Is it worth replacing the ice maker on a refrigerator?
Yes, replacing the ice maker on your Kenmore 25378973802 is worth it when the refrigerator is cooling normally, the doors seal tightly, and you have steady water supply and pressure; an ice maker repair is usually far less expensive than replacing the refrigerator.
Quick checklist before you spend money
We recommend checking these common, fixable issues first because they can make a good ice maker look “bad”:
- Confirm the freezer is cold enough; allow 24 hours after any temperature change to stabilize.
- Make sure the ice maker wire signal arm is down (ON position).
- Verify the household water supply valve is fully open.
- Confirm water pressure is in the typical required range for this style of ice maker (30 to 100 psi).
- Look for a kinked, vibrating, or rubbing water line behind the refrigerator.
- Listen for the water valve buzzing during a fill; no buzz often points to a supply or control issue.
For model-specific operating and ice maker ON/OFF details, use the owner's manual.
When replacement is the smart move
Ice maker replacement is a good value when:
- The refrigerator and freezer temperatures are stable.
- You are not seeing heavy frost buildup or recurring warm-ups.
- The unit is level and doors close easily (no constant air leaks).
- The ice maker is the only major problem.
Common part-level repairs for ice issues
If you have symptoms like misshapen cubes, cubes stuck in the tray, or no harvest, these parts are often involved:
| Symptom | What it often points to | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Cubes stuck, not releasing | Mold or thermostat issue | Ice maker mold 241798231 |
| Small cubes or slow production | Water supply or fill problem | Check water line and pressure first |
| Ice production stops randomly | Ice maker control components | Inspect ice maker module components |
When it is usually not worth it
Replacing the ice maker is usually a poor investment when the refrigerator has bigger performance problems, such as frequent temperature swings, loud ongoing fan noise, water leaks, or chronic frost buildup. In those cases, the ice maker problem is often a side effect of a cooling or defrost issue.
Why it matters
A properly working ice maker depends on two basics: a cold-enough freezer and correct water supply. Fixing those first prevents repeat failures and helps you avoid replacing parts that are not actually bad.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I tell what model Kenmore fridge I have?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the serial plate inside the refrigerator compartment. On model 25378973802, you can use that label to confirm the exact model number and serial number for ordering parts, checking specifications, and following the correct operating instructions in the owner's manual.
Where to look for the model number label
Check these common locations on Kenmore top-mount refrigerators:
- Inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling area inside the refrigerator compartment
- On the frame just inside the door opening (hinge side)
- Behind or near the lower crisper drawers (on the inner wall)
- Near the bottom front area behind the toe grille or kick plate (varies by design)
What to write down (and why)
Record both numbers exactly as shown on the serial plate:
- Model number (example format: 25378973802)
- Serial number (unique to your unit)
- Brand (Kenmore)
- Type (top-mount refrigerator)
Why it matters
The model number ensures you get the correct refrigerator parts (like a door gasket, light bulb, or ice maker components) and the right instructions for installation, leveling, and door reversal.
Quick checklist: model number vs. serial number
| Item | What it tells us | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | The exact refrigerator design and parts fit | Parts lookup, manuals, diagrams |
| Serial number | Your specific unit’s production identity | Service history, unit identification |
If the label is hard to read
- Wipe the plate gently with a damp cloth and mild dish soap; dry it fully
- Use a flashlight at an angle to make faint printing easier to see
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to read characters accurately
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Kenmore 25378973802 put the freezer at eye level and the fresh-food section below, so you bend more to reach everyday items. They also typically offer fewer convenience features than many bottom-freezer designs; see the owner's manual for your model’s specific features and adjustments.
Common disadvantages (what most owners notice)
- More bending for fresh food: produce drawers, deli items, and drinks sit lower.
- Less “wide-open” organization: shelves and bins can feel more segmented than some bottom-freezer layouts.
- Freezer-first ergonomics: great if you use frozen foods often, less ideal if you mainly use the refrigerator section.
- Fewer built-in dispenser options: many top-mount models do not include external water or ice dispensing.
