Kenmore 11173035911 refrigerator Parts

The “bottom part” of a refrigerator is most often the compressor compartment area, where the compressor and other cooling-system components sit near the lower back of the cabinet. On Kenmore model 11173035911, the manual also warns against reaching under the bottom rear because of sharp edges and electrical risk.

What you might be referring to

Depending on what you see or what problem you are troubleshooting, the “bottom part” can mean different things:

• Compressor compartment: houses the compressor, condenser fan (on many models), and wiring
• Machine compartment cover or rear access panel: the protective panel you remove for service access
• Base grille or toe grille (front bottom on some refrigerators): helps with airflow and appearance
• Leveling legs/rollers: used to level the cabinet and help doors align
• Bottom freezer drawer area (bottom-mount designs): the freezer compartment and drawer hardware

Quick ID guide (common bottom areas)

What you notice	Most common name	Why it matters
Warm air, humming, coils, fan near lower back	Compressor compartment	Cooling performance and noise often trace here
A removable panel at the lower back	Rear access panel	Needed for cleaning and some repairs
Doors look uneven or unit rocks	Leveling legs	Leveling helps sealing and door alignment
Water on floor near front	Base area/drain path	Can point to drain or defrost issues

Safety and service tips

We recommend these basics before inspecting the bottom area:

• Unplug the refrigerator before removing any lower panels
• Do not put hands under the bottom rear; sharp metal edges and electrical components are present
• Use a flashlight instead of reaching into tight spaces
• If you need to move the refrigerator, use two people for stability
• For model-specific panel locations and leveling steps, use the owner's manual

Why it matters

Using the right name helps you order the correct replacement part and troubleshoot faster. For example, “compressor area noise” points you toward airflow, fan, or vibration checks, while “leveling legs” points you toward door alignment and sealing.

If you are looking to order parts for Kenmore 11173035911, start with the model parts list, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A “bad” compressor on a Kenmore 11173035911 bottom-mount refrigerator usually shows up as poor cooling with long run times, repeated clicking as it tries to start, or unusual heat at the compressor area. Before condemning the compressor, rule out airflow, door seal, and power issues using the owner's manual.

Quick symptoms that point toward a compressor problem

• Refrigerator and freezer are warm even though the unit runs a lot
• You hear repeated clicking (start attempts) but the compressor does not stay running
• The compressor runs but cooling is still weak (often paired with poor airflow or dirty condenser cover/vents)
• The compressor area feels very hot after it has been trying to run
• The refrigerator never reaches temperature even after 24 hours of operation after a move or power restoration

Checks to do first (most common non-compressor causes)

The Use & Care Guide notes several normal or correctable reasons a compressor runs longer, especially in warm rooms and with frequent door openings.

• Give it time: after power is restored, cooling can take up to 24 hours.
• Confirm doors seal and close: doors not fully closed can mimic a cooling failure.
• Clean condenser cover and vents: use a vacuum attachment; do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area.
• Room temperature matters: at about 70°F, the compressor may run roughly 40% to 80% of the time; it can run more in hotter conditions.
• Listen for “normal” noises: clicking can be normal when controls cycle or defrost starts and ends.

What the noises can mean

What you hear	Often means	What to do
Occasional clicking	Defrost/control cycling (normal)	Monitor temps; check settings
Repeated clicking every few minutes	Start device or compressor struggling to start	Unplug, wait 5 minutes, retry; then test components
Whooshing/gurgling	Fans and refrigerant flow (normal)	No repair needed

Why it matters

Replacing a compressor is one of the highest-effort refrigerator repairs. Doing the airflow and door-seal checks first prevents unnecessary parts replacement and helps restore proper cooling faster.

Parts and help

If your checks still point to a sealed-system or compressor-start issue, we recommend having a technician confirm with electrical and system tests. You can look up model-specific replacement parts for Kenmore 11173035911 through the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A bottom-mount refrigerator like Kenmore model 11173035911 is usually better for everyday convenience because fresh foods sit at eye level and the freezer is in a pull-out drawer. A top-mount is often the better pick for lower upfront cost and simpler design.

Quick comparison

Feature	Top-mount (freezer on top)	Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom)
Fresh food access	You bend more often	Easier, eye-level access
Freezer access	Easy reach	Drawer style, more bending
Organization	Basic shelves	Often better bins and drawers
Energy use	Often slightly lower	Often slightly higher
Repairs	Typically simpler	More drawer and rail parts

When a bottom-mount is the better choice

Bottom-mount designs tend to fit how most households use a refrigerator: you reach for refrigerated items more than frozen.

• You want less bending for milk, produce, and leftovers
• You like pull-out freezer baskets for sorting frozen foods
• You prefer a cleaner, built-in look with wider refrigerator shelving
• You frequently open the refrigerator door (not the freezer)

For model-specific features and care tips, use the 11173035911 owner's manual.

