Kenmore 11173022712 bottom-mount refrigerator Parts

A Kenmore freezer typically lasts 12 to 20 years with normal household use. For your Kenmore 11173022712 bottom-mount refrigerator, keeping the condenser area clean, maintaining good door seals, and using proper airflow clearances helps the freezer reach its full expected lifespan; see the owner's manual.

Typical lifespan and what affects it

Most freezer sections fail early due to heat load, airflow restrictions, or poor sealing. The biggest factors we see are:

• Dirty condenser coils or blocked condenser airflow
• Worn, torn, or dirty door gaskets that leak warm air
• Overpacked freezer blocking vents and circulation
• Frequent door openings or doors not closing fully
• Warm room temperatures or the refrigerator pushed tight to the wall

Quick care checklist for longer freezer life

Use these steps as routine maintenance for Kenmore bottom-mount units:

• Leave at least 2 inches of clearance between the back of the refrigerator and the wall for airflow.
• Keep door gaskets clean and pliable; wipe with mild soap and water and dry fully.
• Confirm the doors close on their own and stay shut; level the cabinet if needed.
• Avoid blocking interior air vents with large boxes or bags.
• If you have an ice maker, dump old ice and use it regularly; turn the ice maker off if you will not use it for a while.

What “end of life” usually looks like

These symptoms often show up as a freezer approaches a major repair point:

Symptom	Common cause	What to check first
Freezer warms up, fridge seems OK	Airflow or evaporator fan issue	Vents blocked, fan noise, frost buildup
Heavy frost on back wall	Defrost problem or door leak	Door seal, frequent openings
Runs constantly	Dirty condenser area or warm air leak	Clearance, gasket seal, coil cleaning
Ice cream soft, meat not fully frozen	Temperature not holding	Door closing, vent blockage

Why it matters

A freezer that cannot hold temperature safely forces the compressor to run longer, which increases wear and energy use. Simple airflow and sealing maintenance is the most reliable way to keep a Kenmore freezer section operating for the full 12 to 20 year range.

For troubleshooting display codes that can affect cooling performance, use our Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes. For replacement parts by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 11173022712 are no ice or slow ice production, warm refrigerator temperatures, water leaks, frost buildup, doors not sealing or closing, and unusual noises. Many issues trace back to airflow, water supply pressure, or door sealing; use the 11173022712 owner's manual troubleshooting tables to pinpoint the cause.

Common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, evaporator fan problems, or heavy frost restricting airflow
• Ice maker not making ice: ice maker switched off, water supply valve closed, kinked water line, or low water pressure (often below about 30 psi)
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, loose water line connections, or a cracked drain pan
• Frost buildup: door left ajar, worn door gasket, or frequent openings in humid conditions
• Noisy operation: normal defrost water dripping, compressor high-pitched or pulsating sounds, or cabinet vibration against a wall
• Doors pop open or won’t close: food packages blocking, bins or shelves out of position, or door alignment issues

Quick checks we recommend first (safe DIY)

1. Confirm temperature settings and that vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked.
2. Clean condenser coils and make sure the unit has airflow around it.
3. Check door gaskets for gaps; close a dollar bill in the door and feel for consistent resistance.
4. For ice maker issues, verify the shutoff valve is open and the water line is not kinked.
5. Listen for the evaporator fan; a failed fan often causes warm temps in the fresh food section.

Symptom-to-fix guide

Symptom	Most likely DIY fix	When it’s usually a repair job
Warm refrigerator	Clean coils; clear vents	Evaporator fan, defrost system, control issue
No ice	Turn ice maker ON; check water supply	Inlet valve, ice maker assembly, low pressure setup
Leaks	Clear drain; check tubing	Cracked line, internal leak, valve issue
Door won’t close	Reposition bins and food	Hinge/door alignment problems

Why it matters

Cooling, ice, and leak problems can quickly lead to food spoilage and floor damage. Catching airflow restrictions, door seal issues, and water supply problems early prevents bigger failures and keeps temperatures stable.