- Smaller door storage feel: gallon bins and door shelves can be more limited depending on configuration.
What you can do to make a top-mount easier to live with
- Keep daily-use items on the upper refrigerator shelves to reduce bending.
- Use clear bins to group snacks, lunch items, and condiments.
- Set controls and then wait 24 hours before making more temperature changes (normal stabilization time).
- Confirm the cabinet is level and slightly tilted back so doors self-close and seal well.
- If you have an ice maker, connect the water supply correctly and recheck for leaks after 24 hours.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs. bottom-freezer
| Feature | Top-mount (like 25378973802) | Bottom-freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier access |
| Freezer access | Higher, easier access | Lower, more bending |
| Organization style | Often simpler | Often more drawer-based |
| Dispenser features | Less common | More common |
Why it matters
Layout affects daily comfort, food visibility, and how well you maintain safe temperatures. A properly leveled cabinet and good door sealing help any refrigerator run efficiently and keep the freezer and fresh-food sections consistent.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you still get parts for Kenmore refrigerators?
Yes. We still offer replacement parts for Kenmore refrigerators, including model 25378973802; you can match parts by model number and replace common wear items like door gaskets, shelves, drawers, and ice maker components to keep the refrigerator cooling and sealing properly.
The best way to find the right part for your model
Use your model number (25378973802) to match parts by fit and function, then compare the part name and part ID before ordering.
- Confirm the full model number from the serial plate inside the fresh food compartment
- Identify the symptom (warm fridge, frost buildup, leaking water, door not sealing)
- Match the part by description and ID (not just by looks)
- Use the owner's manual for model-specific feature and control details
- If you are installing or reconnecting water, follow the installation guide checklist steps
Common Kenmore 25378973802 parts customers replace
These are examples of parts available for this model that often solve everyday problems:
| Problem you notice | Part that often fixes it | Example from this model |
|---|---|---|
| Door won’t seal, moisture or frost | Door gasket | Refrigerator gasket 242193213 or frigidaire refrigerator door gasket (black) 241872512 |
| Cracked or missing produce bin | Crisper drawer | Crisper drawer - refrigerator storage component by frigidaire 240337103 |
| Dim or burned-out interior light | Light bulb | Refrigerator light bulb 316538904 |
| Ice maker not cycling correctly | Ice maker component | Ice maker mold 241798231 |
Why it matters
Using parts that are matched to Kenmore 25378973802 helps prevent air leaks, temperature swings, and repeat failures. For example, a worn door gasket can force longer run times, create condensation, and lead to frost issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
In a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator like model 25378973802, the upper compartment is the freezer. It is designed to keep frozen foods at about 0°F or lower and, on some models, it also supports an automatic ice maker. See the owner's manual for your exact compartment features and temperature guidance.
What the freezer does (and what belongs there)
The freezer is the coldest section of the refrigerator and is meant for long-term frozen storage.
- Keep frozen foods solid and safe for longer storage
- Help maintain ice cream and other frozen items at a stable texture
- Support ice production if your unit has an ice maker installed
- Reduce freezer burn when food is packaged airtight
Typical temperature targets
| Compartment | Typical target | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (upper) | 0°F or lower | Safe frozen storage, ice making |
| Fresh food (lower) | 34°F to 40°F (optimum about 37°F) | Even cooling for refrigerated foods |
If you are asking because of cooling problems
If the upper section is not freezing well, the issue is usually airflow, door sealing, or defrost-related.
- Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages
- Avoid overloading; crowded shelves reduce air circulation
- Confirm the door closes tightly and the gasket is sealing
- Wait 24 hours after changing temperature controls before adjusting again
- If you hear unusual clicking, it can be normal control or defrost-timer operation
If you are troubleshooting frost buildup or warm temperatures, a common defrost component is the refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202.
Why it matters
Using the correct compartment name helps when you are reading instructions, setting controls, or ordering parts (for example, freezer door parts vs. fresh food door parts). It also helps you target the right symptoms when diagnosing temperature or ice maker issues.
Last updated: February 2026





