What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems we see with the Kenmore Elite 79578542800 bottom-mount refrigerator include weak or uneven cooling, frost buildup from airflow or defrost issues, water leaks from a clogged drain system, doors not sealing or closing, and fan-related noise. Many of these symptoms trace back to dirty condenser coils, door gasket alignment, or failed sensors and switches (see the owner's manual).
- Not cooling well: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan issue, temperature sensor problem
- Frost or ice crystals on food: door not closing fully, frequent door openings, defrost system trouble
- Water puddles or leaks: clogged/iced drain tube, drain pan overflow during high humidity
- Door will not close: unit not level, bins or shelves out of position, sticky gaskets
- Noisy operation: normal operating sounds, condenser fan motor wear, evaporator fan blade rubbing
- Confirm doors seal and close fully; rearrange food packages and push bins and drawers fully into place.
- Clean the condenser coils; dirty coils reduce heat transfer and can cause poor cooling.
- Check for frost patterns in the freezer; heavy frost often points to an airflow or defrost problem.
- Inspect the drain area for ice or debris if you see water under the refrigerator.
- Reset expectations for humidity; some water in the defrost drain pan during defrost cycles is normal.
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
| Problem area | What fails most often | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Door not sensing closed | Door switch | Lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A |
| Defrost performance | Defrost sensor or heater | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005H |
| Water dispensing or ice maker fill | Water inlet valve or tubing | Lg refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JB2006K |
| Leaks inside/freezer floor ice | Drain tube | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
Catching these issues early helps protect food safety, reduces energy use, and prevents secondary damage like ice buildup blocking airflow or water leaking onto floors and wiring.
For replacement parts specific to model 79578542800, order from the parts list for this refrigerator or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is Kenmore refrigerator model 79578542800?
Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79578542800 is a 35 3/4-inch wide bottom-mount (French door style) refrigerator. For the complete size details you need for fit, including height, depth, and clearance requirements, use the dimensions section in the 79578542800 owner's manual.
Even with the published width, we recommend confirming these measurements at your home before moving the refrigerator or planning cabinetry:
- Width at the widest point (doors, not just the cabinet box)
- Height from floor to the top hinge cover area
- Depth from the back to the front (note whether you include handles)
- Door swing and drawer clearance for full opening
- Ventilation space behind and above for airflow
Your manual typically breaks “size” into a few different numbers. Here is how to interpret them:
| Spec type | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Side-to-side footprint | Confirms cabinet opening fit |
| Depth (w/ handles) | Front-most point to back | Prevents sticking out too far |
| Depth (w/o handles) | Cabinet depth without handle projection | Helps compare to counter depth |
| Height | Floor to top | Ensures it clears overhead cabinets |
A refrigerator that is even slightly oversized can block door swing, prevent proper leveling, and reduce airflow around the condenser area, which can affect cooling performance.
If you are pulling the unit out to measure and want to address common water-line wear at the same time, we stock model-matched items like refrigerator water tubing MJU62070602. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore Elite fridge?
On Kenmore Elite model 79578542800, the model and serial number are printed on an identification label located on the right-hand side of the refrigerator compartment. For the exact label location and what information to record, use the 79578542800 owner's manual.
If you do not spot the label immediately, we recommend checking these areas in order:
- Right interior wall of the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment (most common)
- Near the crisper drawer area on the side wall
- Along the door opening frame (hinge side) where the gasket meets the cabinet
- Upper interior side wall behind shelves (use a flashlight)
- Freezer compartment side wall (less common on this style)
- Use a flashlight and look along the right interior wall at eye level first.
- Slide drawers out as far as they go to see the side wall behind them.
- Wipe condensation off the label area with a dry cloth so the print is readable.
- Take a photo of the label; zooming in usually makes the serial number easier to read.
The label includes key identifiers that help us match the correct Kenmore parts and diagrams.
| Item on label | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 79578542800) | Matching the correct parts list and diagrams |
| Serial number | Identifying production details that can affect part versions |
| Date of purchase (your records) | Warranty and service documentation |
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong part for your bottom-mount refrigerator, especially for items that vary by production run (door components, sensors, and water system parts). When you are ready to shop, you can search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the water filter on a bottom freezer refrigerator?
On the Kenmore Elite 79578542800 bottom-mount refrigerator, the water filter is installed inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, not in the freezer drawer. You access it from the refrigerator section so you can replace it without pulling out the bottom freezer.
Most bottom-freezer designs place the filter in one of these spots in the refrigerator section:
- Upper right corner (inside the ceiling area)
- Upper left corner (inside the ceiling area)
- Back wall (upper area)
- Lower left area near the crisper drawers
- Behind a small flip-down or twist-off cover labeled “Filter”
For the exact access point and replacement steps for this model, follow the instructions in the 79578542800 owner's manual.
Before you swap the filter, we recommend these basics:
- Dispense a little water first to relieve pressure
- Keep a towel handy for a few drips
- Install the new filter fully (push and turn or push until it seats)
- Run water for several minutes after replacement to clear air and carbon fines
- Reset the filter indicator (if your control panel has one)
A good reference for the general process is how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator.
Knowing the correct filter location helps you avoid removing freezer bins unnecessarily, prevents broken covers or housings, and reduces the chance of leaks from a filter that is not fully seated.
If replacing the filter does not restore water flow, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
| Symptom | Common cause | Part to check |
|---|---|---|
| Slow or no dispenser flow | Restricted valve or supply issue | Lg refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JB2006K |
| Drips/leaks at tubing connection | Loose or worn fitting | Refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3002C |
| Water line damage or kinks | Cracked or pinched tubing | Refrigerator water tubing MJU62070602 |
You can order replacement parts for your Kenmore Elite 79578542800 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





