How do I tell what model Kenmore fridge I have?
To tell what model Kenmore refrigerator you have, look for the model and serial number on the identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. For Kenmore model 11173025711, the Use & Care Guide notes this label is on the interior liner of the refrigerator compartment; see the 11173025711 use & care manual.
Common label locations on Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators like model 11173025711 include:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (interior liner)
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the control housing
- Behind or near the crisper drawers (you may need to slide a drawer out)
- Along the door frame area (visible when the door is open)
- Occasionally behind the lower kick plate or grille (varies by design)
Kenmore model numbers are usually printed as a full number plus a “dot” format.
| What you see on the label | What it means |
|---|---|
111.7302* |
Model family; the * is the color code |
11173025711 |
Full model number used for parts lookup |
| Serial number | Unique ID for your specific refrigerator |
- Write the model number exactly as shown (include dots if present)
- Take a clear photo before ordering parts or scheduling service
- Use the full model number (not just “111.7302”) when searching for parts
- Record the serial number too; it helps confirm production details
Kenmore “111” refrigerators can look similar across multiple versions, but parts like door bins, drawers, ice maker components, and control parts can vary by exact model and color code. Using the correct model number helps us match the right replacement parts the first time.
Last updated: January 2026
How long should a Kenmore freezer last?
A Kenmore freezer typically lasts 10 to 15 years with normal household use. For your Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator model 11173025711, the manual does not list a specific life expectancy, so we use the standard range for modern freezer systems. See the 11173025711 use & care manual for care and operating tips.
Most freezers reach the 10 to 15 year range; the difference usually comes down to operating conditions and maintenance.
- Room temperature and ventilation around the cabinet
- How often the freezer drawer is opened and how long it stays open
- Door gasket condition and door alignment (air leaks shorten compressor life)
- Dust buildup on condenser areas (forces longer run times)
- Power interruptions and temperature swings
If you see these symptoms repeatedly, it often means the sealed system or controls are wearing out.
- Freezer cannot hold 0°F consistently
- Compressor runs almost constantly with little cooling improvement
- Heavy frost buildup that returns quickly after defrosting
- Unusual clicking, buzzing, or loud fan noise that is new
- Water leaks or recurring ice buildup around the drawer area
| Freezer age | What we recommend |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 years | Focus on cleaning, airflow, and correct temperature settings |
| 6 to 10 years | Watch for gasket leaks, fan noise, and longer run times |
| 10 to 15 years | Compare repair cost vs. replacement if cooling becomes unreliable |
| 15+ years | Expect higher risk of sealed system or compressor issues |
A freezer that is struggling to maintain temperature can lead to food spoilage and higher energy use. Keeping the freezer near 0°F and minimizing air leaks helps your Kenmore 11173025711 run efficiently and last longer.
Last updated: January 2026
Who makes Kenmore replacement parts?
Kenmore is a brand name, not a single manufacturer, so replacement parts for your Kenmore 11173025711 bottom-mount refrigerator are typically made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that built this specific 111-series unit. The most reliable way to confirm the maker is to match parts by model number and the exact part listing.
We recommend using your model number (11173025711) and the refrigerator’s serial tag when selecting parts, because Kenmore sources appliances from different manufacturers across different model series.
Use these checks:
- Confirm the full model number on the ID label inside the fresh food compartment.
- Match the part by the model-specific parts list, not by appearance alone.
- Compare the part description to the symptom (cooling, ice maker, door seal, etc.).
- Verify any electrical parts by connector style and wire count.
- Cross-check installation notes and diagrams in the 11173025711 use & care manual.
Some parts are more model-specific than others. OEM matching is especially important for:
- Electronic control board and user interface
- Ice maker components and ice storage bin parts
- Water system parts (tubing, fittings, inlet valve)
- Door gaskets and door hardware
- Fans (evaporator fan, condenser fan)
| Part type | Usually universal? | Usually model-specific? |
|---|---|---|
| Shelves and bins | Sometimes | Often |
| Water filters | Sometimes | Often |
| Door gaskets | Rarely | Yes |
| Control boards | No | Yes |
Using the correct OEM-matched part for Kenmore 11173025711 helps ensure proper fit, correct electrical compatibility, and normal performance (cooling temperatures, ice production, door sealing). The wrong substitute can cause repeat failures or installation issues.
