Kenmore 11173025712 bottom-mount refrigerator Parts

If your Kenmore 11173025712 bottom-mount refrigerator is warm at the bottom, the most common causes are restricted airflow, frequent door openings, warm food loads, or the unit not having enough time to stabilize after installation. We start by confirming settings and improving airflow so cold air can circulate properly.

Quick checks that fix many “warm bottom” complaints

• Make sure the refrigerator has had up to 24 hours to reach the set temperature after installation or a power outage.
• Reduce long or frequent door openings; warm, humid air quickly raises compartment temperature.
• Let hot food cool to room temperature before loading it.
• Avoid blocking air vents with tall containers or tightly packed shelves.
• Confirm the temperature control is set correctly; adjust one increment at a time and wait for it to stabilize.

Airflow and heat removal (often the real issue)

Your refrigerator cools by moving air and shedding heat. If airflow is restricted, the bottom area can run warmer.

• Clean the condenser cover and vents using a vacuum attachment.
• Do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area.
• Verify the refrigerator is not operating in an overly hot space; it should not be used above 110°F.

For model-specific control locations and cleaning guidance, use the 11173025712 owner's manual.

What to expect from normal operation

At normal room temperature (around 70°F), it is normal for the compressor to run about 40% to 80% of the time. In warmer conditions, it can run more often.

Situation	What you may notice	What to do
New install or restart	Bottom feels warm for a while	Wait up to 24 hours
Doors opened often	Temps rise, moisture increases	Shorten openings
Vents blocked by food	Warm spots, uneven cooling	Reorganize shelves
Dusty/clogged venting	Poor cooling overall	Vacuum vents/cover

Why it matters

When the bottom section stays warm, food safety and freshness can suffer. Restoring airflow and proper temperature control usually corrects uneven cooling without replacing parts.

If you need diagrams or replacement items for your Kenmore 11173025712, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A Kenmore freezer typically lasts 12 to 20 years with normal household use. For your Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator model 11173025712, keeping airflow clear, doors sealing tightly, and temperatures stable helps the freezer reach that expected lifespan; see the care and use details in the 11173025712 owner's manual.

Typical lifespan at a glance

Appliance type	Typical lifespan	What shortens life fastest
Standalone freezer	12 to 20 years	Poor airflow, dirty condenser area, bad door seal
Bottom-mount refrigerator freezer section	12 to 20 years	Overloading, frequent warm-air leaks, icing from door gaps

What we recommend to help it last 12 to 20 years

• Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible; warm air and moisture drive frost and longer run times.
• Make sure packages are not blocking the door from closing; the manual notes door-closing issues can happen when items or bins are out of position.
• Keep bins, baskets, and shelves fully seated so the door seals evenly.
• Use proper freezer packaging (freezer-grade bags, rigid containers with tight lids, heavy-duty foil) to reduce moisture and odor transfer.
• Do not freeze beverage cans or thin plastic containers; they can burst and create a mess that stresses the cooling system.

Signs your freezer is aging (and what to check first)

Aging freezers usually show performance changes before they fail. Check these items first because they are the most common causes of “weak freezing” complaints.

• Temperature swings: verify settings and avoid overloading with warm food.
• Frost buildup: look for a door not fully closing or a gasket not sealing.
• Long run times or unusual sounds: some dripping and certain compressor sounds can be normal during defrost and efficient operation, but persistent changes often point to airflow or sealing problems.
• Door popping open: re-position food packages and bins so nothing interferes with the door.

Why it matters

A freezer that seals well and maintains steady temperatures runs fewer hours per day. That reduces compressor wear, helps prevent ice maker and dispenser issues, and keeps food quality higher over the long term.

Parts and help

If you need replacement parts for your Kenmore 11173025712, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Common Kenmore Elite refrigerator problems usually show up as no cooling or weak cooling, ice maker or water dispenser issues, doors not sealing or closing, and unusual noises. On Kenmore model 11173025712, our best starting point is the troubleshooting section in the owner's manual because it ties symptoms to specific checks.

Most common symptoms we see (and what they often point to)

• Not cooling or warm temperatures: airflow blockage, dirty condenser area, evaporator fan issue, or a control problem
• Ice maker not making ice: ice maker turned off, water supply shutoff closed, low water pressure, or kinked water line
• Water tastes odd or has particles at first: normal after install or long non-use; purge and discard initial ice
• Doors pop open or do not close: bins or shelves out of position, food packages blocking the door
• Noises (dripping, pulsating, high-pitched): often normal operation during defrost or efficient compressor run

Quick checks for model 11173025712

1. Confirm temperatures and airflow: keep vents clear and avoid overpacking so cold air can circulate.
2. Ice maker basics:
   • Allow up to 24 hours after installation or reconnecting water for ice production.
   • Make sure the ice maker is turned ON (on/off button).
   • Verify the household shutoff valve is open.
   • Check for kinked tubing behind the refrigerator.
   • If water pressure is below 30 psi, a booster pump is commonly used to correct supply issues.
3. Door closing: push bins and drawers fully into place and rearrange items that interfere with the door.

