Kenmore 79551012012 refrigerator Parts

The exact cubic foot capacity for Kenmore model 79551012012 is listed on the model’s rating label and in the 79551012012 owner's manual. For most Kenmore 795 side-by-side refrigerators, capacity commonly falls in the 20 to 22 cubic feet range.

Where to find the exact cubic feet (fastest options)

Check these spots on your refrigerator first; they typically show the capacity in cubic feet or liters:

• Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall near the crisper area
• Door jamb area (hinge side) on the refrigerator door
• Behind the toe grille (lower front) on some builds
• Back exterior panel near the power cord entry
• The specifications section of the 79551012012 owner's manual

What “cubic feet” means and why it can vary

“Cubic feet” is the total interior volume. Two side-by-side refrigerators can look the same outside but differ inside because of:

• Ice maker and dispenser housing size
• Shelf and bin layout
• Air ducting and evaporator cover space
• Water tank placement (some models use a larger internal reservoir)

Typical capacity range (helpful benchmark)

Refrigerator style	Typical capacity range
Side-by-side	20 to 26 cu. ft.
Bottom freezer	18 to 25 cu. ft.
Top freezer	14 to 22 cu. ft.

Why it matters

Knowing the correct cubic feet helps us match the right shelves, door bins, and water system parts, and it also helps when comparing energy use and storage needs.

If you are troubleshooting water or ice performance while checking specs, the how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems guide is a good next step.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore model numbers are designed to tell us who built the appliance and which product family it belongs to. For your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 79551012012, the first three digits (795) identify the manufacturer family, and the remaining digits narrow down the exact design and feature set.

Where to find the model number on a refrigerator

We use the full model number (not just the first few digits) to match the correct parts, diagrams, and service information.

• Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
• On the ceiling of the refrigerator section near the light
• On the door frame behind the crisper drawers
• Sometimes on the back of the cabinet near the power cord

For location details and the exact format used on this unit, check the 79551012012 owner's manual.

How to decode the number (what each section means)

Most Kenmore model numbers follow a predictable pattern.

• Prefix (first 3 digits): manufacturer code (who built it for Kenmore)
• Middle digits: platform or base model family (design series)
• Ending digits: feature, color, or revision variations

Quick example using your model

Section	Example from 79551012012	What it tells us
Manufacturer prefix	795	Builder family code used for parts matching
Model family + variations	51012012	Narrows to the exact configuration

Why it matters when ordering parts

Using the complete model number prevents mismatches, especially on systems that vary by revision (water system, ice maker, dispenser, door hardware).

• Water system parts can differ by revision (valves, tubing, fittings)
• Ice and dispenser components can vary by door style
• Door bins, gaskets, and hinges must match the exact door design

If you are troubleshooting a water or ice issue while identifying parts, these model-matched examples are common on this refrigerator: refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JA2006D and refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3002C.

Last updated: February 2026

To replace the water filter in your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 79551012012, locate the filter housing (commonly inside the fresh food compartment or behind a small access door), remove the old filter, install the new one fully seated, then flush water to clear air and carbon fines. See the 79551012012 owner's manual for the exact filter location and reset steps.

Step-by-step: replace the water filter

• Dispense a few cups of water first to relieve pressure.
• Open the filter cover or housing door.
• Turn the filter counterclockwise (or press the eject button, depending on the housing style).
• Pull the old filter straight out; keep a towel handy for drips.
• Insert the new filter and push in firmly.
• Turn clockwise until it stops (or push until it clicks), then close the cover.

Flush and reset after installation

Most Kenmore refrigerators need a short flush after a filter change.

Task	What to do	Typical time/amount
Flush the filter	Dispense water in intervals to purge air	2 to 5 minutes total
Discard first ice	Dump the first batch(es) of ice	First 1 to 2 bins
Reset indicator	Use the control panel reset sequence	Varies by model

For the correct button sequence and indicator behavior, follow the 79551012012 owner's manual.

If the filter is stuck or leaking

• Stuck filter: Twist gently while pulling straight out; do not use tools that can crack the housing.
• Leaking at the filter: Remove and reinstall to ensure it is fully seated; check the O-rings for damage.
• Low flow after replacement: Flush longer; trapped air is common right after a change.
• Still no water: Check the household supply valve is fully open and inspect the refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JA2006D if the dispenser and ice maker both stop.

