Kenmore Elite 11172692120 refrigerator Parts

Your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model is 11172692120. We recommend confirming it on the appliance’s model and serial tag inside the fresh food compartment or freezer area, then matching that exact number when looking up parts and troubleshooting details in the owner's manual.

On Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators like model 11172692120, the model and serial tag is typically located in one of these spots:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall
• Inside the refrigerator compartment behind or near the crisper drawers
• Inside the freezer compartment on an interior wall
• Along the door frame area (fresh food side)
• Behind the lower toe grille or kick plate area

Use the tag to verify the full model number character-for-character (including any extra digits). This prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator water filter, door gasket, ice maker parts, or control components.

• Write down the model number and serial number
• Take a clear photo of the tag for reference
• Use the model number to match the correct diagrams and troubleshooting steps
• Keep the serial number handy for age and production details

Kenmore model families can look similar but use different shelves, drawers, dispenser parts, and electronic controls. Confirming 11172692120 from the tag ensures the parts list and troubleshooting guidance you use matches your exact bottom-mount refrigerator.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems we see with the Kenmore Elite 11172692120 bottom-mount refrigerator include warm temperatures (cooling problems), ice maker or water dispenser issues, water leaks, and unusual noises. Your owner's manual includes model-specific troubleshooting charts for cooling, ice and water, and noise to narrow the cause quickly.

• Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan not running, condenser fan issues, or a defrost problem (frost buildup restricting airflow)
• Freezer cold but refrigerator warm: airflow blockage, iced-over evaporator, or a fan/air damper issue
• Ice maker not making ice: water supply turned off, clogged filter, frozen fill tube, or inlet valve problems
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, loose water line connections, or a cracked drain pan
• Noisy operation: fan blade hitting ice, worn fan motor, or normal compressor and refrigerant flow sounds changing due to load

1. Confirm power and settings: make sure controls are not set to OFF; the manual notes that OFF does not remove power to some circuits.
2. Improve airflow: avoid overpacking; keep vents clear in both compartments.
3. Clean condenser coils: dust buildup is a top cause of poor cooling and longer run times.
4. Check door sealing: look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or doors not closing fully.
5. Look for frost patterns: heavy frost on the back freezer panel often indicates a defrost or airflow problem.

Cooling, ice and water, and noise symptoms often share the same root causes (airflow restriction, fan problems, or maintenance issues). Catching them early helps prevent food spoilage, recurring leaks, and compressor overwork.

For model-specific steps and error or indicator guidance, use the troubleshooting section in your owner's manual, and for smart feature indicators (SMART LED, Grid Mode), follow the control panel descriptions there.

Last updated: February 2026

A Kenmore Elite refrigerator like model 11172692120 typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Regular care (cleaning, good airflow, and keeping door seals tight) helps you reach the high end of that range and reduces the chance of expensive cooling-system repairs.

Most bottom-mount refrigerators land in the same general window, but real-world lifespan depends on how hard the unit works and how well it is maintained.

• Room conditions: Hot garages and tight built-ins make the compressor run longer.
• Door seal condition: Leaky gaskets cause longer run times and temperature swings.
• Condenser cleanliness: Dust buildup increases heat load and energy use.
• Ice and water system health: Low water flow and leaks can create secondary problems.
• Usage patterns: Frequent door openings and overpacking reduce airflow.

Use these habits to keep your Kenmore 11172692120 running efficiently.

• Replace the water filter every 6 months (or sooner if flow drops).
• Reset the filter indicator after changes (hold the Water Filter button for 3 seconds).
• Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections unblocked.
• Clean spills promptly and keep drawers and bins seated correctly.
• Watch for early symptoms: warm temps, loud fan noise, frost buildup, or puddles.

A refrigerator that runs longer than it should (dirty condenser, weak door seal, restricted airflow) wears the compressor and fans faster. Staying on top of basic care is the simplest way to protect cooling performance and food safety.

For model-specific operating and care details (including filter handling and control features), use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. The Kenmore Elite 11172692120 is Kenmore’s premium tier; it’s built and marketed to offer more features and a more advanced user experience than standard Kenmore refrigerators. The exact feature set for your unit is listed in the owner's manual.

Kenmore Elite models are positioned above base and mid-tier Kenmore lines. For a bottom-mount refrigerator like model 11172692120, “high end” typically shows up as stronger convenience features, more refined storage, and more electronic controls.

Common premium indicators include:

• More precise temperature controls and additional control options
• Enhanced storage features (adjustable shelving, specialty drawers)
• Ice and water features (if equipped on your configuration)
• Higher-end finishes and trim details
• More sensors and electronic components supporting consistent cooling

Use the manual and the model’s parts diagrams to match features to what’s physically on your refrigerator.

Checklist:

• Compare your control panel buttons/icons to the control descriptions in the manual
• Identify drawers and bins by name (crisper, pantry, freezer baskets) and match them to the “parts & features” section
• Check whether your unit has a water line connection and filter housing (only if equipped)
• Verify any special modes (for example, quick cool, lock) by following the operating steps in the manual

Premium refrigerators deliver better usability and control, but they also rely on more electronics and sensors. Following the operating, cleaning, and troubleshooting steps in the manual helps keep temperatures stable and prevents avoidable issues.

Last updated: February 2026