What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems we see on Kenmore Elite refrigerators (including bottom-mount designs like model 11173305910) are warm temperatures, food freezing in the fresh-food section, low ice production or slow water dispensing, doors that do not seal or close well, and leaks or odors. Many of these trace back to airflow, temperature settings, door sealing, or ice and water supply issues; use the 11173305910 owner's manual to match symptoms to the troubleshooting steps.
- Refrigerator or freezer too warm: frequent door openings, hot room location, or recently installed unit (cooldown can take up to 24 hours)
- Food freezing in the refrigerator section: items placed near an air vent, or temperature set too cold
- Not enough ice: freezer temperature set too warm (target is 0°F for normal ice production), doors not closing fully, or kinked water supply line
- Slow water dispensing: exhausted water filter (replace about every 6 months, or when the indicator turns on)
- Door hard to open or won’t close well: dirty or sticky gaskets, or a temporary vacuum right after closing
- Confirm the set temperatures: 0°F freezer, 37°F refrigerator (common targets for most refrigerators)
- Keep food packages away from interior air vents to prevent freezing and airflow blockage
- Make sure doors close completely; reduce long door-open times
- Check the water line behind the refrigerator for kinks after moving or cleaning
- Clean door gaskets and the surfaces they touch; keep them free of sticky residue
| Symptom | Most likely quick fix | When it points to a repair issue |
|---|---|---|
| Too warm | Allow 24 hours after install; reduce door openings | Persistent warming with good settings and airflow |
| Food freezing | Move items away from vents; raise temp 1 step | Freezing continues after adjustments |
| Low ice | Set freezer to 0°F; ensure doors seal | Ice maker still slow with correct temp |
| Slow water | Replace filter; verify supply line is not kinked | Still slow after filter and line check |
Cooling and ice-making problems often start as simple airflow, temperature, or door-seal issues. Fixing those early helps the compressor and fans run less, keeps food safer, and prevents frost and moisture buildup.
For model-specific troubleshooting steps and control-setting details, follow the 11173305910 owner's manual. If you need replacement parts for your Kenmore refrigerator, we recommend starting with the model parts list, or searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the advantage of a bottom mount fridge?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Kenmore 11173305910 keeps the fresh-food section at a more convenient height, so you reach everyday items with less bending. The freezer is still easy to access in the lower drawer, but you typically use it less often.
- Fresh food at eye and chest level for faster viewing and fewer missed items
- Less bending for produce drawers, deli items, and beverages
- Wider, drawer-style freezer access that can make organizing frozen foods easier
- Better “grab-and-go” workflow for families who open the refrigerator more than the freezer
- Good fit for meal prep since most prep ingredients live in the refrigerator compartment
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Most-used items | Easier to reach | More bending for fridge items |
| Freezer access | Pull-out drawer style | Swing door, shelves |
| Organization style | Strong for fresh-food visibility | Strong for simple freezer access |
Most households access the refrigerator compartment far more often than the freezer. Putting fresh food higher reduces strain and makes it easier to keep track of perishables, which can help cut down on food waste.
- Keep everyday items (milk, snacks, leftovers) on the middle shelves
- Use crispers for produce you want to see, not just long-term storage
- Group items by zone (breakfast, lunch, condiments) to reduce door-open time
- Avoid overpacking; airflow helps temperatures recover faster after openings
- For model-specific features and compartment details, check the 11173305910 owner's manual
If you need replacement parts for the Kenmore 11173305910, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find the model number on my 11173305910?
For your Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator model 11173305910, the model and serial number are printed on an identification label inside the refrigerator compartment. Open the fresh-food door and look along the interior liner (inside wall) for the label; then match the model number exactly.
- Open the refrigerator (fresh-food) door, not the freezer drawer
- Scan the interior liner walls first (side walls are most common)
- Check near the crisper drawers and the lower side walls
- Look around the top interior area near the light housing
- Find the identification label that lists both model and serial
The identification label typically includes:
- Model number (example format: 111.7330*)
- Serial number
- Electrical ratings information
| Item on label | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures the correct parts diagrams and compatible replacement parts |
| Serial number | Helps confirm production details when troubleshooting or servicing |
Kenmore model numbers can look similar across bottom-freezer refrigerators. Using the exact model number from the identification label prevents ordering the wrong water filter, air filter, icemaker parts, shelves, or door bins.
Our [owner's manual] includes a “Product Record” section where you can write down the model and serial number for quick reference.
Last updated: March 2026





