Installation guide
Owner’s manual
Error Codes
What year did the Kenmore Elite come out?
Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s premium appliance line, and it first appeared in the late 1990s. For your specific Kenmore Elite electric range model 79046709602, the exact build date is determined by the serial number on the appliance’s serial plate (not by the “Elite” name alone); see the 79046709602 owner's manual for the serial plate location.
How to find the manufacture date for model 79046709602
The “Kenmore Elite” lineup spans many years, so the most accurate way to date your range is to decode its serial number.
- Locate the serial plate and write down the full serial number
- Take a clear photo of the serial plate for reference
- Use the serial number format to identify the production date code (varies by manufacturer)
- Compare the date code to your purchase/installation timeframe
- If you are ordering parts, match parts to the full model number 79046709602 and the serial number range when applicable
Serial plate location (what we know from the manual)
The manual explains that the model and serial number are printed on the serial plate and shows where to find it on the range. Use that plate information when dating the unit and when selecting replacement parts.
| Item | What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 79046709602 | Confirms the exact Kenmore Elite range platform |
| Serial number | Full serial number | Used to determine manufacturing date and correct part variations |
| Purchase date | Receipt date | Helps confirm warranty timing and appliance age |
Why it matters
Kenmore Elite is a product line name, not a single release-year model. Dating your specific range by serial number helps you choose the correct oven control parts, surface elements, and electrical components for 79046709602.
Last updated: January 2026
Is Kenmore Elite high end?
Yes. Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s premium line, positioned above standard Kenmore models; for the Kenmore Elite electric range model 79046709602, that typically means upgraded cooking features, a more refined design, and higher-end components compared with basic ranges.
What “high end” means for a Kenmore Elite range
Kenmore Elite ranges are built to deliver stronger performance and convenience features that matter in daily cooking. Exact features vary by model, so we recommend confirming your control options and functions in the 79046709602 owner’s manual.
Common “premium” traits include:
- More precise electronic oven control and settings
- Convection cooking on some models (fan cycles on and off during convect bake/roast)
- Self-clean capability with controlled element cycling
- Higher-output or specialty cooktop elements (depending on configuration)
- Better fit-and-finish details (control panel, door trim, drawer hardware)
Quick comparison: Kenmore lines (typical positioning)
| Kenmore line | Typical positioning | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore | Mainstream | Core features, value-focused |
| Kenmore Elite | Premium | More features, stronger performance, upgraded design |
| Kenmore PRO | Pro-style | Pro look and higher-end configurations (varies by model) |
Why it matters
If you are deciding whether to repair or upgrade, “Elite” usually supports repairing because the appliance is designed for years of dependable operation and often uses higher-grade assemblies. When performance issues show up (like inaccurate baking temperatures), premium models are also worth diagnosing correctly before replacing major parts.
Parts that often relate to “premium performance”
If cooking results are inconsistent, these are common areas to check on an electric range:
- Oven temperature sensing and calibration (sensor and control settings)
- Heating elements cycling normally in Bake, Broil, and Clean
- Door sealing and heat retention
For example, an oven that runs hot or cold can point to a failing sensor such as the frigidaire range oven temperature sensor 316217002 (when it matches your symptom and diagnosis).
Last updated: January 2026
Does a Kenmore Elite have a reset button?
Kenmore Elite electric ranges such as model 79046709602 do not use a single dedicated “reset button” like some small appliances. Most “reset” situations are handled by restoring power at the breaker, or by using a control-panel reset procedure described in the 79046709602 owner's manual.
What to try first (safe reset steps)
- Turn the range OFF.
- If the display is frozen or unresponsive, cycle power at the home breaker for 1 minute, then restore power.
- Set the clock and test a basic function (Bake at 350°F for a few minutes).
- If only the oven temperature seems wrong, use the oven temperature adjustment feature (calibration) in the manual.
- If the issue returns, focus on the specific symptom (no heat, overheating, error code, dead display).
Control-panel “factory reset” (settings reset)
This model includes a procedure that clears stored recipes and resets user adjustments back to factory settings. It is useful when settings like time format, silent mode, or temperature adjustments are causing confusion.
What it resets: stored recipes and common user adjustments (time format, energy-saver mode, silent operation, °F/°C, and oven temperature adjustments).
| Reset type | What it affects | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker power cycle | Electronics reboot | Frozen display, random glitches |
| Settings reset (recipes/adjustments) | User-programmed settings | Odd beeps, wrong temp offset, changed options |
When a “reset” will not fix it
A reset will not correct a failed heating or sensing component. If the oven is not heating correctly or is overheating after a reset, these parts are common suspects:
- Oven temperature sensor (if temps swing or are inaccurate)
- Bake/broil heating element (if no heat)
- Wiring connections (if intermittent power)
- Control board or control panel (if keys do not respond)
For temperature-related problems on Kenmore Elite 79046709602, the frigidaire range oven temperature sensor 316217002 is a common replacement part to check.
Why it matters
Using the right “reset” prevents unnecessary parts replacement. A breaker reset addresses control glitches, while a settings reset corrects user-option changes that can make the range seem like it is malfunctioning.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the model number on Kenmore Elite Stove?
On the Kenmore Elite electric range model 79046709602, the model and serial number are printed on the serial plate located on the oven front frame behind the oven door. On some versions, the serial plate is located behind the storage drawer. See the 79046709602 owner's manual for the exact label location illustration.
How to find the label quickly
- Turn the range off and let it cool.
- Open the oven door fully.
- Look along the front frame (the area the door closes against), typically near the lower left or right.
- If you do not see it, pull the storage drawer out and look on the frame behind the drawer.
- Write down the model number, serial number, and any lot number/letter shown.
What the label information is used for
When we look up Kenmore range parts or troubleshoot symptoms (like a bake not heating, a convection fan issue, or an error code), the model and serial plate details help match the correct:
- Control panel and electronic controls
- Surface elements and indicator lights
- Oven sensor and heating elements
- Wire harness and terminal block connections
Common label locations (quick reference)
| Appliance area | What to check | Most common for 79046709602 |
|---|---|---|
| Oven door open | Front frame behind the door | Yes |
| Storage drawer area | Frame behind the drawer | Sometimes |
| Back panel | Near power cord/terminal area | Less common |
Why it matters
Kenmore Elite ranges often have multiple versions that look similar. Using the exact model number (and serial/lot info) prevents ordering the wrong part and helps ensure the right installation and wiring guidance.
Last updated: January 2026