For model-specific error displays and what they mean, we use the Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes guide. For parts lookups by model number and diagrams, shop through the parts list for 11173022712 or search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The “bottom part” of a refrigerator is most commonly the compressor area (the machinery compartment), which houses the compressor and other cooling-system components. On Kenmore model 11173022712, this area is typically at the lower rear, behind the access cover; see the 11173022712 owner's manual for safety and access guidance.

What you will find in the bottom rear area

In most bottom-mount refrigerators, the lower back section is where the sealed-system and airflow parts live. Common components include:

• Compressor (the pump that circulates refrigerant)
• Condenser coil and condenser fan (reject heat from the system)
• Drain pan (catches defrost water for evaporation)
• Wiring, sharp metal panels, and moving fan blades

Safety first before you look underneath

Our Kenmore 11173022712 manual specifically warns against putting hands into the bottom rear area because of sharp edges and electrical shock risk.

• Unplug the refrigerator before removing any lower rear cover
• Avoid reaching into the bottom back area; use a flashlight instead
• Keep fingers clear of fan blades and wiring
• If you see damaged wiring or a cut power cord, stop and arrange service

Quick terminology guide

People use different names for the same area. This table helps match what you see to what it is called.

What you mean	Common name	Where it is
The “motor” that runs the fridge	Compressor	Bottom rear, behind cover
The whole lower back section	Machinery compartment	Bottom rear
The bottom front grille area (if present)	Toe grille or kick plate	Bottom front
The bottom storage section	Freezer drawer	Bottom front

Why it matters

Knowing whether you mean the compressor area (bottom rear) or the freezer drawer (bottom front) helps you troubleshoot correctly. For example, cooling noises and heat are often tied to the compressor area, while door alignment and drawer sealing issues relate to the freezer drawer and door hardware.

Parts and help

We list model-specific replacement parts by diagram and location for Kenmore 11173022712. If you need to search more broadly by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Water at the bottom of your Kenmore 11173022712 bottom-mount refrigerator is typically caused by defrost water not draining (a clogged or frozen defrost drain) or a leak at the water supply line for the ice maker or dispenser. Use the 11173022712 owner's manual for safe access and model-specific guidance.

Most common causes to check

• Clogged or frozen defrost drain: Meltwater backs up and runs down to the floor.
• Drain pan shifted or cracked: Defrost water misses the pan or leaks before it evaporates.
• Water supply line leak: Loose fitting, split tubing, or a pinhole drip behind the unit.
• Kinked tubing: Often happens after moving the refrigerator; kinks can stress fittings and cause seepage.
• Ice maker or dispenser line seepage: Slow leaks can track down the cabinet and pool underneath.

Quick troubleshooting steps

• Unplug the refrigerator before inspecting; we never recommend spraying or pouring water into or onto the appliance.
• Pull the refrigerator straight out to protect flooring and avoid stressing the water line.
• Check the water:
  • Clear water usually points to defrost drain or supply line.
  • Sticky water often points to a food spill migrating downward.
• Inspect the drain pan for cracks and confirm it is seated correctly.
• Inspect the supply line for wet fittings and kinks; straighten and re-route the tubing to prevent future kinks.

What the symptoms usually mean

What you see	Most likely source	Best next step
Puddle appears every few days	Defrost drain backing up	Clear the drain path and remove ice buildup
Constant slow drip under back	Water line or fitting leak	Tighten fittings; replace damaged tubing
Leak started after moving/cleaning	Kinked tubing or shifted drain pan	Correct tubing routing; reseat pan

Why it matters

Leaks can damage flooring and lead to ice buildup inside the cabinet, which reduces cooling performance and causes repeat puddles.

Parts and diagrams

We list model-specific diagrams and replacement parts for Kenmore 11173022712 on the parts list for this model; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Related help: If an error code appears during troubleshooting, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.

Last updated: February 2026