Owner’s manual
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How to tell what model Kenmore refrigerator?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance ID label; for Kenmore model 79571012012, it’s typically inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on a side wall or ceiling, or on a frame edge behind a crisper drawer. Use that exact number to match parts and manuals.
Where to look first (fastest checks)
- Inside the refrigerator section on the left or right interior wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light cover
- Behind or beside the crisper drawers (remove drawers to see the label)
- Along the door frame (hinge side) when the door is open
- On the back exterior panel near the bottom (less common, but possible)
What the model number label looks like
Most Kenmore refrigerators use a white or silver sticker/plate that lists:
- Model number (example: 79571012012)
- Serial number
- Electrical ratings (volts/amps)
If the label is hard to read, take a clear photo and zoom in; even one wrong digit can pull the wrong parts list.
Why the exact model number matters
Kenmore model families can look similar, but parts like the ice maker, door switch, and temperature sensor can vary by revision. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct replacement part the first time.
Quick guide: model number vs. serial number
| Item | What it tells you | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | The design and parts fit | Finding correct parts and diagrams |
| Serial number | The unit’s unique identifier | Verifying production details and variations |
Helpful next step
Once you find the model number, use the owner's manual to confirm label location and to reference feature and control descriptions.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators last 12 to 15 years. For your Kenmore 79571012012 bottom-mount refrigerator, regular maintenance (clean condenser coils, good door sealing, steady temperatures) pushes you toward the high end of that range and helps prevent expensive sealed-system and cooling failures.
Typical lifespan and what changes it
A refrigerator’s life is mostly driven by compressor run time, airflow, and how hard the unit has to work to hold temperature.
What helps it last longer (best practices):
- Clean dust from the condenser area regularly so heat can dissipate
- Keep door gaskets clean and sealing tightly
- Set stable temps (about 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer)
- Avoid overpacking so air can circulate through vents and ducts
- Replace clogged water filters on schedule (if equipped)
- Fix small issues early (noisy fan, warm spots, water leaks)
Parts that most often decide “repair vs. replace”
On bottom-mount models like 79571012012, these components commonly affect cooling performance and long-term reliability:
| Component | What you’ll notice when it’s failing | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Warm fridge/freezer, clicking, long run times | Refrigerator compressor TCA38091801 |
| Evaporator fan motor | Poor airflow, warm fresh food, louder fan noise | Lg refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C |
| Condenser fan motor | Hot cabinet sides, weak cooling, noisy rear fan | Refrigerator condenser fan motor assembly 4681JB1029D |
| Temperature sensor | Temps swing, inconsistent cooling | Refrigerator temperature sensor 6500JB2001B |
Why it matters
A refrigerator near the end of its lifespan often runs longer to maintain temperature. That extra run time accelerates wear on the compressor, fans, and sensors, and it can show up as warming food, frost issues, or higher energy use.
Quick check: is your fridge aging normally?
Use this simple guide to decide your next step:
- 0 to 8 years: Repair is usually straightforward and cost-effective
- 9 to 15 years: Repair common wear parts first (fans, sensors, switches)
- 16+ years: Prioritize critical cooling issues; compare repair cost to overall condition
For model-specific care and cleaning guidance, follow the maintenance section in the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
On Kenmore model 79571012012, a bad compressor usually shows up as poor or no cooling even though interior lights and fans may still run; you may also hear repeated clicking (overload cycling) or notice the compressor never gets warm during operation. Confirming failure requires basic electrical checks and a cooling-system evaluation.
Quick signs the compressor is the problem
- Refrigerator and freezer both warm, and temperatures keep rising
- Repeated clicking every few minutes from the compressor area (start attempt then overload trips)
- Compressor is very hot to the touch or stays room temperature when it should be running
- Loud humming, buzzing, or knocking from the sealed-system area
- Condenser fan runs but cooling does not improve
- Breaker trips or the unit shuts off shortly after trying to start
What to check first (before condemning the compressor)
We recommend ruling out common look-alikes that can mimic a bad compressor:
- Power and controls: Confirm the unit has steady power and the temperature settings are correct.
- Airflow: Clean dust from the condenser area and make sure vents inside are not blocked.
- Fans: Verify the evaporator fan is moving air; if it is noisy or not running, the issue may be airflow, not the compressor.
- Door switch: A failed door switch can affect lights and some fan behavior; check the refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A.
- Overload/starting components: A weak start circuit can cause clicking and no-start symptoms; inspect the refrigerator compressor overload protector 6750CL0001D.
Simple symptom guide
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What it points to |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking every 2 to 10 minutes, no cooling | Start/overload issue or locked compressor | Test start components first, then compressor |
| Fans run, lights on, both sections warm | Sealed-system or compressor not pumping | Compressor or refrigerant system |
| Compressor runs constantly, still warm | Low refrigerant or inefficient compressor | Sealed-system diagnosis |
| Compressor very hot and shuts off | Overload tripping | Start device, overload, or compressor |
Why it matters
The compressor is the heart of the sealed system; when it cannot start or cannot pump refrigerant, both the refrigerator and freezer lose cooling. Catching a start-device or airflow problem early can prevent unnecessary compressor replacement.
Where to find model-specific guidance
Use the owner's manual for your Kenmore 79571012012 to confirm normal operating sounds, temperature settings, and cleaning steps before scheduling sealed-system service.
Last updated: February 2026
