What is a bottom mount refrigerator?
A bottom-mount refrigerator (like Kenmore Elite model 79579043311) keeps the fresh-food compartment on top at eye level and puts the freezer in a lower drawer. This layout makes everyday refrigerated items easier to reach while frozen foods stay stored below.
How a bottom-mount layout is different
- Fresh food on top: shelves and crisper drawers are easier to access without bending.
- Freezer on bottom: typically a pull-out drawer or swing door with baskets.
- Often includes an ice maker: depending on configuration and options.
- Door and hinge design matters: bottom-mount units use multiple hinges and pins to support the upper door and lower freezer door.
What you can expect on Kenmore Elite 79579043311
The 79579043311 owner's manual includes procedures for removing and reinstalling the refrigerator door and freezer door, which reflects the typical bottom-mount design: an upper refrigerator door supported by a middle hinge, plus a lower freezer door supported by a bottom hinge pin.
Common components you may see on this style
| Component | What it does | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker assembly | Produces ice in the freezer section | Lg refrigerator ice maker assembly model AEQ72909603 AEQ72909603 |
| Freezer door gasket | Seals the freezer door to prevent warm air leaks | ADX73350955 |
| Evaporator fan motor | Circulates cold air through refrigerator and freezer | 4681JB1027C or 4681JB1029S |
Why it matters
Bottom-mount refrigerators are designed around convenience and temperature stability: you access fresh foods more often, so keeping them higher reduces bending and door-open time. The lower freezer drawer also helps keep frozen items organized in baskets and trays.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 79579043311 bottom-mount refrigerator include warm temperatures (airflow or sealed-system issues), ice maker or water dispenser failures (water supply or valve problems), frost buildup (defrost or door-seal issues), and unusual noises (fan or compressor-related). Our 79579043311 owner's manual troubleshooting section is the best starting point.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coil, evaporator fan not running, blocked vents, or a temperature sensor issue
- Ice maker not making ice: low water pressure, frozen fill tube, failed ice maker, or a water inlet valve problem
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, or door left ajar causing excess defrost water
- Frost in freezer: door not sealing, frequent door openings, or a defrost sensor/defrost system problem
- Clicking, buzzing, or rattling: evaporator fan hitting ice, compressor start components cycling, or items vibrating inside
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Confirm controls are set correctly and vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean dust from the condenser area (poor heat release can mimic a “not cooling” failure).
- Check door closure: look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or a door that sits low.
- If the ice maker is slow, verify household water pressure and replace the water filter if it is overdue.
- Listen for where the noise comes from: freezer (fan/ice) vs. back bottom (compressor/condenser).
Parts that commonly fix these issues on model 79579043311
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| No ice | Ice maker assembly | Lg refrigerator ice maker assembly model AEQ72909603 AEQ72909603 |
| No water to ice maker/dispenser | Water inlet valve | Lg refrigerator water inlet valve AJU73753101 |
| Warm freezer, noisy freezer | Evaporator fan motor | Lg refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C |
| Frost/defrost problems | Defrost sensor assembly | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005N |
Why it matters
Cooling, ice, and frost complaints often share the same root cause: restricted airflow or inconsistent water flow. Catching a dirty coil, weak fan, or failing inlet valve early helps protect food temperatures and reduces strain on the compressor.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaking water out of the bottom?
Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579043311 is usually caused by a defrost drain that is clogged or frozen, or a water-supply leak from the inlet valve or tubing. Start by checking for ice or debris in the drain area, then inspect the water line connections.
Quick checks that solve most bottom leaks
- Look for water under the crisper drawers: this often points to a defrost drain issue.
- Look for water near the back or under the unit: this often points to a water line or inlet valve leak.
- Check the freezer floor for a sheet of ice: a common sign the drain is frozen.
- Inspect the water filter and housing area (if equipped): a loose filter can drip.
- Confirm the refrigerator is level: poor leveling can cause water to run forward and out.
For model-specific access points and panels, follow the 79579043311 owner's manual.
Most common causes (and what you will see)
| What you notice | Most likely cause | Where to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Water pooling inside fresh food section | Clogged or frozen defrost drain | Drain trough and drain tube behind rear interior panel |
| Water on floor near back | Leaking water supply connection | Household shutoff, rear water line fitting |
| Drips only when ice maker fills | Water inlet valve seeping | Valve body and outlet tubing |
| Water near freezer door area | Door not sealing, excess frost melt | Gasket, door alignment, frost buildup |
Parts that commonly relate to leaks on this model
If you find the leak is tied to the ice maker fill or dispenser supply, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Lg refrigerator water inlet valve AJU73753101 (controls water flow to ice maker and dispenser)
- Lg refrigerator ice maker assembly model AEQ72909603 (leaks can occur if the mold or fill area overflows)
Why it matters
A small leak can turn into floor damage and can also create ice buildup that restricts airflow, leading to warm temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer.
Helpful DIY guidance
- Use the manual’s water line section to confirm you are connected to a cold water supply and that fittings are secure.
- If the leak happens around ice production or dispensing, follow how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems for prevention steps.
Last updated: January 2026
What does DH mean on Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
On Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579043311, DH commonly indicates a defrost heating problem (the refrigerator is not sensing normal defrost heater operation). This usually points to a defrost circuit issue such as the heater, defrost sensor, wiring, or control.
What to check first (safe, quick steps)
- Confirm the doors are fully closing and the gaskets are sealing; warm air leaks can worsen frost buildup.
- Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power to clear a temporary control glitch.
- Look for symptoms that match a defrost issue: heavy frost on the freezer back wall, weak airflow, or warming temperatures.
- Verify the freezer vents are not blocked by packages or ice.
- Check for a clogged drain or ice buildup under the evaporator cover (water can refreeze and restrict airflow).
Parts that commonly cause a DH or defrost-heating symptom
If the refrigerator is frosting up and airflow is dropping, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
- Defrost sensor: refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005N
- Temperature feedback to the control: refrigerator temperature sensor 6500JB2002X
- Air movement after defrost: evaporator fan motor (symptoms include warm fridge section and noisy or stalled fan)
Quick symptom-to-part guide
| What you notice | Most likely area | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Thick frost on freezer back panel | Defrost system | Cooling and airflow |
| Fridge warm, freezer cold | Airflow or frost restriction | Fresh food temps |
| Intermittent warming, then normal | Sensor or control logic | Defrost timing |
Why it matters
When defrost heat is not working correctly, frost can build up on the evaporator and block airflow. That can make the refrigerator section warm, increase run time, and lead to inconsistent temperatures.
Where to find model-specific troubleshooting
For the exact display messages, diagnostic steps, and component locations for 79579043311, use the 79579043311 owner's manual. For additional Kenmore guidance on display codes, see Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026