If you are troubleshooting before ordering parts, we often start with error code and symptom checks using Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my refrigerator not getting cold at the bottom?
If your Kenmore 11173025711 is warm at the bottom of the fresh-food section, the most common cause is restricted airflow; items blocking the return vents or an iced-up evaporator can keep cold air from circulating down to the lower shelves and drawers. See the airflow and control details in the 11173025711 use & care manual.
- Make sure packages are not pushed against the back wall or covering interior vents.
- Leave space between food items so air can circulate.
- Confirm both doors and the freezer drawer close fully and seal all the way around.
- Verify the refrigerator is not in Demo Mode (cooling disabled).
- Give temperature changes time to stabilize; wait 24 hours after adjusting controls.
- Check temperature settings: This model is typically set to 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer. If the refrigerator is warm, lower the refrigerator setting one step and wait 24 hours.
- Look for airflow restrictions: Overpacked shelves, bags in front of vents, or a tightly packed crisper area can trap warmer air at the bottom.
- Rule out door sealing issues: If the door is slightly ajar, warm humid air enters and the lower area often warms first.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator bottom is warm, a weak or failed evaporator fan or an airflow blockage is a common pattern.
- Check for frost buildup symptoms: Heavy frost in the freezer or warming after a few days can point to a defrost system problem.
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Top shelves cool, bottom warm | Airflow blocked or diffuser issue | Reorganize food, clear vents |
| Freezer OK, fridge warm | Evaporator fan or airflow/defrost issue | Listen for fan, check frost |
| Both sections warm | Demo Mode, control issue, dirty condenser cover/vents | Exit Demo Mode, clean vents |
| Temps fluctuate after loading groceries | Normal recovery time | Use Accela Chill, wait 24 hours |
Bottom-warm conditions shorten food life in the crisper and can lead to spoilage even when the upper shelves feel “cool enough.” Restoring proper airflow also reduces compressor run time and helps the refrigerator hold steady temperatures.
If you see an error code on the display, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to narrow the problem before replacing parts.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is there water leaking from the bottom in my Kenmore refrigerator?
Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore 11173025711 bottom-mount refrigerator is usually caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain that overflows, or a small leak in the ice maker water supply line that drips down to the floor. Start by checking the freezer drain area, then inspect the drain pan and water line.
- Unplug the refrigerator before inspecting or clearing ice.
- Look for ice or a thin sheet of water on the freezer floor (common with a blocked defrost drain).
- Note when the leak happens (after defrost, after ice maker fills, or constant).
- Make sure doors and the freezer drawer close fully; warm air increases frost and drain icing.
- Pull the unit forward slightly and look underneath for a shifted or cracked drain pan.
A blocked drain makes defrost water back up and run down inside the cabinet, often showing up as a front-bottom leak.
- Remove the freezer drawer/bins as needed to reach the drain area.
- Melt visible ice with warm water (not boiling) and towels.
- Flush the drain with warm water using a turkey baster or squeeze bottle until it flows freely.
- Gently clear debris with a flexible plastic tube or pipe cleaner.
For model-specific safety notes and freezer drawer removal steps, use the 11173025711 use & care manual.
Model 11173025711 can be connected to a cold water supply; a slow seep at a compression fitting or a kinked tube can drip down and collect under the cabinet.
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leak mainly after ice maker runs | Loose fitting or cracked tubing | Tighten fittings; replace damaged tubing |
| Water behind the refrigerator | Kinked line or shutoff valve seep | Straighten line; check valve and connections |
| Drips continue with ice maker OFF | Supply line or inlet valve leak | Shut off house water; inspect components |
Water under the refrigerator can damage flooring and can lead to recurring ice buildup in the freezer and door sealing problems. Fixing the drain path or water connection early usually prevents repeat leaks.
If you’re also seeing a display code, check Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026