Why it matters

A properly installed refrigerator water filter helps protect the dispenser and ice maker from sediment buildup, reduces taste and odor issues, and keeps water flow steady. Skipping the flush or not seating the filter fully is the most common cause of leaks and weak dispensing.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 33 inches to 36 inches wide; for the exact cabinet width and clearance needs for model 79551012012, we recommend confirming the dimensions listed in the 79551012012 owner's manual.

Typical width ranges (what you can expect)

Side-by-side refrigerator widths vary mainly by capacity and whether the unit is standard-depth or counter-depth.

• Standard-depth models are commonly 33 to 36 inches wide
• Counter-depth models are commonly 35 to 36 inches wide
• Some compact or specialty units can be closer to 32 to 33 inches wide
• Door style matters: side-by-side doors usually need less swing space than French doors
• Handles can add a small amount to the overall “door closed” width

Measure it the right way

If you are fitting the refrigerator into a cutout, measure more than just the cabinet.

What to measure	Why it matters	How to measure
Cabinet width	Confirms the base size	Measure the metal box, not the doors
Door closed width	Accounts for door/handle overhang	Measure at the widest point with doors shut
Clearance on hinge side	Prevents door bind and drawer interference	Leave space per the manual
Opening width	Ensures it will slide in	Measure at front and back of the cutout

Why it matters

Getting the width right prevents installation headaches like doors that cannot open fully, bins that hit the wall, and restricted airflow that can cause warm temperatures or longer compressor run times.

Related maintenance tip

If you are also planning water/ice hookup work while moving the refrigerator, our guide on how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems helps you avoid leaks, low flow, and ice maker fill issues after reinstall.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common issues we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 79551012012 are cooling problems, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser failures, and unusual noises. These usually trace back to airflow restrictions, a defrost problem, a water supply issue, or a worn door seal; start with the quick checks in the 79551012012 owner's manual.

Most common symptoms and what they usually mean

• Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, failed condenser fan, evaporator fan issue, or a defrost system problem
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, cracked water tubing, loose fittings, or a leaking inlet valve
• Ice maker not making ice: low water pressure, frozen fill tube, bad inlet valve, or ice maker assembly problem
• Dispenser not dispensing ice: jammed ice, failed auger motor, or dispenser door/ice chute issue
• Buzzing, rattling, or grinding noises: fan blade hitting ice, failing fan motor, or items vibrating against the cabinet

Quick checks we recommend first (10 to 20 minutes)

1. Confirm temperatures: set fresh food to about 37°F and freezer to about 0°F.
2. Check door sealing: look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or doors that do not close on their own.
3. Inspect airflow: make sure vents inside are not blocked by food packages.
4. Listen for fans: a steady fan sound is normal; scraping often points to ice buildup.
5. Look for water at the back: check the supply line connection and any visible tubing.

Parts that commonly solve these problems on 79551012012

If your symptom matches, these model-specific parts are frequent fixes:

Symptom	Common suspect part	Example from this model
No ice, slow fill, leaking at valve	Water inlet valve	Refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JA2006D
Ice dispenser not turning auger	Auger motor	Refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204
Water taste/flow issues at filter area	Water filter head	Refrigerator water filter head ADQ72911006
Leaks from internal water path	Water tubing or fitting	Refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3002C
Door not closing or sagging	Door hinge or leveling	Refrigerator door hinge 4775JA2113A

Why it matters

Cooling, ice, and leak complaints often share the same root cause: restricted airflow or inconsistent water supply. Fixing the underlying cause protects the compressor, prevents ice buildup, and helps your Kenmore refrigerator hold safe food temperatures.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore refrigerators average 10 to 15 years of service life. For a Kenmore 79551012012 side-by-side refrigerator, lifespan depends most on airflow (clean condenser area), tight door sealing, and keeping the ice and water system leak-free; our 79551012012 owner's manual covers the model’s care and operating guidance.

Typical lifespan ranges (what to expect)

Kenmore refrigerator longevity is usually driven by compressor run time, heat removal, and how hard the sealed system has to work.

