Kenmore 11173039911 bottom-mount refrigerator Parts

Most Kenmore refrigerators, including bottom-mount models like 11173039911, last 10 to 15 years with normal household use. With consistent maintenance (clean coils, good door seals, proper airflow), it’s common to reach the upper end of that range and avoid early compressor or cooling-system wear.

Typical lifespan ranges (what we see most often)

• 10 to 15 years: normal expected service life for most modern refrigerators
• 15 to 20 years: achievable with strong maintenance and quick repairs
• Under 10 years: usually tied to poor airflow, dirty condenser coils, door gasket leaks, or recurring defrost issues

What you do	What it protects	Why it helps lifespan
Clean condenser coils	Compressor, condenser fan	Lowers heat load and run time
Keep doors sealing tightly	Evaporator, compressor	Prevents warm air and moisture intrusion
Leave space for ventilation	Cooling system	Reduces overheating and cycling
Fix small issues early	Multiple components	Prevents cascade failures

Maintenance that adds years (high impact)

• Vacuum and brush condenser coils regularly (more often with pets).
• Check door gaskets for gaps, tears, or hardened sections.
• Keep vents clear inside the fresh food section and freezer; avoid packing food against air returns.
• Confirm the freezer stays near 0°F and the refrigerator near 37°F; warmer temps force longer run times.
• Replace filters on schedule if your unit has them; use our guide: how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator.

Signs your refrigerator is nearing end of life

• Compressor runs almost constantly, yet temperatures drift warm
• Repeated frost buildup or recurring defrost failures
• Water leaks or puddles that keep returning after cleaning the drain
• Loud fan noise, clicking, or frequent cycling
• Door seal won’t hold a dollar-bill test around the perimeter

Why it matters

A refrigerator that’s past its typical lifespan often uses more electricity and is more likely to have cooling or defrost problems. Staying ahead of airflow, seals, and coil cleanliness reduces stress on the sealed system, which is the most expensive area to repair.

If you’re planning a repair, we list model-matched parts for Kenmore 11173039911 on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator, the model number is printed on the appliance ID tag; on model 11173039911, it’s typically inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall, ceiling area, or near the crisper drawers) or on the door frame. Match the full model number exactly when looking up parts.

Where to look first (fastest checks)

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right wall
• On the ceiling area inside the refrigerator compartment
• On the door frame (open the door and check the vertical frame)
• Behind or just above the crisper drawers (you may need to slide drawers out)
• Inside the freezer compartment (less common, but possible)
• Near the front kick plate or lower grille (occasionally)

What the model tag looks like and what to copy

The ID tag is usually a sticker or metal plate with multiple lines of text.

What you’ll see	What to do with it
Model number	Copy it exactly (letters and numbers), for example 11173039911
Serial number	Keep it for age and production info (not required for most parts lookups)
Electrical ratings	Useful for service checks, not for ordering most parts

Tips to avoid common mistakes

• Write down the entire model number; one missing digit can pull the wrong parts list.
• Take a clear photo of the tag before you start any repair.
• If the tag is hard to read, wipe it gently with a damp cloth and dry it; avoid abrasive cleaners.
• If you pulled drawers out, reinstall them fully so the doors close and seal correctly.

Why it matters

Kenmore refrigerators can share similar styling across different series, but parts like door bins, drawers, water filters, and electronic controls are model-specific. Using the exact model number helps us match the correct refrigerator parts and diagrams.

Next step for parts lookup

After you confirm the model number, use the parts list for 11173039911 on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect. For troubleshooting display or control issues, our Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes guide can also help narrow down what to check.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 11173039911 are weak or no cooling, ice maker or water dispenser failures, water leaks, frost buildup, and unusual noises. These issues usually come from airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, defrost drain clogs, or fan problems.

Common symptoms and what they point to

• Not cooling or warm refrigerator section: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, evaporator fan issue, or defrost problem
• Freezer cold but fresh food warm: blocked air passages, iced evaporator cover, or evaporator fan not moving air
• Water leaking inside or onto the floor: clogged or frozen defrost drain, loose water line, or water inlet valve issue
• Ice maker not making ice: low water supply, frozen fill tube, inlet valve issue, or freezer temperature too warm
• Noisy operation: evaporator fan, condenser fan, or ice buildup contacting the fan blade

Quick checks we recommend first

• Set temps to 0°F freezer and 37°F refrigerator
• Make sure food packages are not blocking return or supply vents
• Clean condenser coils and the area around the condenser fan
• Listen for the evaporator fan when the unit is running
• Check for heavy frost on the back freezer panel (often a defrost or airflow clue)

Fast problem-to-fix guide

Problem	Most likely cause	Good first action
Warm fridge, freezer OK	Airflow restriction or evaporator fan	Clear vents; check fan operation
Puddles under crisper	Defrost drain clog	Clear drain; melt any ice
Ice maker stopped	Water supply or inlet valve	Confirm supply; inspect fill tube
Buzzing or clicking	Fan hitting ice or debris	Inspect for ice; clear obstructions

Why it matters

Cooling, ice, and leak complaints often share the same root cause: restricted airflow or poor heat removal. Fixing those basics first helps prevent repeat problems and protects the compressor.

For display or diagnostic issues, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes. For replacement parts, start with the model parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026