn gasket, door pops open |
| Run behavior | Cycles on/off | Runs nonstop with poor cooling |
| Sounds | Occasional clicks, fan noise | Repeated clicking, loud buzzing |
If coils are clean, doors seal, fans run, and temperatures still climb, the sealed system (compressor, refrigerant, or restriction) becomes the primary suspect. At that point, a technician confirms with electrical and performance tests. If replacement is needed, the model-specific compressor listed for this refrigerator is the refrigerator compressor TCA37091210, and we recommend ordering by model number to ensure the correct match on Sears PartsDirect.
A compressor diagnosis affects cost and downtime. Ruling out coil and door issues first prevents replacing major parts when a simple cleaning or adjustment restores normal cooling.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems we see on Kenmore Elite refrigerators (including bottom-mount models like Kenmore 79578402803) are warm temperatures from airflow issues, ice maker and dispenser troubles, water leaks from a clogged defrost drain, and doors that do not seal or close fully. Many fixes start with cleaning, leveling, and checking door closure per the owner's manual.
- Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, or a failed evaporator fan motor.
- Ice maker not making ice or slow ice: ice room door not closing tightly, freezer temp too warm, or ice bucket piled up near the icemaker.
- Water under the refrigerator: defrost drain restriction or drain tube issues.
- Frost buildup or ice crystals: door not closing properly or frequent door openings.
- Door will not close completely: refrigerator not level, bins/shelves out of position, or gasket sticking/worn.
- Confirm doors close firmly and you hear the ice room door “click” shut.
- Clean condenser coils (dirty coils reduce heat transfer and strain the compressor).
- Check for blocked vents inside the fresh food and freezer compartments.
- Level the refrigerator if it wobbles or doors drift open.
- Inspect and clean door gaskets; clean the sealing surfaces and reduce sticking.
If the basic checks do not fix the problem, these model-matched parts are common next steps:
| Symptom | Common part involved | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Light stays off or door alarm/cooling issues tied to door status | Lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A | Tells the control when the door is open/closed |
| Warm temps, weak airflow, unusual fan noise | Lg refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C | Circulates cold air through the compartments |
| Leaks or water pooling from defrost drainage | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D | Routes defrost water to the drain pan |
| Door not sealing, moisture, frost | Refrigerator door gasket assembly ADX73350925 | Keeps warm air out and cold air in |
Most “big” refrigerator complaints (warm food, frost, leaks, no ice) start as small airflow or sealing problems. Fixing door closure, coil cleanliness, and drainage early helps protect the compressor and keeps temperatures stable.
For model-specific operating tips (control settings, door alignment, ice room door use, and cleaning guidance), follow the owner's manual. You can also order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for Kenmore 79578402803, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model Kenmore fridge do I have?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance ID label; on bottom-mount models like Kenmore 79578402803, it’s typically inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall or near the ceiling, or on the door frame. Use that exact model number to match the correct parts and manual.
Check these common spots first:
- Inside the refrigerator (fresh food section), on the left or right interior wall
- On the ceiling area inside the fresh food compartment
- On the door frame (open the refrigerator door and look around the perimeter)
- Behind the lower kick plate or base grille area
- Near the crisper drawers (side wall or frame area)
Record the information exactly as shown on the label.
- Model number (this is what you need to find the correct Kenmore parts list)
- Serial number (helps identify production details if you are comparing similar models)
- Any suffixes or dots (for example, Kenmore manuals often show families like 795.7840_)
| Label item | Example format | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 79578402803 | Ensures parts fit your exact refrigerator |
| Serial number | Letters and numbers | Helps distinguish units built at different times |
| Model family | 795.7840_ | Useful when reading sections in the manual |
Kenmore model numbers can look very similar, but parts like a door switch, door gasket, or evaporator fan motor can vary by model. Matching the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong component and avoids repeat repairs.
- Compare your label’s model number to the parts list for that model
- Use the 79578402803 owner's manual to confirm feature locations and maintenance steps
- If you need to search beyond this model page, use your model number on Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my refrigerator not getting cold at the bottom?
If your Kenmore 79578402803 is warmer at the bottom of the fresh food section, the most common causes are restricted airflow (blocked vents or overpacked shelves), incorrect control settings, or a cooling/defrost issue that reduces circulation. Start by restoring airflow and then verify temperatures after 24 hours.
- Make sure the top air vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked by food containers.
- Avoid packing items tightly against the back wall; leave space for air to circulate down and return.
- Confirm the doors close fully and the gaskets seal all the way around.
- Clean dust from the condenser area and keep the base grille area clear.
- After any adjustment, wait a full 24 hours before judging the result (this model’s controls need time to stabilize).
Your refrigerator control acts as the thermostat for the whole appliance, and the freezer control manages how much cold air is sent to the refrigerator section. If the bottom is warm, we adjust in this order:
| Symptom | Adjust first | What it does | Recheck after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh food bottom warm | Refrigerator control | Runs the compressor longer to cool more | 24 hours |
| Freezer OK but fridge still warm | Freezer control | Sends more cold air from freezer to fridge | 24 hours |
For the exact control locations and recommended mid-settings for 79578402803, use the owner's manual.
If airflow is clear and settings are correct but the bottom stays warm, cold air often is not being moved effectively through the compartments.
Common signs and likely direction:
- Little to no airflow from the refrigerator vents: evaporator fan or airflow blockage.
- Frost buildup on the freezer back panel: defrost system issue.
- Temperature swings: sensor or fan control problem.
On this model, a failed evaporator fan motor is a frequent cause of poor circulation; the matching replacement is the lg refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C.
This refrigerator is designed for air to enter the fresh food section through the top vent, circulate, and exit at the bottom to return to the freezer. When that path is restricted or the fan cannot move air, the bottom warms first and food safety can be affected.
You can order replacement parts for your Kenmore 79578402803 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