Symptom-to-cause guide (fast reference)

Symptom	Common cause	What to do first
Ice maker not making ice	Not ON, new install, low pressure	Turn ON, wait 24 hours, confirm 30 psi+
Door will not close	Shelves/bins misaligned, food blocking	Re-seat bins, clear obstructions
Dripping sound	Defrost drain pan filling	Normal operation
Pulsating/high-pitched sound	High-efficiency compressor	Normal operation

Why it matters

Catching simple issues first (ice maker OFF, shutoff valve closed, blocked airflow, mispositioned bins) prevents unnecessary part replacement and helps you restore cooling and ice production faster.

For model-specific troubleshooting steps and feature locations, use the owner's manual. For parts lookup by model number, search Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance ID label; once you find it, you can match it to the correct parts list and documentation. For this parts page, the model is 11173025712 (a Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator); confirm your label matches that exact number before ordering parts.

Where to find the model number label

Check these common locations first (use a flashlight and look for a white or silver sticker):

• Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
• Behind or beside a crisper drawer (remove the drawer to see the label area)
• Behind the lower kick plate or toe grille (front bottom)
• On an inside edge near the door hinge area

What the model number looks like for this Kenmore series

The Use and Care Guide for this platform lists models as 111.7302* (the asterisk indicates a color number). That means your full model often looks like the base plus a color suffix.

What you see	What it means	Example
111.7302*	Model family shown in the manual	111.7302 (plus color)
11173025712	Full model used for parts lookup	Matches this page
Serial number	Production identifier (not used to pick most parts)	Varies

Why matching the exact model matters

Kenmore refrigerators that look similar can use different door bins, crisper drawers, ice maker components, water filters, and control boards. Using the exact model number helps us pull the right diagrams and avoid ordering the wrong replacement part.

Quick tips if the label is hard to read

• Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth; dry it and re-check under bright light
• Take a close-up photo and zoom in to read faded characters
• Write down the full model number and serial number before moving the refrigerator

Helpful references for Kenmore 111 refrigerators

If you are troubleshooting and see a code on the display, use our model-family code reference: Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes. For operating details, door removal, and installation clearances, use the owner's manual.

If you need to search beyond the parts list tied to this model number, use Sears PartsDirect and search by the exact model from your label.

Last updated: February 2026

Water at the bottom of your Kenmore 11173025712 bottom-mount refrigerator is usually caused by a defrost drain problem (ice or debris blocking the drain so water overflows), a water supply line leak to the ice maker, or a drain pan that is out of position or cracked. Use the 11173025712 owner's manual for model-specific access and care steps.

Quick checks that solve most bottom leaks

• Look for ice or water under the crisper drawers; that often points to a clogged defrost drain.
• Check the water line and fittings behind the refrigerator; tubing can kink when the unit is moved.
• Inspect the drain pan underneath for cracks and make sure it is seated correctly.
• Confirm the refrigerator is level; poor leveling can change how water flows to the drain pan.
• Check water pressure if you have an ice maker connected; low pressure can contribute to water system issues (typical range is 30 to 125 psi).

Step-by-step: what to do next

1. Unplug the refrigerator before any inspection near wiring or fans.
2. Pull the unit straight out to avoid floor damage and to prevent kinking the water line.
3. Check the water supply line for kinks, loose compression nuts, or slow drips at the shutoff valve connection.
4. Look for signs of a defrost drain backup (water pooling inside the fresh food section, then running down to the bottom).
5. Inspect the drain pan for damage and alignment; if it is cracked, replace it.

Common causes and what you typically see

What you notice	Most likely cause	Typical fix
Water under crisper drawers	Defrost drain clogged/frozen	Clear the drain path; remove ice buildup
Puddle near back/bottom	Water line or fitting leak	Straighten tubing; tighten/repair connection
Water only after defrost cycles	Drain pan cracked or shifted	Re-seat or replace drain pan

Why it matters

Bottom leaks can lead to floor damage, odors, and ice buildup that reduces airflow and cooling performance. Fixing the source early also helps prevent repeated puddles after cleaning or moving the refrigerator.

For DIY guidance on water-related issues and prevention, use how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems. If you need to look up replacement parts by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026