Kenmore 79551316012 refrigerator Parts

On Kenmore model 79551316012, the dispenser drip tray is a snap-in piece: lift the front edge slightly, then pull it straight out to release the locking tabs. To reinstall, align the tray and push it back until it clicks into place. See the 79551316012 owner's manual for dispenser component diagrams.

Quick removal steps

• Remove any cup, ice, or water from the tray area.
• Grip the tray at the left and right front corners.
• Lift the front edge slightly to clear the retaining tabs.
• Pull the tray straight toward you (do not twist).
• If it feels stuck, wiggle gently side-to-side while pulling.

If the tray will not come out

Most trays stick because of dried spills or ice buildup.

• Wipe around the tray edges with warm water to dissolve sticky residue.
• If there is ice, leave the dispenser area open for 10 to 15 minutes to soften it.
• Check for cracks or warped plastic that can catch on the opening.
• Avoid prying with a screwdriver; it can chip the dispenser trim.

Reinstalling the drip tray (what “locked in” feels like)

What you do	What you should notice
Line up the back edge first	Tray sits flat and centered
Push inward firmly	Tabs engage with a click or solid stop
Press down on the front edge	Front edge stays flush, no rocking

Why it matters

A properly seated drip tray helps prevent water from running down the freezer door, reduces sticky buildup around the dispenser, and keeps the dispenser area easier to clean.

Last updated: February 2026

The Kenmore 79551316012 is typically listed at about 30.6 cubic feet of total capacity. For the exact capacity rating for your specific configuration (and how it is split between refrigerator and freezer sections), check the specifications section in the owner's manual.

Quick capacity details

Capacity is the total usable interior volume across both compartments. On a side-by-side refrigerator like the Kenmore 79551316012, that total is usually divided between the fresh food section (right side) and the freezer section (left side).

Common ways capacity is described:

• Total capacity (overall cubic feet)
• Refrigerator capacity (fresh food section)
• Freezer capacity
• Usable space after shelves, bins, and the ice maker are installed

How to confirm the exact number for your unit

Use these checks to match the published spec to your refrigerator:

• Look for the model and serial label inside the fresh food compartment
• Confirm the model number is 79551316012 (exact match)
• Compare the feature set (in-door ice and water, shelf layout) to the manual’s spec page
• If your doors were replaced or the unit was reconfigured, rely on the manual spec for the model

Why the cubic feet rating matters

Capacity affects how you plan storage and airflow. Overpacking can block vents and reduce cooling performance, which can lead to temperature swings, frost buildup, or ice maker issues.

Typical capacity reference (for context)

Refrigerator style	Typical total capacity range
Side-by-side	20 to 30+ cu. ft.
French door	22 to 32 cu. ft.
Top freezer	14 to 22 cu. ft.

Last updated: February 2026

On your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 79551316012, the model number is printed on the appliance’s model and serial tag, typically located inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment along the cabinet wall near the door opening. Use that exact model number when ordering parts or checking specifications in the owner's manual.

Common places to check first

Look in these spots in order (most common first):

• Inside the fresh food compartment on the left or right side wall
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light housing
• Along the front frame (mullion area) behind the fresh food door seal
• Inside the freezer compartment side wall (less common)
• On the back exterior panel near the lower area (least common)

What the tag looks like and what to write down

The tag is usually a white or silver sticker/plate with multiple lines of text.

• Write down the model number exactly as shown: 79551316012
• Also record the serial number (helps match production version)
• If there’s a revision or suffix, copy it too
• Take a clear photo before the label fades or gets damaged

Why it matters

Kenmore model numbers determine the correct fit for parts like an ice maker, auger motor, thermistor, or door hinge. Using the exact model number prevents ordering a part that looks similar but mounts differently or uses a different wiring connector.

