What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
On the Kenmore Elite 79577719700 bottom-mount refrigerator, the most common problems we see are cooling issues (too warm or too cold), ice maker and water dispenser troubles, and door sealing or closing problems. Many symptoms trace back to airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, or water supply and filtration issues; our 79577719700 owner's manual troubleshooting section helps narrow it down.
- Refrigerator or freezer too warm: doors opened often, vents blocked by food, controls set too warm, or dirty condenser coils.
- Refrigerator or freezer too cold: controls set too cold or items placed in the direct airstream.
- Ice tastes bad or smells: old ice, unwrapped food odors, or water quality issues (often improved with a fresh filter).
- Ice production is slow or cubes are small: freezer not cold enough yet, door left open, or restricted water supply.
- Doors won’t close or are hard to open: unit not level, bins/shelves out of position, or dirty/sticky door gaskets.
- Confirm doors close fully and nothing is holding them open.
- Make sure air vents are not blocked by packages in either compartment.
- Adjust temperature controls one step at a time, then wait 24 hours before re-checking.
- Clean condenser coils so the compressor does not have to work harder.
- If ice or water quality is off, replace the filter and discard the first few batches of ice.
| Symptom | Common fix | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Bad-tasting or smelly ice/water | Replace water filter | Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 5231JA2006E |
| No water to dispenser/ice maker | Check supply, then test inlet valve | LG Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve 5221JB2006K |
| Light stays off or dispenser won’t respond when door opens/closes | Check door switch | LG Refrigerator Door Switch 6600JB1010A |
Most “not cooling” and “ice maker not working” complaints are caused by simple conditions (blocked airflow, dirty coils, doors not sealing) that also increase run time and energy use. Fixing those basics first prevents unnecessary part replacement.
Related help: Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes
Last updated: January 2026
What size is Kenmore refrigerator model 79577719700?
Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79577719700 is a bottom-freezer style refrigerator; most units in this Kenmore 795 family are about 33 inches wide and roughly 68 to 70 inches tall, with depth varying based on handles and door clearance. For the exact dimensions for your unit, use the 79577719700 owner's manual.
Use a tape measure and record three numbers: width, depth, and height.
- Width: measure the cabinet at the widest point (usually the case, not the doors)
- Height: measure from floor to the top of the hinge cover (or highest point)
- Depth: measure cabinet depth, then measure again including handles
- Measure with doors closed and the refrigerator leveled
- If the refrigerator is in a tight opening, measure the opening too
These are common ranges for Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators similar to model 79577719700.
| Measurement | Typical range | What changes it most |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 32 to 36 in. | cabinet design, door style |
| Height | 67 to 71 in. | hinge cover, leveling legs |
| Depth (cabinet only) | 29 to 33 in. | insulation, rear clearance |
| Depth (with handles) | 31 to 36 in. | handle style, door curvature |
Even when the cabinet fits, doors and drawers need room to open.
- Leave at least 1 inch behind the refrigerator for airflow and water line routing
- Leave at least 1 inch above for ventilation and easier installation
- Allow extra depth if you have a water line and a tight wall outlet location
- Plan for door swing and freezer drawer pull-out clearance
Correct size and clearance prevents poor cooling from restricted airflow, reduces door alignment issues, and helps avoid dents or broken trim during installation. It also helps you choose compatible replacement items like a refrigerator water filter.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my refrigerator not getting cold at the bottom?
On Kenmore Elite model 79577719700, weak cooling at the bottom of the fresh-food section is usually caused by restricted airflow (blocked vents or poor circulation between compartments) or a cooling system issue that reduces cold air delivery. Start by checking vents, settings, and door sealing, then move to fan and condenser checks.
- Set temperatures to the recommended starting point: 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer; allow 24 hours to stabilize (then fine-tune). See the 79577719700 owner's manual.
- Make sure food packages are not blocking the air vents; this model circulates air from freezer to refrigerator and returns it at the bottom.
- Confirm the freezer is cooling normally; on this design, the refrigerator depends on freezer airflow.
- Check that doors close fully and gaskets seal; warm air leaks can reduce cooling performance.
- Clean dust and pet hair from the condenser area (commonly at the bottom/back); poor heat release can weaken cooling.
If the top feels cooler than the bottom, airflow is the first suspect.
- Listen for the evaporator fan running (often a steady whir when the compressor is on).
- Look for frost buildup that could block airflow paths.
- If the fan blade is damaged or loose, airflow drops; the refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5901JA1021A is a common wear item.
- If the fan motor is failing (intermittent, noisy, or not running), cooling can be uneven.
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer cold, fridge bottom warm | Air vent blockage or weak circulation | Clear vents, reorganize food, wait 24 hours |
| Both sections warm | Condenser dirty, fan/compressor issue | Clean condenser, check fans |
| Bottom warm and moisture/odor issues | Airflow interruption | Clear vents, wrap foods tightly |
This refrigerator moves cold air between the freezer and refrigerator compartments; when vents are blocked or circulation is reduced, the bottom return path can warm up first, leading to uneven temperatures and faster food spoilage.
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 79577719700 is usually caused by a defrost drain that is clogged and overflowing into the base, or a leak in the water supply system (tubing, fittings, or the inlet valve) feeding the ice maker and dispenser.
- Clogged defrost drain: Meltwater can back up and spill into the bottom, then run onto the floor.
- Leaking water line connection: A loose or damaged connection can drip and track to the front.
- Cracked or pinched water tubing: Tubing can split or rub through, especially after moving the unit.
- Leaking inlet valve: The valve can seep or fail to close fully.
- Drain pan overflow or misalignment: Water from defrost can miss the pan and end up on the floor.
- Unplug the refrigerator and pull it straight out (protect the floor).
- Look for the water source: check if the puddle is clear (water line) or slightly dirty (defrost/drain pan).
- Inspect the rear lower area for drips at the valve and tubing connections.
- Check the freezer floor and rear panel for frost or ice buildup that points to a drain issue.
- If you have an ice maker, turn it off and shut off the water supply for 24 hours; if leaking stops, the issue is in the water supply circuit.
| Leak symptom | Most likely area | Example part to inspect/replace |
|---|---|---|
| Clear water, worse when ice maker runs | Water supply circuit | Lg refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JB2006K |
| Drips at push-in connections | Fittings/tubing | Refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3002C |
| Water trails from cabinet interior | Drain system | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
A small leak can quickly turn into floor damage and can also create ice buildup that restricts airflow, which hurts cooling performance.
For water line and ice maker shutoff guidance and other troubleshooting basics, use the 79577719700 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





