How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore 79572022110 bottom-mount refrigerator is warm and you hear repeated clicking, the compressor is very hot, or the unit runs constantly without cooling, the compressor system is failing. Before condemning the compressor, we rule out airflow, defrost, and start-device problems using the owner's manual.
- Refrigerator and freezer both warm even though the unit seems to run
- Repeated clicking every few minutes (start attempt then shutoff)
- Compressor shell is extremely hot to the touch after running
- Little to no vibration or steady hum from the compressor when it should be running
- Poor cooling with long run times and no improvement after cleaning and resetting
These steps catch the most common look-alikes (and they are safer and cheaper to address first).
- Confirm the condenser fan is running and the condenser area is not packed with dust
- Make sure the evaporator fan runs when the doors are closed (a failed fan can mimic a sealed-system issue)
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (often a defrost failure, not a compressor)
- Verify doors seal and close fully; warm air leaks can cause nonstop running
- Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power and listen for a normal start
| What you observe | Most likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks, then stops; compressor very hot | Start device or compressor overload tripping | Test/replace the refrigerator compressor overload protector 6750CL0001D first if applicable |
| Runs but both sections stay warm | Sealed system or compressor not pumping | Technician diagnosis; compressor replacement may be needed |
| Freezer frosts up; airflow weak | Defrost system issue | Inspect the refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005N and defrost heater circuit |
| Fridge warm; freezer closer to normal | Airflow/evaporator fan issue | Review how to fix your evaporator cooling fan |
A compressor replacement is a major repair, so confirming basics like airflow, defrost performance, and the compressor start circuit helps prevent replacing the wrong part. When the compressor is truly failing, symptoms usually affect both the refrigerator and freezer at the same time.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
The “bottom part” of a refrigerator is usually the compressor compartment (the machinery area underneath or behind the unit). In your Kenmore 79572022110 bottom-mount refrigerator, the key component people mean is the compressor, which pumps refrigerant to keep the fresh food and freezer sections cold; see the owner's manual for your model’s layout.
Depending on what you’re looking at or what problem you’re having, the bottom area can include several different parts:
- Compressor: the sealed pump that drives the cooling system
- Condenser fan and condenser coil: remove heat from the refrigerant
- Drain system: routes defrost water to an evaporator pan
- Water supply parts (if you have ice and water): valve, tubing, fittings
- Base grille or toe grille (on some designs): covers the lower front opening
If you’re troubleshooting noise, heat, leaks, or no-cool symptoms, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator compressor TCA38091801
- Refrigerator compressor overload protector 6750CL0001D
- Refrigerator condenser coil ACG73964501
- Refrigerator condenser fan motor assembly 4681JB1029D
- Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D
| What you notice near the bottom | Most common area to check | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Loud buzzing or clicking | Compressor start components | Inspect/replace overload protector if failing |
| Warm cabinet sides, poor cooling | Condenser coil/fan airflow | Clean coil, confirm fan runs |
| Water puddle under fridge | Defrost drain system | Clear drain, inspect drain tube |
| No ice or no water | Water inlet system | Check valve, tubing, fittings |
The bottom machinery area is where heat is rejected and cooling is “powered.” When airflow is blocked (dusty condenser coil) or a compressor start device fails, temperatures rise fast and food safety can be affected.
Last updated: February 2026
What model Kenmore fridge do I have?
If you’re on this Kenmore refrigerator parts page, your fridge model is Kenmore 79572022110. To confirm on the appliance itself, match that number to the model tag inside the fresh food compartment or behind the lower kick plate; it must match exactly to ensure the right parts and diagrams.
Most Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators list the model and serial on a printed tag in one of these spots:
- Inside the refrigerator section on a side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
- Behind or near a crisper drawer (you may need to slide the drawer out)
- Behind the lower front kick plate or toe grille
- On the cabinet frame near the door opening (hinge side)
For model-specific labeling locations and illustrations, use the owner's manual.
Write the model number exactly as shown, including all digits.
- Model number: identifies the exact design and parts list
- Serial number: identifies the production run (helpful for revisions)
- Brand: Kenmore (the manufacturer can vary by prefix, but parts are matched by model)
| What you see on the tag | What it means for ordering parts |
|---|---|
| 79572022110 | This is the exact model for this page |
| Missing digits or extra characters | Parts may not fit or wiring/connectors may differ |
| Serial number only | Not enough to reliably match parts |
Kenmore model numbers control the exact fit and compatibility for key systems like cooling, defrost, and water/ice. For example, parts such as the refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A or refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C must match the correct model to mount properly and connect to the harness.
Use these practical options to confirm the model:
- Check the first page of your printed manual packet for the model number
- Look for a duplicate tag behind the kick plate
- Compare the model number shown on this page (79572022110) to any partial number you can still read
- If you recently replaced a major part (like a control board), do not use the part label as the model number
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore refrigerator leaking water from underneath?
Water leaking from underneath your Kenmore 79572022110 bottom-mount refrigerator is usually caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain that overflows into the drain pan, or a water supply leak to the ice maker or dispenser. Clearing the drain and checking the water line connections typically fixes it.
- Look for a sheet of ice or standing water on the freezer floor (classic defrost drain issue).
- Check the drain pan underneath for cracks, misalignment, or overflow.
- Inspect the water line behind the refrigerator for drips, kinks, or loose fittings.
- If the leak happens only when dispensing water or making ice, focus on the inlet valve and tubing.
- If the leak is constant and the unit is not cooling well, stop and consider sealed-system issues.
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Water appears after defrost cycles; ice in freezer bottom | Defrost drain clogged or frozen | Thaw the drain area, flush with hot water, clear debris |
| Water only when using dispenser or ice maker | Water tubing or fitting leaking | Inspect tubing and fittings; replace damaged sections |
| Slow drip from rear lower area | Water inlet valve seeping | Test for seepage; replace valve if leaking |
| Drain pan full or sloshing | Pan shifted or not evaporating normally | Re-seat pan; clean condenser area for airflow |
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the freezer drawer/bins to access the rear interior panel area.
- Melt any ice around the drain trough using warm water (not boiling) and towels.
- Flush the drain with warm water until it flows freely to the drain pan.
- Reassemble and monitor for 24 hours.
For model-specific access points and panel removal, follow the steps in the owner's manual.
If your 79572022110 has an ice maker or dispenser and the leak tracks to the back of the unit, inspect the supply path:
- Water line connection at the household shutoff
- Tubing runs and couplers
- Valve outlets and fittings
If you find cracking, pinholes, or a loose connection, the parts most often involved are refrigerator water tubing MJU62070602, refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3009A, and the lg refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908.
Leaks can damage flooring and also create ice buildup that blocks airflow, which can lead to warm temperatures in the fresh food section or freezer.
Last updated: February 2026





