What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579752904 include weak or no cooling, frost buildup in the freezer, water leaks, dispenser or ice maker issues, and unusual fan or compressor noises. Many fixes start with airflow, defrost, and water-supply checks; use the 79579752904 owner's manual for model-specific settings and diagnostics.
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser area, blocked vents, failed evaporator fan, or sealed-system/compressor issues
- Frost or ice buildup: door not sealing, frequent door openings, or a defrost system problem (heater, sensor, control)
- Water under the refrigerator or in the crisper: clogged/iced drain path or a damaged drain tube
- No water dispensing or no ice: restricted filter, kinked tubing, low house water pressure, or a failing inlet valve
- Clicking, buzzing, or rattling: condenser fan obstruction, failing start relay, or normal ice maker cycling
- Confirm temperatures: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer (typical targets).
- Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean dust from the condenser area (unplug first).
- Check door closure and gasket contact all the way around.
- If leaking, inspect the drain area and consider the refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D if the tube is cracked or misshapen.
- If dispenser/ice is weak, inspect tubing and fittings, then test the refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908 for proper fill.
| Symptom | Most likely system | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer | Airflow/evaporator | Lg refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C |
| Frost buildup | Defrost system | Lg refrigerator defrost heater 5300JK1005D |
| Water leaking | Defrost drain | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Light stays off or door alarm issues | Door switch circuit | Refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A |
Cooling, defrosting, and water dispensing all depend on steady airflow and correct water flow. Catching a clogged drain, weak fan, or failing inlet valve early helps prevent food spoilage, ice buildup, and recurring leaks.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth replacing the ice maker on a refrigerator?
Yes, it’s usually worth replacing the ice maker on your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579752904 when the refrigerator is cooling well and the problem is limited to ice production. An ice maker replacement is typically far less expensive than replacing the entire refrigerator, especially if you use ice daily.
We use these practical checkpoints to decide whether an ice maker repair makes sense:
- The refrigerator and freezer temperatures are stable (food stays safely cold)
- The dispenser and door seals are in good shape (no warm air leaks)
- You’ve already ruled out simple causes like a clogged filter or shutoff arm position
- The repair cost is well under the cost of a replacement refrigerator
- The unit is in otherwise good condition (no repeated cooling failures)
For model-specific operating checks and ice maker settings, use the 79579752904 owner's manual.
Replacing the ice maker is a strong choice when symptoms point to the ice maker assembly itself, such as:
- Ice maker mold does not fill even though water supply is on
- Ice maker cycles but produces hollow or undersized cubes consistently
- Ice maker is jammed repeatedly (not caused by clumped ice in the bin)
- You hear normal freezer fan operation, but ice production never starts
| Option | Typical cost range (parts and labor) | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Replace ice maker | $150 to $400 | Cooling is good; only ice is failing |
| Troubleshoot water supply (valve/tubing) | $100 to $300 | No fill; weak fill; intermittent fill |
| Replace refrigerator | $1,200+ | Multiple major issues or poor overall condition |
Many “bad ice maker” complaints are actually water delivery problems. On this model, common water-supply suspects include the refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908 and the refrigerator water tubing MJU62070602.
- Confirm the household shutoff valve is fully open
- Check for kinked or pinched tubing behind the refrigerator
- Replace the water filter on schedule (restricted flow can stop ice production)
- Look for slow fill or no fill symptoms that point to the inlet valve
For step-by-step prevention tips, see how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Replacing the right component the first time prevents repeat failures, protects the ice maker from low-flow conditions, and helps your Kenmore Elite 79579752904 maintain consistent ice production without unnecessary part swaps.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is there ice on the bottom of my freezer side by side?
Ice building up on the freezer floor is almost always caused by a defrost drain problem: meltwater can’t flow down the drain, so it refreezes at the bottom. On Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579752904, the most common fix is clearing and flushing the drain path and checking the drain tube for blockage; see the 79579752904 manual for access and cleaning guidance.
- Clogged or partially clogged defrost drain (food particles, ice, debris)
- Frozen drain opening from repeated defrost cycles
- Drain tube restricted or kinked behind the cabinet
- Door left slightly open or gasket leak adding excess frost (creates more meltwater)
- Items blocking airflow, increasing frost and defrost water volume
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the freezer drawer/baskets as needed to reach the rear/bottom panel.
- Melt visible ice with a hair dryer on low or by placing towels and using warm water (avoid overheating plastic).
- Locate the drain opening under the evaporator area and clear it.
- Flush the drain with hot water; a common method is 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 cups hot water.
- Confirm water flows freely to the drain pan underneath.
| What you find | Likely issue | What to check/replace |
|---|---|---|
| Ice returns in a few days | Drain still restricted | Inspect/clean the refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Water leaks near back/bottom | Drain line not routing correctly | Check drain tube routing and drain pan alignment |
| Heavy frost plus ice sheet | Air leak at door | Inspect gasket seal and door alignment |
When the drain can’t carry defrost water away, that water refreezes into a thick ice layer. Over time it can block the freezer drawer, cause water leaks, and reduce cooling efficiency.
Last updated: January 2026