Refrigerator type	Typical lifespan	What most often shortens it
Side-by-side (like model 79551012012)	10 to 15 years	Dirty condenser area, door gasket leaks, heavy ice maker use
Top freezer	12 to 18 years	Poor ventilation, worn door seals
Bottom freezer	10 to 15 years	Frost/airflow issues, fan problems

Maintenance that adds years

We recommend these habits because they reduce compressor strain and prevent common cooling and water issues:

• Keep the condenser area clean and unobstructed (pet hair and dust raise operating temps).
• Make sure doors close and seal fully; warm air leaks cause longer run times.
• Replace water filtration parts on schedule and flush after changes.
• Fix small leaks quickly to prevent corrosion, ice buildup, and floor damage.
• Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections clear of packages.

Parts that commonly affect longevity

These parts do not “set” the lifespan, but failures here often cause symptoms that make a refrigerator seem worn out.

• Cooling and airflow: refrigerator condenser fan 4681JB1029B, refrigerator thermistor 6500JB2002T
• Water and ice: refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JA2006D, refrigerator water tubing 5210JA2006B
• Door sealing: freezer door gasket wear can increase frost and run time (inspect for gaps and tears)

Why it matters

A refrigerator that runs hotter or longer than normal uses more energy and wears the compressor faster. Simple upkeep (cleaning, sealing, and stopping leaks) typically prevents the most expensive failures.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore model 79551012012 side-by-side refrigerators, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, typically along a side wall near the front opening. We use that label to match the correct parts and diagrams.

Common places to check first

Look for a white or silver sticker that lists model and serial information. Check these spots in order:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left side wall
• Inside the refrigerator compartment on the right side wall
• Along the top interior trim, just inside the door opening
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light housing
• Behind the crisper drawers on the side wall (use a flashlight)

If you do not see it right away, remove food items from the door bins and scan the cabinet walls near the front edge.

What the label looks like

The label usually includes both the model number and serial number in a small block of text.

Item on label	What it’s used for	Example format
Model number	Ensures exact part fit	79551012012
Serial number	Helps identify production details	Letters plus numbers

Why it matters

Kenmore refrigerators often share similar styling across multiple model families, but parts like the water inlet valve, ice maker assembly, and door gasket can vary by model. Using the exact model number from the label prevents ordering the wrong replacement part.

If the label is hard to read

• Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth and dry it
• Use your phone camera zoom and a flashlight at an angle
• Write down the full model number exactly as shown, including all digits
• Confirm the location and format in the 79551012012 owner's manual

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79551012012, the thermostat (cold control) is typically located inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment where the temperature controls are mounted, usually in the control housing at the top front. Use the 79551012012 owner's manual to confirm the exact access steps for your control layout.

Where to look first (most common locations)

We see the thermostat/cold control in one of these spots on side-by-side refrigerators like model 79551012012:

• Inside the refrigerator section, in the ceiling control console near the temperature settings
• Behind the temperature control knob or electronic control cover
• In a small control housing that also routes the sensor capillary tube (if equipped)
• Near the air damper area where cold air enters the refrigerator section

Quick access checklist (safe, no-special-tools approach)

Before removing any covers, we recommend these steps:

• Unplug the refrigerator to prevent shock and protect the control board
• Empty the top shelf area so you can see the control housing clearly
• Look for 1 to 3 screws or locking tabs holding the control cover in place
• Take a photo of wire positions before disconnecting anything
• If you see a thin tube (capillary), do not kink or sharply bend it

Symptoms that point to a thermostat/cold control issue

A thermostat problem is often confused with airflow or defrost issues. Here is a quick comparison:

What you notice	More likely cause	What to check next
Fridge too warm, freezer OK	Airflow/damper issue	Vents blocked, damper movement
Fridge too cold, items freezing	Thermostat/control not cycling	Control settings, control response
Compressor runs almost nonstop	Thermostat stuck calling for cooling or sealed system/airflow issue	Door seals, condenser cleanliness
Temps swing widely	Control/sensor issue	Sensor placement, wiring connections

Why it matters

Finding the thermostat location on 79551012012 helps you diagnose cooling complaints correctly. If the control cannot cycle the compressor and fans normally, you can get uneven temperatures, freezing in the fresh food section, or continuous running that increases wear.

Last updated: February 2026