Quick checklist

What you need	Where you’ll use it	Why it helps
Model number (79551316012)	Parts lookup and diagrams	Ensures correct part fit
Serial number	Service and version matching	Helps identify production changes
Product type (side-by-side refrigerator)	Troubleshooting steps	Confirms correct procedures

Last updated: February 2026

The most common issues we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 79551316012 are cooling problems, ice maker and dispenser failures, water leaks, frost buildup, and unusual noises. These usually trace back to airflow restrictions, defrost drainage issues, worn mechanical parts, or a failing control component; start with the checks below.

Most common symptoms and what they usually mean

• Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan problem, air damper stuck, or a temperature sensor/thermistor reading wrong
• Ice maker not making ice: frozen fill path, dispenser/ice maker mechanical failure, or temperature too warm in the freezer
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, cracked drain tube, or loose water line connection
• Frost buildup on the back wall: defrost system issue (heater, sensor, airflow)
• Noisy operation: fan motor noise, ice auger noise, or vibration from mounting hardware
• Dispenser issues (ice door, crushed/cubed problems): chute door motor, auger motor, or dispenser control problem

Quick checks we recommend first (no parts required)

• Confirm the temperature settings and give the unit 24 hours after any adjustment.
• Make sure air vents are not blocked by food packages in either compartment.
• Clean the condenser coils and verify the condenser fan area is clear of dust.
• Check door closing and sealing; a poor seal causes warm temps, frost, and long run times.
• Look for ice or debris in the freezer drain area; a blocked drain often causes leaks.

Parts that commonly solve these problems on model 79551316012

If your symptoms match, these are model-specific parts we commonly see involved:

Symptom	Likely area	Example part for this model
Leaking/puddles	Defrost drain path	Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D
Warm fridge/freezer, noise	Evaporator airflow	Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S
Dispenser not dispensing ice well	Ice auger drive	Refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204
Temps swing or error-like behavior	Sensing/control	Refrigerator thermistor 6500JB2002T

Why it matters

Catching the root cause early prevents food spoilage and helps avoid secondary damage (for example, a simple drain restriction can turn into recurring ice buildup and repeated leaks).

Use the model-specific guidance

For control locations, temperature recommendations, and component access notes for Kenmore 79551316012, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 79551316012 side-by-side refrigerator, we shut off power and the water supply, remove the ice bin and mounting screws, disconnect the wiring harness, then install the new ice maker and confirm it cycles and fills correctly. Use the owner's manual for your model’s exact access points and screw locations.

Before you start

• Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker).
• Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
• Empty the ice bin and remove it from the freezer door.
• Protect the floor with towels; a small amount of water can spill.
• Use a nut driver or screwdriver that fits the mounting screws.

Replacement steps (typical for Kenmore side-by-side)

1. Remove the ice bin and any shelves that block access.
2. Take off the ice maker cover (if equipped).
3. Remove the mounting screws that hold the ice maker to the freezer wall.
4. Support the ice maker with one hand and unplug the wiring harness.
5. Transfer any parts that must match the old unit (for example, a shutoff arm or mounting bracket) if your replacement does not include them.
6. Plug in the harness, hang the ice maker on the mounting tabs, then tighten the screws.
7. Restore water and power; allow 12 to 24 hours for normal ice production.

Quick checks after installation

• Confirm the ice maker is switched ON (or the shutoff arm is down).
• Verify the freezer temperature is near 0°F for reliable ice making.
• Check for leaks at the rear water line connection.
• Dump the first batch or two of ice if it looks cloudy or has debris.

Parts that are commonly involved

If your issue is “no ice” or “small cubes,” the ice maker may not be the only cause. These model-compatible parts are often related:

Symptom	Common related part	What it affects
Ice clumps or jams in the bucket	Refrigerator ice bin 5075JJ1003K	Storage and dispensing of ice
Ice maker cycles but won’t dispense	Refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204	Turns the auger to push ice out
Slow water flow to ice maker/dispenser	Refrigerator water tank MJM61904702	Water supply buffering and flow

Why it matters

A correctly installed ice maker prevents leaks, protects the wiring harness connection, and ensures the freezer can maintain temperature while the ice maker cycles. If the unit is loose or misaligned, it can cause poor harvest, jams, or intermittent dispensing.

Last updated: February 2026