When a top-mount is the better choice

Top-mount refrigerators are a strong option when you want simplicity and value.

• You want a straightforward layout with fewer moving drawer parts
• You use the freezer more often than the refrigerator
• You want a lighter door and fewer alignment concerns
• You are prioritizing lower purchase price and often slightly lower energy use

Why it matters

Choosing the right mount style affects daily comfort (how often you bend), food organization, and long-term maintenance. For example, bottom-mount units must be level to keep doors aligned and sealing properly, which helps temperature stability and reduces frost.

Helpful ownership tips for bottom-mount models

• Keep the refrigerator level; uneven floors can make doors look unbalanced
• If doors sit uneven, adjust the hinge per the manual instructions
• Open and close the freezer drawer a few times after leveling to confirm smooth operation
• Keep door gaskets clean so the unit holds temperature efficiently

If you need replacement parts for Kenmore 11173035911, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 11173035911 are no cooling or weak cooling, temperatures running too warm, ice maker and water dispenser issues, water leaks, unusual noises, and frost buildup. For model-specific checks (including demo mode and defrost behavior), use the 11173035911 owner's manual.

Common problems and the most likely starting points

• Not cooling at all: power cord unplugged, outlet issue, demo mode enabled, or the unit is in a defrost cycle.
• Too warm in fridge or freezer: frequent/long door openings, recent installation (allow up to 24 hours to stabilize), hot room conditions (avoid operation above 110°F), or loading warm food.
• Food freezing in the refrigerator section: food placed near an air vent, temperature set too cold, or operating in a cold location.
• Ice maker not making enough ice: kinked water supply tubing, doors not closing completely, or warm temps from frequent door openings.
• Leaks or puddles: water line connection issues, defrost drain problems, or door seal gaps.
• Noises: fan airflow restrictions, ice buildup, or the refrigerator running longer after door openings.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Confirm the refrigerator is plugged into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet.
• Check and disable demo mode if cooling is off but lights and display work.
• After a defrost cycle, wait about 30 minutes for temperatures to recover.
• Make sure doors close fully; reduce door-opening time.
• Inspect the water line behind the refrigerator for kinks.

Symptom-to-action guide

Symptom	What it usually points to	First action
Not cooling	Demo mode, defrost, power	Disable demo mode; wait after defrost; verify outlet power
Too warm	Door openings, hot room, warm food	Limit openings; keep room under 110°F; cool food before loading
Food freezing	Vent airflow, temp too low, cold room	Move items from vents; raise temp 1 step; keep room above 55°F
Low ice production	Kinked line, doors ajar	Straighten tubing; confirm doors seal and latch

Why it matters

These issues affect food safety, ice production, and energy use; early troubleshooting prevents secondary problems like frost buildup, fan strain, and recurring leaks.

Helpful DIY resource for this model series

For display or diagnostic codes used across Kenmore 111 bottom-freezer designs (including model 11173035911), use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.

If you need to find replacement parts by model number, start with the parts list for 11173035911, or search more broadly on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A Kenmore Elite refrigerator typically lasts 10 to 15 years. If you are using Kenmore bottom-mount model 11173035911, use the same 10 to 15 year expectation for a modern refrigerator; follow the care and cleaning steps in the 11173035911 owner's manual to help it reach the upper end.

Kenmore Elite vs. model 11173035911

“Kenmore Elite” is a product line name, while 11173035911 is a specific Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator model. Lifespan is driven more by design, usage, and maintenance than the label.

Item	What it means	Why it matters
Kenmore Elite	A premium Kenmore line name	Features vary by model; lifespan is still typically 10 to 15 years
11173035911	A specific Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator model	Use model-specific care, leveling, and control guidance

What most affects refrigerator lifespan

• Condenser airflow and cleanliness: dust and pet hair increase compressor run time
• Door seal condition: leaks cause warm-air intrusion, frost, and longer run times
• Temperature stability: frequent setting changes and overpacking reduce efficiency
• Defrost and fan performance: weak airflow can lead to warm temps and icing
• Water/ice system upkeep (if equipped): restricted flow can contribute to nuisance issues

Maintenance that helps you reach 15 years

• Keep airflow paths clear and clean the condenser area regularly
• Do the paper test on door gaskets; adjust or replace if the seal is weak
• Level the cabinet so doors and the freezer drawer close on their own
• Keep refrigerator at about 37°F and freezer at about 0°F for normal use
• If your unit uses a filter, follow how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator

Why it matters

A refrigerator that struggles to hold temperature runs longer, uses more electricity, and wears key components faster (compressor, evaporator fan, defrost system). Routine care reduces run time and extends service life.

If you need diagrams or replacement parts for your specific Kenmore model, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026